Although Hiruzen Sarutobi left quite a few blemishes during his tenure, such as the death of Hizashi and the Uchiha massacre, during this period, he was still a decent person. At least, he was good to Kazekaze. He answered every question and treated people with honesty. Kazekaze had no reason to deliberately tarnish Hiruzen's reputation. A true strong person does not need to smear their opponent to achieve their goals. In terms of background, ability, and popular support, he far surpassed the current Hiruzen Sarutobi.
If he deliberately smeared Hiruzen Sarutobi in front of Tobirama at this time, regardless of what Tobirama might think, Kazekaze himself would feel that it was an ugly move. So when Tobirama asked for his opinion on Hiruzen Sarutobi, Kazekaze chose to speak honestly, sharing his current views on Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Tobirama nodded repeatedly, agreeing with Kazekaze's words.
'I never expected that Kazekaze would be so observant.'
Tobirama couldn't help but feel amazed. Although he hadn't interacted with Kazekaze for long, no matter how he looked at it, Kazekaze's thinking was unlike that of a seven-year-old child. He had his own unique views and insights on many things. He could always pinpoint the issue accurately. If he didn't know Kazekaze so well, Tobirama would really suspect that the person standing in front of him was not just a seven-year-old child in appearance.
His evaluations of Hiruzen and Kagami were quite similar to his own views. Especially when it came to Kagami, Kazekaze could use the pride of being an Uchiha, yet he could also step outside the confines of his clan to dedicate himself to the village. This clearly meant that Kazekaze was also someone who could look beyond the confines of his clan to view the village.
The difference was Uchiha Kagami's thoughts were influenced at the ninja academy, to some extent, there was his own guidance involved. But Kazekaze was only seven years old. He comprehended the relationship between the clan and the village on his own, without being taught. This was a very rare thing.
At the same time, it made Tobirama even more determined in his decision. Kazekaze was indeed the most suitable person to inherit the position of Hokage, even more suitable than himself.
'One day, under Kazekaze's leadership, the Hidden Leaf Village will usher in a true golden age.' Tobirama sighed inwardly. Of course, these were just his thoughts. He didn't say them out loud to Kazekaze.
"In that case, Kazekaze, I plan to form a special ninja unit."
"A ninja unit?" Kazekaze tilted his head, subconsciously murmuring these words.
"That's right." Tobirama explained to Kazekaze, "Actually, I've had this idea for a while. I plan to select a portion of the thirty-eight ninjas graduating from the fourth ninja academy to form this unit. And this unit will report directly to me."
When Tobirama said this, Kazekaze suddenly realized. If he guessed correctly, the people Tobirama referred to should be Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Uchiha Kagami, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Torifu Akimichi. They were all quite outstanding ninjas. And in the future, except for Uchiha Kagami who died young and Torifu Akimichi who went missing, the remaining four all became high-ranking officials in the Leaf Village.
'Among these people, undoubtedly Hiruzen and Kagami are the most special.' After some analysis, Kazekaze speculated. Tobirama was likely thinking of adding him to this team.
"So far, the preset members of this unit are all people you are familiar with."
Tobirama paused slightly, then began to list the names of these people. The result was just as Kazekaze had guessed. It was indeed Hiruzen, Danzo, Koharu, Torifu, Kagami, and Homura.
In the original storyline, they were Tobirama's personal guard unit, his true disciples. Even for major events like signing a peace agreement with the Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village, Tobirama chose to take them along. And during the pursuit by Kinkaku and Ginkaku, Tobirama even appointed Hiruzen as the Third Hokage. It wasn't hard to see the status these ninjas held in Tobirama's heart.
"My original plan was to have Hiruzen Sarutobi lead this team. Whether in terms of intellect, responsibility, strength, or reaction, Hiruzen is the most outstanding among these ninjas. However..." Tobirama's tone shifted.
"Your performance during this period has indeed surprised me."
Tobirama's tone was very calm. However, these words made Kazekaze want to laugh.
'Grandpa Tobirama, are you sure using the word "surprised" is really appropriate? Previously, you weren't just a little surprised. I clearly saw your jaw almost drop to the ground in shock! And those eyes of yours, which usually seem a bit hard to open, were widened in shock, bigger than a cow's eyes. Forget it. Better not to complain. After all, you are my grandpa. Better to save you some face.'
Seeing Kazekaze just quietly listening, without any intention of interrupting, Tobirama continued speaking.
"So I plan to make an exception and let you join this team, to carry out missions with Hiruzen and the others. However, since this ninja unit is directly led by me, the missions they undertake will be very difficult."
The higher the difficulty of the missions, the greater the contributions gained. For Kazekaze's growth, it was definitely more beneficial than harmful. After all, Tobirama wanted a new Hokage who could surpass Hashirama, not a puppet, nor a decorative pillow! So even if it was just for appearances, Tobirama hoped Kazekaze could pass his own genuine tests. S-rank missions would become a routine for Kazekaze in the future! If he didn't even have this level of awareness, then it would be too disappointing!
However, Tobirama firmly believed that in terms of disappointing him, Kazekaze would always let him down. Because he was Kazekaze! Senju Kazekaze!
Even if his brother hoped that the Senju clan members could marry into other clans and gradually abandon the Senju name to fully integrate into the village, some things ultimately cannot be changed! As long as Kazekaze raised his arm and called, all the Senju clan members would follow him!
"Joining this unit is not impossible, but I have a question." Kazekaze slowly spoke, asking Tobirama in return.
"Oh? What question?"
Tobirama looked Kazekaze up and down, unsure of what this seven-year-old kid was up to. However, Tobirama didn't dislike Kazekaze bargaining with him. On the contrary, the more Kazekaze was like this, the more excited he became. It was much better than those children who accepted everything passively. Boys should be a bit rebellious, have their own opinions and thoughts. Otherwise, how could they achieve great things?
One should know that when Hashirama was young, he often... 'One should know that when Hashirama was young, he often... Actually, scratch that. Let's just say he was a model child — loved his parents and never caused trouble. Of course.'
"Am I joining this ninja unit as the captain, or as a member? If it's the latter, I hope to have the decision-making power of this unit."
Tobirama: "???"