Chapter 221 (Patreon)

After all these years, seeing Tobirama-sensei again stirred a storm of emotions within Danzō—nervousness, joy, and an excitement he could barely contain.

Ever since his teacher had sacrificed himself, Danzō believed he had served the village well. He had founded Root, shouldered countless missions from the shadows, and personally raised his nephew, Kizaru, into the shinobi he was today.

“Tobirama-sensei, I... I...”

For once, Danzō found himself stumbling over his words. Whether it was because he had unknowingly snapped at Tobirama moments earlier or because his emotions had overwhelmed him, even he could not say.

He drew a deep breath, forced himself to regain his composure, and straightened his back.

“Tobirama-sensei, I did not realize it was you earlier. Please forgive me!”

“There is nothing to forgive. You did exactly what you should have done.”

Looking at the marks time had carved into Danzō’s face, Tobirama allowed a faint smile to appear.

“You have worked hard all these years.”

Danzō inhaled sharply.

Those simple words—you have worked hard—nearly brought tears to his eyes.

His teacher had been gone for decades. During that time, Danzō and the Shimura clan had remained hidden within Konoha’s darkness, carrying out its filthiest work and making sacrifice after sacrifice. Through it all, Danzō had wanted to prove only one thing:

He, Shimura Danzō, was no less capable than Hiruzen Sarutobi.

“Sensei...” Danzō said from the heart. “I am truly glad you have returned.”

“Oooh~ What a touching reunion.”

Having finally stopped laughing with Hashirama, Kizaru stepped forward with his usual languid smile.

“So, Uncle... what brings you here?”

Danzō glared at his troublesome nephew.

“Someone from the administrative office told me you had suddenly ordered a large number of historical records to be brought here. I came to find out what had happened.”

“It’s nothing too serious~” Kizaru replied. “Grandpa Tobirama merely wants to review your past achievements and give you a proper evaluation.”

Despite the teasing tone, Danzō immediately understood the warning hidden within his nephew’s words.

His heart, which had only just settled, tightened once more.

He had no idea how Tobirama-sensei would judge everything he had done over the years.

“Danzō, your timing is good,” Tobirama said. “There are several things I want to ask you.”

He walked over to the Hokage’s desk and leaned against its edge. Resting one hand on the towering stack of documents, his expression returned to its usual composure—calm, severe, and cold enough to make the atmosphere in the office grow heavy.

“Danzō, who decided upon the policy of suppressing the Uchiha clan? Was it you or Hiruzen?”

“The four of us made the decision together.”

Danzō hesitated briefly before adding in an even voice:

“However, I proposed most of the specific measures. Hiruzen and the others approved them.”

Tobirama began listing those measures one by one.

“Members of the Uchiha clan were forbidden from holding positions outside the Konoha Military Police Force. Whenever the Police Force expanded, its funding was reduced. Anbu and Root were ordered to monitor the clan around the clock.”

As Tobirama recited each policy the village leadership had used to restrain the Uchiha, the smile gradually vanished from Hashirama’s face. Anger took its place.

“You proposed all of that?” Tobirama asked.

“Yes.” Danzō did not evade responsibility. “I proposed those measures, and I personally oversaw most of their implementation.”

“What utter nonsense!” Hashirama erupted before Tobirama could continue questioning his disciple. “Why would you do such a thing? The Uchiha are villagers of Konoha too!”

Hashirama’s roar made Danzō tense instinctively. Cold sweat immediately formed across his back.

“Brother, calm down.” Tobirama cast Hashirama a sidelong glance, signaling that he had his own way of handling the matter, before returning his attention to Danzō.

“Why did you do it? Tell me your reason.”

“After you died in the Land of Lightning, we returned to the village carrying your final orders,” Danzō explained. “Many of the clans refused to acknowledge Hiruzen as your successor. The Uchiha were particularly opposed. Some among them even intended to seize the position of Hokage for their own clan.

“If Mito-sama had not supported Hiruzen, and if Kagami had not persuaded the Uchiha to stand down, his succession might have plunged the village into civil war.”

Tobirama nodded slightly in understanding.

Given how volatile certain Uchiha could become, he did not doubt that such an incident might have occurred.

“So, both to retaliate against the Uchiha and to secure the new administration, you chose to continue suppressing them.”

“Yes.”

Tobirama had summarized his motives perfectly, so Danzō admitted it without hesitation.

“Your decision to keep the Uchiha in check was not wrong.”

“Tobirama, what are you saying?” Hashirama protested at once. “If you had listened to me from the beginning, the relationship between the village and the Uchiha never would have deteriorated this far!”

“Brother, let me finish.” Tobirama glared at him in irritation.

