When Tobirama found Hashirama, he stumbled upon the scene of his brother having lost all his money.
Hashirama, the eldest brother who excelled at everything, had one weakness—he loved gambling. Unfortunately, he had no skill for it and always lost. He fell into the category of someone both capable and fun-loving.
On seeing Tobirama, Hashirama immediately saw through his brother's transformation technique and stretched out his hand. "Hand over the money."
Tobirama's face darkened. He clenched his fists and said seriously, "I have something important to tell you."
Despite the transformation, Hashirama could tell from his brother's tone that he wasn't joking—not that Tobirama ever had the capacity for humor.
The two left the gambling house and found a large tree to sit beneath.
"Alright, what's the matter?" Hashirama asked, his voice returning to its normal tone despite his transformed appearance.
Tobirama thought for a moment and then said, "I've come up with two plans regarding the Wetland Bridge."
Hashirama laughed heartily. "As expected of you! Coming up with two plans at once—well done, Second Hokage."
Tobirama remained expressionless at the compliment. He knew that to Hashirama, the title of Hokage was more of a constraint. He would've happily passed the position to Tobirama just to enjoy more freedom. But of course, Tobirama wasn't that lucky.
Never mind that, Tobirama thought. Focus on the business at hand.
He then explained the two options: one plan that five jounin could complete in a single day, and another, suggested by Yuya, which involved hiring hundreds of workers to build the bridge.
Hashirama stroked his chin thoughtfully before looking up in surprise. "Yuya really suggested that?"
Tobirama nodded, his face still expressionless. "Yes. He said that instead of paying five jounin, it would be better to distribute the money among hundreds of bridge workers."
Hashirama burst out laughing.
Then he looked at Tobirama and said, "I'm not sure what else Yuya is thinking, but from this alone, he seems more suited to the Hokage position than you."
Tobirama knew Hashirama was joking. Being Hokage wasn't just about managing projects like bridge-building. The entire village had to recognize the leader's strength—both in wisdom and combat ability.
"Yuya is still too young," Tobirama said, "so that's out of the question."
"But what I am curious about," Tobirama added, squinting at Hashirama, "is how he came up with that plan."
Hashirama immediately understood. "You're not thinking of… taking it easy, are you?"
Tobirama's temper flared. "What do you think I'm doing?! It's to evaluate the next generation of Konoha! And if the kid really has talent, we could train him to be a future advisor."
Hashirama nodded with mock seriousness. "Yes, yes, you're right. You're not slacking off, and you're certainly not being lazy or avoiding work."
Tobirama's fist clenched. You jerk, he thought. You're the one who's always off having fun, leaving all the responsibilities to me! I finally find someone capable, and you can't even let me enjoy it?
I am the Hokage!
…
Hashirama and Tobirama transformed into schoolteachers. They were on a mission today and needed to borrow these identities.
The current ninja school, though called a "school," was more like a kindergarten. It was a place for children to socialize and meet other kids from the village.
Although the teachers there were also ninjas, none of them had formal training in teaching. After all, they were more focused on learning jutsu and completing missions.
The children were often mischievous and hard to control, and many came from prominent clans, meaning they couldn't be disciplined too harshly. Most teachers would rather travel long distances on grueling missions than deal with these kids every day.
As a result, teachers frequently took leave due to various "force majeure reasons."
It was easy for Hashirama and Tobirama to slip into the school unnoticed. They played the role of guest teachers but didn't bother much with disciplining the naughty children. After all, it was normal for kids to be a little unruly.
During recess, they spotted Yuya standing on a table, regaling the other children with tales of his adventures to the Western Continent. Hashirama and Tobirama were curious.
Why had he gone west? And what was this about fighting ninjas and beasts?
Wait, what ninjas had he fought? Weren't all his battles one-sided victories?
The two brothers wanted to call him out on his exaggerations, but seeing how intently the children were listening, they decided to let it go.
During the lunch break, Yuya finished the bento Mito-sama had made for him and set his sights on other people's lunches.
"Oh? Kazuko, your bento doesn't look too good today," Yuya teased, approaching Hinata Kazuko.
The little girl frowned and glared at him. "What are you trying to say?!"
Yuya shook his head and sighed. "Your lunch doesn't look very tasty. Who made it?"
Kazuko's eyes widened in anger. "My mother made this! How dare you say it doesn't taste good?! You haven't even tried it!"
Yuya smirked and held out his chopsticks dismissively. "Fine, let me see if it's any good."
He quickly scooped up a large meatball and a chicken drumstick, shoved them into his mouth, chewed, and nodded. "Hmm, not bad. It's actually delicious. I apologize for saying otherwise."
Kazuko puffed her chest out proudly. "Glad you realize it."
She then happily dug into her rice and vegetables.
Yuya scanned the room, eyes landing on another girl. He sauntered over, striking a dramatic pose. "Hey, Rou, that Uchiha bento doesn't look so great. How does it compare to the Hinata one?"
Uchiha Rou glanced at Yuya, then at Kazuko. Despite being from rival clans, Rou slid her bento toward Yuya with a serious expression. "Please give it a fair assessment."
Yuya nodded, taking some fish and rabbit meat into his mouth. "Hmm, not bad. It's a tie today. I'll judge again tomorrow!"
Hashirama and Tobirama, watching secretly from outside, were stunned.
The brothers looked at each other, both coming to the same conclusion.
Yuya's mind definitely worked differently from other children.
…
Later, Yuya returned home to find Hashirama waiting for him. Unusually, Hashirama hadn't gone to the gambling house today.
As soon as Yuya arrived, Hashirama got straight to the point. "If I asked you to handle the construction project on the Wetland Bridge, could you do it?"
Yuya blinked, looking from Hashirama to Uzumaki Mito, who sat nearby with her eyes closed, clearly not planning to intervene.
"Well, I could do it," Yuya replied, "but ordinary people probably wouldn't listen to someone like me."
Hashirama's eyebrows shot up.
If any normal child had been asked this question, they would've refused immediately, too confused to respond…
But this kid? He went along with the question effortlessly.
This boy is truly… different from ordinary children.
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