In the heart of Konohagakure, the Hokage Tower stood tall and imposing. Compared to the completed structure in memory, the current building seemed less refined. However, its solid foundation, sturdy stone walls, and decorative wooden panels hinted at its eventual grandeur. In time, with the finishing touches added by the Second and Third Hokage, it would become the iconic Hokage Tower known to all.
Following Senju Momoka inside, the interior was noticeably devoid of guards. Instead, there were only a few standard departments common to any shinobi village: the Finance Department, Intelligence Division, Communication Bureau, and Emergency Operations Unit. While the essential departments were present, the expansive halls emphasized how few they were at this point in time.
Momoka led the way up the staircase, step by step, until they reached a room on the top floor.
Knock, knock, knock!
Momoka rapped on the door.
"Come in," a voice called from within.
She opened the door, entered briefly, and gave a concise report before Senju Hashirama, seated at his desk, spoke.
"I see. Thank you, Momoka. After this shift, return to the clan compound and get some well-deserved rest."
"Understood, Hokage-sama!" Momoka bowed respectfully before exiting. Turning to Kakuzu, she gave him a brief glance that unmistakably signaled, It's your turn now.
Kakuzu wasted no time. As someone neither of the Senju Clan nor a Konoha shinobi, he wasn't bound by their rules or decorum. Cracking his neck slightly, he strode inside.
The office was modestly furnished. An essential desk and chair for work, a long sofa and coffee table in the middle of the room, and a side chamber for hosting important guests or storing confidential documents.
However, what caught Kakuzu's attention were the two distinct gazes fixed on him.
Senju Hashirama's warm, friendly expression met him first.
"Please, have a seat, Kakuzu-dono," Hashirama said, gesturing to the chair across from him.
Beside him, however, Senju Tobirama's sharp, piercing eyes locked onto Kakuzu with suspicion.
Are they playing the good cop, bad cop routine? Kakuzu mused silently as he plopped unceremoniously into the offered chair.
"Hokage-sama, let's get to the point," Kakuzu said bluntly.
Hashirama chuckled softly, setting aside a document in his hand before addressing him.
"Very well. After thorough investigation, we've confirmed that you're not a spy. I must apologize for the inconvenience during your stay here in Konohagakure."
"Hokage-sama, you're too kind. If anything, it was my fault for entering the Land of Fire without proper documentation. I've caused trouble for your village," Kakuzu replied.
In truth, he wasn't overly concerned about protocol. The borderlands were still recovering from the chaos of the Warring States Period. Unauthorized crossings were hardly uncommon.
"Your understanding is greatly appreciated," Hashirama said, smiling as he pushed a leather pouch across the table.
"Here are your personal belongings. Please check them for any missing items. If everything is in order, you're free to leave at your convenience."
Hashirama's ever-gentle demeanor didn't falter, but Kakuzu's eyebrows twitched slightly.
He's just letting me go? That's it? No gains from this trip to Konoha?
Before Kakuzu could voice his dissatisfaction, Tobirama, who had been silently watching, spoke up.
"Brother, you're being far too trusting!"
Tobirama's blunt remark disregarded any decorum, his sharp gaze never leaving Kakuzu.
"Someone like him… it's foolish to let our guard down," Tobirama added.
Hashirama raised an eyebrow at his younger brother before glancing at the intelligence report in his hand.
The report detailed Kakuzu's history—from his time in Takigakure to his subsequent departure as a civilian. Notably absent were records of his battlefield exploits or mission achievements, as if someone had deliberately erased them.
However, to Hashirama, such omissions held little weight. The chaos of the previous era had rendered much of the past irrelevant.
"Tobirama, not everything should rely on instinct alone. Listening and believing in others is how we build trust and mutual understanding."
"But, Brother—!" Tobirama's frustration was evident, his logical mind clashing with his gut feeling.
As he shifted slightly, the motion tugged at a wound on his left arm, causing him to wince. His pained expression betrayed the toll of recent battles.
Senju Hashirama's brows furrowed slightly as he gazed at the pained expression on his younger brother's face. He seemed to realize something. He knew exactly how strong Tobirama was—someone capable of injuring him to this extent couldn't be called an ordinary opponent.
Meanwhile, Kakuzu sat quietly to the side, watching the brothers' interaction as if observing a performance. The cunning Tobirama's poor acting was almost painful to witness. Kakuzu silently mocked him in his heart.
Given the circumstances, Kakuzu figured it might be time to reveal something about himself.
"If you insist that I've done something shady during my time here in the Land of Fire," Kakuzu began, his calm tone instantly drawing the attention of both Hashirama and Tobirama, "then perhaps… I have."
The brothers' eyes locked on him, clearly wondering what he would say next.
"Heh," Kakuzu chuckled, his gaze settling on Tobirama. "After all, Tobirama, weren't we in it together?"
'Damn it! This guy!' Tobirama cursed Kakuzu inwardly. For the past two days, he had painstakingly brushed the matter aside, using his injuries as an excuse. And now, Kakuzu had gone and dredged it all up again.
As realization dawned on Hashirama, his expression turned subtly stern as he shifted his gaze to his brother.
"Tobirama! You owe me an explanation."
The black market had existed since the Warring States period, and as Hokage, Hashirama generally avoided meddling in its affairs. The mission Kakuzu had undertaken was merely to eliminate a rogue ninja from Iwagakure—something even Iwagakure hadn't protested about. There wasn't much for Hashirama to say on that front.
But Tobirama going to the black market? That was another matter entirely. He was certain his brother's dealings there involved activities he wouldn't condone. Activities that, at the very least, wouldn't align with his principles.
Now that the issue had come to light, Tobirama felt a headache coming on. He let out a sigh of resignation. As Hashirama's younger brother, he wouldn't face any severe consequences, but he wasn't looking forward to the inevitable lecture. Moreover, it wasn't a good idea to keep pressing Kakuzu about this matter.
After a moment of silence, Tobirama wisely held his tongue. Hashirama didn't say much either. Family matters were best resolved privately, and Hashirama decided to leave it at that for now.
Turning his attention back to Kakuzu, Hashirama's usual smile was replaced by a serious expression. After a brief moment of thought, he pulled out a document from his desk and slid it across the table toward Kakuzu.
"Kakuzu," Hashirama said, his tone steady, "whatever you've done in the past, this is a new era. Everyone has the opportunity to carve out a future for themselves. If you're willing to consider a different path, take a look at this."
Kakuzu's eyes flicked over the document. It resembled a contract, with bold letters at the top spelling out the title: Konoha Integration Plan.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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