Hashirama crossed his arms and turned his head away, making no attempt to hide that he was displeased.

“Oooh~ Grandpa Hashirama, there’s no need to be impatient,” Kizaru said as he returned to Hashirama’s side. “Why not hear Grandpa Tobirama out first?”

Hashirama gave a small nod and looked back toward Tobirama and Danzō. He wanted to hear what justification his brother could possibly offer.

“Taking precautions against the Uchiha was not the mistake,” Tobirama continued. “The mistake was relying on suppression alone. Push any clan too far, and eventually you will leave them with no path except rebellion.

“Restraint must be accompanied by opportunity. You should have given the Uchiha hope, allowed them to demonstrate their sincerity, and drawn those willing to stand with the village closer to you.”

Tobirama was not merely pointing out their failure. He was using the moment to teach his disciple once more.

“Kizaru handled that matter well. He extended goodwill to the Uchiha, removed the restrictions that had bound them, and gave them a path back into the village. In return, Uchiha shinobi willing to support Konoha began gathering around him and lending him their strength.”

“Kizaru did indeed handle it far better than we did,” Danzō said, seizing the opportunity to praise his nephew.

Tobirama gave him a meaningful look, then moved behind the Hokage’s desk and sat down.

He picked up one of the account ledgers, opened it, and looked back at Danzō.

“Were you aware of the corruption within the village administration?”

“Tobirama-sensei, I can assure you that I have never embezzled a single ryō of village funds.”

Danzō had absolute confidence on that point. He had no interest in wealth or women. Power was his only indulgence.

“That is not what I asked.” Tobirama’s voice rose sharply. “I asked whether you knew about it.”

Danzō did not hesitate to expose his former teammates.

“Both Hiruzen and I knew about Koharu and Homura. I warned Hiruzen not to indulge them, but he could not bring himself to punish them because of their years together.”

Tobirama slammed the ledger onto the desk and stared directly at Danzō, disappointment clear in his eyes.

“You protected personal feelings at the expense of the village? Have all of you forgotten everything I taught you? You stood by while Koharu and Homura made mistake after mistake—while hundreds of millions of ryō belonging to Konoha were embezzled and misappropriated?”

Cold sweat soaked Danzō’s back.

His eyes widened the moment he heard the amount.

Hundreds of millions?

Those two had taken that much?

“They embezzled hundreds of millions of ryō?” Danzō blurted, his shock entirely genuine.

“You just claimed you knew about everything. Are you putting on an act for me now?” Tobirama asked, anger weighing down every word.

“Tobirama-sensei, I truly did not know they had taken so much! I thought it was no more than several tens of millions of ryō.”

Danzō felt genuinely wronged. He had known those two fools were corrupt, but he had never imagined they would dare to steal on such a scale.

“You truly did not know?”

Tobirama’s commanding aura filled the office as he studied Danzō’s face for any hint of deception.

“After Hiruzen became Hokage, I was appointed as his aide. I founded Root with my own hands and devoted myself primarily to intelligence work and covert operations beyond the village.” Danzō could not remember the last time he had felt so aggrieved. “I have never taken part in Konoha’s administrative or logistical affairs.”

“Then how did you know they were embezzling funds at all?”

“Hiruzen told me himself. He asked me what he should do about Koharu and Homura.”

“And what did you tell him?”

“I told him to deal with them according to the village’s laws, but he refused.”

Danzō’s answer was only half the truth.

He had indeed said those words to Hiruzen. However, he had followed them by recommending that members of the Yamanaka clan aligned with him replace Koharu and Homura’s relatives as heads of the administrative and logistics departments.

“You and Hiruzen...” Tobirama began.

“We are not close,” Danzō interjected at once.

“You used to be.”

While Tobirama had been alive, Hiruzen and Danzō had shared the bond of friends who constantly competed against one another. Their relationship had once been exceptionally strong.

“Hiruzen worries about too many things. He is obsessed with maintaining balance, and he is far too lenient toward the other villages. I have never approved of his way of governing.”

Danzō paused. Then he gritted his teeth and decided to speak the truth he had kept buried for decades.

“I believe I would have been a better Hokage than him. I would have led Konoha to defeat every other hidden village and united the entire shinobi world.”

His confession surprised both Tobirama and Hashirama.

Neither had expected their former student to state such an ambition so boldly, especially when it ran against the ideals Konoha had publicly upheld for generations.

Hashirama, in particular, had never imagined the young Danzō he remembered would grow to possess such enormous ambition.

Then he recalled Kizaru’s own desire to overturn the existing order and reshape the entire world. Hashirama could not help thinking that the uncle and nephew truly were related by blood.

