9

"What? Tobirama's back and he's Hokage again!?"

The Fourth Raikage, Ai, couldn't believe the reports coming in from their spies in Konoha.

"Konoha's always up to something, huh? Wish they'd bring back Hashirama too!"

____

"The Second Hokage's back? He's no pushover like Hiruzen."

Onoki, from Iwa, mulled over the news.

____

All the great villages were taken aback by Tobirama Senju's resurrection.

____

"Obito, Tobirama's back. We need to step up our game."

White Zetsu was gathering intel for Black Zetsu, who wasted no time in informing Obito about the development.

"The Second Hokage? He's just a corpse. When we gather all the tailed beasts and resurrect the Ten-Tails, even Senju Hashirama won't stand a chance against me."

Obito boasted with arrogance.

"But we need to speed up our plan. I have to go meet Nagato."

With that, Obito donned his mask and transformed into the lively Tobi once again.

With a swift movement, he vanished into the black vortex.

Watching Obito depart, "Hmph, when Mother is resurrected, the entire world will quake in fear." Black Zetsu whispered softly before disappearing into the ground.

____

In Konoha,

After sorting out village matters, Senju Tobirama asked Nara Shikaku to handle official affairs in his absence. He then prepared to head to the Land of Fire's capital to meet with the Daimyo regarding the Hokage succession.

Every Hokage traditionally visits the Daimyo upon taking office to establish a connection.

While Konoha operates independently, it's recognized as the military force of a nation.

Previous Hokages have made this journey, and now it's Tobirama's turn, though it's his first time since his reincarnation.

Despite his disdain for the village system, Tobirama knows the importance of these formalities.

Joining him on the journey are his Anbu.

In the past, He also has his own Anbu, but they've since passed away or ascended to high positions in the village. So, Tobirama recruits former Fourth Hokage's Anbu.

These three—Shiranui Genma, Raido Namiashi, and Iwashi Tatami—are known as the Konoha Gate Trio. They're skilled in the Flying Thunder Formation Technique.

"Hokage-sama, just taking them seems risky." Nara Shikaku warned.

With a confident smile, Tobirama assures him of his strength. He believes he can handle any threat alone.

"Hokage-sama, I may have been overly cautious," Shikaku conceded, recalling Tobirama's prowess against Orochimaru.

As Tobirama departs, Shikaku hopes to uncover any covert threats within or outside the village.

Though Tobirama's glory may have faded with time, he knows his strength remains unrivaled. As long as he's around, Konoha's leadership is secure.

Exiting Konoha Village,

Tobirama, dressed in the Hokage attire, exchanged farewells with the villagers who came to see him off. Turning to Nara Shikaku, he said:

"Shikaku, you'll handle village matters in my absence. If you need assistance, consult Hiruzen. And if there's an emergency, infuse chakra into the kunai I've left, and I'll return immediately."

"Got it, Hokage-sama. You can count on me," Shikaku assured, recognizing the trust placed in him by Tobirama.

With a nod, Tobirama signaled for everyone to return to their duties.

"Alright, let's head back to the village and resume our tasks," he instructed, bidding farewell to the crowd before departing Konoha amid cheers.

Unbeknownst to him, three shadow guards trailed behind.

"Hokage-sama has left. Spread the word," a hushed voice whispered from the shadows.

In the root headquarters of Konoha,

A masked ninja approached Danzo, bowing respectfully.

"Danzo-sama, the second Hokage has left the village," the ninja reported.

Danzo, shrouded in shadows, paused with his cane, reflecting on past events.

"Teacher, it's like history repeating itself. Departing with such a small group. Reminds me of our negotiations with Kumo," Danzo murmured, lost in thought.

Recalling the past, Danzo's expression turned bitter.

"Back then, the Hokage position was within my grasp, just a step away."

"Konoha needs a new Hokage, and I'm sorry, but you'll see that I'm right in the end," Danzo muttered to himself.

With a tap of his cane, several figures emerged from the darkness.

____

In the ninja world

Upon hearing the news through their contacts in Konoha, numerous major villages swiftly reacted.

Konoha currently faces its weakest period in history. With White Fang's suicide, the Fourth Hokage's demise, the Uchiha clan's annihilation, the aging Third Hokage, the young nine-tailed jinchuriki not yet matured, and one of the legendary Sannin having defected, the village is vulnerable. Only Jiraiya remains a figure.

During this time of vulnerability, the other nations are wary of Konoha returning to its dominant position from the previous Great Ninja War under the Second Hokage's leadership.

The resurrection of the Second Hokage has stirred animosity among all major nations.

A covert operation to intercept and eliminate the Second Hokage was quietly initiated.

____

On the journey from Konoha to the capital of the Fire Nation, Senju Tobirama strolled along.

Although he could reach the Fire Nation's capital quickly at full speed, Tobirama decided to take his time and soak in the sights of this unfamiliar world.

The road was lined with lush scenery, with occasional villages where villagers worked in the fields, a sight Tobirama found refreshing.

"The air here is truly invigorating."

Taking a deep breath, Tobirama relished the fresh air. In his previous life, industrial pollution had robbed him of such natural beauty for far too long.

Situated at the heart of the continent, the Land of Fire boasted the most fertile land in the ninja world, enjoying favorable weather year-round.

It was no wonder that during conflicts, the Fire Nation was always a prime target for other major powers. Who wouldn't desire a piece of such territory?

"Hokage-sama, there's a restaurant up ahead. Would you like to take a break?" Shiranui Genma, clad in a Konoha jonin uniform, suggested upon spotting the establishment.

Tobirama glanced ahead and declined, "No need. This body doesn't require food."

Being a reincarnated body, Tobirama's form lacked the sensations of a living person. With no blood flow or body temperature, activities like eating for sustenance were unnecessary.

Reflecting on the remarkable nature of his reincarnation jutsu, Tobirama couldn't help but contemplate its potential for creating an invincible army.

"Tsk, while this body won't perish, it lacks the vitality of true life. Perhaps I'll need a flesh-and-blood body after all."

With that thought, Tobirama continued his journey.

____

"Leaf Style: Crescent Moon Dance"

Several flashes of sword light swiftly struck down multiple enemies.

Glancing away from the fallen foes, Tobirama used his chakra to sense the surroundings.

"No more enemies in sight!"

Upon receiving the update, Iwashi and Genma breathed a collective sigh of relief.

This marked the third wave of attackers.

Though they were all wandering ninjas of modest strength, it was clear that some individuals didn't want Hokage's journey to proceed smoothly.

"Agreed, let's keep clearing the path ahead for Hokage-sama. Iwashi and I will cover the middle and rear."

"Got it."

With a brief exchange, the trio resumed their silent vigil.

Tobirama observed the skirmish but refrained from intervening, as the attackers were of low strength. He trusted his subordinates to handle such encounters.

As they continued along the road, Tobirama's keen senses detected something in the distance.

A carriage escorted by dozens of guards was approaching. Could it be a convoy?