Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 117: Tobirama Senju's Resolve

What is the definition of peace?

For different people, it may hold different meanings.

But for most in the ninja world, peace simply means the absence of war.

No war means no sacrifice, no losses.

And now, someone had placed such a world within reach. Could you truly destroy it?

Leaving Tobirama's laboratory, Kato Dan repeatedly questioned himself.

In the end, he came to his answer.

He couldn't.

And, of course, this was expected.

If he still intended to resist, he wouldn't have gone to the Second Hokage seeking answers.

Tobirama had seen through his wavering heart and had answered accordingly, effectively excluding him from any further plans.

"Ah—"

Letting out a deep sigh, Kato Dan composed himself and made his way to a casino that Tsunade frequented.

The people around didn't seem surprised to see him; they treated him as though he were an ordinary person.

Unlike before, when his form shimmered with an ethereal glow, his body now appeared more grounded, more human.

This was proof of Hyuga Fuji's advancing technique.

It also meant… he could finally meet Tsunade.

Hyuga Fuji would not prevent it.

And so, Kato Dan occasionally wondered—would it be so bad to let things continue this way?

Hyuga Fuji was now the Hokage's advisor. From the perspective of a Konoha ninja, wasn't following Fuji's orders the natural course of action?

Having died once already, Kato Dan understood more than ever.

More than becoming Hokage, what he truly wanted was a peaceful, happy life with Tsunade.

The path to achieving that wish was simple—just step back, like many other Konoha ninjas had done, and pledge loyalty to Hyuga Fuji.

It was so easy...

Kato Dan paused at an empty gambling table. Under the curious gazes of the other patrons, he sat down, his mind adrift, his eyes vacant.

If Tsunade returned, what should he do?

---

Not long after Kato Dan left, Tobirama's laboratory received another visitor.

"Konoha ninjas are defecting one after another, and now you're forced to cooperate with us from other villages. A junior from your own village has cornered you like this—how does it feel, Second Hokage? Truly pathetic, isn't it?"

A voice emerged from the shadows, and Tobirama Senju's expression grew colder.

"Hmph, isn't the Second Tsuchikage in the same position, resorting to working with me? You, a mere junior, are in no place to mock me."

As a figure stepped out of the corner, Tobirama eyed the Explosion Release user Gari with a frown. "You've regained your physical body?"

"Indeed." Gari took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air. "My original body was intact. I only remained in the Edo Tensei state because I wanted to challenge Pakura's Scorch Release using that form. But circumstances changed, as you're well aware."

With Pakura fully resurrected, Gari lost any chance of a match against her.

Both Explosion Release and Scorch Release were highly destructive techniques, and without Hyuga Fuji's permission, there was no way for them to battle.

Tobirama nodded, understanding. He studied Gari's vibrant, living body with a hint of envy.

If only he could be fully resurrected. With enough strength, he wouldn't need to rely on others to act on his behalf.

"You didn't have to revert to a real body. The Edo Tensei has its drawbacks, but I'll explain more later."

Hearing this, Gari frowned. "But with the Edo Tensei form, Hyuga Fuji can monitor everything we see."

"Do you think Hyuga Fuji isn't already aware of our plans?"

Tobirama sneered. "This is an open game. From the moment he released his control over me, the battle between us had already begun."

"Those of you like Gari and Mu, who haven't genuinely pledged yourselves to him, are naturally seen as part of my faction in his eyes."

As for the Konoha ninjas who should have stood with him... Kato Dan's situation was proof enough of their wavering loyalties.

Not that Tobirama could blame them.

Those Konoha ninjas hadn't truly betrayed the village. In their minds, they were simply protecting peace in their own way.

If anything, Tobirama felt like the traitor.

A former Hokage, turning his back on Konoha—it was almost laughable.

But neither Gari nor Tobirama was laughing.

After a moment of silence, Gari squinted at Tobirama, his tone thoughtful. "So this battle... if you win, he dies. But if you lose, you'll fully join him, won't you?"

"..."

Tobirama didn't answer, his focus returning to the research in front of him.

"I'll take that as a yes." Gari quietly watched Tobirama's meticulous work, his expression conflicted. "Among all the people he's brought back, Hyuga Fuji values you the most, doesn't he, Second Hokage?"

"..."

Still, Tobirama remained silent.

Seeing this, Gari's expression turned grim. "Hey, don't tell me... deep down, you actually want to join him?"

Join him...?

Tobirama's mind wandered to the recent changes in Konoha, his gaze complicated.

The establishment of schools, the spread of education, economic development...

Which was better—reform or preservation?

He already knew the right answer.

The flaws in the one-village, one-nation system were many, and as a former Hokage, he was acutely aware of them.

What Hyuga Fuji was doing—Tobirama had seen it all.

But emotionally, he couldn't accept the destruction of his brother's legacy.

And yet...

"If you lose, will you be able to keep up?"

Tobirama recalled the words Hyuga Fuji had spoken the day he released him from his bindings. With Gari's increasingly serious expression, Tobirama suddenly chuckled softly.

I'm not so petty as to fear losing, you brat from the Hyuga clan.

If it was a choice between two equally bitter paths, then let this battle decide.

If you lose, I'll refine your policies and carry them forward.

If I lose, I'll follow you as "Tobirama," and we'll see how far you can go.

But don't be too confident—I'm the one who created many of the forbidden techniques you rely on as your trump cards!

Gari broke out in a cold sweat, unsettled by Tobirama's smile. "Second Hokage, you..."

"Don't overthink it."

Tobirama's expression returned to its usual icy demeanor. "Hyuga Fuji has given us the chance to resist, but he never promised us the chance to survive."

"We're prepared for that! After all, it's Konoha that's strong now, not Iwagakure."

Gari snorted. "The Five Kage Summit is approaching. How's the progress on the jutsu to counter Flying Raijin and the Reanimation Jutsu? This is our only chance."

"Almost done."

Gari furrowed his brow but chose not to press further. He turned and left.

'The core of interdimensional transfer techniques lies in breaking barriers. Large amounts of chakra can achieve this, but pinpoint precision could work just as well...'

As Tobirama delved deeper into his research, his expression grew increasingly complex.

He never imagined he'd one day be trying to crack his own techniques.

But without limiting the Flying Raijin, there was no way to capitalize on the opportunity Hyuga Fuji had granted them to eliminate him...

What an infuriating sensation.

It was as if they were cattle being driven forward, forced to grow stronger, to surpass their former selves.

Hokage... do you see the village as weak?

No, do you see the entire ninja world as weak?

Is that why you believe progress and reform are necessary?

Fine, then. Let's see how this plays out!

(Chapter End)