Chapter-37 Change Of Position Of Second Hokage

[No. 1 Hokage World]

After organizing the initial plans for World No. 4, Wakato returned once again to World No. 1.

Here, Senju Hashirama had spent a restless night, tossing and turning.

The next morning, he rose early and immediately summoned Tobirama, instructing him to call for a high-level meeting.

All current clan leaders in the village were to attend, including those from the Sarutobi, Shimura, Hyuga, Shiranui, Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans...

Without any hesitation, Hashirama declared that Uchiha Madara would be established as the Second Hokage.

"If anything happens to me," he announced, "Madara will immediately take over as the Second Hokage."

These words sent shockwaves through the gathering.

The clan leaders erupted in consternation and disbelief.

"Wasn't it agreed that the Hokage would be democratically elected?"

"Why has it suddenly turned into a dictatorship under Hashirama's command?"

"This is outrageous!"

"This is like tricking the dog into a trap, then killing it!"

"Hokage-sama, isn't this highly inappropriate?"

"How can the appointment of the Second Hokage be decided now?"

"This..."

Hashirama understood their objections. He knew his actions seemed impulsive, even authoritarian. But for the future of the village, and to ensure Madara wouldn't leave or turn against Konoha, he had no choice.

In his heart, he believed no one but himself and Madara could truly protect the peace of the ninja world.

"I beg you all to agree!"

"Though I cannot explain the full reasons, appointing Madara as Second Hokage is the only way to secure the village's future and maintain peace if I am ever lost."

Hashirama's plea was earnest, his voice full of conviction.

The room fell silent.

The clan leaders exchanged uneasy glances, speculating wildly.

Could Hashirama be seriously injured? Or was he preparing for a mission so dangerous that he might not return?

And appointing Madara now was his way of ensuring the village's stability in his absence?

But why? Hashirama was incredibly strong—what could he possibly need to fight that would endanger him so gravely?

"Brother, they won't understand if you explain it like this!" Tobirama muttered under his breath, frowning.

He understood why Hashirama had changed his decision. He knew about the grim future his brother had glimpsed.

That vision of what was to come had driven Hashirama to insist on making Madara his successor.

Initially, Tobirama had vehemently opposed the idea. But after a grueling argument that lasted through the night, he had reluctantly conceded.

His brother was serious—unwavering.

No one, not even Tobirama himself, could dissuade him this time.

But convincing the other clan leaders, who knew nothing of this future, would be almost impossible.

"Hokage-sama, could you clarify this a little more?"

"This..."

Hashirama hesitated. Lying wasn't his strength.

Seeing his brother falter, Tobirama sighed inwardly and stepped forward to address the crowd.

"Everyone, here is the situation."

"Yesterday, my brother received a prophecy from the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku, stating that after his passing, the First Ninja War would break out."

"The only way to prevent such a war is to ensure that a powerful Second Hokage takes over immediately."

"My brother wishes to decide this matter now to safeguard the village's future."

Tobirama's sharp political instincts crafted a plausible explanation, intertwining truth with fiction. He attributed the information from Wakato to the Great Toad Sage, making it sound more credible.

"I see!"

"The prophecy from the legendary Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku?"

"It's hard to dismiss such a warning..."

"A holy land as renowned as the Shikkotsu Forest wouldn't make baseless predictions."

The clan leaders began murmuring amongst themselves, their skepticism giving way to cautious consideration.

Madara cast a sidelong glance at Tobirama.

Hashirama's unusual decisiveness had surprised him, but Tobirama's willingness to fabricate such a convincing tale in his favor caught him off guard.

"Has he changed his stripes?" Madara wondered.

No, it was more likely that Tobirama had simply been overpowered by Hashirama's stubbornness.

Still, Tobirama remained as irritating as ever. Should he consider marrying into the Uchiha clan to bridge their divide?

Madara mused on this briefly before Hashirama pulled him forward, urging him to express his gratitude.

"Come, Madara, say a few words."

Though reluctant, Madara did not refuse.

Yet, as he stepped forward, his expression turned cold and commanding.

"How tiresome!" Madara grumbled.

Activating his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, he swept a domineering gaze across the room.

"Who is in favor, and who opposes?"

The room fell silent.

The clan leaders froze under the weight of Madara's intense gaze, their fear of his power rendering them mute.

Hashirama scratched his head awkwardly.

"Madara, isn't this approach a bit too forceful?" he thought.

Tobirama was left speechless, gaping at the scene.

The clan leaders had no choice but to bow to reality.

Unanimously, they agreed to Hashirama's proposal.

Madara Uchiha was now the official successor as the Second Hokage.

There was no alternative.

The Warring States Period had just ended.

Most clans, including the Sarutobi and Shimura, hadn't joined Konoha out of a desire for democracy or freedom. They had allied out of necessity, seeking protection under the formidable alliance of the Senju and Uchiha clans.

Even the Uchiha, despite their leader's initial misgivings, had grown weary of war and were reluctant to leave the safety of Konoha.

With both Hashirama and Madara united, resistance was futile.

Was Susanoo not fearsome enough?

Or was Hashirama's Wood Style: True Several Thousand Hands not destructive enough?

As the meeting ended and the clan leaders dispersed, only Hashirama, Tobirama, and Madara remained in the room.

"Hahaha! We did it!" Hashirama laughed heartily.

"Madara, I told you it would work!"

Madara, less amused, scowled.

"I don't need their approval or their charity," he muttered.

However, despite his words, the prideful Uchiha's stern expression softened slightly.

Though he didn't care about the other clans, he knew this decision was a victory for the Uchiha and a chance to preserve peace alongside Hashirama.

Meanwhile, Tobirama's mood soured.

"Brother," Tobirama interjected, "the messenger from Iwagakure should be arriving soon."

"Oh? Did they agree to an alliance?"

"Not yet. It's likely just a preliminary negotiation."

"Fine..."

Hashirama nodded. Though disheartened by the looming wars he'd foreseen, his duty as Hokage compelled him to meet the emissaries.

"Madara, will you join me?"

Madara dismissed the idea with a wave.

"If they wish to meet me, they can come to the shrine."

With that, he left to inform his clansmen of the news.

...

Meanwhile, atop the Hokage Building, still under construction, Wakato observed the system's updates with satisfaction.

[World No. 1 Hokage Unification Progress: 32% → 35%]

Though a mere 3% increase, it reflected significant progress. Madara had abandoned his plans to leave Konoha and secured the position of Second Hokage.

Wakato was confident this single decision would rewrite the world's future entirely.

The looming conflicts, from Obito's schemes to the Fourth Ninja War, were unlikely to unfold now.

Next, he needed to guide Madara and Hashirama to unify the ninja world fully.

One step at a time.

As Wakato prepared for the next phase, the first 'little lamb' of this grand plan arrived.

At the entrance to Konoha Village, the emissaries from Iwagakure—the future Second Tsuchikage Mū and the future Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki—had entered the village...