So far, everything has been proceeding in an orderly and perfect manner. Especially Kazekaze's performance. Every time, he exceeds expectations.
As the actual ruler of the Hidden Leaf Village, Tobirama couldn't imagine a reason to refuse Kazekaze from inheriting the position of the next Hokage. On the contrary, Tobirama couldn't find anyone more suitable than Kazekaze to inherit the title of Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi. Danzo Shimura. Whether it's intelligence, ability, or anything else, there is a gap between them and Kazekaze. And this gap cannot be bridged by hard training or diligent effort.
The most crucial thing is... The Senju clan is undoubtedly the largest clan in the Hidden Leaf Village. Although Kazekaze is only seven years old now, when he grows up, every member of the Senju clan will support him as the clan leader. This is the political resource he has had since birth.
And in the recent meeting, Tobirama tested the reactions of the clan leaders. When he mentioned that Kazekaze had mastered Wood Release, the reaction from each clan leader was significant. Sarutobi. Shimura. Hyuga. They naturally support Kazekaze. Or at least, they appear to support him on the surface. Only the Uchiha clan had a subtle view of Kazekaze. But this is not difficult to understand.
'During the Warring States period, the Senju and Uchiha were arch-enemies. Although Madara and my brother put aside their family hatred to establish the village, these people have always wanted to join the upper echelons of the Leaf.'
Tobirama stood by the window of the Hokage's office, admiring the view of the Leaf while muttering to himself. He analyzed the current situation and pondered countermeasures. How to prevent the emergence of another Madara.
However, at this moment, a rhythmic knock on the door pulled Tobirama back to reality.
"Come in."
Tobirama temporarily put aside thoughts about the Uchiha clan, turned around, and returned to his seat, sitting down steadily. The office door slowly opened. The person who came into Tobirama's view was none other than his brother Hashirama's grandson, Kazekaze. An excellent ninja who had just been promoted to Special Jonin. Although the strength of a typical Special Jonin is lower than that of a Jonin, in certain areas, a Special Jonin holds a status that Chunin cannot reach, such as education, research and development, intelligence, interrogation, assassination, and other tasks, often requiring special skills to perform.
"Tobirama-sama."
Kazekaze quickly approached Tobirama, eager for the upcoming mission content.
"Kazekaze, what do you think of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kagami Uchiha?"
Tobirama did not directly assign a mission to Kazekaze but instead leaned slightly forward, resting his elbows on the desk, and asked for Kazekaze's opinion on these individuals. After all, he had performed missions with both of them and had contact with them. Moreover, these two individuals have extraordinary identities. Kagami is a genius in the Uchiha clan who awakened the Sharingan and has always been highly regarded. Whether in intelligence or strength, he is outstanding. Many even believe that he could one day surpass the powerful Uchiha Madara!
The aspect Tobirama appreciates most is... Although Kagami is from the Uchiha clan, his vision is broad, willing to step beyond the confines of his family to work tirelessly for the village's development. Based on these relationships, Tobirama focuses on nurturing him. If possible, Tobirama hopes he can become the clan leader of the Uchiha in the future, to cultivate more clan members like him.
However, unfortunately... According to normal development, Kagami Uchiha did not meet Tobirama's expectations and died young at the age of twenty-five. He did not become the Uchiha clan leader. Although Kishimoto did not mention the cause of Kagami's death, in Kazekaze's view, his death was likely related to power struggles. With the Uchiha's nature, how could they allow someone who supports Tobirama's policies to lead the entire clan?
As for Hiruzen Sarutobi, there's no need to say much. Before Kazekaze appeared, he was always Tobirama's most valued disciple. His father was the renowned ninja, Sarutobi Sasuke, known throughout the entire ninja world. Behind him is the founding elder family of the Hidden Leaf Village. Whether in background or political resources, Hiruzen Sarutobi is quite outstanding. Plus, he himself has abundant chakra and is proficient in five types of jutsu. Tobirama believes he is fully qualified to serve as the Third Hokage! In fact, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the Third Hokage, led the Hidden Leaf Village to its peak.
If Kazekaze hadn't come across time, everything would have flowed forward with the historical process as it should have. However, compared to the current Kazekaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi's advantages are not as dazzling. In terms of background, Hiruzen's father is indeed a famous ninja, Sarutobi Sasuke. But Kazekaze's grandfather is the God of Shinobi who pacified the chaotic world, Hashirama Senju! In terms of chakra amount, if Hiruzen Sarutobi is a flowing river, then Kazekaze is undoubtedly a vast ocean!
In terms of clan support, behind Hiruzen is indeed a founding elder family of the Leaf. But behind Kazekaze is the renowned Forest of Senju! No... Not just the Forest of Senju. There will also be support from the Uzumaki clan! After all, Kazekaze's grandmother is a princess of the Uzumaki clan. To put it bluntly, how can Hiruzen Sarutobi compare to Kazekaze?
However, since Tobirama asked this, it indicates he has his considerations and intentions. So Kazekaze pretended to ponder deeply, behaving not at all like a seven-year-old child, more like a thoughtful ninja.
"I think Kagami Uchiha is a very formidable ninja, not only having awakened the Sharingan but also possessing high ideological awareness. I spent over a month with him at the border outpost, and from his conversation, I could tell he is proud of being an Uchiha, yet he also considers the village in every aspect. Having someone like him as my subordinate, I feel very gratified."
Kazekaze answered with a serious expression. And the central idea of these words, when distilled, actually means... I think Kagami is great, let him continue to be my subordinate. After all, Kazekaze is not a puppet to be manipulated. He has his own ideas. Although he doesn't oppose Tobirama paving the way for him, he needs to have a few trusted subordinates of his own. Otherwise, when he becomes Hokage, there would be no one to trust. How awkward would that be? And Kagami is a good choice. He can even help him ascend to the position of Uchiha clan leader, turning the entire Uchiha into his political power. No harm in that.
"As for Hiruzen Sarutobi, when I just became a Genin, he gave me a lot of help, he's a very good person."