Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall!
Kaito easily blocked the fireball.
Madara immediately used the Body Flicker Technique to appear beside Izuna, interrupting his hand seals and restraining him.
“Let me go!
Damn Senju Tobirama!
What kind of evil technique did you use to control Nii-san?!”
“That’s enough, Izuna.
Calm down.
I’m not being controlled,” Madara explained gently.
“Here’s what happened…”
A short while later…
“What?!
We lost the war?
You were forced to cooperate to preserve the clan?
The Warring States Period ended and Konoha was established?
The Senju withdrew from the center of power?
The Uchiha received preferential treatment?
And you became the First Hokage?!”
The revelations struck Izuna like a thunderbolt.
He stood frozen in place and stopped resisting.
“Do you understand now?” Madara continued.
“The era of clan supremacy is over.
Other nations are already imitating us by establishing hidden villages.
A great war between nations is approaching, and we’re preparing to seize control of the world order.”
“…”
Kaito also tried to persuade him.
“Many Senju died at the hands of the Uchiha as well.
But for the sake of peace, and for the children, we chose to let go.
Hatred only breeds greater hatred.
“Let it go, Izuna.
Think about Madara.
Think about the children.”
He then added,
“Madara, take Izuna around the village.
Some things can only be understood by experiencing them yourself.”
Madara merely sneered at Tobirama.
“Senju Tobirama, don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do.
Izuna won’t become your puppet.”
Then, without waiting for a response, he forcibly dragged his younger brother away.
“Come with me.”
Only Kaito and Tobirama remained.
“Happy now?” Kaito asked.
“Not bad,” Tobirama replied with a shrug.
“Though it’s a shame they didn’t start fighting.”
Kaito looked at him seriously.
“As I said before—for the sake of the children, and for peace.”
Tobirama shrugged again.
“Understood.
So what do you plan to do next?”
“Has the Daimyō’s envoy arrived?
Are the preparations complete?”
“He arrived today.
Everything is ready.”
“Good.”
The next day.
Once the duration limit expired, Izuna was summoned again through the Impure World Reincarnation Technique.
After experiencing the atmosphere of peace within the village and hearing every member of the Uchiha clan express their longing for peace during the secret clan meeting, he no longer acted impulsively.
Instead, he silently followed Madara with a cold expression.
This time, he intended to help his brother manage government affairs while exposing the Senju’s political schemes.
“I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch!
Most of the resources and authority have been monopolized by Senju Tobirama and his allies!”
“And all we’ve been given is law enforcement and policing authority?”
Madara didn’t seem to care.
“Izuna, as long as I’m Hokage, none of that matters.
They’re helping me—no, helping the village develop.
Besides, there are plenty of our people on the council.”
“Nii-san, you’ve been deceived!
They’re stripping away your authority!”
“Enough.
I know what I’m doing.
Didn’t you say you wanted to help me?”
Madara pointed toward the mountain of documents piled on his desk.
“Here.
They’re all yours.”
Then, without regard for Izuna’s feelings, he turned and walked away.
“Huh?!
Me?
By myself?
Wait!
Nii-san!
Don’t leave!”
BANG!
The office door slammed shut.
“Damn it!
I understand now!
Those cursed Senju are trying to work Nii-san to death!
But your scheme has failed!
I have infinite stamina and energy!
As long as I take his place, your conspiracy will never succeed!”
After finishing his rant, Izuna buried himself in paperwork.
Meanwhile, Madara had practically fled the Hokage’s Office and headed outside the village.
At this moment, he was immensely grateful.
Izuna, don’t blame me.
You’re the one who insisted on helping.
Soon enough, he arrived in time to witness an interesting performance.
Outside Konoha.
The scorching sun beat down upon the earth.
The crack of a whip echoed through the air as it lashed the backs of civilians.
Blood mixed with sweat and seeped into the soil.
The villagers endured the punishment without daring to cry out.
In the center of a fertile field stood a man dressed like a noble.
Around him, numerous civilians knelt on the ground.
The whip danced through the air.
“Speak!
Who told you to pay less tax?”