Once he had finished speaking, Danzō watched Tobirama nervously, uncertain how his teacher would react to such an extreme declaration.

Surely he would be rebuked.

After all, his views could hardly be called compatible with the peace sought by Tobirama-sensei and Hashirama-sama.

Yet after a brief silence, Tobirama met Danzō’s gaze. The corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly.

“Perhaps I truly did make the wrong decision back then,” he said with a sigh. “You may have been better suited to become Hokage than Hiruzen.”

Danzō’s body trembled, and his eyes immediately reddened.

He had struggled for so many years for this very acknowledgment—to prove that he, not Hiruzen Sarutobi, had been the one better suited to become Hokage.

With a single sentence, Tobirama had affirmed the course of Danzō’s entire life.

“Tobirama-sensei, I... I...”

Danzō drew a deep breath and desperately fought back his tears.

“Thank you for acknowledging me!”

“I have reviewed the village’s records. You did well,” Tobirama said, offering his disciple unreserved praise. “Your thinking was sometimes too extreme, and several of your actions were far too radical, but no one can deny that you made tremendous contributions to Konoha.”

“I only did what was expected of me!” Danzō replied, unable to hide his excitement.

“There is no need for false modesty. Your achievements are written plainly in these records. Root became a blade hidden in Konoha’s shadows, and Kizaru, whom you raised, became the finest successor this village could have asked for.”

Tobirama rose from the Hokage’s chair, walked over to Danzō, and rested a hand on his disciple’s shoulder.

He patted it gently.

“I am proud to call you my disciple.”

Those words pierced straight through the defenses Danzō had built around his heart.

He could no longer contain himself. Tears spilled from his eyes.

For decades, he had longed to prove to his teacher that he had been more suited to become Hokage than Hiruzen—that every sacrifice he had made had been for the village.

“Tobirama-sensei...” Danzō said, his voice trembling. “Becoming your disciple is the greatest honor of my life.”

Tobirama smiled warmly and patted his shoulder once more before returning to the desk.

“Danzō, I have a mission for you.”

Danzō wiped away his tears and immediately straightened, waiting for his orders.

“Investigate every asset belonging to Koharu and Homura. I want to know exactly where the funds they embezzled were spent.”

“Yes!”

Danzō answered with the vigor of his youth.

“Every ryō they took will be recovered for the village,” Tobirama continued. “Hiruzen cannot bring himself to deal with this because of his attachment to them, and Kizaru should not be forced to personally condemn his seniors. Therefore, I will handle it as their teacher. I want you to assist me. Are you willing?”

Danzō understood immediately.

Tobirama intended for the two of them to step forward together and bear the hatred that would follow.

“I am.”

Danzō had long since grown accustomed to playing the villain. For Kizaru and Tobirama-sensei, he would not hesitate even if recovering the stolen money required him to kill both of his former teammates.

“Kizaru has already told my brother and me about his plans for reform and unification,” Tobirama said. “We approve of them, and we will support him. Before I depart, I intend to remove every obstacle within the village. I will bear whatever infamy follows.”

“Tobirama-sensei, allow me to bear it with you.”

Everything Tobirama intended to do was something Danzō himself was already willing to do for Kizaru.

“That will not be necessary. Your task is to support Kizaru after I am gone. Help him carry out his plans one step at a time and establish an age unlike any that came before—a unified nation, a peaceful world without war.”

Tobirama’s tone was solemn, each word carrying the weight of a final command.

“I will, Tobirama-sensei,” Danzō vowed. “I will devote everything I have to it, even if it costs me my life.”

“Try to stay alive, Uncle,” Kizaru interjected. “Wouldn’t it be a shame if you failed to see the new era I’m going to create~?”

Kizaru had no intention of sacrificing the people close to him for the sake of his plans. He was confident that he could lead all of them into the new era together.

“Very well!” Danzō laughed, happier than he had been in years. “Then I will live long enough to see it with my own eyes!”

This was the happiest day of his life. Only the day Kizaru became Hokage could compare.

“Danzō, do you know how long it will be before Koharu and Homura return?” Tobirama asked.

After reviewing their actions, he wanted to see the rest of his students as soon as possible. He could hardly wait to teach those two fools a lesson.

“We have not yet received word from the front line,” Danzō replied honestly.

“It should only be another two or three days,” Kizaru estimated.

Just as everyone began discussing the advisers’ return, a sudden knock sounded at the door of the Hokage’s office.

After receiving Kizaru’s permission, one of the shinobi standing guard entered.

“Hokage-sama, a report has arrived from the front line.”

The shinobi stepped forward and presented the intelligence scroll to Kizaru.

