Kakashi didn't know if Naruto still had a chance. But he knew that with Gaara being handled this way, there seemed to be a real glimmer of hope.
"So, Takemi's choice is that Jinchuriki?"
Inside the Anbu laboratory, Tobirama stroked his chin after hearing Kakashi's report.
"A Jinchuriki with such a human weakness is indeed worth exploiting. Although his identity is special, it's worth considering."
"Hey, can't you stop being so utilitarian and always thinking in such terms?"
Hashirama was a bit annoyed with his younger brother, feeling like he was as cold as a machine.
"Where's Takemi? Why isn't he here?"
"First Hokage-sama, Takemi went to find Naruto and his group, and also to keep an eye on Gaara, so he told me to come alone." Kakashi explained, rubbing his head helplessly.
"He actually… doesn't really like attending these kinds of meetings."
"Hmm, what a coincidence, I don't either."
Hashirama nodded with his arms crossed, but Tobirama shook his head.
"That needs to change. As a Hokage, one must listen to more reports to grasp more dynamics. He can't keep doing this."
"Hey, do you want him to become a cold machine like you?"
Hashirama grew even more displeased. He stared at his younger brother and spoke with dissatisfaction, "You've been unlikable since you were a child. You're so annoying."
"I don't need to be likable. When I was young, my job was to ensure the family's survival. Now, I have to consider the village."
Tobirama also became a bit annoyed with his older brother.
He put down his work and spoke directly, "Don't think I'm bad this way. On the contrary, the village would collapse faster in your hands, but I can make the village better."
"You have the nerve to say that? Is eliminating comrades also making the village better?"
Hashirama immediately stood up, but Tobirama remained calm.
"For this matter, I can only blame myself for dying too early."
"Ah?"
"Do you think I don't know their abilities? Do you think I gave them the Police Force for no reason? Do you think I did nothing?"
"Uh, you…"
"How ridiculous. What I wanted to do was integrate them into Konoha. I needed their strength. I didn't even kill Setsuna."
"…"
"Be realistic. They can't be placated by you shouting about love and peace. What you say is effective because you are strong, not because others agree with you."
Tobirama had his own way of rebutting his older brother, leaving Hashirama speechless with just a few sentences.
However, it was true. Although he intensely disliked Madara, it didn't mean he didn't know the Uchiha's abilities.
He handed over such a large organization as the Police Force precisely to divide and absorb the Uchiha. He was confident that his methods could resolve everything.
But alas, a war, a negotiation, a sneak attack—all his efforts were in vain.
He was also too lazy to say that his disciples couldn't even handle these matters.
Wouldn't that make it seem like he was a poor teacher?
Hashirama opened his mouth, but in the end, he could only sullenly remain silent. Kakashi stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do.
After all, with two Hokage arguing, and brothers at that, he didn't know what to say.
"Thank you for your hard work, Kakashi."
Seeing his older brother fall silent, Tobirama was satisfied. He turned to Kakashi.
"You are Takemi's teacher. Sometimes, you should also help adjust Takemi's mindset."
"…"
Kakashi rubbed his white hair, feeling a bit at a loss.
Takemi's mindset, did it still need adjusting?
He's even more extreme than you!
"I understand…"
"Also, please bring Hiruzen here. Since Takemi has confirmed that child, let's give it a try."
"…"
"Oh, and about the Daimyo, remember to ask Takemi to sound him out."
"…"
You two truly have no bottom line…
Konoha, training ground.
"Ah! Why hasn't it started yet?!"
Naruto sat by the river, complaining weakly. Sasuke, beside him, rolled his eyes and glared at Naruto.
"You're such an idiot. Someone is helping us train, and you're still like this?"
"Hey, who knows what he does all day? How can you say that?"
Naruto was annoyed. He immediately yelled at Sasuke, but Sasuke snorted lightly and glanced at Takemi nearby.
"Who knows about you? Anyway, I think it's good. If only I could…"
"Don't look at me like that. Haven't I already told you the secret to Purple Electricity?" Takemi, seeing Sasuke's subtle glance, shook his head and said.
"Chakra control is the key. Both nature and shape transformations must reach their peak. If you can't even do that, I can't continue teaching you."
Sasuke had already sought out Takemi, expressing his desire for guidance to deal with Itachi in the future.
From Takemi's perspective, this matter was a bit outrageous, but considering that under his influence, Sasuke probably wouldn't be interested in Orochimaru anymore, it seemed understandable.
Moreover, thanks to his meddling, Orochimaru also had no chance to approach Sasuke.
So, he didn't refuse Sasuke's request for instruction, as Sasuke had a great talent for Lightning Release after all.
Besides, Sasuke also had Indra's Chakra, and he wanted to see if there were any new missions.
"I understand, Takemi-senpai. I will work hard."
Sasuke was still relatively obedient. He nodded seriously. He now completely and wholeheartedly acknowledged only Takemi.
That day, although he was taken away, he knew how powerful the person in front of him was.
"Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, the Fourth Raikage, the Fourth Kazekage, and even a giant monster…"
He saw the destruction caused by that giant monster. It was because of this monster's appearance that they were forced to leave.
And he had been with Jiraiya for so long that he knew this 'super pervert,' though he seemed unreliable, was actually quite formidable.
Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, was undoubtedly powerful, and he also understood what two Kage meant.
But Takemi not only crushed that monster but also defeated those three in a one-on-three battle, even killing two of them.
"So strong… No wonder he could defeat Itachi like that with one move…"
Now, he had only one thought: to diligently learn from Takemi. He was certain he could personally kill Itachi.
"I won't disappoint you, Takemi-senpai!"
"…"
Takemi looked at Sasuke with a hint of speechlessness.
Naruto, grumbling, also spoke up, "You don't teach me anything, you're so annoying. And how are you so strong?"
"You learn the Pervy Sage's stuff first."
Takemi rolled his eyes, but Naruto's nagging continued, "And even if you're amazing, why are you so popular?"
"Huh?"
"Seriously, you don't look that special, so why do so many girls like you?"
"…"