Chapter 186: Tobirama Senju — I Became the Second Hokage, Only to Make a Wedding Robe for the Uchiha Clan?!
The First Mizukage was still hesitant.
Uchiha Makoto thought the time was right, so he spoke slowly again:
"In this world, only the strong survive. Mizukage, instead of worrying about others, shouldn't you worry more about yourself?"
"Our two nations together have enough power to divide the seas around us. As for the Land of Fire—whether it's the daimyo or the nobles—both Konoha and I are already prepared. The only one left is the Land of Water. As long as we can withstand the initial pressure, the benefits afterward will be obvious."
His words carried both threat and temptation, perfectly manipulating the First Mizukage's hesitation.
After all, the current negotiations were not going well.
If the Hidden Mist wanted to resolve its feud with the Hidden Rock, it needed the support of both Konoha and Akatsuki Village.
But the terms Uchiha Makoto proposed—pushing them forward now—would surely cause controversy.
The Land of Water didn't have the same vast wealth or strength as the Land of Fire, which controlled the most fertile lands of the shinobi world. Still, though small and scattered across the sea, the Land of Water's united islands couldn't be underestimated.
If the Land of Water soured its relations with neighboring countries and triggered a regional blockade, the consequences would be dire—perhaps even costing the Mizukage his position.
Yet, in the long run, the benefits would be significant—a high-risk, high-reward deal.
If Konoha and Akatsuki Village shared some of the burden, it might be manageable.
That was what the First Mizukage thought.
In the end, he nodded in agreement.
Uchiha Makoto then casually added a "small, reasonable request" — ownership of the scattered bird-dropping islands across the sea.
He wanted these islets designated as Akatsuki Village's civilian supply bases.
The First Mizukage remembered the barren little islands Uchiha Makoto mentioned.
Fishermen from the Land of Water occasionally took shelter on them during storms, but most of the time, they were desolate, forgotten places. If Makoto hadn't brought them up, the Mizukage might never have remembered they existed. Naturally, he didn't refuse the request.
"But, Light Shadow," he said, "I've agreed to all these terms. How will you deal with the Hidden Rock?"
"Hmph. Mizukage, let me ask you—if Akatsuki Village can handle the Hidden Cloud, why couldn't it handle the Hidden Rock?"
"But your banner is peace and justice in the shinobi world!"
"Even so, a chunin from Akatsuki can disappear right in front of the Hidden Rock's gates."
"Lord Light Shadow, you are truly extraordinary."
The First Mizukage finally turned to the main topic: he hoped Akatsuki and Konoha would quickly help him settle things with the Hidden Rock. He didn't want to drag it out. But the plan Makoto suggested was… intimidating.
Though his words sounded boastful, considering Makoto's past actions, the Mizukage couldn't rule out the possibility.
Soon, Makoto changed his tone.
He was only bluffing—how could he be foolish enough to start a war with the Hidden Rock over the Hidden Mist? Unless he'd gone mad!
"Hahaha, I'm joking! Of course, I'll use reason to persuade the Hidden Rock to end the talks peacefully. Right, Tobirama?"
"Hmph."
Tobirama Senju didn't reply—just gave a cold snort.
Deep down, he believed this cunning Uchiha brat might actually use such an excuse to start a war someday.
After receiving Makoto's assurances, the Mizukage continued to negotiate details about the Mist's bottom line, while Makoto took the opportunity to bring up the concept of a Six Kage Conference.
Their talk went smoothly.
After half an hour, the Mizukage left satisfied.
Only Makoto and Tobirama remained.
Tobirama finally spoke:
"Uchiha Makoto, you're not seriously planning to use something like a 'missing ninja incident' as an excuse to start a war, are you?"
"Tobirama, your biggest flaw is that you can't pretend to be ignorant."
"Can't help it. It's how I was born. And I'm telling you, I won't let you do as you please with something like that!"
"I was just joking—such an excuse is too crude anyway."
(Tch… compared to a 'missing ninja,' a better excuse would be… say, 'weapons of mass destruction.')
---
The next day — Akatsuki Village, Six Kage Building
The negotiations were about to begin.
The First Tsuchikage seemed distracted, for earlier that day, Uchiha Makoto and Tobirama had privately met with him.
"Tsuchikage, for the sake of peace, I think it's time to make some concessions—just like when you stopped Akatsuki from going to war with the Hidden Cloud."
"I've already spoken with the Mizukage. He's willing to slightly increase the compensation, but the other two terms are non-negotiable. Unless the Hidden Rock can win a war against the Mist—and you know that's unlikely—this is the best possible outcome. You just can't swallow your pride right now."