Crack!
Crack!
Crack!
Despite their backs being torn open, the civilians remained silent and endured.
An emotion called anger slowly spread among them.
“Fine.
If you won’t talk, then kill the men.
The women are yours to enjoy.”
Immediately, more than a dozen guards stepped forward.
Some were chunin.
Others were samurai.
They grinned viciously as they approached the helpless civilians.
“Lord Envoy, surely there’s no need to concern yourself with these commoners.
Lord Hashirama is still waiting to welcome you.”
A Konoha jonin appeared and tactfully attempted to stop the violence.
“Hmph.
You know very well why this happened,” the envoy sneered.
“A man who failed to become Hokage dares try to curry favor with me?
Where is your Hokage?
Tell him to come greet me personally!”
The envoy clearly had no intention of showing Kaito any respect.
He demanded that Madara come out himself.
Hidden nearby, Madara’s eyes narrowed.
A murderous glint flashed through them.
Then it vanished.
He curled his lip in disdain.
In his mind, this insignificant insect had already been sentenced to death.
Meanwhile, the envoy continued venting his frustrations and ordered his subordinates to keep abusing the civilians.
Just as the jonin was wondering what to do—
A terrifying pressure suddenly descended from behind him.
He struggled to breathe.
Several immediately coughed up blood.
Then a deep voice sounded.
“Envoy, this is Konoha.
We have the right to protect every villager’s safety.
Madara is occupied.
Whatever you wish to discuss, you may discuss with me.”
Kaito appeared wearing crimson armor.
He smiled warmly.
But his eyes were unfathomably cold.
“Senju Hashirama, are you attempting rebellion?” the envoy said disdainfully.
“I’ll report your actions to the Daimyō.
When he cuts your supplies, the responsibility will be yours.”
The moment he heard “cut supplies,” Kaito ‘s face visibly paled.
His tone softened considerably.
“Lord Envoy, I was the one who ordered the reduction in taxes.
I am willing to accept punishment personally.
I only ask that Konoha’s supplies remain untouched.”
He gestured, and his subordinates carried over two large chests.
The lids slowly opened.
Golden light burst forth.
They were filled with gold, jewels, and large quantities of paper currency.
The contents of both chests were identical.
“One is for the Daimyō.
The other is a personal gift from me.
Please accept them.”
The envoy’s thick fingers picked up a jewel, leaving behind a greasy fingerprint on the gold.
The guards beside him licked their lips greedily.
“Excellent goods.
I didn’t expect you to be so sincere.
Very good.”
“I’ll raise the taxes immediately.
I only ask that you speak favorably of Konoha before the Daimyō.”
“Hmm…”
The envoy smirked.
“Don’t say I’m being unreasonable.
Before I left, the Daimyō specifically ordered that Konoha’s taxes be increased by another thirty percent.
You understand.”
The kneeling civilians felt a nameless fury erupt within their hearts.
An additional thirty percent?
Some collapsed into despair.
Some began quietly blaming Lord Hashirama.
But more of them clenched their fists, their hearts filled with resentment and unwillingness.
Upon hearing this, Kaito forced a bitter smile onto his face and pretended to struggle with the decision.
Just as expected.
The envoy left no room for negotiation.
In the end, Kaito reluctantly agreed and proposed that he and Madara personally travel to the Daimyō’s capital to apologize.
The envoy arrogantly agreed.
They could come.
But they were only allowed to bring ten guards.
No.
Five guards.
And no weapons whatsoever.
Furthermore, they must behave respectfully before the Daimyō.
Kaito readily agreed to every condition.
Only then was the envoy satisfied.
Under Kaito ‘s careful arrangements, the two departed for a place specially prepared for their “relaxation.”
“Hmph.
Disgusting.”
After witnessing the entire performance, Madara spat out his verdict with open contempt.
“I could never do something like that.
Hashirama, you’ve worked hard.”
Then he once again climbed to the top of the Hokage Rock and stood atop his own carved face.
Silently, he gazed down upon the village below.
“Peace…”
“It’s not far away.”
