Chapter 59: Danger

Konoha

Hokage's Office

Inside of the Hokage's building, all high ranking members of the village who weren't currently at the border were gathered.

From most of the free Jonin which included all of Tobirama's students, to all the Patriarchs of the major Clans, almost everyone who was important to the village gathered here for this meeting.

Tobirama stood up while looking at everyone before he began the meeting by saying "Today, a messenger from Kumo arrived bearing a message that the Second Raikage wants to begin peace talks and sign a peace treaty. A little before that, we found out that they had attempted to infiltrate the Land of Fire and cause civil strife by posing as bandits and attacking civilians. After killing two major members of the Kinkaku and Ginkaku force, Sarutobi and his team were met with the Raikage's successor, though he escaped before we were able to give Hiruzen aid. What are your thoughts on this Peace Treaty."

The first to speak out was the Patriarch of the Uchiha Clan as he said "If they are already planning on us having peace, then why haven't they pulled their troops off the borders as well as having the Gold and Silver Brothers consistently harassing our shinobi. It could be a trap, Lord Hokage."

The current Uchiha Clan was different from the one in the future. While Tobirama didn't fully trust the clan, him putting them into the Police Force right after the death of Hashirama to keep their reputation in the village low so that he could prevent them from becoming the Hokage, he still didn't actively suppress them as he also had respect for them due to the many battles that their two clans fought.

Many of the other officials in the room began arguing with one another, with some hoping for the war to end while others wanted to continue fighting until Kumo could give them more reparations.

Tobirama finally heard enough as he stood up and said "Enough! I'll leave to go to Kumo with my students tomorrow morning. We will sign the Peace Treaty there."

Tobirama then left the Hokage Building and returned straight to the Senju Clan Compound.

He walked into their home where he saw Mito sitting in Hashirama's chair while playing cards against Ayako, meanwhile Haru sat on the sofa while reading one of the novels they own.

"Where's Tsuna?" Tobirama asked the first thing that came to his mind.

"She's at the hospital checking on Hiruzen since he's supposed to be released today," Mito answered while Ayako grunted in frustration at her loss.

"We need to have a family meeting. I have an important announcement to make, but I'll wait for Tsuna to get home before we start." Tobirama said causing everyone to grow serious at his words.

They all nodded before they moved to the dinner table to have the conversation, after which they sat in silence while waiting for Tsunade to return.

~

"Are you sure you don't need us to help you get home sensei? We'd be happy to help." said Jiraiya as he walked in the street with Hiruzen, Orochimaru, and Tsunade.

"No, I'm fine. Danzo said that Tobirama-sensei has a mission for us tomorrow and I have to go meet Biwako." Hiruzen answered while smiling at the thought of his girlfriend.

Jiraiya looked at Hiuzen's smile before taking a glance at Tsunade as he thought 'I wonder if I will ever get to feel like that.'

Tsunade was oblivious to Jiraiaya's thoughts as she was more focused on the battle they had with A the other day.

'I couldn't even see the guy move, not to mention he completely broke out of the seal I placed on him. Grandma was able to beat him by only using two seals though. I've been so focused on the ninjutsu training that I forgot to learn about others that may be useful to my strength. I'll have to focus on unlocking more of my Uzumaki Clan Kekkei Genkai abilities like getting more chakra chains and unlocking the Kagura of The Minds Eye. The healing technique would have also been useful since it could have allowed me to heal Hiruzen completely. I should also begin learning Genjustu since it would be quite strong with my levels of chakra control. I've also been neglecting my Wood Release training since I felt it would paint a target on my back. I'll go to Shikkotsu Forest after the end of the war to begin training in it. I probably should also tell Jiraiya and Orochimaru about the other Sage Lands so that they can improve their strength.'

Tsunade was snapped out of her thoughts when she saw that the group had begun to go their separate ways.

She quickly returned to her home, though she found the entire family sitting at the dining room table while looking at her.

"Did something happen?" Tsunade asked, confused as to what was going on.

"Come sit down Tsuna." Tobirama said calmly.

Tsunade did as she was told as she joined her family, with all of them looking at Tobirama to see what was going on.

"I have to go to Kumogakure tomorrow for a peace treaty with the Raikage. However, we won't be able to complete the peace treaty since we'll most likely be attacked while we're there. I don't doubt that I could escape them if I used the Flying Thunder God Technique, but I also must endure the survival of my students. The only worry I have is that something will go wrong when I arrive." As soon as Tobirama spoke his final sentence, everyone's chakra erupted.

"WHY WOULD YOU HAVE TO RISK YOURSELF!! WE CAN KEEP FIGHTING" Ayako yelled.

"I agree with Ayako Tobi, Hashi wouldn't want you to risk your life," Mito said while a dense red chakra began to appear on her hands.

"Exactly, Lord Hashirama would never want you to wager your life," Haru added quickly.

"But he would offer himself in exchange for peace. Hashi was not a fool, and he knew the dangers that would come along with the village. If I have to sacrifice my life for the next generation of this village, then my life is nothing but a small price to pay." Tobirama said while he finally looked towards Tsunade to see her reaction.

He was surprised to see her face blank as she outwardly displayed no emotion.

The argument continued for another few hours, but nothing that they said was able to change Tobirama's opinion.

The group finally all left the table with Ayako crying while Haru comforted her while Mito simply gave Tobirama a hug and a goodbye before she also headed to bed.

The only people who remained at the dinner table were Tsunade and Tobirama, Tsunade finally showed her true feelings as tears poured out of her eyes while she rushed and hugged Tobirama.

"Why?! Why do you have to go too?" Tsunade asked in a croaked voice while Tobirama rubbed her back.

He picked her up and placed her on the chair in front of him as he began "I'm sorry Tsuna. This village was a dream that was created by my brother. One that he gave his very life to protect, even if he needed to kill his childhood friend to protect it. I must stop this war, because I fear that if it continues too long, then one day children will be forced to fight. That goes against everything that my Elder Brother ever stood for. I know that you don't agree with me risking myself like this Tsuna, but I have a request to make of you."

Tsunade looked up with the tears still in her eyes her voice still cracked as she asked "What?"

"I want you to protect our home. I know you aren't remotely strong enough to do so now, but the light inside of you is just as bright as Elder Brother. You are destined to do great things. I want you to not only protect our clan or the Uzumaki Clan but all of Konoha. Can you do that for me?" Tobirama asked Tsunade.

Tsunade was about to refuse, but she then saw the hope in Tobirama's eyes and the expectations he had for her. Perhaps it was because this was the final request that her Grandfather was making for her. Or it was because she didn't want to disappoint the only family she had in this life. Either way, she nodded in agreement while hugging Tobirama.

She saw all the stress and tension in Tobirama's face melt as he said "I'm sorry Tsuna."

Tobirama then headed towards his bedroom, but he stopped and spoke to Tsunade one last time as he said "I've already sent Ashina a message for the full Uzumaki Clan to migrate to Konoha. They'll arrive in two days secretly, though it will be announced by Mito at the same time if my death does occur. I've also left you the records of every ninjutsu I know in my room. I won't see any of you tomorrow since it may force me to change my mind. I love you Tsuna. Goodbye." Tobirama spoke his final words to Tsunade and went to his room, though the last sentence he heard made him make an unnatural smile.

"I love you too Grandpa."

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