Chapter 187 : Hokages at Battlefield!!

"Is there... more?" 

Senju Tobirama took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

Besides, it wasn't like Danzo was entirely wrong. After all, the policies restricting the Uchiha were inherited from his own leadership.

If he were to criticize Danzo here, wouldn't that be admitting his own policies were flawed?

"Lord Second, please take a look at this!"

Before Uchiha Sogetsu could react, Elephant appeared out of nowhere, carrying a large stack of documents and presenting them.

Uchiha Sogetsu raised an eyebrow. It seemed like they had archived all of Danzo's wrongdoings over the years.

"This much?" 

Senju Tobirama's face twitched. He could already feel the "death glare" from his older brother.

"Well, let's take a look."

When Senju Hashirama got serious, there was still a certain authority to him.

As each incident and fact was laid out before the two Hokage, Tobirama, who had been quite assertive earlier, turned bright red with embarrassment after reading through Danzo's actions over the years.

What was even more ironic was that the one who had saved Konoha was a young genius from the Uchiha clan, a clan Tobirama had always regarded with a "special" perspective. And that genius was only sixteen!

From the records, Tobirama could determine that if not for the excessive use of the Mangekyō Sharingan, Konoha would undoubtedly thrive again under this young man's leadership. 

Considering his various feats, it wasn't hard to imagine the heights Konoha could reach in the next 30 to 40 years.

But if all of that was at least somewhat understandable...

What Elephant said next completely defied the two Hokage's comprehension, even challenging their core beliefs.

"There's actually one more thing." Elephant hadn't originally planned to mention it, but recalling Danzo's recent behavior, he felt a surge of anger that he couldn't suppress. He had to let it out: "It's all because of that scoundrel Danzo, seducing the Hokage! That's why things are the way they are now!"

Senju Tobirama and Senju Hashirama stared at each other, utterly stunned.

"Wait, did you just say... Danzo... seduced... the Hokage?"

Tobirama repeated each word, his mind full of confusion.

He recognized every single word, but put together, it was something he couldn't quite grasp.

"Oh, I forgot to mention," Orochimaru stepped forward with a sly smile, adding fuel to the fire, "Due to practicing a forbidden technique, Danzo transformed from a man into a woman. She's also quite young and attractive, and, well, the Hokage couldn't resist, and... they ended up having an... 'inappropriate' relationship."

Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama: "..."

What followed was a rare moment of silence as the two former Hokage stood speechless for a long while.

"Well, great. Just great!"

Tobirama's forehead veins throbbed as he fought to contain his anger, grinding out his words: "Danzo... Hiruzen... they really are... my 'good disciples,' aren't they?!"

He had imagined countless scenarios, but never once had he thought that his two disciples would end up... like this!

It was utterly shameful! A dark stain on Konoha's history!

Danzo, Hiruzen... well done indeed!

Looking at the trembling Tobirama Senju, who was shaking with anger, Orochimaru had no doubt that if his teacher and Danzo were here, they would probably have been beaten to death on the spot.

As for the First Hokage, Hashirama, his face showed an expression of shock that could only be described as "stunned for a century."

But soon after, Hashirama's expression changed. He seemed to be deep in thought, with hints of excitement and joy, but quickly became downcast, letting out a slight sigh, tinged with regret.

In just a few seconds, his expressions were varied and rich, almost too dramatic to believe.

What are you sighing for?! What are you regretting for?!

Tobirama knew his brother all too well. Just from his expressions, he could guess what Hashirama was thinking, and his face immediately turned dark with anger. "Big brother, calm down!"

"Uh..."

Hashirama awkwardly scratched his head.

This scene didn't escape Uchiha Sougetsu's eyes. Through his analysis of their expressions and emotions, he could clearly understand what Hashirama was thinking.

It wasn't surprising at all. In fact, it made perfect sense.

"Second and First Hokage, let's put an end to this idle chatter," Uchiha Sougetsu clapped his hands, interrupting the farce. "Regardless of whether Danzo was right or wrong, that's something to be discussed after the war. Right now, we need your strength to end this conflict!"

"Kid, your name is Uchiha Sougetsu, right?"

Tobirama, whose face was still darkened with embarrassment, felt like he had never been this humiliated before. He had lost all his face! 

"What is it, Second Hokage?"

Uchiha Sougetsu looked up, finding the situation somewhat amusing.

"I will give you an explanation for this matter."

Tobirama's stern expression softened a bit as he looked at the weakened young man, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. "In the past, I was overly prejudiced against the Uchiha, but from you, I see the true Will of Fire. I owe you an apology."

Before Sougetsu could respond, Tobirama stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and said earnestly, "Just like my brother always said, only those who are truly recognized by everyone can become Hokage."

