"Rip—"
Inside the Hokage’s office, Senju Tobirama stared fixedly at the calendar on the wall. His trembling hand tore off yesterday’s page.
"Only seven days left..."
His voice, rarely so unsteady, quivered slightly — as if he were suppressing a surge of emotions ready to spill out.
Renya’s six-month vacation was finally coming to an end! That brat would be back in the village in just one more week!
For half a year, Tobirama hadn’t eaten a single proper al. Every day he had to rely on military ration pills just to keep himself alive.
When Renya once complained that military rations were inedible, Tobirama hadn’t taken it seriously. But after half a month of eating nothing else, even the sight of a ration pill made him nauseous.
Recently, he couldn’t even swallow one. He had to send the ANBU out to buy him stomach-soothing als from the village.
"When that brat cos back, I’ll have him see if he can improve the taste and texture of those rations..." Tobirama muttered softly, eyes filled with expectation.
Even if he couldn’t, it didn’t matter. Once that kid was back, he’d be cooking every day — Tobirama would never again need to eat those disgusting ration pills.
That damn brat hadn’t returned even once since he left!
He’d hoped Renya might co back midway through his travels to make him a few als, but ever since the boy left, he’d completely lost contact.
From now on, Tobirama decided, he would revoke Renya’s right to leave the village during vacations!
Even during holidays, that brat would stay in the village and make him three als a day.
Half a year without good food, plus constant high-intensity work — it had taken a visible toll on Tobirama’s face.
Maybe it was ti to consider retirent.
He had already begun evaluating Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō as possible successors. So far, their performances were acceptable, though further observation was needed.
"After retirent, maybe I can travel with that kid..."
Truthfully, Tobirama also wanted to travel, to enjoy life. But since his older brother’s sudden passing, the entire burden of the village had fallen onto his shoulders.
Especially after the outbreak of the First Great Ninja War — the pressure only grew heavier, leaving him no ti to rest.
Even beasts of burden know when to rest. How could Senju Tobirama not?
Once the Third Hokage was chosen, he could finally retire with honor and live out his days in peace.
All his life, from youth to now, he’d fought against the Uchiha, then labored to build the village, handled governnt affairs for his brother, and kept an eye on the Uchiha clan.
Then ca his brother’s death — and the start of his own life as a workhorse of the village.
Now, at last, Tobirama understood why Renya had refused the title of Hokage. With that kid’s personality, there was no way he’d want to sit behind a desk dealing with paperwork.
"Hmph, that brat..." Tobirama shook his head helplessly. Not wanting to be Hokage was fine — as long as he was willing to protect the village.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
Just then, soone knocked softly on the office door.
"Co in."
"Sensei, you wanted to see ?" Shimura Danzō entered the office. The ANBU had just notified him that Tobirama-sensei was looking for him.
"Renya’s coming back soon." Tobirama didn’t state his purpose right away — instead, he brought up Renya.
Danzō’s eyes flickered in confusion, unsure of his teacher’s intent.
So that bastard Renya was finally coming back to the village. During this ti, Danzō had been busy carrying out assignnts Tobirama gave him, so he hadn’t been able to accompany Koharu on her missions.
As a result, she was ambushed alone during a mission and seriously injured — she was still recovering at ho.
Danzō felt guilty. If he had gone with her, it wouldn’t have happened.
Seeing Danzō’s silence, Tobirama spoke softly:
"You know, I once considered making Renya the Hokage. But he refused — and recomnded you instead..."
Danzō’s pupils contracted sharply, disbelief flashing across his face. He never imagined Renya would actually recomnd him to his teacher!
His emotions were complicated. All this ti, he had seen Renya as his greatest rival — and yet that guy had willingly stepped aside for him.
"Renya..."
Maybe that bastard wasn’t as bad as he’d thought.
Tobirama walked over, patted Danzō on the shoulder, and said, "Danzō, do your best. Honestly... between you and Sarutobi, I place more faith in you."
"Understood, Sensei!" Danzō’s eyes reddened, deeply moved. "I won’t disappoint your expectations!"
Not only had Renya given up the Hokage position for him, but even his teacher believed in him!
Tobirama nodded approvingly.
"I believe you can surpass Sarutobi and beco an excellent Hokage one day."
Encouraged, Danzō began to imagine himself wearing the Hokage’s hat.
After he left, filled with determination, Tobirama said to the ANBU beside him,
"Go call Sarutobi Hiruzen here."
Soon after, Hiruzen entered the office.
And once again, the sa scene played out...
"Sensei, you wanted to see ?"
"I’ve been observing your work lately. It’s been excellent."
"Thank you for the praise, Sensei!" Hiruzen replied, feeling proud.
"Keep it up. I believe you can surpass Danzō and beco an outstanding Hokage one day."
"Yes, Sensei!" Hiruzen’s eyes welled with emotion.
As expected of best friends — even their reactions were identical.
When Hiruzen left, still excited, Tobirama gazed out the window and murmured,
"Don’t bla , you two. Only competition breeds motivation."
Even though he longed to retire soon, he couldn’t rush the matter of selecting a successor. It required careful, multifaceted observation.
Only an exceptional Hokage could lead the village to prosperity. Otherwise, it would fall into ruin.
Both were his disciples since childhood — he couldn’t allow either to make the wrong choices once in power.
If only Renya were willing to take the position, all this trouble would be unnecessary.
"Just one more week..." Tobirama’s eyes filled with anticipation. Soon, he’d finally taste the delicious food he’d been craving.
Allowing Renya to leave the village for six months — that had been the worst decision of his life!
...
"Hashirama-san, don’t be scared. Mito-san has always been super gentle!" Renya kept trying to comfort the terrified Hashirama along the way — who looked like he might wet himself at any mont.
Sure, he had forgotten Mito-san’s instructions, but didn’t Hashirama-san have any responsibility? He was with Madara-sama every day — shouldn’t he at least think of his wife once in a while?
Anyway, Renya had already thought up an excuse for Mito-san.
As for Hashirama-san...
He’d just have to fend for himself!
Senju Hashirama: "..."
Heh. Mito was only gentle with you.
All he wanted now was to get back to the village as soon as possible and explain everything to Mito clearly. It really wasn’t his fault — Renya had forgotten, not him!
Uchiha Madara glanced at Hashirama’s frightened face and scoffed.
A true warrior doesn’t marry — won only slow down your hand signs!
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