Chapter 13: The Art of the Con
Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall!
Kaito easily blocked the fireball.
Madara immediately used the Body Flicker Technique to appear beside Izuna, interrupting his hand seals and restraining him.
“Let me go!
Damn Senju Tobirama!
What kind of evil technique did you use to control Nii-san?!”
“That’s enough, Izuna.
Calm down.
I’m not being controlled,” Madara explained gently.
“Here’s what happened…”
A short while later…
“What?!
We lost the war?
You were forced to cooperate to preserve the clan?
The Warring States Period ended and Konoha was established?
The Senju withdrew from the center of power?
The Uchiha received preferential treatment?
And you became the First Hokage?!”
The revelations struck Izuna like a thunderbolt.
He stood frozen in place and stopped resisting.
“Do you understand now?” Madara continued.
“The era of clan supremacy is over.
Other nations are already imitating us by establishing hidden villages.
A great war between nations is approaching, and we’re preparing to seize control of the world order.”
“…”
Kaito also tried to persuade him.
“Many Senju died at the hands of the Uchiha as well.
But for the sake of peace, and for the children, we chose to let go.
Hatred only breeds greater hatred.
“Let it go, Izuna.
Think about Madara.
Think about the children.”
He then added,
“Madara, take Izuna around the village.
Some things can only be understood by experiencing them yourself.”
Madara merely sneered at Tobirama.
“Senju Tobirama, don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do.
Izuna won’t become your puppet.”
Then, without waiting for a response, he forcibly dragged his younger brother away.
“Come with me.”
Only Kaito and Tobirama remained.
“Happy now?” Kaito asked.
“Not bad,” Tobirama replied with a shrug.
“Though it’s a shame they didn’t start fighting.”
Kaito looked at him seriously.
“As I said before—for the sake of the children, and for peace.”
Tobirama shrugged again.
“Understood.
So what do you plan to do next?”
“Has the Daimyō’s envoy arrived?
Are the preparations complete?”
“He arrived today.
Everything is ready.”
“Good.”
The next day.
Once the duration limit expired, Izuna was summoned again through the Impure World Reincarnation Technique.
After experiencing the atmosphere of peace within the village and hearing every member of the Uchiha clan express their longing for peace during the secret clan meeting, he no longer acted impulsively.
Instead, he silently followed Madara with a cold expression.
This time, he intended to help his brother manage government affairs while exposing the Senju’s political schemes.
“I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch!
Most of the resources and authority have been monopolized by Senju Tobirama and his allies!”
“And all we’ve been given is law enforcement and policing authority?”
Madara didn’t seem to care.
“Izuna, as long as I’m Hokage, none of that matters.
They’re helping me—no, helping the village develop.
Besides, there are plenty of our people on the council.”
They’re stripping away your authority!”
“Enough.
I know what I’m doing.
Didn’t you say you wanted to help me?”
Madara pointed toward the mountain of documents piled on his desk.
“Here.
They’re all yours.”
Then, without regard for Izuna’s feelings, he turned and walked away.
“Huh?!
Me?
By myself?
Wait!
Nii-san!
Don’t leave!”
BANG!
The office door slammed shut.
“Damn it!
I understand now!
Those cursed Senju are trying to work Nii-san to death!
But your scheme has failed!
I have infinite stamina and energy!
As long as I take his place, your conspiracy will never succeed!”
After finishing his rant, Izuna buried himself in paperwork.
Meanwhile, Madara had practically fled the Hokage’s Office and headed outside the village.
At this moment, he was immensely grateful.
Izuna, don’t blame me.
You’re the one who insisted on helping.
Soon enough, he arrived in time to witness an interesting performance.
Outside Konoha.
The scorching sun beat down upon the earth.
The crack of a whip echoed through the air as it lashed the backs of civilians.
Blood mixed with sweat and seeped into the soil.
The villagers endured the punishment without daring to cry out.
In the center of a fertile field stood a man dressed like a noble.
Around him, numerous civilians knelt on the ground.
The whip danced through the air.
“Speak!
Who told you to pay less tax?”
Crack!
