the Letter of Hashirama

After making necessary preparations, Masaki led the newly organized ninja forces from the village, accompanied by three members of the Uzumaki clan, to the battlefield. The Konoha Ninja Village had advanced its camp further into the territory of Tanokuni. Thanks to the alliance between Konoha and Tanokuni, there were no concerns about conflicts with Tanokuni's soldiers. In fact, Konoha received favorable treatment and could purchase supplies locally at reasonable prices.

Under Fumori Masaki's guidance, strict measures were taken to control the actions of the troops, unlike the Golden and Silver Brothers of the Land of Lightning, who notoriously looted openly. The disciplined behavior of Konoha's forces earned them the respect of Tanokuni's people, further strengthening their alliance.

As they neared the camp, Sarutobi Hiruzen came out to greet Masaki. The two old friends exchanged warm greetings, conversing as they made their way to the camp.

Upon returning to the front lines, Masaki learned of recent developments. He had already heard in Konoha that Kagami, Koharu and Torifu had been promoted to Jōnin. On the journey, he also learned that Danzo and Hiruzen had been promoted, leaving only Homura from their class yet to achieve the rank.

However, Masaki could not offer congratulations as freely as before. The promotion to Jōnin for both Hiruzen and Danzo came at a great cost—their fathers' lives. Sarutobi Sasuke, Hiruzen's father, had been a renowned ninja, known for his mastery of all five chakra natures. During the recent battle with Kumo Ninja Village, Sasuke made significant contributions. His most notable achievement was dealing a severe blow to the First Raikage, leading to the Raikage's death from his injuries. However, this victory came at a price—Sasuke himself was fatally struck by a lightning attack from Kumo ninjas.

Similarly, Danzo's father perished on a mission, sacrificing himself as bait to ensure his team's survival. His actions led to a crucial victory in the war. Like Sarutobi Sasuke, Danzo's father died a hero of Konoha.

Although both Hiruzen and Danzo had achieved the coveted rank of Jōnin, they would have gladly given it up to have their fathers back. Consequently, Homura, the only one in their group not yet promoted, felt no disappointment. He knew that the price his friends had paid was far too high.

Masaki expressed his condolences for Sarutobi Sasuke's death, but Hiruzen, with resolute determination, replied, "Masaki, we don't have time to grieve for our loved ones. That will have to wait until the war is over."

Once they reached the camp, Masaki introduced the three Uzumaki clan members to Tobirama. Masaki had been informed by Mito's letter that they would be arriving, and he greeted them warmly. After a friendly conversation, he arranged for their accommodation so they could rest.

After the Uzumaki clan members had settled in, Masaki handed Tobirama a letter from Hashirama, written before his passing. Initially, Masaki had considered sending it immediately, but he ultimately decided to deliver it in person to ensure its safe arrival.

Upon learning that his brother had left him a letter, Tobirama took it with trembling hands. As he was about to open it, he paused and said, "Masaki, you should go and rest now."

Masaki nodded, remembering that Hashirama had told him not to read the letter. He left the camp, allowing Tobirama to read it in solitude.

Tobirama carefully opened the letter and began to read. Hashirama first expressed his gratitude, acknowledging Tobirama's tireless work in managing the village's day-to-day operations after becoming Hokage. Hashirama reminisced about their youth, recalling how Tobirama had always been the most dependable executor of his decisions.

As he read, Tobirama felt a wave of nostalgia. Hashirama had always been visionary in broad matters, but it was Tobirama's meticulous nature that ensured their plans were successful. The two brothers had always complemented each other perfectly.

Hashirama's letter was filled with memories from their childhood, and as Tobirama read, tears welled up in his eyes. Though he kept his emotions in check, the pain of not being able to see his brother one last time was unbearable. This only deepened his hatred for Kumo Ninja Village, whose aggression had forced him to remain on the battlefield, conserving even his chakra to the utmost.

In the latter half of the letter, Hashirama turned his attention to the future of the village. He offered guidance on how to manage Konoha's external relations and maintain its internal stability. He also discussed his disciples, evaluating their talents and potential roles within the village.

Hashirama saw two potential successors to Tobirama: Fumori Masaki and Sarutobi Hiruzen. The choice between them would be left to Tobirama, who, barring any severe injuries, could lead for at least another decade. During that time, both Masaki and Hiruzen could grow and change in ways that Hashirama could not predict. The decision would ultimately rest with the living.

Tobirama reread the letter several times, even as someone brought him food. He asked the messenger to set the food aside, unable to tear his eyes away from the letter. Though he had memorized its contents, he could not bring himself to put it down. It was only late at night that he finally set the letter aside and ate in silence.

Tobirama resolved to bring an end to the Kumo conflict swiftly, followed by the wars with the Mist and Sand villages, to create a lasting peace for Konoha.

Though the Second Raikage sought peace, he would not betray his village's interests. A secret alliance with him was impossible, meaning that Kumo's war hawks would have to be defeated on the battlefield. The leaders of the militant faction in Kumogakure were the infamous Golden and Silver Brothers, who led an elite force named after them. If Tobirama could eliminate this unit, the war faction would be weakened, and the Second Raikage might be more inclined toward peace. If the Raikage lacked the strength to secure peace after that, he was unworthy of the title.

Tobirama devised a plan to draw out the Golden and Silver Brothers and defeat them. The core of this strategy involved Fumori Masaki and the three Uzumaki clan members. Although the mission would be dangerous, Tobirama knew Masaki was not one to shy away from risk. After all, he had successfully raided the enemy's supply depot and killed Kaguya Nobunaga. Tobirama trusted that Masaki would not let him down.