Hashirama left the capital in high spirits. He had pockets full of ryo from some suckers that thought they were going to beat him. The talk with Riichi was pleasant, and he was thankful that the man was more apt to see reason rather than draw a sword or use a jutsu. Though, Riichi made his views clear on confrontation and anything of the like.
Still, nothing could really get him down. Even the thought of Tobirama's scolding since he was gambling, and Mito's sure to be reproachful frown, wouldn't get him down. Everything was going as smoothly as it could so far, barring any petty arguments. Shinobi always tried to come out on top through any means necessary, and this was no different.
The prospect of a shinobi village was paramount and infuriating for some, but it also shined as an example. It was an edge that could be obtained. With a shinobi village alone, the prospects of conquest would end. The prospects of forcing any single person or clan under someone's thumb was far too prominent right now. The prospect of having not just the shinobi within the village on standby, but also the damiyo's personal military force...
Hashirama realized it could be one giant disaster. The clans that came together to found the village would disperse, one claiming the village for themselves. Other clans and their kin could sway to one side or the other. It could lead to one or two clans being chased out of the village. Which would go against the truce they all signed with the damiyo.
Tobirama would put laws and rules in place to avoid such a thing from happening.
You surround yourself with only supporters, and Tobirama wants to get rid of anyone that doesn't step to the tune of your beat. Hashirama could already hear the accusation, and variations of it, being thrown around with nothing but suspicion. It'd lead to him being questioned with his motives for being Hokage. For the five steps he took that got him ahead, there'd be another three steps that would set him back.
He didn't have a decade.
He didn't have that time.
Ironically enough this brought another thought to his mind.
Mito.
By all means and accounts, she would become his wife, and she'd be a pillar to Konoha and Uzushiogakure. He wouldn't argue with her, but if he could help it...He'd marry her sooner. Right away, in fact. If he took her hand in marriage, Koichi, Tadashi, Momomi, Tadaaki, Akio, Koichi, Riichi, and everyone else that comes together in Konoha would have great confidence in him. They would be inclined to follow him and his ideals. It was well known that the Uzumaki and Senju were allies, distantly related, and at times in history, would marry. It'd just be a matter of history repeating itself, but this time, Konoha and Uzushiogakure would be at the center.
The Hokage was supposed to be a pillar of the village. Everyone would look to the Hokage if they were troubled. The Hokage would be the first line of defense for the village. For the Fire country. The Hokage would carry the burden of protecting the village, and the Hokage would carry the burdens of what went along with running Konoha.
The Hokage couldn't be someone hell bent on power and trying to make others submit. It'd go against his ultimate goal which was to put in place a system where discussions and cooperation would solve conflicts, as opposed to all-out war. If such a Hokage ever came into power-Konoha would no longer be Konoha. He wanted Konoha founded on the hope for peace and cooperation.
He wanted to do away with unilateral decisions for a few reasons, but the most prominent would be the fact such decisions didn't take everyone into consideration except those in power. When his father deemed him leader of the Senju-it was a unilateral decision. He was, of course, the first in line being extremely powerful, but Tobirama, and others, were just as qualified to become leader of the Senju clan.
The thought of forcing everyone to cave into his will wasn't pleasant. He didn't want others to feel oppressed by his simple appearance or his actions. If he declared Tobirama the next Hokage, that would be a unilateral decision. The village may be fine with it, and there may not be any arguments, but the point still remained he forced his hand.
It wasn't his sigh that brought him back to reality, but the loud clang of a fully armored Konoha shinobi carrying a spear, that brought him back to reality and from his train of thought.
"Hokage-sama."
A tinge of wariness began to fill Hashirama, and he didn't like it. He was always perceptive and could read people, and this shinobi was just exuding nervousness as well as the intent to kill, if he was sensing right. He wasn't sure what could incite such a reaction out of this shinobi except for one of the leaders who had come were acting out and making threats, that they would fully carry out.
"What is it?" Hashirama asked briskly.
"Sasuke Sarutobi and Kurou Hyuga both arrived to discuss matters...However things are falling apart."
