Chapter 270 : Undecided!

"Alright, it's time to make a decision."

Tobirama observed the five panting and exhausted disciples with a calm expression, devoid of any hint of sadness or joy.

The endpoint was within sight, but after enduring countless trials, it was evident that they couldn't hold out much longer.

Koharu's hand trembled slightly as she turned to Tobirama. Just moments ago, she had been the one to analyze the situation, sketching a suggested route on the ground and concluding that someone needed to make a sacrifice.

In truth, it was clear to everyone that someone would have to make a sacrifice.

The Anbu had all fallen. Despite the slight delay caused earlier, the golden horn and the silver horn were gradually closing in, like relentless pursuers.

Their predicament mirrored their adversaries'; whoever faltered would meet their doom.

"It's a tense moment. I wonder if the outcome will change?" Takeshi, utilizing the power of his Byakugan, attempted to gauge Tobirama's movements from afar.

In reality, he had discreetly acted to impede the golden horn and the silver horn, aware of the added difficulty faced by the group without the Uchiha Kagami.

"Is anyone willing to step forward and disrupt their advance?" Tobirama finally spoke.

As Tobirama scrutinized his five disciples, he maintained his composure, silently assessing each one.

Hiruzen remained undaunted, his gaze fixed squarely on Tobirama, prepared to face whatever fate awaited him.

Danzo bowed his head, his expression somewhat somber. He avoided Tobirama's gaze, seemingly torn between hesitation and inner turmoil.

Though he had initially intended to confront the golden and silver horns head-on, exhaustion had taken its toll. Faced with the certainty of death, he hesitated.

Koharu and Mitokado Homura kept their heads lowered even further.

But Tobirama hadn't expected anything different from them. Their strength was insufficient to buy much time, and Koharu's role as a medical ninja precluded her from volunteering.

In truth, even if Kagami Uchiha were still alive, Tobirama would have only considered testing Danzo and Hiruzen.

Only they had the potential to vie for the position of Hokage; the others had never possessed such qualifications.

"Sensei, allow me to take on this task. I'm willing to make the sacrifice for everyone's sake." Hiruzen, met with silence from the others, rose to his feet without hesitation.

Danzo was taken aback, his expression complicated. He appeared to be filled with regret or shame, yet there was a hint of relief?

Tobirama glanced at the two of them, his thoughts inscrutable.

"Sensei, I too am willing to stay and disrupt their advance." Danzo gritted his teeth, echoing Hiruzen's resolve.

"What?!" Takeshi, witnessing the scene from a distance, was stunned.

"Indeed, the situation is beginning to change..."

"Very well, there's no need for further strife. It's not your disciples' duty to undertake such perilous tasks at journey's end. You are all the future of Konoha." Hiruzen's resolve was unwavering, though Danzo still seemed conflicted. Tobirama regarded the two, his mind drifting to himself and his elder brother, Senju Hashirama, prompting a sigh.

Hiruzen resembled his elder brother in many ways, and Tobirama had held a fondness for him during Hashirama's time.

In Hiruzen, Tobirama saw the Will of Fire—the essence of hope, light, determination, and the righteousness of benevolence and peace.

But he lacked the strength of a pillar. Hashirama, as Hokage, had been lenient to a fault, often requiring his younger brother to clean up his messes.

Yet there was one thing Hashirama possessed: strength. With it, he had the luxury of compassion.

In contrast, while Hiruzen embodied benevolence, light, and determination, his strength was lacking.

Without strength, could he truly uphold Konoha's future prosperity?

Turning his gaze to Danzo, if Hiruzen represented light, then Danzo might epitomize darkness.

From Danzo, Tobirama glimpsed shades of his own shadow.

Selfish, suspicious, unscrupulous, ruthless... These traits were still evident.

But Danzo's strengths were equally apparent: decisiveness, capability, and the willingness to perform the dirtiest tasks to safeguard Konoha's interests in secrecy, earning him legitimacy.

In many ways, Danzo resembled Tobirama: cunning, pragmatic, and drawn to the study of forbidden techniques.

While Danzo loved Konoha and did his utmost, his love lacked the depth and selflessness of Hiruzen's.

Nevertheless, like Hiruzen, Danzo was inferior to Tobirama.

Danzo's foresight lacks depth, and his influence isn't extensive enough. He's more self-centered and radical than I am. Perhaps it's because he lacks the power to reach that level.

Tobirama sighed, never anticipating things would escalate to this point. Choosing to sever ties meant his impending demise. But Tobirama had no intention of meeting his end here.

Golden Horn was correct; the Senju clan couldn't take over. If he perished, who would uphold the foundation? Bearing the crown necessitates bearing its weight. Senju had shed enough blood for Konoha's leadership.

There was also selfishness in play. If he died, the position of the Third Hokage and Konoha's authority would fall into others' hands. Could Senju maintain its current status? Would he face suppression and rejection like the Uchiha, or worse?

"The task is complete; allow me, as Hokage, to handle it."

Tobirama said with a smile, though his heart was heavy.

"Sensei!"

The disciples exclaimed, attempting to redirect the situation.

But Tobirama finally waved them off.

"Hiruzen, Danzo, if I don't return, Konoha's fate rests with you two."

"Sensei!"

"What?!"

Hiruzen strongly objected, while Danzo appeared conflicted. Koharu and the others looked on, torn between relief and sorrow.

Takeshi, in the distance, was stunned.

"Tobirama hesitated! He didn't directly appoint Hiruzen as Hokage?!"

Takeshi scratched his head, puzzled by this turn of events. Was it due to alterations in history? Perhaps Danzo's Root's = research had impressed Tobirama enough to consider him? Or maybe Tobirama's strong survival instinct led him to believe he could return alive without rushing to secure the future?

Was it just a minor historical deviation unknown to anyone?

"Alright, let's go. Remember my instructions when you return."

Tobirama turned away, concealing his conflicted expression from his disciples.

"How can I perish here?!"

Tobirama silently braced himself for the approaching challenge, determination blazing in his eyes.

"If you want me dead, I won't go down without a fight!"

Just twenty minutes later, the rustling of leaves announced the arrival of the Cloud Ninja.

"Tobirama?!"

Golden Horn was surprised to see Tobirama still standing, but bolstered by his comrades, he confronted Tobirama confidently.

"Why haven't you fled?"

Golden Horn's gaze was sharp, assessing Tobirama's intentions. He couldn't imagine sacrificing himself for the next generation's sake.

"Golden Horn, Silver Horn, it's time to settle this."

Tobirama regarded the mixed-breed Cloud Ninja with disdain, as if sizing up a flock of turkeys.

"Today, either you die, or I do!"