“I see. You may leave.”

“Yes, Hokage-sama!”

Kizaru opened the scroll and skimmed its contents. A peculiar smile soon spread across his face.

“Kumogakure and Iwagakure have agreed to hold the Five Kage Summit in Konoha. Their delegations will arrive with Hiruzen-sensei in three days. Adviser Koharu and Elder Homura have already set out with the medical and logistics divisions. They should reach the village around noon tomorrow.”

Once he had finished, Kizaru passed the scroll to Hashirama, who had been curiously peering over from beside him.

“Danzō, move quickly,” Tobirama ordered. “Before noon tomorrow, I want a complete account of every asset belonging to Koharu and Homura.”

“Yes, Tobirama-sensei!”

The thought of watching Tobirama-sensei personally discipline Koharu and Homura filled Danzō with anticipation. He had grown thoroughly disgusted with the two former teammates who had nearly dragged him down with them.

---

They were back.

At long last, they had returned.

After entering Konoha through the main gate alongside the logistics division, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane stopped beneath the village archway.

Smiles appeared on their faces as they gazed at the village before them, their eyes filled with excitement.

Soon, they would see Hashirama-sama again.

After so many decades, they would finally stand before the First Hokage once more.

“Koharu, let us go,” Homura said with a smile, tearing his gaze away from the village. “We should report to the Hokage Building and complete the mission handover first.”

“There is no need. Leave the handover to the others.”

Danzō’s voice reached them before he appeared. A moment later, he emerged alone from a distant street.

“Come with me. Someone wishes to see you.”

The smiles on the advisers’ faces faded slightly when they saw him. They exchanged a quick glance before looking back at Danzō as he approached.

“Danzō...” Homura began cautiously. “Is it that esteemed lord who wishes to see us?”

Seeing Danzō’s narrowed eyes and pleasant smile, Homura instinctively assumed Hashirama-sama had asked for them.

Even after all these years, Hashirama-sama still remembered the two of them. The thought alone was deeply moving.

Danzō nodded with a smile as he looked at the two well-fed pigs before him.

“That lord has been thinking about you. He specifically ordered me to welcome you at the village gate.”

“Then let us hurry,” Koharu said. “We must not keep him waiting.”

“Follow me.”

Danzō turned and led the way. The smile on his face became a cold sneer the instant his back was turned, only to vanish a moment later.

On the roof of a three-story wooden building overlooking the street from the village gate, Kizaru stood hidden from sight. He had come specifically to watch the spectacle unfold.

“Oooh~ This is becoming more interesting by the minute.”

“That is a terrible thing to say, Kizaru-sama,” Black Zetsu complained from beside him.

“Don’t you find it interesting?” Kizaru turned toward him with an amused smile.

“It is extremely interesting,” Black Zetsu corrected himself at once.

“Oooh~ That is what I like about you, Black Zetsu-kun.”

Black Zetsu laughed along obediently.

While Kizaru and Black Zetsu chatted above the street, Danzō led Homura and Koharu toward Root’s underground headquarters.

Danzō himself had suggested it as the meeting place. Secrecy, naturally, was the primary consideration.

Even if Tobirama-sensei beat both of those fools to death inside Root’s base, not a whisper of it would escape.

To be honest, Danzō felt no sympathy for the two teammates Tobirama-sensei had already decided to remove from power.

It was not that he was heartless. Rather, after spending the entire previous night investigating their finances, he had nearly turned green with envy.

The combined wealth of the two households—including cash, jewels, property, and other assets—was estimated at more than three billion ryō.

Their clans directly or indirectly controlled numerous shinobi-tool workshops, accounting for roughly sixty percent of Konoha’s total production.

Most of those tools were sold directly to the village’s logistics division.

Through that steady stream of official contracts, the families behind Konoha’s two senior advisers had stuffed themselves to bursting.

If Tobirama-sensei stripped Koharu and Homura of their positions, the Shimura clan would gradually be able to claim part of their share of the shinobi-tool market.

Even when goods were sold at fair market prices, the profit in the shinobi-tool trade was tremendous. It was more than enough to sustain an entire clan in comfort.

Homura and Koharu followed Danzō all the way to Root’s headquarters without suspecting a thing.

As far as they were concerned, Hashirama-sama’s presence in the village had to remain secret, and an underground Root facility was certainly an appropriate place for such a meeting.

“Danzō,” Homura asked quietly once they had entered the base and left all outsiders behind, “how has Hashirama-sama been during his stay in the village?”

“Very well.”

Danzō slowed and glanced back at the two advisers with a smile.

“Did he say anything about us?” Homura asked.