Hashirama immediately matched the shinobi's long stride, sweat starting to bead. He really hoped that Tobirama and Mito weren't confrontational or rigid with either of the men. Sasuke would take Tobirama's pragmatic nature as an insult to his hot-blooded nature, and he'd take Mito's diplomacy as nothing short of an insult. He knew Tobirama wouldn't yield or bend to outrageous demands and Mito would never put up with the implications, and if things were falling apart...
Sasuke and Kurou could launch an attack or set fire to the Capital. Really, both were doing the very same thing. However, burning down the capital would be something that would show that the Sarutobi and Hyuga have more pull than the damiyo. It'd lead to a lack of confidence in the citizens that call the capital home.
Sweat brimmed down the side of his face as his thoughts went from one thing to the next, and then the next, before it was just noise and chaos. His head began to throb from the sheer absurdity of his thoughts, but he knew both things could happen. The Fire damiyo wouldn't hesitate to send his own attack force after them.
"Does the Fire damiyo know this is happening?" Hashirama asked, tone brisk.
"We have many spies in the village and in this tower. As of now...We are at an impasse. Should Sasuke Sarutobi and Kurou Hyuga threaten the peace here in this country again..."
Hashirama didn't respond to the man's not at all veiled threats. He knew what would happen, and for all the scenarios and outcomes he anticipated and was anticipating, he knew that something could happen he'd never see coming. Fortunately, the destination wasn't too far away, and with even more brisk steps, he practically sprinted down the hall until he came upon the room.
He swung the door open to the Hokage office, eyes darting to Tobirama-who was sitting in the seat and had that glinting look in his eyes, Mito, who looked aggravated, and lastly onto Sasuke and Kurou. Both of them shot up like darts when he entered the room, the rage and arrogance clear in their eyes, clear as the rigidness in their postures, and Hashirama just wasn't sure what he got himself into.
Dealing with the Sarutobi and Hyuga was often through jutsu.
"I was told things are falling out." Hashirama cut right to the chase, shutting the door behind him.
"You can't fight your own battles, Tobirama? Have to run and get your older brother because you're a little bitch." Sasuke sneered.
"What can you expect from the son of Butsuma Senju!?" Kurou nearly shouted. "I don't care if Hashirama is here!"
Tobirama growled, teeth visibly clenched.
"This is a discussion, please refrain from being so pugnacious and confrontational."
"Shut up." Sasuke cut his hand through the air in front of him, hardly glancing at Mito.
Hashirama took careful strides as he took Tobirama's seat, Tobirama took a seat right beside Hashirama. Hashirama's eyes locked onto Sasuke and Kurou. "You will do well, not disrespecting her."
"The bitch should remember her place then!" Kurou snapped, palm meeting the table in a show of force. "Uzumaki women are demure. This one here doesn't know when to shut her mouth!"
"It is for your benefit! Don't come here seeking a conflict." Mito snapped.
"Like I said before. Shut up." Sasuke cut his hand through the air. "You Uzumaki and Senju have always been allies and are distantly related."
Hashirama took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He would never tolerate anyone to speak to Mito in such a manner. Even if Mito wasn't demure and had a tendency of speaking her mind for the greater good, that didn't give Sasuke or Kurou the right to speak to her with such venom laced hatred.
She was only stating facts. This was a discussion, so they should be talking, not about to throw blows.
"Sasuke Sarutobi. Kurou Hyuga. I am only going to ask you both one more time not to disrespect her."
Remarkably enough, Sasuke didn't lash out in pure fury. He allowed a smirk to cross his face as he leaned one muscular arm on the table, never taking his eyes off of Hashirama. "What are you going to do about it, Senju Hashirama?"
"How dare you!" Tobirama snarled, about to leap across the table.
Hashirama raised his hand, halting Tobirama's advance in what would possibly turn into a fight. "I will remind you of proper manners."
Kurou shook with laughter, wiping an invisible tear from his eye. "You and the clans that have come together to found Konoha? Don't make me laugh, Senju. We'll slaughter all of them before taking our time with you."
"Are you willing to take that risk?"
"I have no fears."
"You should be thinking of longevity. Not war."
"Longevity you say."
Hashirama bit his tongue, wrestling with his anger. He so badly wanted to retort, but for the sake of diplomacy he didn't. It was extremely hard not to make a retort when both Kurou and Sasuke were insulting Mito constantly. It was even worse since they were insulting Konoha and Uzushiogakure.
