"Big Brother, what is there to rush about with those piles of lumber?"
"The most important thing right now is to settle who holds the leader's title."
"And you say I'm the one not doing my job. I'm doing this for you, for the Senju, for this village."
Senju Tobirama raged inwardly, face dark, then forced his skyrocketing blood pressure down.
My big brother is a softheaded idealist. Fine. I accept it.
"Big Brother, the village is newborn and hearts are unsettled. We need a figurehead now, so everyone can calm down and march as one toward the future."
"I'm not targeting the Uchiha. I promised you I would regard them as comrades, and I won't break my word."
"For the village's long-term good, this must be decided now."
Arms folded, Tobirama reined in his temper and patiently guided his brother step by step. On Big Brother's account he could grudgingly treat the Uchiha as comrades—comrades to be watched with care at all times.
His proposal came from public spirit.
For any clan, any village, any nation, at its founding the first task is to decide who leads.
With a leader, authority unifies and the fragile alliance won't splinter apart.
Hashirama studied Tobirama's grave expression, then nodded and considered it seriously.
For years Tobirama had shouldered the hidden labor of the Senju's affairs, the dirty and the heavy both. Hashirama's role was to inspire the clan and face the enemy. In planning and building, Tobirama's voice carried weight.
After thinking it over, Hashirama admitted Tobirama had a point.
"Tobirama, if that's so, for the village's future… we should indeed choose a leader first."
"Good. That's more like it."
Tobirama nodded. His brother might be a bit dense, but at least he listened.
If he listens, there is hope.
For the village's sake, Big Brother must become leader, and I'll serve as his right hand.
As for those innately evil Uchiha, let them live under Senju leadership.
"Tobirama… then let's have Madara take the lead."
While Tobirama was sketching out the plan to set Big Brother at the top, Hashirama spoke first.
Who was most qualified?
I, Senju Hashirama, nominate Uchiha Madara.
"What?"
"Big Brother, is this a joke?"
Tobirama's face changed color. The younger brother was ready to fight to the death, and the elder surrendered first.
Let Madara lead?
That brain of yours actually thought of this?
That piece of vermin—does he know how to run a village?
Handing the reins to that dangerous clan would only drag the Senju down.
How could this be allowed?
"I'm not joking, Tobirama."
"I believe Madara can do it. And you know I'm not suited to administration. Let him be leader."
Hashirama spoke in all seriousness. He was good at fighting, not at governing. He hadn't even managed the Senju's internal affairs well; how could he now steer a village. Let Madara do it—he would succeed.
"…"
Tobirama's eyes bulged, breath growing tight.
Big Brother.
Say it. Is Madara the only one in your heart now, and I no longer your brother?
If you can't govern, I can assist you. Just like with the Senju before. Keep being the hands-off chief.
I'll keep the village in order. Even those innately evil Uchiha—I have plenty of ways to handle them.
"Big Brother… I… I can assist you."
"I know, but, Tobirama…"
"If Madara is leader, you can assist him as well."
Hashirama said it without noticing how ugly Tobirama's expression had grown.
"Me? Senju Tobirama, assist the innately evil Uchiha Madara?"
He hadn't imagined his brother could say such a thing, and his catchphrase slipped out again—innately evil.
He was the Senju's number two, yet Big Brother wanted him to serve Madara?
What a joke.
And have you forgotten something vital? I killed Madara's brother Izuna with the Flying Thunder God Technique. If I ever end up alone with Madara and he remembers his brother, what then.
"Hey, Tobirama, there you go again with that phrase. Innately evil."
"Words that harm unity should not be said."
Hashirama corrected him quickly. The clans had just shaken hands. How could he describe the Uchiha that way—especially not my dearest Madara.
Annoying little brother. I'm pleased you'll regard them as comrades, but your prejudice makes me unhappy.
That attitude must change.
"I get it, I get it."
Tobirama was helpless. He was trying to discuss the village's future, and his brother nitpicked these trifles. The Sharingan isn't evil?
Worst of all, he won't follow guidance.
Recommending Madara as leader—was my meaning not obvious enough. Big Brother, I want you to lead. Do you need me to spell it out.
"Big Brother, my stance is clear. Uchiha Madara is less suited to lead this village than you."
"It isn't just me. The entire Senju feel the same."