“Hashirama-sama is pleased with the village’s development. He said that all of us have worked hard.”

Danzō had told them the truth—just not all of it.

His answer allowed the two advisers to relax completely. Smiling in anticipation, they followed him deeper through the passage and into the darkness.

At the far end of the underground corridor lay a broad, empty chamber.

Hashirama and Tobirama stood side by side in its center, their arms folded as they waited for Danzō to arrive with the other two.

“They are here,” Tobirama said.

His exceptional sensory ability had detected his three students the moment they approached the underground complex.

“How are you planning to deal with them?” Hashirama asked curiously.

“I will beat them first. We can talk afterward,” Tobirama replied coldly.

“Hahahaha!”

Hashirama burst into laughter, thoroughly amused by his brother’s answer. Once his laughter subsided, he added in a quieter voice:

“Just do not kill them.”

Tobirama gave a faint nod, his attention fixed on the passage ahead. The three were almost there.

When Homura and Koharu reached the end of the corridor, they emerged from the darkness and stepped into the chamber’s light.

The moment they saw the First Hokage—and the figure standing beside him—their eyes widened in astonishment.

“Danzō!” Koharu exclaimed. “Why did you not tell Homura and me that Tobirama-sensei was here as well?”

“Tobirama-sensei wanted to surprise you,” Danzō explained with an innocent smile. “He ordered me not to say anything.”

Koharu and Homura accepted his explanation without question. Their pace quickened, and they hurried past Danzō toward their teacher and Hashirama.

“Tobirama-sensei, Hashirama-sama! Forgive us for keeping you waiting,” Koharu said excitedly as they approached.

“Tobirama-sensei! Hashirama-sama!” Homura greeted them with equal respect.

Hashirama said nothing. He merely smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

“Koharu, Homura... you have both grown old,” Tobirama said.

Looking at the two disciples before him, he could not suppress the emotions welling within him. Memories of teaching them when they were young flashed through his mind.

“Tobirama-sensei, it is wonderful to see you again.”

Koharu’s eyes reddened slightly. Her happiness at seeing her teacher again was genuine.

Tobirama sighed.

He could feel the sincere affection his disciples still held for him, and that only made his heart heavier. Had they not crossed so many lines, he would never have chosen such a warm reunion as the moment to discipline them.

“Koharu, Homura, there is something I wish to ask you.”

The two advisers turned toward him together, curious about what their teacher wanted to know.

The warmth vanished from Tobirama’s expression.

“Since Hiruzen became Hokage, how much money have the two of you embezzled from the village?”

His cold gaze pinned them in place.

This was the final chance he intended to offer them. If they confessed willingly, he would lessen their punishment and limit it to recovering the stolen funds.

Panic flashed across both their faces.

Neither had expected such a question from their teacher.

Why would Tobirama-sensei suddenly ask them about that?

Had Danzō and Kizaru betrayed them?

The same thought arose in both their minds. They cast one another a brief sidelong glance, each trying to determine what the other intended to do.

“Why are you silent?” Tobirama asked, having noticed every subtle movement.

Homura struggled inwardly. Tobirama-sensei would not have confronted them without evidence.

At last, he gritted his teeth and chose to answer first.

“Tobirama-sensei, I admit my failure. I did not properly discipline the younger members of my clan. They used my name to misappropriate village funds, and because I allowed familial affection to cloud my judgment, I failed to punish them fairly. Instead, I protected them. It was a grave dereliction of duty, and I am willing to accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate.”

Homura lowered his head in apparent shame.

Having seen the path he chose, Koharu immediately followed his example. She too shifted the primary blame onto the younger members of her clan, admitting only to negligence and shielding her relatives.

Disappointment filled Tobirama’s eyes.

Even now, his two disciples refused to accept direct responsibility. Instead, they pushed their crimes onto their descendants and searched for excuses to protect themselves.

Years spent in positions of authority had allowed power and wealth to blind them. The clarity and conviction they possessed in their youth had long since faded.

Standing behind Homura and Koharu, Danzō listened to their answers with open contempt. He quietly stepped aside so that when Tobirama-sensei made his move, their blood would not splatter onto his clothes.

You two fools have been cornered completely, yet you still refuse to admit what you did.

You would rather sacrifice your own descendants than take responsibility yourselves. To think I once stood beside you as a teammate... how shameful.

“Koharu. Homura.” Tobirama’s voice was filled with complicated emotion. “I am happy to see the two of you again... but you have disappointed me beyond words.”

His grief was genuine. It pained him to see how far his disciples had fallen.

“Tobirama-sensei, I—”

“Tobirama-sensei!”

His words struck them harder than any fist.

Throughout their journey home, they had imagined their reunion with Hashirama-sama countless times. They would reminisce about the past, discuss the present, and enjoy a warm, harmonious gathering.

Then, upon returning, they discovered that not only Hashirama-sama but Tobirama-sensei was waiting for them as well. It should have made the occasion even happier.

Instead, Tobirama’s interrogation—and the disappointment in his voice—shattered both their hearts.

“It appears that after all these years, you have forgotten both your teacher and everything I taught you.” Tobirama’s gaze hardened. “Very well. Today, I will teach you again.”

“I have never forgotten your teachings, Tobirama-sensei!” Homura answered hurriedly.

Tobirama no longer restrained his anger.

He raised his right leg and drove a merciless kick into the disciple who had failed to live up to his expectations.

In front of Tobirama-sensei, Homura did not dare resist. He accepted the blow directly and was launched several meters through the air before crashing heavily against the stone floor.

After sending Homura flying, Tobirama turned toward Koharu.

“Koharu, you have truly disappointed me.”

Before she could speak, he kicked her away as well.

Tobirama did not stop there.

His hands came together in a blur of seals.

“Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!”

Despite standing upon bare stone with no source of water nearby, Tobirama produced two enormous water dragons. They surged across the chamber toward the two disciples before either could regain their footing.

Seeing his brother unleash a B-rank Water Style technique without hesitation, Hashirama turned toward him.

“Tobirama.”

Tobirama gave a faint shake of his head, signaling that he knew precisely what he was doing and that Hashirama need not interfere.

He had carefully controlled the power of both dragons.

The torrents swallowed Koharu and Homura, carried them high into the air, and spun them violently several times. Then the dragons burst apart, collapsing into streams of water that hurled both advisers back onto the stone floor.

Years of training, along with the chakra instinctively protecting their bodies, prevented either of them from suffering a grave injury. Even so, bruises covered them, their skin had split in several places, and thin trails of blood ran from their wounds.

Tobirama took three steps forward and stopped between his fallen disciples.

“Kneel.”

Koharu and Homura had held positions of enormous authority for decades, but before their teacher and Hashirama-sama, neither dared utter a word of complaint.

They struggled upright, then obediently knelt before Tobirama.

“Now answer me,” he said coldly. “How much have you embezzled from the village over the years? Do not attempt to conceal anything. I have already examined every one of Konoha’s account ledgers from the past twenty years.”

All strength seemed to drain from the two advisers.

Their physical injuries meant little. The wound that truly tormented them had been carved into their hearts.

Their teacher had uncovered the crimes they had committed over the decades, and the disappointment in his voice pierced them more deeply than any blade.

“Cough... cough...”

Homura coughed out the water he had swallowed before answering in a lifeless voice.

“More than one billion ryō. After becoming an adviser to the Hokage, I directly misappropriated over one billion. I never calculated the precise amount. In addition to the funds I took directly, Koharu and I used our authority to monopolize Konoha’s official shinobi-tool contracts. The profits we received began at roughly sixty million ryō per year. Now... they amount to nearly five hundred million annually.”

“The same is true for me,” Koharu confessed. “Over the years, I used my authority as an adviser—and Hiruzen’s trust—to embezzle approximately 1.3 billion ryō. Homura and I also worked together to control the village’s shinobi-tool market.”

Once the confession left her lips, Koharu could no longer hold herself upright.

She leaned forward, planted both hands on the ground, and began to weep.

Whether those tears came from remorse for her crimes or regret that Tobirama had discovered them, no one could say.

Perhaps it was both.

The scale of their corruption far exceeded even Tobirama’s expectations. He had never imagined his own disciples would become so greedy—or so brazen.

“Where did the village obtain enough money for them to steal so much?” Hashirama demanded, both furious and bewildered.

When Hashirama had served as the First Hokage, Konoha’s total annual revenue had amounted to only two or three hundred million ryō.

Yet now, Tobirama’s two disciples had amassed billions through logistics contracts and shinobi tools alone. Hashirama found it difficult to believe.

“Hashirama-sama,” Danzō explained from the side, “the shinobi world has rarely known peace since your death. Conflicts of every scale have erupted repeatedly, so the Land of Fire increased its financial support for the village. Konoha itself has also continued to develop. The economy has remained strong, personal incomes have risen, and the village now collects far more tax revenue than it did in your era.”

“Then all of you did well in developing the village,” Hashirama said.

He paused and looked toward Koharu and Homura, his voice becoming firm.

“But your discipline failed you. You could not resist temptation, and in the end, you became slaves to wealth and authority.”

“Hmph! Listen carefully, both of you.”

Hearing Hashirama’s judgment only made Tobirama more uncomfortable. Their corruption was also proof that he had failed to educate his disciples properly.

“I will give you three days. Before Hiruzen returns, every ryō you embezzled must be repaid to the village.”

“Yes, Tobirama-sensei,” they answered together without hesitation.

“Furthermore, your clans’ shinobi-tool businesses were built upon Konoha’s support and the authority of your positions. Considering the contributions you have made to the village, I will not confiscate everything. You will surrender half of those businesses to Konoha.”

The demand cut into both advisers like a knife.

Nevertheless, they had no choice except to accept it. Neither dared show even a moment’s hesitation.

“Finally, you are both stripped of every current position. Kizaru will decide what happens to you afterward. If he orders you to atone through service, you will serve. If he orders you to retire, you will retire. If he sends you to prison, then you will go to prison.”

Koharu and Homura jerked their heads up in horror.

Tobirama’s final words truly frightened them.

They could endure losing half their clans’ wealth. They could even endure being removed from office.

But prison was something neither could accept.

Being incarcerated would destroy not only their own dignity but the standing of their entire clans. To them, taking their own lives would be preferable; at least then, they might preserve one final trace of honor.

At the entrance to the chamber, the invisible Kizaru held a portable video camera in one hand.

It was an expensive, top-of-the-line model he had purchased, played with for several days, and then abandoned in his home. Today, at last, it had found its true purpose.

With the scene he had just recorded, Kizaru could hold this humiliation over the two former advisers for the rest of their lives.

If either of them ever became disobedient, he would simply play the recording and help them remember this precious reunion with their teacher.

And if they still refused to listen...

Well, Kizaru would have no choice but to arrange a public screening and allow the entire village to share in the experience.

It was beyond ruthless. He was not merely threatening their positions—he was prepared to crush the last fragments of their pride.

Standing invisibly beside Kizaru, Black Zetsu shuddered as he stared at the terrifying man who held a camera in one hand while wearing such a gentle smile.

Of all the people in the world one could offend, Kizaru was the one who absolutely had to be avoided.

From that day forward, Black Zetsu made a decision he would never regret:

No matter what happened, he would never make an enemy of Kizaru.

“Both of you, stand,” Tobirama ordered.

Tears still streaking their faces, Koharu and Homura slowly rose from the floor.

Once they were standing, they exchanged a glance filled with complicated emotion—sorrow, regret, confusion, and despair. Neither knew what awaited them now.

Their backs bent beneath the weight of what had happened as they walked over to Tobirama. Unable to meet their teacher’s eyes, they kept their heads lowered, just as they had whenever they made mistakes as children.

But childhood mistakes could always be corrected.

This time, neither knew whether they would be given that chance.

Perhaps their names would be carved forever onto Konoha’s pillar of shame.

Who can save us?

The first person both advisers thought of was Hiruzen Sarutobi.

If Hiruzen returned and pleaded their case before Tobirama-sensei and Kizaru, perhaps they would be allowed to atone through service.

Even if the worst came to pass and they were forced to retire, anything would be better than prison.

“Correct yourselves,” Tobirama said. “You still have time to atone for your mistakes. The shinobi world has reached a critical moment. Recover the ideals and passion you possessed in your youth, and contribute whatever strength you have left to the village.”

Having finished disciplining them, Tobirama offered his two students a measure of comfort.

They still possessed ability. If they could truly recognize their failures and change, they were not beyond saving.

“I will do everything in my power to make amends, Tobirama-sensei!”

Homura raised his head and looked at his teacher, shame filling his face.

“So will I, Tobirama-sensei!” Koharu promised as she raised her head as well.

Relief softened Tobirama’s expression. He placed one hand on each disciple’s shoulder and patted them gently.

“Then do not waste the chance you have been given.”

With that, Tobirama turned and walked back toward Hashirama.

“Brother, let us go.”

Hashirama nodded with a smile. Before leaving, he looked back at Koharu and Homura, raised a thumb, and offered them an encouraging grin.

“Koharu! Homura! Do your best! Making a mistake is not the end. What matters is having the courage to admit it and make amends. That is what makes an excellent shinobi!”

“I understand, Hashirama-sama!” Homura answered earnestly.

“Hashirama-sama, Tobirama-sensei... thank you for your guidance,” Koharu said sincerely.

---

The following morning, Kizaru sat behind the desk in the Hokage’s office.

Standing before him were Konoha’s former senior advisers, both of whom had suffered a devastating blow immediately upon returning to the village the previous day.

“Two billion, seven hundred eighty-five million, four hundred thirty thousand ryō...”

Kizaru examined the confession ledger and the assets they had surrendered, wearing an expression of exaggerated astonishment.

“Oooh~ That is quite a number.”

“Lord Fourth,” Homura said with his head lowered, “we betrayed the village’s trust and committed unforgivable acts of corruption. Our conduct was disgraceful.”

“Lord Fourth, we are prepared to accept any punishment,” Koharu continued. “We ask only that you grant us an opportunity to atone.”

The two people who had always behaved like Kizaru’s elders were now exceedingly humble and cautious before him. It was almost as if Kizaru had become their senior overnight.

“To be honest, your actions shocked me,” Kizaru said. “You are disciples of Lord Second. You served for years as advisers to the Hokage and made many contributions to Konoha. In my eyes, you were respected seniors.”

Every word pierced their hearts.

They wanted to beg him to stop—please, say no more.

But the balance between them had been completely reversed. All they could do was lower their heads and silently endure Kizaru’s lecture.

“Elder Danzō visited me last night specifically to discuss your situation,” Kizaru continued. “Do you know what he said?”

Koharu and Homura shook their heads. Curiosity overcame some of their anxiety, and they looked up slightly.

“Uncle asked me to show leniency, retain your positions, and give you an opportunity to earn back the village’s trust through service.”

Both advisers stared at him in surprise.

They found it difficult to believe Danzō—whose relationship with them had deteriorated so badly—would speak on their behalf.

“You don’t believe me?” Kizaru asked, reading their expressions with ease.

Naturally, the story was false.

Danzō had indeed visited Kizaru, but his actual proposal was to send both of them to the front line when the battle against Uchiha Madara began, allowing them to expend the final remnants of their strength for Konoha.

“I believe you,” Homura said. “Danzō and we were taught by the same master. Although he may appear cold, he has always cared deeply for his comrades.”

Even Homura himself did not believe the words coming out of his mouth.

“Then I will be frank. My original intention was to force both of you into retirement. Your crimes were grave, but your contributions to Konoha were also considerable. Imprisoning two former advisers would only bring shame upon the village.”

Koharu and Homura quietly released the breaths they had been holding.

Prison was what they feared above all else.

If Kizaru truly incarcerated them, neither they nor the clans behind them would have enough dignity left to remain in Konoha.

“Uncle’s words made me reconsider,” Kizaru continued. “Neither of you is too old to serve, and you both remain capable. If you truly recognize your mistakes and are willing to work to correct them, then it is not too late.”

“I am willing!” Homura seized the lifeline without hesitation. “Lord Fourth, please give me an opportunity to make amends!”

“I am willing as well!” Koharu hurriedly added, only a step behind him.

Kizaru smiled, leaned back in his chair, and laced his fingers together before him.

“Then tell me... where should I place you so that you can make the greatest contribution?”

The question left both advisers at a loss. For a moment, neither knew how to answer.

“No ideas?” Kizaru asked, touching his chin as though deep in thought.

Koharu shook her head before answering first.

“Lord Fourth, please assign me to the front line. I wish to atone for my mistakes through my actions.”

“I am willing to do the same,” Homura added.

“That would be a waste~” Kizaru replied, rejecting the suggestion while continuing to stroke his chin.

The two exchanged uncertain glances. Neither could determine what Kizaru intended for them.

“I have given it some thought,” he finally said. “Koharu-senpai, I understand your medical ninjutsu is quite accomplished.”

“Yes. Medical ninjutsu has always been my specialty.”

“Then it’s decided. You will become the administrative director of Konoha Hospital and assist Tsunade with its management. That should give her more time to focus on medical treatment and the development of new medical ninjutsu.”

Kizaru had considered this arrangement well in advance.

Both former advisers possessed considerable administrative ability. Placing them in supporting positions would relieve more valuable specialists of paperwork and allow Konoha’s younger shinobi to concentrate on the work only they could perform.

“As for you, Homura-senpai, you will serve as administrative director of the Konoha Research Institute and assist Orochimaru in managing its operations.”

“I will support Tsunade to the best of my ability,” Koharu promised.

“And I will support Orochimaru,” Homura followed.

“Good. Then it’s settled~” Kizaru said with a smile.

To Koharu and Homura, his decision had spared half their lives. Gratitude filled their eyes as they looked at the Fourth Hokage.

“There is one more matter,” Kizaru added.

Both advisers immediately tensed, afraid that another punishment remained.

“Grandpa Tobirama asked me to pass along a message. Tonight, all of us will gather at the Senju clan compound and have dinner together.”

Surprise spread across both their faces.

Neither had expected Tobirama-sensei would still be willing to share a meal with them.

This...

This was wonderful.

When they looked at Kizaru again, their expressions were filled with heartfelt gratitude.