"Sasuke...Kurou..."
"Let's cut right to the chase since you Konoha shinobi don't know when to stop flapping your gums." Kurou started. Tempted to heave the table right in their faces.
"This is pointless, brother. It's clear they don't want to cooperate towards peace."
Sasuke leaned over the table, eyes focused on Tobirama. "I dare you to say that again, Senju Tobirama."
"You overstep boundaries constantly!"
"Tobirama!" Hashirama whirled on his brother with hardened eyes. "Moving on from this...Kurou...What do you have to say?"
Kurou calmed down just a little bit, crossing his arms over his chest. "Tobirama presented us the rough layout of Konoha's infrastructure. And, I have severe concerns about it."
"Like?"
Kurou jabbed his index finger on the table. "The leader is the Hokage, and all the power has been centralized around the Hokage. That ANBU unit reports directly to the Hokage. If someone doesn't agree with your way of doing things, you could simply kill them. You surround yourself with supporters, and anyone who disagrees is either killed or ostracized."
"You're over-reaching..."
Kurou cut his hand through the air. "You think you can fool me? My eyes see everything."
Hashirama stared Kurou right in the eye. "You're not a fool."
"The point is, it can and will happen down the line. You can try to explain it away, but ANBU is the Hokage's personal killing force. You want the Sarutobi and Hyuga to join Konoha? For what reason? What do you intend to do, Hashirama Senju? Strong arm us into joining? Are you going to block our trade routes and start taking our food?"
"I don't believe such measures need to be taken."
"What if the Fire damiyo demands it?" Sasuke asked.
"The Sarutobi and Hyuga are prominent Fire country clans. Your home is the Fire country. Such tactics shouldn't even be considered. Signing this ceasefire is for the longevity of the shinobi...You must understand..." Hashirama trailed off, not sure what else to say.
Sasuke and Kurou traded glances.
"Mito and Tobirama explained that the leader of this village will be chosen through a democratic vote."
Hashirama nodded. "In the spirit of fairness."
"You're the Hokage." Kurou remarked.
"I am." Hashirama said proudly
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "You may have fooled the clans that actually came here to sign that ceasefire, but you're not fooling me. You're not fooling Kurou. Everyone has voted for you to be Hokage, Hashirama Senju. With your Mokuton jutsu you can build the entire village yourself. Besides, I know that democratic vote is a load of crap. You will name Tobirama the next Hokage. Konoha will be corrupt and overrun with nepotism."
Kurou chuckled.
Neither Hashirama, Tobirama, or Mito could give a proper response, or a half ass response. Hashirama looked conflicted, Tobirama just glared the same glare he had been, and Mito was glaring her own glare. Sasuke and Kurou really couldn't expect anything less from the Senju. They were always good with their mouths, making promises, just to back stab, making claims, just to reverse them, and always trying to maintain influence.
It'd be no different with Konoha.
Sasuke always said Hashirama was afraid of some competition and hated losing. He was no different than Butsuma, and this was all the proof he needed. Instead of fighting losing battles like Butsuma had, Hashirama was founding a village. Hashirama was trying to put clans under his thumb so the Senju didn't have to fight.
So, he didn't have to fight.
"You're a coward." Kurou spat.
"How dare you!" Tobirama snarled, shooting up from his seat like a dart, fists clenched at his sides.
"Pipe down you little fool."
Tobirama's brows furrowed, his teeth clenching until his jaws hurt. He wasn't going to tolerate anyone disrespecting him, the Senju, Konoha, or Hashirama. "I've had enough of this."
"Since I find you Konoha shinobi to be so amusing, especially you Hashirama...I'm going to let you in on a little secret."
"Sasuke, wait!" Hashirama said too quickly, perhaps to the people gathered, but not to himself. He knew the look in Sasuke's eyes-the look that showed he had possibly found something more than war.
Hashirama knew for a fact his instincts weren't betraying him.
"No. I've had enough."
"Sasuke and Kurou. All Hashirama wants is cooperation and peace!" Mito's voice rose all on its own.
"Because I find you Konoha shinobi to be so amusing...I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Two thousand Sarutobi, two thousand Hyuga, and my youngest son, Hiruzen, are all waiting for you at the village gates. They are all there. They won't be going with us to the Storm country. They're going to sign the ceasefire and join Konoha. Genzo has deserted us and is going to set fire to the Earth country's Capital. He took a force of six hundred hot heads with him. He's going to kill the damiyo, and whoever will become damiyo, and make sure everything is in ruin."
"That's madness!" Tobirama snarled. The only thing stopping him from crossing the table was the fact Hashirama would chew him out.
Sasuke shrugged, slowly standing up. "There's nothing you can do to stop Genzo. He is out of your reach this time around. Besides, Hashirama...We are leaving ourselves. The Storm country has offered a great rank of prestige of our own shinobi village that we've founded there. I will be the First Sutokage."
"I will be the Second Sutokage." Kurou said. "So...Let me ask you this, Hashirama Senju...What will you do now?"
"Sasuke Sarutobi...Kurou Hyuga...Do you really intend to leave the Fire country?"
Kurou stood up next, eyes set in a glare.
"What will you gain from doing this? The Fire country is your home." Mito said.
Sasuke chuckled. "Were you not listening? Kurou and I have founded our own shinobi village in the Storm country. I will be the First Sutokage. Kurou will be the Second Sutokage. Konoha is beginning to flourish, and certainly every noble will wish to hear of a shinobi village being founded in time soon enough. We're leaving because we did what we had to do and completed our objective. Now we have founded our own shinobi village. Instead of being under Hashirama's thumb, we will now be leading our own village."
Tobirama growled, eyes glinting. "I've had enough of you, Sasuke Sarutobi."
"I will not join Konoha." Sasuke said bluntly.
"I won't either." Kurou said.
"You mean what you did with the Domou and Subatsu." Hashirama cut right to the chase.
"Them and the rest of those clans with them." Kurou said with derision.
"Don't tell me you're feeling sorry for them. Your alliance with the Subatsu ended quite some time ago." Sasuke arched a brow.
Hashirama clenched his fists underneath the table. "Did you attack their children?"
"We did." Kurou said, inclining his chin a fraction.
Mito covered her mouth with her hand, eyes widening in horror. She could feel tears burning within them, but she didn't let them fall. She wouldn't give these men the satisfaction of seeing her tears fall.
It was hopeless in that case. The Domou and Subatsu would unite, and they would attack the Sarutobi and Hyuga without any reprieve. The entire Storm country would be stuck right in the middle of that conflict. The damiyo had to know what Sasuke and Kurou did to them. He was fully expecting the backlash of it.
"How dare you...Hashirama gives you a chance to sign a ceasefire and join Konoha. You do this." Mito growled.
"Silly woman. We signed a ceasefire with the clans in the Storm country." Kurou stated, barely giving Mito a glance.
"You've both gone mad." Tobirama bit out.
"This is goodbye, Hashirama Senju. Tobirama Senju. Mito Uzumaki. Should we meet in battle...I am looking forward to it." Sasuke said
With the last of their promise to leave the Fire country, both Sasuke and Kurou disappeared in a whirlwind of speed.
Mito nearly jumped out of her skin as the door to the room opened...
Danzo and the Fire damiyo both strode in, the younger of the duo looking pretty smug.
"Well, it seems that our suspicions have been confirmed." The Fire damiyo said. "The Sarutobi and Hyuga are leaving."
"I don't want to use violence." Hashirama said firmly.
"The Domou, Subatsu, and the clans with them will. They will certainly want revenge for what was done. The Sarutobi and Hyuga knew exactly what they were doing. They were shrewd." Danzo said.
Hashirama looked Danzo right in the eye. "I don't want to use violence."
Danzo cleared his throat. "What are you going to do then? Sasuke and Kurou have both made their intentions clear. They want nothing to do with Konoha. They are leaving the Fire country. They've founded their own shinobi village in the Storm country. Genzo has become a deserter and intends to set fire to the Earth country's Capital and leave it in ruin. There is also Hiruzen with two thousand Sarutobi and two thousand Hyuga waiting outside of our gates right now. They will be joining us. You seek cooperation, but Sasuke couldn't care less. As far as he is concerned, he can be the leader in the Storm country along with Kurou. Then there is Genzo, and he will involve everyone else in the fight just to have an advantage..."
.
"Let me rephrase my earlier statement. Will you try and talk Sasuke and Kurou out of this, even though they've shown that they have no interest in cooperating with you? Will you try to get them to stop this madness Genzo is going to pull? You should choose your words extremely carefully." The Fire damiyo said.
Hashirama remained silent for several long moments, keeping his eyes closed. "You have my support and the support of Konoha...The Sarutobi and Hyuga are an invaluable asset. They are prominent clans of the Fire country, and are renowned for their willpower, strength, and taijutsu. If we follow through on a plan to get them to stay, or even worse, attack them, it could lead to them relocating even faster."
Danzo smirked darkly, resisting the urge to laugh. He couldn't help but be amused with the turn of events. He always knew the Sarutobi and Hyuga were a hot blooded and unruly bunch. The opposite of the Shimura, who were cold and calculating. The Shimura did have tempers, but they were kept under wraps of restraint and control, only unleashed when they found it necessary.
"We focus on Konoha and the Fire country. Just like Hashirama said." Danzo said.
Most of all, he found the fact that Hashirama wanted to talk Sasuke and Kurou out of leaving was the most amusing part. Sasuke made it clear he was going to do this.
However, if Genzo wasn't stopped, everything would be in ruin in the Earth country.
"If we use violence, it will only make it worse." Hashirama reasoned.
"If we play things their way, it'll be just what Genzo wants. That man loves to fight and is hot blooded." Mito seconded.
"I don't give a damn!" The fire damiyo snapped. "They are a threat! The Earth damiyo may decide to make his move against me because of this."
"Damiyo-dono..." Tobirama started.
"By nightfall the Earth Capital will be on fire or worse!"
Tobirama looked at his brother with narrow eyes. "Hashirama..."
Hashirama bit his lips. "We must focus on Konoha."
"Be at ease, Damiyo-sama..." Danzo couldn't even hide his smirk.
Danzo smirked darkly, resisting the urge to laugh. He couldn't help but be amused with the turn of events. He always knew the Sarutobi and Hyuga were a hot blooded and unruly bunch. The opposite of the Shimura, who were cold and calculating. The Shimura did have tempers, but they were kept under wraps of restraint and control, only unleashed when they found it necessary.
"We focus on Konoha and the Fire country. Just like Hashirama said." Danzo said.
The Fire damiyo's eyes narrowed. "That is a wise choice."
"Konoha wouldn't be able to do much against Genzo and his rabble force. They're too far away from our reach. Genzo would be tempted to use his fire jutsu, and he'd give the order to everyone else. If Genzo slinks off like the snake he is, which is doubtful, his men will still be killed." Danzo said.
Hashirama slowly closed his eyes, recalling what Riichi said about there being rumblings.
"So, we're not going to stop this?" Mito asked.
"The Earth damiyo will handle it." Hashirama said, tone breaking no argument.
Mito pressed a hand to her forehead, sighing softly.
Danzo noted her action and crossed his arms over his chest. "Don't be so emotional. Whatever the Earth country does to handle that threat, Konoha can still go on, and things can continue smoothly as we've planned. We must prep, because we will get into another battle with the Water damiyo, and all those clans coming across the ocean to the mainland. Konoha will be needed. Decisive and swift action must be taken to preserve the stability and order of the Fire country."
"What are we going to do about the Domou, Subatsu, and the clans with them? Sasuke and Kurou attacked them. I do not know if they will attack the Fire country." The Fire damiyo's eyes paced.
Hashirama firmed his brow, turning to look at the noble with narrowed eyes.
"They killed my predecessor and every damiyo." The Fire damiyo continued. "They are a threat to the stability and order of our world."
Hashirama paused in his thought, considering the Damiyo's words. It was true, they were a threat, and their attack could've prevented Konoha from being founded completely. The lack of trust between damiyo and shinobi wasn't unknown. Something as huge as taking out every damiyo, would certainly have the most severe backlash.
Konoha couldn't afford that.