Crack!
Crack!
Despite their backs being torn open, the civilians remained silent and endured.
An emotion called anger slowly spread among them.
“Fine.
If you won’t talk, then kill the men.
The women are yours to enjoy.”
Immediately, more than a dozen guards stepped forward.
Some were chunin.
Others were samurai.
They grinned viciously as they approached the helpless civilians.
“Lord Envoy, surely there’s no need to concern yourself with these commoners.
Lord Hashirama is still waiting to welcome you.”
A Konoha jonin appeared and tactfully attempted to stop the violence.
“Hmph.
You know very well why this happened,” the envoy sneered.
“A man who failed to become Hokage dares try to curry favor with me?
Where is your Hokage?
Tell him to come greet me personally!”
The envoy clearly had no intention of showing Kaito any respect.
He demanded that Madara come out himself.
Hidden nearby, Madara’s eyes narrowed.
A murderous glint flashed through them.
Then it vanished.
He curled his lip in disdain.
In his mind, this insignificant insect had already been sentenced to death.
Meanwhile, the envoy continued venting his frustrations and ordered his subordinates to keep abusing the civilians.
Just as the jonin was wondering what to do—
A terrifying pressure suddenly descended from behind him.
He struggled to breathe.
The envoy’s guards fared even worse.
Several immediately coughed up blood.
Then a deep voice sounded.
“Envoy, this is Konoha.
We have the right to protect every villager’s safety.
Madara is occupied.
Whatever you wish to discuss, you may discuss with me.”
Kaito appeared wearing crimson armor.
He smiled warmly.
But his eyes were unfathomably cold.
“Senju Hashirama, are you attempting rebellion?” the envoy said disdainfully.
“I’ll report your actions to the Daimyō.
When he cuts your supplies, the responsibility will be yours.”
The moment he heard “cut supplies,” Kaito ‘s face visibly paled.
His tone softened considerably.
“Lord Envoy, I was the one who ordered the reduction in taxes.
I am willing to accept punishment personally.
I only ask that Konoha’s supplies remain untouched.”
He gestured, and his subordinates carried over two large chests.
The lids slowly opened.
Golden light burst forth.
They were filled with gold, jewels, and large quantities of paper currency.
The contents of both chests were identical.
“One is for the Daimyō.
The other is a personal gift from me.
Please accept them.”
The envoy’s thick fingers picked up a jewel, leaving behind a greasy fingerprint on the gold.
The guards beside him licked their lips greedily.
“Excellent goods.
I didn’t expect you to be so sincere.
Very good.”
“I’ll raise the taxes immediately.
I only ask that you speak favorably of Konoha before the Daimyō.”
“Hmm…”
The envoy smirked.
“Don’t say I’m being unreasonable.
Before I left, the Daimyō specifically ordered that Konoha’s taxes be increased by another thirty percent.
You understand.”
The kneeling civilians felt a nameless fury erupt within their hearts.
An additional thirty percent?
Some collapsed into despair.
Some began quietly blaming Lord Hashirama.
But more of them clenched their fists, their hearts filled with resentment and unwillingness.
Upon hearing this, Kaito forced a bitter smile onto his face and pretended to struggle with the decision.
Just as expected.
The envoy left no room for negotiation.
In the end, Kaito reluctantly agreed and proposed that he and Madara personally travel to the Daimyō’s capital to apologize.
The envoy arrogantly agreed.
They could come.
But they were only allowed to bring ten guards.
No.
Five guards.
And no weapons whatsoever.
Furthermore, they must behave respectfully before the Daimyō.
Kaito readily agreed to every condition.
Only then was the envoy satisfied.
Under Kaito ‘s careful arrangements, the two departed for a place specially prepared for their “relaxation.”
“Hmph.
Disgusting.”
After witnessing the entire performance, Madara spat out his verdict with open contempt.
“I could never do something like that.
Hashirama, you’ve worked hard.”
Then he once again climbed to the top of the Hokage Rock and stood atop his own carved face.
Silently, he gazed down upon the village below.
“Peace…”
“It’s not far away.”