บท 158: Chapter 159 : Hokage's Office
"Tobirama-sama, urgent news from the front lines in the Land of Wind!"
In the office of Hokage, Tobirama was deep in discussion about the lurking threats of Kumogakure with a group of shinobi. Suddenly, a shinobi hurriedly approached the door, holding an encrypted envelope in his hand.
"Enter."
Tobirama motioned for the shinobi to come in, and he handed over the letter. Tobirama carefully examined the report from Tsushima.
"The mission led by Tsushima has failed. Chiyo and her younger brother, strong figures from the Sand Village, were involved. The Anbu unit also suffered heavy losses."
"How did this happen?" The present shinobi were all taken aback by the news.
Tobirama gazed coolly at Danzo and said, "This is your responsibility, Danzo. The information you provided was severely flawed."
"I apologize, sensei."
Danzo lowered his head, acknowledging his mistake.
"Well?"
Tobirama continued reading the letter, his expression suddenly changing, though he managed to maintain his composure.
"Sarutobi, your student Orochimaru has performed remarkably, successfully salvaging the situation with his own skills. His prowess is remarkable, and I have decided to promote him to the rank of Jōnin."
"What?!"
Sarutobi was taken aback by the sudden news. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "No, sensei, I'm afraid Orochimaru isn't ready to become a Jōnin yet. Perhaps another couple of years?"
"Absurd! Don't pretend."
Danzo, in his silence, sneered at the notion of not taking action when the time was right.
In Danzo's perspective, Takeshi was a looming danger, a future asset for Sarutobi, and he wished to eliminate it swiftly. However, it was still a latent threat for now. Thus, in front of Tobirama, he needed to be cautious in his approach.
"No, he possesses the necessary capabilities."
Tobirama shook his head, reaffirming his stance.
"But he's just a ten-year-old child."
It wasn't that Sarutobi underestimated Takeshi, but the greater the fame, the greater the pressure—especially at such a tender age. There were also certain restrictions.
Certain doors were harder to open due to age.
In truth, age mattered little to a shinobi. However, in some scenarios, it carried significance.
The Jōnin rank required qualifications, and even during times of war, hasty promotions were deemed unwise.
"Sensei, perhaps it's better for Orochimaru to be promoted as a Special Jōnin for now, with a promotion to Jōnin in a couple of years. This would grant him recognition, offer a layer of protection, and also be conducive to his future actions."
Danzō Shimura, Tobirama's disciple, interjected suddenly. A kind smile graced his plump face as he looked at Sarutobi.
"...Very well, let it be so."
Tobirama issued a few more instructions before dismissing the gathering.
"Sarutobi, stay back." Tobirama addressed Sarutobi Hiruzen, catching him by surprise, as Danzo and the others exited.
"Well, sensei."
In the room, Tobirama and Hiruzen were left alone.
"Monkey, your recent progress has been quite remarkable. You seem to have grasped the secret jutsu of your Sarutobi clan?"
Tobirama observed Sarutobi intently, a proud smile playing on his lips. He affectionately used the clan nickname for Sarutobi.
"Uh... There's really no hiding anything from you, sensei." Sarutobi scratched his head, bemused.
"The ninja world is on the brink of change."
Tobirama sighed deeply, pacing the room with hands clasped behind his back.
"Among all my disciples, you are the strongest, the most composed, and the most responsible. My elder brother and I have always held high hopes for your future."
"Sensei, I must correct you. I merely wish to contribute to the village!" Sarutobi's nervousness was evident, yet his determination shone through.
"Heh."
Tobirama regarded Sarutobi earnestly, sensing an unspoken "but" in the air.
Nonetheless, you're rigid, obstinate, and inflexible. Much like Hashirama, you cling to a skewed sense of benevolence and justice, contrasting starkly with Danzo's methods.
"If the Land of Lightning were to launch an assault against us, I would entrust you and Danzo to handle it, and do so capably."
