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The weather was just right. Masaki Fumori and Rimi finished their practice today. The two of them sat in the yard to rest, watching the flowers and plants, and enjoying the hard-won leisure time.
A few days ago, the first Five Kage Summit was formally held under Hashirama-sama's leadership. The content of the talks was that the five nations would sign an agreement to ensure mutual non-infringement. The conditions for signing included the seven tailed beasts captured by Hashirama-sama, divided among the nations, with the Land of Wind already possessing the One-Tail and the remaining six equally divided among three countries.
The talks were not smooth sailing. For the benefit of the Land of Wind, the First Kazekage proposed substituting the tailed beast for land and money, which angered the other three countries. Under Hashirama-sama's mediation, the other Kage calmed down and deliberated.
After much negotiation, the five leaders solemnly signed the agreement. The Land of Lightning, Water, and Earth obtained two tailed beasts each by paying money, and the Land of Wind successfully concluded with money and land. The remaining Seven-Tails went to Taki no Kuni, since no nation could possess three tailed beasts and the Land of Wind didn't need another one.
After the agreement was signed, the youth in Konoha Ninja Village breathed a sigh of relief, believing peace was truly coming. Rimi, glancing at Fumori Masaki, said softly, "Masaki, the agreement has been signed, you don't have to be so busy anymore. You can take time to relax."
"Rimi, how long do you think this agreement will last?" Masaki asked after hearing this.
Rimi was slightly startled by his question. After thinking, she said, "There should be no problem for five years."
Rimi actually thought it would be longer, but looking at Masaki's appearance, she deliberately said a shorter time, hoping to ease his mind.
Masaki shook his head and said, "I think war will come soon, within one or two years."
"What?" Rimi was taken aback. Although she didn't think the agreement guaranteed eternal peace, she didn't believe it would be torn up so quickly. Five years seemed normal to her, but Masaki's prediction of one or two years meant war was imminent.
If he hadn't known the future, Masaki would have thought the same as Rimi. Even Hashirama-sama hoped sending the tailed beasts to other countries would use friendship to ensure compliance with the agreement. But Masaki felt this wasn't enough and suggested using money to deplete other Ninja Villages' funds.
Without funds, even if a war started, it wouldn't last long. He believed other villages would hoard food and money before starting a war, making an immediate conflict unlikely.
However, he didn't expect the other nations wouldn't plan for a long-term war. In the First Shinobi War, the Land of Lightning sent over a thousand ninjas to raid, attempting to end the war quickly. This was a risky action, but they did it.
Masaki felt the war might not be Hidden Cloud's idea. Based on what he learned, the true reason might be the daimyo of the Land of Lightning's ambition. Ninja Villages obey the state's orders, and even if they feel it's unwise, they must follow their employer's commands. This is the tradition of ninjas.
"Sometimes, it's not for us to decide. After all, the master of this country is the daimyo, not Hokage," Masaki said.
"Masaki..." Rimi opened her eyes slightly. Masaki's words sounded like a complaint, but she felt he wanted to say something else.
"Anyway, it's better to be cautious. Tobirama-sama is also prepared. He's forming a troop recently, and I may be recruited," Masaki said.
After the Five Kage Summit, Hashirama-sama returned to the village and stayed for a month. He announced his resignation, and his brother Tobirama would inherit the Hokage position. According to village rules, Hokage candidates need the daimyo's approval and a vote of confidence from the village's Jonin.
Today's daimyo has cooperated with Hashirama-sama for many years, and he trusts him greatly. He had no objections to Tobirama-sama and agreed. Tobirama-sama gained the trust of the Jonin and passed the vote unanimously, becoming the Second Hokage of Konoha Ninja Village.
After taking over, Tobirama-sama made significant changes to ensure equality in becoming a ninja. He allowed non-clan civilians to enter and study at the newly renamed Ninja Academy. He also established a department called the Konoha Police Department, responsible for the village's internal security.
The Uchiha clan, distanced by the villagers due to Madara's actions, was given control of the Konoha Police Department. This department guaranteed the village's internal security, showing trust in the Uchiha clan. Their patriarch, Uchiha Kagami, was a disciple of Hokage, and the Uchiha clan felt a bright future.
Kagami knew Tobirama-sama couldn't fully trust the Uchiha clan, and this department might also be a test. Tobirama-sama hoped the Uchiha clan would become part of Konoha Ninja Village. However, the village still distrusted the Uchiha clan, and discordant voices arose within the clan.
The Senju clan's long conflict with the Uchiha clan gave Tobirama-sama an understanding of their characteristics, especially the reason for the birth of the Sharingan, which made him cautious. This bloodline limit, activated by loss and pain, was dangerous and could become a factor of instability.
Tobirama-sama's trust in the Uchiha clan was cautious. On the surface, he gave them great power, but in secret, he and Kagami monitored the clan. The Konoha Police Department allowed the Uchiha clan to patrol, making it easier to observe their behavior during law enforcement. If they enforced the law properly, they could slowly gain the village's trust.
Masaki mentioned that the Konoha Police Department was established to prevent enemy invasions, and Anbu, directly managed by Hokage, required outstanding ninjas. His seven disciples were naturally part of this organization, meaning Masaki would face threats from other countries and internal instability.
"Really?" Rimi hesitated, then said, "Masaki, I also want to join this organization called Anbu. Can you talk to Tobirama-sama?"
"Huh?" Masaki turned his head in surprise, and said, "What did you say?"
Rimi repeated her request. Masaki's expression became serious, and he said, "Rimi, this is a dangerous organization. I don't want you to encounter these troubles, so I don't agree."
Rimi was stunned, then said angrily, "Why? Do you think my practice is just for fun? I'm also a ninja. Protecting the village is my responsibility too. Do you want me to watch you face enemies while I stay safe and pray for you?"
Masaki regretted not having children at this moment. If he had children, he could use them as a reason to convince Rimi. But now, he had no reason to counter her argument.
"Let's talk about this later," Masaki said, trying to avoid the issue. He stood up and walked out, "I'll go see Hashirama-sama."
As Masaki walked out, he heard Rimi's angry words behind him. He quickened his pace, thinking to himself, "This is really bad."
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