The sudden gesture caught Uchiha Sougetsu off guard. "Huh?"

"And you, Uchiha Sougetsu."

Tobirama looked the young man straight in the eyes and said with a deep, serious tone, "In the name of the Second Hokage, I acknowledge you as the Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Sougetsu!"

"Me?" 

Uchiha Sougetsu, struggling to keep his emotions in check, showed a hint of surprise. "No, I'm just acting as a temporary replacement."

"Ha ha, a young man from the Uchiha clan, huh?"

Senju Hashirama spoke up, interrupting, with a gentle smile as he looked at him. "Tobirama is right. Only someone recognized by everyone can become Hokage. And in the hearts of the people, you already are the Hokage."

"My experience is still too limited. There are others more suited than me."

Uchiha Sougetsu hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "I think it's best to wait until the Third wakes up before making a decision."

"No need to wait for him to wake up."

Senju Tobirama snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with a fierce light. "I haven't even dealt with those two yet. Since my brother and I have already decided on you, no one can change that—not even Sarutobi. What I say goes!"

Oppose it? He'd like to see who has the guts to stand against it!

"Kid, get some rest."

Senju Tobirama said calmly, "Once my brother and I finish this war, we'll personally attend your inauguration ceremony!"

Orochimaru, standing to the side, had a meaningful look. With the First and Second both recognizing him as the Hokage, the Uchiha clan, though having suffered heavy losses, had turned misfortune into a blessing.

As for his sensei and Danzo, if nothing unexpected happened, they were in for trouble.

On the Iwa-nin frontlines...

When Ōnoki of the Two Scales learned that Orochimaru was not present, he quickly ordered a full-scale attack, pushing Konoha's forces into retreat.

Just as the Konoha camp was about to fall, a figure descended from the sky, crashing down like a meteor. The terrifying impact created a violent wind, blowing away the surrounding ninjas.

"Heh, more reinforcements from Konoha? It's too late!"

Ōnoki, relying on his ability to fly, looked down from above, his expression cold. "At this point, even if Orochimaru and Jiraiya show up, it won't change the fact that Konoha is losing this war!"

The figure walked out of the dust, patting the ashes off the red armor, black hair flowing in the wind.

Ōnoki stared at the figure, that familiar face, the long black hair, the red armor. His confident expression slowly turned to one of fear, horror, and shock, waves of panic surging in his heart. He almost lost focus and dropped his jutsu.

That person... if he wasn't mistaken, was the First Hokage!

"Don't be afraid, it's just one person!"

"Exactly, just one reinforcements! Konoha is really underestimating us!"

"We have the advantage now. One person can't change anything! Charge with me!"

Someone shouted, and the initially stunned Rock Ninja rushed toward that person.

"Fools!"

In the distance, Onoki was so furious that he almost had a heart attack. He shouted in panic, "Retreat! Everyone, retreat now!"

However, in the chaotic battlefield, no one could hear his command.

Thus, under Onoki's furious gaze, the First Hokage clapped his hands and shouted, "Wood Release: Birth of the Trees!"

At the same time, on the battlefield of the Sand Ninja.

Nara Shikaku led the remaining Konoha ninjas, making a last-ditch effort to resist.

Thousands of Sand Ninja completely surrounded them, and Chiyo controlled the Ten Puppets of Chikamatsu, continuously wearing down their stamina and will.

Just as their defenses were about to collapse, a blue figure suddenly appeared.

Pain frowned slightly and said to Chiyo, "The contract is canceled. I'm leaving."

Chiyo, who was caught up in the battle, was stunned. They were so close to wiping out Konoha, and now their biggest support was leaving. She exclaimed in disbelief, "Are you crazy? We're just one step away!"

Pain ignored her completely and left her with a warning: "I advise you to retreat now while you still can."

After saying that, he turned into a cloud of smoke and vanished, leaving Chiyo bewildered.

Realizing she had been played, Chiyo became furious and shouted, "If you leave, don't think the Sand Ninja can't destroy Konoha without you!"

"Who are you going to destroy?"

The voice that came from right beside her startled Chiyo, making her heart stop. She quickly retreated.

When she finally regained her distance and looked up in the direction of the voice, she saw a man in blue armor with silver hair and red eyes, his arms crossed, coldly staring at her.

"That face…"

Chiyo's mind blanked for half a second, then her pupils suddenly contracted. "You are the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama?!"

She seemed to realize something, and with her mind racing, she quickly shouted, "No, wait, this is all a misunderstanding! We Sand Ninja surrender!"

"Misunderstanding? Good."

Senju Tobirama sneered slightly, quickly clasping his hands together. "Let's talk about surrendering after you survive. Water Release: Great Water Burst!"

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