After a brief reflection, Tobirama patted Sarutobi's shoulder, his words cloaked in meaning.
"Clap."
Sarutobi left the office, his resolve unwavering as he carried Tobirama's trust and Konoha's hopes.
Alone in the room, Tobirama sat with hands folded atop the desk. The conversation hadn't gone as he had desired.
His love for Konoha matched anyone's ardour. Once, he had admired Sarutobi's radiant integrity. However, as he read the letter, his perspective shifted.
"Enter."
After about ten minutes, a knock sounded at the door, and Danzo entered composedly.
"Did you summon me, sensei?"
Danzo met Tobirama's gaze, detecting a subtle change—Sarutobi's absence.
"How is your research on the First Generation Cells progressing?"
Tobirama's presence grew considerably formidable as he fixated on Danzo, his tone brooking no excuses.
"I regret to report, sensei, that we've yet to make any substantial advancements."
Danzo's demeanor betrayed his anxiety, his head bowed as he continued, "All subjects transplanted with the First Generation Cells succumbed to their overwhelming power, dying shortly thereafter."
Danzo's expression remained pale as he recounted those scenes. "I fear our abilities are not yet sufficient. The diluted cells of the First Generation Hokage may necessitate a neutralizing agent to mitigate their potency."
Following his initial panic, Danzo swiftly shifted into his role, discussing the matter with Tobirama in a torrent of words.
"Is that so? Is that acceptable? After all, it concerns the legacy of the First Hokage, a force in the ninja world that's beyond comprehension."
Tobirama's disappointment was unmistakable, tinged with a hint of suspicion.
"Just now, I received word that a clan member of mine, originally possessing a weak Wood Release, has awakened considerable potential—enough to employ some of elder brother's jutsu!"
"What?!"
Danzo was taken aback. "Why haven't you sought her out immediately and started studying….."
"Hmm?"
Tobirama's icy gaze turned to Danzo, who faltered mid-sentence and fell silent.
"Your efforts are appreciated, Danzo. However, as Hokage, my actions are closely scrutinized. Some measures are best undertaken discreetly."
"I understand my duty, sensei. For the village's sake, someone has to shoulder the burden of actions others cannot comprehend!"
Danzo gritted his teeth, resolved to bank on Tobirama's support this time.
"Indeed?"
A faint smile was perceptible at the doorway.
"You've done well, Danzo. At times, I see traces of myself in you. Both of us are willing to employ any means to achieve our goals."
Tobirama had been a trailblazer in the study of forbidden arts. During Hashirama's reign, he undertook research that could never see the light of day.
The resurgence of Wood Release's strength within Nightingale rekindled his fervor. Almost dismissing the matter earlier, he now entertained new possibilities.
Like the First Hokage Wood Release, he couldn't help but envy it.
Hashirama was no more. To shake the ninja world, he required the power of Wood Release. Konoha needed it to govern the tailed beasts and reassert its dominance.
As of late, restlessness gripped him, and he sensed impending change.
In this context, the shadowy Danzo was a potential asset, donning a clandestine identity.
"Danzo, your research falls under my jurisdiction, and I sanction it. Nevertheless, if anything goes awry, the responsibility lies solely with you, even your Shimura clan."
Gazing deep into Danzo's eyes, Tobirama spoke with an air of finality.
This is the chance my sensei has offered me—an opportunity to voice my opinion!
"I'll take that risk willingly, for the sake of the village!"
Danzo clenched his teeth, resolute.
"Very well, Danzo. You're dismissed."
Tobirama finally smiled with contentment, patting Danzo's shoulder, reminiscent of his interaction with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Thump."
With an elated smile playing across his lips, Danzo left the Hokage's office, embracing a newfound sense of belonging to Konoha.
Alone in the room, Tobirama remained seated on the Hokage's throne, lost in a prolonged silence.
"Don't disappoint me, all of you..."
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง