A week had passed, and the air was thick with anticipation as Isshin and Tobirama prepared for the upcoming summit.
"Tobirama, is everything ready for the summit? I don't want any mistakes from outside forces while we host this meeting," Isshin asked as they walked together the hall, his voice measured, though his gaze was intense.
Tobirama nodded, though his brow furrowed in contemplation. "I've done my best, Isshin. The situation was unexpected, though. I still don't understand how you, elder brother, and Madara managed to convince another clan to join us in just seven days. It doesn't sit right with me."
Isshin shrugged, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "We're powerful. That's all."
However Tobirama wasn't convinced. "That can't be the only reason. I'm sure of it. Perhaps you leaked some information—information regarding the village we're working together to form?"
A low chuckle escaped Isshin's lips as complimented while answering the elder Senju believing keeping secret with Tobi was not a good thing. "As sharp and clever as ever, Tobi!"
Tobirama sighed, crossing his arms. "How much did you expose?"
"Only the positions. Nothing more," Isshin replied casually, almost dismissively.
Tobirama's eyes narrowed, his tone cold and controlled. "Good. Any more, and I would've had to punish you… just like my elder brother would."
"Hmmm," Isshin murmured, his expression unreadable. Then, as if to shift the conversation, he asked, "By the way, where is he?"
Tobirama exhaled, shaking his head. "In his new gambling den. He's grown quite addicted to it these days."
Isshin chuckled softly. "Let him be. He's human first then a shinobi. He needs a break now and then."
Tobirama's gaze grew thoughtful as he paused. "I have one more question."
"Go ahead," Isshin said, raising an eyebrow.
Tobirama hesitated for a moment before speaking. "What happened that night? Elder brother refuses to tell me, no matter how much I've asked. It feels like he's hiding something."
Isshin's smirk faded slightly, his demeanor more guarded. "It's meaningless now, but if you must know, it is connected to the upcoming meeting."
Tobirama's eyes sharpened, sharing his assumption without hesitation which was quite on the mark. "Are you blackmailing the clan leader? Is that how you managed to pull this off?"
Isshin tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Why jump to that conclusion? I would never stoop that low… but let's focus on the cards we have in hand, shall we?"
Tobirama remained silent, the tension between them palpable as they turned their steps toward the Senju elder meeting rooms. There was much to discuss—the introduction, the topics, and the terms that would shape the formation of the village.
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The grand hall was with the presence of the most powerful and influential clans. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting long shadows on the ancient stone floor. Seated at a large circular table were the leaders of various clans—the Senju, Uchiha, Hyūga, Aburame, Nara, and others. The tension in the air was palpable as centuries-old rivalries and suspicions lingered beneath the surface. But today, they were gathered for one purpose: to form a lasting peace and create a united village.
At the head of the table, Hashirama Senju, leader of the Senju clan, stood tall and calm, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. Next to him, Madara Uchiha sat with an intense gaze, arms folded, his sharp eyes observing every leader, every movement. On the other side of Hashirama was his younger brother, Tobirama, who remained silent but watchful, always calculating.
Hashirama raised his hands to silence the murmurs that rippled through the room. "Thank you all for coming," he began, his voice warm but firm. "Today, we gather not as enemies or rivals, but as leaders who wish to end the bloodshed that has plagued our land for generations. The time has come to unite our clans under a common banner and form a village where peace can thrive."
The leader of the Hyūga clan, leaned forward. "Words of peace are easy to speak, Hashirama, but how can we trust one another after centuries of betrayal? The Uchiha and Hyūga have clashed more times than I care to count. And what of the other clans? Can we truly put aside our differences?"
Madara, sensing the doubt, spoke in a low, authoritative tone. "Trust is not given, —it is earned. But the cycle of revenge will only end if we choose to move forward. The Uchiha have agreed to this summit because we see the potential for a future where power is shared, not fought over." His words, though measured, carried a clear warning: betray us, and the consequences will be severe.
Hyuga's elder eyes narrowed, but he nodded slowly, unwilling to challenge Madara openly.
From the corner of the room, Nara, leader, spoke up with a calm, calculating voice. "We've all suffered losses. But if the Senju and Uchiha, the most powerful and longstanding enemies, can sit at the same table, perhaps there is hope for us all." His words were strategic, aimed at bringing a sense of rationality to the emotional discussion.
Another voice entered the conversation, that of leader of the Aburame clan. "This alliance would mean protection for all our clans, from external threats as well. The Land of Fire has enemies beyond our borders. We must consolidate our strengths if we hope to survive future conflicts."
There was a murmur of agreement among some of the other clan leaders, but one figure remained stoic: the leader of the Sarutobi clan, Sasuke Sarutobi. "And what of leadership? Who will rule over this united village? Will the Senju claim leadership, or will there be an equal distribution of power among the clans?"
Hashirama nodded, prepared for this question. "The village will be governed by a council, composed of representatives from all major clans. No single clan will hold absolute power. However, there will be a single leader—an individual chosen for their ability to maintain peace, defend the village, and represent us all." He paused, looking around the room. "This leader will be called the Hokage."
A silence fell over the room. Madara's eyes flicked toward Hashirama, but he said nothing. The idea of a single leader—a Hokage—was bold, and not all the clans were comfortable with it.
Hyuga broke the silence, his voice wary. "And who would you suggest to be this Hokage?"