But the Amalgamation had been there at the coast during the Water damiyo armada and Water country clans invasion. Souji Domou and Yuko Uchiha had been there fighting their way through the mainland. They were assisting in their own way, and yet Hashirama knew that was because they had a mutual enemy in the Water damiyo. If things panned out a certain way, he could be the enemy of them as well. He'd be standing across from Madara once again, as the First Hokage of Konoha.
"We will deal with them when the time comes." Hashirama said, his tone holding an edge.
Danzo smirked slightly, looking at Hashirama and Mito, knowing they had the most feelings for the Subatsu and Domou. Through alliance and through battle, they learned to understand each other. Even if the Subatsu and Senju alliance ended, it was impossible to deny the aspects Hashirama developed and honed during his time of that alliance to this very point. it was impossible to deny the aspects Mito developed and honed during her time with the Domou.
His boisterous and deep tone, how he moved with conviction, how he carried himself as the Hokage. Hashirama was truly putting his all into the position and Danzo was thankful for it. He was thankful that Hashirama attacked his duties and did everything in his power to be a pillar of Konoha. He was thankful Hashirama chose peace over war. He was thankful Hashirama had envisioned more than just war.
With a sect of Sarutobi and sect of Hyuga joining Konoha, and the Yamanaka and Mitarashi recently joining Konoha, Konoha was truly becoming a great village. Danzo believed it would become the greatest. There was no limit to what they could do as a village and accomplish from a united front. Danzo already knew his decision in the affair concerning the Domou, Uchiha, Subatsu, and other clans with them. He made that decision a long time ago when he came to the Fire country capital, the only one in his clan who didn't relocate with the Domou and Uchiha.
"We should deal with them as we need to. We can't turn our focus away from the Water damiyo and those clans of the Water country." Danzo reasoned.
The Fire damiyo hardened his eyes. "They're all far too dangerous..."
"I can put up more fuinjutsu." Mito said.
"That won't do long term." The Fire damiyo remained firm.
Danzo hummed softly, smirking as he got an idea. "What if we put them in a bingo book? Put a bounty on them so large that every single person in the Elemental nations will want a piece of them."
"Won't that just cause more conflict?" Mito asked.
"It will keep them away from here for the time being. They are a severe problem." The Fire damiyo said in a rigid tone.
Hashirama looked at Mito. "Our focus needs to be Konohagakure and Uzushiogakure."
"I agree." Tobirama said.
Danzo could see Mito's eyes flash, and he knew she was going to speak.
She always did.
"The Domou, Subatsu, and clans with them must not be confronted." Mito said.
There wasn't a time where she wasn't voicing her opinion or speaking her piece. Danzo steadied himself and composed himself, knowing good and well the backlash that could happen from this. Mito was so focused on cooperation and peace she was forgetting about crucial points.
The Domou, Subatsu, Uchiha, and the clans with them didn't care about order and stability. They didn't care about the order and stability of the Elemental Nations. They didn't care about Konoha or the fact it could've never been founded. Instead of forming a pact with the damiyo like Hashirama and the gathered clans at Konoha had, the Domou and clans with them just killed the damiyo.
Danzo had no sympathy for them. It was unfortunate, but Sasuke and Kurou were on a mission, and they completed it. Rather than signing a ceasefire and joining Konoha, they had founded their own shinobi village in the Storm country. Danzo couldn't help but scowl at the thought. Sasuke was never one to take second place to anyone.
"I'm going to put them in a bingo book." The Fire damiyo said. "With enough numbers, even they'll have no choice but to stay away from here."
Hashirama firmed his brow, not quite able to nod. He knew this time would come eventually. There was no way Madara, Mikito, and everyone with them were going to get away with killing all of the damiyo. They were going to put a bounty on them so huge, that everyone in the Elemental Nations will want a piece of them. Hashirama didn't quite agree with the idea, but he wasn't going to object.
Instead of making a pact with the damiyo like he had, they just killed the damiyo.
Hashirama frowned at the idea. Even he had no such notion of killing a damiyo. It's not to say shinobi didn't, there were many times where shinobi would run through a damiyo, but they were crazed and drunk with power. They believed through some means they'd gain the country. It was an extreme idea, one that Hashirama didn't welcome.
Why would they ever do such a thing?