As a Konoha Ninja, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and the widow of the First Hokage, Uzumaki Mito had done all she could.
"Hashirama, I've come to find you..."
Uzumaki Mito softly whispered in her heart and slowly closed her eyes.
Thus, Uzumaki Mito's ninja career officially came to an end, as she peacefully slept in the chair during her final moments.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart trembled.
Although he had mentally prepared himself, when the moment truly arrived, he still felt nervous.
The death of Uzumaki Mito meant so much.
It wasn't just about the succession of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Once the other Hidden Villages learned of this news, people's minds would start to stir again, and perhaps the clouds of war would gather once more...
Sarutobi Hiruzen knew well that the other Hidden Villages weren't afraid to attack Konoha; they were merely waiting for the right opportunity.
But now was not the time to dwell on these matters.
Sarutobi Hiruzen exchanged a glance with Tsunade and slowly walked into the inner chamber, carrying out a Warring States Era style coffin.
Tsunade stepped forward gracefully, gently placing Uzumaki Mito inside, green light glowing from her hands as she tidied up her grandmother's final appearance.
After the coffin ceremony concluded, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned around and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, a new era has begun—"
"Please continue to strive for the village, for the Will of Fire, and be even more earnest!"
"Yes!"
At this moment, Shimura Danzo slowly spoke up, "Hiruzen, how should we conduct Lady Mito's funeral?"
"The passing of Lady Mito signifies so much. If other Hidden Villages learn of this news, it would be unfavorable to us..."
"After all, we currently cannot be certain if the new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki can control the power within."
Aomi chuckled, for in Shimura Danzo's mind, Kushina had already lost her name after becoming the Jinchuriki.
"Tobirama, your disciple seems to be a bit extreme, doesn't he?"
Aomi sighed, "Keeping the funeral secret might indeed bring a period of stability for Konoha, but it's disheartening, don't you think?"
Senju Tobirama's face didn't look good either. Shimura Danzo's performance made him feel embarrassed in front of Aomi.
"Kid, if Danzo thinks like you, it's not necessarily a big deal, just a bit too cold..."
Senju Tobirama narrowed his eyes, "But what I'm worried about is Danzo setting a trap for Hiruzen at this time!"
Aomi smiled, having guessed the general idea, but still asked:
"How could this be a trap? Danzo as the assistant Hokage just doesn't have high emotional intelligence?"
Senju Tobirama stared at Shimura Danzo and slowly said, "You also saw Kushina's performance, her control over the Nine-Tails isn't great, that's a fact."
"But regardless of the circumstances around the funeral, it can't be kept private, and it definitely can't be a secret funeral."
"Even if Hiruzen as Hokage were to do that, it would have a devastating impact on his reputation and popularity."
"But if Kushina has issues later, Danzo's statement gives him grounds to attack Hiruzen!"
Aomi furrowed his brow and quietly said:
"Tobirama, aren't you overthinking this?"
Senju Tobirama snorted coldly:
"Sitting in that position, at such critical moments, every word has a purpose and interest..."
"Danzo's words are extremely displeasing to this old man!"
Rage flashed in Senju Tobirama's eyes. Previously, Shimura Danzo's violent tactics against Aomi had already changed his perspective on this former student.
And today, Senju Tobirama was further convinced that Konoha's current Hokage assistant had not remembered the call for unity in his last words, and was constantly thinking about competing with the Hokage.
Aomi shook his head, "It's really complicated, Tobirama..."
"The truth and lies between people seem to be a problem even the Will of Fire cannot solve..."
Senju Tobirama's face froze.
But Aomi was indeed speaking the truth. If the Will of Fire could truly make everyone honest, it would be the greatest Genjutsu in this Ninja World, not just a rallying slogan.
Just as Senju Tobirama interpreted it—
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face suddenly turned dark, glaring at the seemingly pleased Shimura Danzo, and said gravely:
"Danzo, you're being too presumptuous!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, in a rare moment of anger, spoke, but Shimura Danzo didn't rebut as usual, instead, he coldly laughed:
"You're the Hokage, Hiruzen, so you should handle it."
"As the assistant Hokage, I just provide some suggestions for you."
From Shimura Danzo's perspective, he was just laying down a pawn.
Among those present were all of Sarutobi Hiruzen's disciples and followers, so no matter what he did or how unpleasant his words were, these people would never align with him, and his words wouldn't affect his future competition for the Hokage position.
But as long as he raised this matter, if the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki went on a rampage one day, causing Konoha to be pressured by other Ninja Villages in haste, there would be plenty to discuss, and Sarutobi Hiruzen's responsibility would be significant.
However, what Shimura Danzo hadn't calculated was that not only were there Sarutobi Hiruzen's disciples and comrades present, but his teacher, who was silently observing him with great dissatisfaction!
Sarutobi Hiruzen composed himself, looked around at everyone, and said solemnly: