“Damn it, who leaked the information?!”
In the Hokage Office, Senju Tobirama sat at his desk with a grim expression.
After Hashirama’s death, he had immediately sealed off the information, and almost no one knew about it.
Yet, on the very next day, news of Senju Hashirama’s death spread throughout Konoha.
Not only the Village, but it had even spread throughout the entire Ninja World!
The clan heads of various families all came to him to inquire about the news.
Senju Tobirama could only declare that the news of Hashirama’s death was false.
“He has already retired and is at home taking care of his granddaughter.”
Senju Tobirama understood that this matter couldn’t be kept secret for long, and he had to prepare before it was fully exposed.
If his prediction was correct, other countries were already stirring.
Those Kage would definitely send a large number of spies to Konoha to gather information.
If they knew the news was true, they would undoubtedly launch a war without hesitation.
He had originally thought that the news of his elder brother’s death could be concealed for some time, but the leaked information spreading throughout the Ninja World completely disrupted his plans.
Senju Tobirama could only create the illusion that Senju Hashirama was still alive, hoping to buy more time for development.
“Go call Renye-kun over.” Senju Tobirama said to the corner.
“Yes!” A Ninja wearing an animal mask on his face left the office.
This was an organization he established after becoming Hokage, named Anbu.
The initial purpose of establishing Anbu was to consolidate the Hokage’s authority.
Under the current system, the Hokage could mobilize the combat power of Ninja families during wartime but could not directly control them.
Essentially, Ninja still obeyed their clan heads, not the Hokage.
So, Senju Tobirama established Anbu, an absolutely reliable Ninja army that the Hokage could control.
Because the Uchiha Clan had established the Konoha Military Police Force in the Village.
The Uchiha were already a large clan, and coupled with their law enforcement power, this made other families feel uneasy.
Senju Tobirama used this sentiment to establish Anbu and recruited Ninja from various families.
Anbu members wore masks, acted covertly, and severed ties with their original families, and over time, they only pledged loyalty to the Hokage.
………………
“Uncle, I’m here.” Renye pushed the door open and entered.
“Kid, the information has been leaked.” Senju Tobirama rubbed his brow.
This matter was clearly sealed off, so how could it be exposed so quickly?
If it had been a long time and someone had discovered clues, that would be one thing.
But this was only the second day!
He had already locked up and interrogated the people involved in this matter.
Ultimately, it was discovered that they were not the ones who leaked the information…
Now, only three people had not been interrogated.
Uzumaki Mito, Tsunade, and Renye.
Senju Tobirama didn’t think they would leak the information, so he didn’t interrogate the three of them.
“I know, what should we do now?” Renye asked.
On his way here, he had already heard villagers spreading the news of Senju Hashirama’s death, so he knew this matter had been exposed.
As things stood, if the matter couldn’t be suppressed, Konoha would be in trouble.
“The matter won’t be kept secret for long…” Senju Tobirama’s expression was grim, “Spies from other countries might already be on their way.”
“During this time, you will lead your squad to strengthen patrols of the Village, and absolutely no spies must be allowed to enter.”
He couldn’t directly implement large-scale alerts, as that would make other countries aware that Konoha was hiding something.
He could only use this method to delay the time until the major Ninja Villages knew the truth.
In Senju Tobirama’s view, this war was unavoidable.
Faced with the Land of Fire’s rich land, almost no country could resist.
Unless he surrendered without a fight and chose to cede land and pay reparations.
Senju Tobirama would absolutely not do that!
Even if it meant dying in battle, he would not surrender.
As long as the door to surrender was opened, Konoha Village would be completely finished!
“Let Hiruzen and the others patrol the Village with you.” Senju Tobirama added.
He remembered that Hiruzen’s squad had just returned from a mission a while ago.
With their strength, patrolling the Village was sufficient.
Konoha Village had a sensing barrier, and the sensing team was responsible for sensing and, upon discovering spies infiltrating the Village, could have Renye and others go to capture them.
“I understand, Uncle.” Renye turned to leave.
“Oh, right…” Senju Tobirama suddenly called out to him, “Don’t tell anyone about my elder brother’s matter.”
Renye’s footsteps paused, and he softly replied, “Mm.”
Even if Senju Tobirama didn’t remind him, he wouldn’t say anything.
The fewer people who knew the truth, the better.
After Renye left, Senju Tobirama went to the window, looking at the prosperous Konoha, not knowing what he was thinking.
“Elder brother, I will not allow anyone to destroy the Village you established.”
“Give the order, Konoha will prepare for war!”
——————
“Renye-kun, is the news about Shodai(1st)-sama true?”
At the Konoha training ground, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn’t help but ask.
At these words, everyone subconsciously looked at Renye.
When they heard this news, their first thought was disbelief.
The First Hokage of Konoha, the legendary Ninja God!
How could he just die so easily?!
In their understanding, Senju Hashirama could not possibly die.
Under everyone’s tense gazes, Renye said, “This news is false.”
Hearing this, several people couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
“Haha, I knew it was a rumor.” Homura Mitokado said with a smile.
“That’s right, how could Shodai(1st)-sama possibly die?” Danzo Shimura echoed.
“Teacher, why don’t you arrest the people spreading rumors?” Uchiha Kagami said softly.
“Perhaps Uncle has his own considerations.” Renye explained.
“I think Renye-kun is right, Teacher has his own ideas.” Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a look of agreement.
Compared to those who spread rumors carelessly, they were more willing to believe Renye.
“Renye-kun, why did you call us here?” Utatane Koharu asked with a puzzled expression.
Only then did the others remember this matter and looked at Renye.
“Uncle wants us to cooperate with the sensing team to catch spies infiltrating the Village.” Renye said.
Upon hearing this, their expressions became serious.
This matter concerned the safety of the Village and had to be handled with caution.
Renye began to assign tasks, “Two people per group, follow the sensing team and patrol Konoha.”
——————
“Have you heard? The Ninja God, Senju Hashirama, is dead!”
In a tavern somewhere in the Ninja World, several rogue Ninja were talking loudly.
“Is the news accurate?”
“This matter came from the exchange office, so it’s most likely true.”
“Tsk tsk, even such a big figure can die…”
Hearing the conversation of the few people, a black-robed man in the corner put down his chopsticks.
A wide hood hid his face in shadow, making his features indiscernible.
“Hashirama… is he dead?”
With Senju Hashirama’s death, there was no one left in the Ninja World who could interest him.
The black-robed man’s face, hidden beneath his hood, showed a complex expression, and a hint of crimson appeared in his eyes.
“This time, I won, Hashirama.”