"But look at this building," Makoto gestured. "I named it the Six Kage Hall. I plan to form a council called the Six Kage Conference, where all major shinobi matters will be decided collectively. During the next Rock–Mist conflict, Akatsuki and Konoha will still support you."
He spoke at length—mixing threats with promises, dangling the dream of the Six Kage Conference, and handing out a few empty assurances.
The First Tsuchikage grew increasingly uncomfortable, but reality was harsh.
What couldn't be gained on the battlefield couldn't be won at the negotiating table either. Having the Mist take the blame and pay compensation was already a victory. Demanding more would only restart the war.
Makoto then handed the choice to the Tsuchikage—trusting he was wise enough to see that this was the best possible moment to end things peacefully.
If he pushed further and provoked the Mist again, everything would collapse.
The talks resumed.
This time, the mood was far calmer than before.
After hours of back-and-forth, the First Tsuchikage relented and accepted the Mist's final offer—monetary compensation.
"The Mist's proposal. Please review it."
"No objections."
"Good. And the Mist?"
"No objections either."
Overnight, both sides' attitudes had changed dramatically.
Every faction present could tell—Akatsuki and Konoha had clearly played a decisive role.
Their influence was terrifying.
At the end of the meeting, Uchiha Makoto seized the moment and publicly announced the creation of the Six Kage Conference.
"Everyone, the shinobi world needs a platform that is fair, just, and transparent to handle disputes.
If we can abandon endless blood feuds and seek peaceful resolution, then perhaps one day, our children won't have to be born into war, grow up in hatred, and die in battle. I truly hope this conference can bring change."
"From this day, Akatsuki Village and Konoha will jointly establish the Six Kage Conference!"
The announcement caused an uproar.
It was clear this new organization would reshape the entire shinobi world.
Some viewed Akatsuki and Konoha as benevolent leaders—"Our dear fathers!"—while others hesitated.
Regardless, this negotiation marked a historic step: peace had been achieved, and war had been averted.
Even skeptics had to admit—having order was better than having none at all.
Hashirama's political legacy, though often criticized, was undeniably progress.
If the Six Kage Conference became a true institution, it would serve as a governing body for the entire shinobi world—perhaps not ending war, but at least restraining the great villages from bullying the small.
Both the Mist and Rock accepted it—after all, they stood to benefit as founding members of this new order.
Over the next few days, Akatsuki gained several eager new "followers"—or rather, minor ninja factions eager to align themselves with Makoto's power.
Makoto, however, only signed trade deals with them. "We can do business," he said, "but alliance? You think you're Uzumaki?"
Though some were disappointed, the Hidden Waterfall's praise of Akatsuki persuaded them to sign anyway.
It was, after all, just the beginning.
Soon, all factions—including the Mist and the Rock—departed Akatsuki Village.
But before the First Tsuchikage and Mizukage left, Makoto and Tobirama invited them to a private secret meeting—to finalize the framework of the Six Kage Conference.
They drafted a rough charter, balancing each village's interests.
"Don't worry, Light Shadow," said the Tsuchikage. "I'll relay every word of this meeting to the Raikage. This is for the good of the shinobi world."
Indeed, no one wanted another war—not after centuries of bloodshed.
"Mm. We'll do our best to make it happen," the Mizukage added.
Only the Sand Village remained uninvolved.
When the secret meeting ended, both the Tsuchikage and Mizukage departed to rally their own nations—the former to persuade the Raikage, the latter to coordinate with the Fire Daimyo for maritime division plans.
Once everyone had left, only Tobirama remained.
Though Konoha and Akatsuki were allies, Tobirama had no reason to stay long.
Yet this mission had brought them closer—Makoto handling diplomacy, Tobirama managing tactics. They worked seamlessly, and their relationship improved noticeably. Tobirama even drew his kunai less often.
To celebrate, Makoto invited him home for a family dinner.
"Lord Tobirama, welcome," said Uzumaki Tsubaki, heavily pregnant.
"My apologies for intruding," Tobirama replied politely. For once, even his stoic face softened with a faint smile.
The dinner went smoothly—mostly.
Uzumaki Tsubaki chatted cheerfully, while the two men avoided discussing politics.
"When the children are born," she said with a smile, "they should grow up together—after all, childhood bonds make the best marriages."
"…"
"I'm really looking forward to it."
"So am I!" Makoto laughed. "Maybe my son will become the Light Shadow, and Hashirama's granddaughter will become the Hokage! Wouldn't that be wonderful? What do you think, Tobirama?"
"…"
The air grew awkward.
But Tobirama's blank face revealed nothing.
He just drank his sake quietly, tasting its bitterness.
(Why do I feel like even becoming the Second Hokage means I'm just making a wedding robe for the Uchiha?!)
(End of Chapter)