Konoha's objective was to exert pressure on the Hidden Cloud Village, compelling them to provide compensation the Second Raikage's agreed upon before his demise.
Thus, their advance towards the border was deliberate.
This delay provided ample time for the opposition to gather necessary funds and resources.
Upon their return, the journey was markedly different.
Despite carrying a significant load, they managed to reach Konoha from the Land of Lightning's border in just four days.
There was no room for complaints about the time spent.
In the original manga, it's noted that the distance from Konoha to Sunagakure is typically covered in about three days.
This distance is comparable to that from Konoha to the Land of Lightning's border.
With their supplies, the return trip to Konoha took only one day longer than usual, which was considered swift.
As Tobirama led the Konoha forces back home, only a few days remained before the third round of the light curtain's assessment.
"Hiruzen, fetch the head of the Nara clan for me. I need to discuss something with him."
"Understood, sensei."
Seated in his office, Tobirama couldn't shake his thoughts on the peace proposition Hayashi Sora had raised.
He had contemplated it during their journey.
Hayashi Sora's proposal resonated because it had brought peace to their world.
Given its success, Tobirama felt compelled to give it a chance.
His reason for summoning the Nara clan head was clear.
He intended to send young men from the Nara clan under the guise of protecting Land of Fire officials, allowing them to learn city governance from these individuals.
Regarding the Daimyo, Tobirama still needed to negotiate in the Land of Fire's capital to select individuals for his protection.
As the Second Hokage, he extended due respect to the other party, believing they would accept Konoha's protection.
The selection would involve six students.
At that time, whoever the daimyo chooses will go to the Fire City.
In name, they were protecting the daimyo, but in reality, they were secretly learning from them how to govern the country.
"Well, this job is not suitable for Danzo, so don't let him go."
Thinking of Danzo's slightly radical personality, Tobirama decided to change the six-person list into a five-person list.
Anyway, Danzo doesn't know, so he can just say that the Daimyo doesn't like him.
Could he still have the guts to question the Daimyo?
"Hokage-sama, you're looking for me?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was very efficient, and soon the head of the Nara clan, Nara Shikabi, came to the Hokage's office.
"Sit down, I have something to discuss with you."
Again?
What kind of negotiation?
If you have the guts, why don't you try to refuse one?
"Please speak, Hokage."
"I need you."
Senju Tobirama told Nara Shikabi what the Nara clan needed to do.
When Nara Shikabi heard this, he initially thought it was nothing more than sending some clan members to protect the lords of various cities in the Land of Fire.
But upon learning that they were supposed to act as bodyguards on the surface while secretly learning how to govern a city, the astute man instantly reacted and broke out in a cold sweat.
"As expected of the Nara clan leader, it seems you've already figured it out."
Nara Shikabi nodded with difficulty and said, "Hokage-sama, are you trying to change the structure of the ninja world?"
"No, I don't seek to overthrow anything. I simply desire peace for this continent."
"And what about you?"
Senju Tobirama raised his hand to stop Nara Shikabi and said, "Listen carefully. I speak of the peace of this continent, not the peace of the ninja world. Do you understand what I mean?"
Initially, Nara Shikabi had only sweated coldly, but now, upon hearing these words, he couldn't help but tremble all over.
"Don't frighten yourself."
Senju Tobirama reassured Nara Shikabi, patting his shoulder to calm him down.
"Don't worry. I won't make a move unless I'm absolutely certain. Just trust me and follow my lead."
Nara Shikabi pondered for a moment. Their clan, both in terms of size and strength, was only a middle-level ninja clan in Konoha.
Ranked above the Nara clan, apart from the now disbanded Senju clan, were the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.
Similar in status were the Inuzuka, Aburame, and Shimura clans.
What allowed them to establish themselves in Konoha wasn't just their strength, but their sharp intellect.
It could be said that every member born into the Nara clan was exceptionally clever.
Because of their intellect, the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans often collaborated with the Naras.
Some even coined a nickname for the ninjas of these three clans, combining Ino, Shika, and Cho.
In battles, the Ino handled control, the Cho focused on offense, and the Shika devised tactical strategies.
The Naras were truly a clan of intellectuals.
Senju Tobirama recognized this, which is why he tasked Nara Shikabi with organizing their clan members as bodyguards.
Acknowledging that the Nara clan members were somewhat lacking in strength, he also decided to involve the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans.
He wouldn't need to meet with these two clans himself; he entrusted Nara Shikabi with that task.
The task of serving as bodyguards for the officials of various cities proceeded smoothly in secret.
The Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans each dispatched thirty members.
Ten groups were divided into two to protect the city lords, while the other twenty groups were divided into two to safeguard other officials such as those involved in finance, iron smelting, logistics, and more.
Upon learning that Konoha had sent protection, these city lords and officials did not refuse. After all, they received renowned protection from the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans without spending any money, which was truly unexpected.
It was just a bit more chopsticks; they could afford it.
Tobirama also utilized the Flying Thunder God Technique to visit the Fire Capital and engaged in a friendly conversation with the daimyo throughout the afternoon.
In the end, the daimyo selected Sarutobi Hiruzen and Uchiha Kagami from a list of five candidates.
Choosing Sarutobi Hiruzen was straightforward. He was proficient in ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu, capable of handling nearly any situation.
However, the daimyo's choice of Uchiha Kagami surprised Tobirama somewhat.
Tobirama harbored mixed feelings towards his disciple, Kagami. Simply because he hailed from the Uchiha clan, he was destined to have no chance of becoming Hokage.
Yet, Kagami was indeed a remarkable individual, so much so that he hardly seemed like an Uchiha.
Tobirama often pondered that if Kagami weren't from the Uchiha clan, he might have been the best candidate for the Third Hokage.
Unfortunately, his Uchiha lineage placed constraints upon him.
"I've heard that the Uchiha clan's Sharingan is quite extraordinary. I've never had the opportunity to witness it before. Now, I finally have the chance to satisfy my curiosity."
Observing Tobirama's surprise, the daimyo began to elaborate.
"Don't worry, Lord Daimyo. I will summon them to appear before you as soon as I return."
"In that case, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the two Hokage disciples!"
Upon returning to Konoha using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Tobirama did not immediately seek out Uchiha Kagami and Sarutobi Hiruzen to brief them on the situation.
Today was the day when the light curtain would reappear. It wouldn't be too late to speak with them after they finished watching this episode of the video.
At precisely eight o'clock in the evening, in the Hokage's office, the light curtain appeared right on schedule.
[Hi Hi Hi]
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