"Since the meeting happens every three months," Kaizen Arashi explained with a calm voice, "you, Lord Second, are in the most immediate danger. That makes you our top priority right now."
At his words, both Hashirama and Tsunade nodded in agreement.
Tobirama's world was at a critical juncture. He stood on the edge of life and death. If he could rewrite his destiny using the knowledge gained from this chat group, it would prove just how powerful and world-altering this system really was.
And for the rest of them? It would mean hope.
But just then, Hashirama raised a sharp question.
"Wait," he said, turning toward Kaizen with a rare serious expression. "What if… Tobirama can't change his fate? What happens then?"
Both Tsunade and Tobirama turned to Kaizen as well, concern and curiosity in their eyes.
Kaizen paused briefly, then answered carefully, "If history remains unchanged and Tobirama dies in the First Ninja World War… then that Hokage world will effectively be lost."
He glanced at Tobirama, his tone regretful. "In that case, to unlock the group's next major features, we'd need to recruit two more Hokage from other timelines to make up the numbers."
That revelation hit the group hard.
The chat group's evolution depended on its members surviving and growing. If one timeline fell into ruin, progress halted. Tobirama's success or failure would affect them all.
"Then… the real purpose of this group," Tsunade murmured, "isn't just to connect Hokages—it's to preserve their worlds."
Kaizen nodded. "And to unlock the final function—'Conquering the Heavens'—we need ten Hokages."
Tsunade's brow furrowed. "Ten? But… I'm the Fifth. Even if we go up to the current timeline, doesn't it only reach the Seventh Generation?"
"That's right," Kaizen replied. "However, due to alternate timelines, temporary successors, and special cases, we can barely reach ten unique Hokage worlds."
The room fell quiet. The gravity of Tobirama's mission settled over them.
If he failed to survive, the chat group's momentum would halt, and Konoha's fate in several timelines would become irreversible.
"Then we really need you to be careful, Second Grandpa," Tsunade said urgently. "Please… prioritize your life above all else!"
"Yes," Hashirama added seriously. "Don't do anything reckless."
Tobirama gave a small nod, his eyes glinting with focused determination.
He understood more than anyone just how much this opportunity meant. The Hokage Chat Group—this miraculous system—was something that only someone with his mind could truly appreciate.
And he wasn't about to waste it.
"Don't worry," Tobirama said confidently, "I won't gamble with my life this time."
Everyone visibly relaxed.
But then Tobirama straightened and declared, "In fact, when I return… I'm planning to abdicate. I'll pass the title of Hokage to Sarutobi Hiruzen."
The room froze.
"What?!"
Tsunade nearly jumped out of her chair. "Second Grandpa, are you insane?! After everything we just said?! You're going to make him Hokage?!"
Hashirama raised a hand, silently signaling her to calm down.
Tobirama's decision was clearly strategic. He had something in mind.
Kaizen watched with narrowed eyes, intrigued.
Tobirama continued. "You misunderstand. It's not because I trust Hiruzen. Quite the opposite."
He placed both hands flat on the table.
"There's still the matter of the alliance ceremony with the Cloud Village. It requires the presence of both village leaders to sign the treaty. Since I'm not planning to attend… someone needs to go in my place."
Everyone quickly understood his meaning.
"I'll make Hiruzen the Third Hokage for political formality—and then I'll send him and Shimura Danzo to the alliance signing in my place."
Tobirama's lips curled into a cold smirk.
"If everything plays out like it did before… the Golden and Silver Brothers will strike, and both of them will be conveniently wiped out."
Silence.
Then a slow, stunned blink from Tsunade.
"You're… sending them to their deaths?"
Tobirama nodded without hesitation. "They were the ones who betrayed Konoha's ideals. I'm just correcting my mistake before it happens."
Kaizen let out a low whistle.
So this is the iron-blooded Second Hokage in action.
The man who had created the foundation of Konoha's institutions—Anbu, the Academy, the Police Force—was now using those same principles to eliminate threats before they could take root.
Hashirama gave a small, resigned laugh. "Well… it's harsh, but effective. That's my little brother."
Kaizen also nodded in admiration. "A bold plan. And honestly… probably the best possible outcome."
Tsunade still looked conflicted, but she remained silent.
In the end, it wasn't just about revenge—it was about preserving the village and avoiding the future collapse of the Senju and Uchiha.
"Alright," Kaizen said, standing up. "If everyone's questions are answered, then we can conclude today's meeting."
"In three months, we'll meet again. By then, the world leaderboard and the cross-world assistance features will be unlocked."
Tsunade's eyes shone with hope.
Hashirama looked genuinely excited.
Tobirama's mind was already calculating.
None of them said anything more. There was nothing left to say—only action awaited.
Kaizen tapped the chat interface in front of him, and a soft hum began to fill the space.
A vibrant light washed over the round table.
The next moment, each of the Hokage disappeared into their respective portals, returning to their timelines.
—Back in Kaizen's World—
Kaizen opened his eyes.
The ceiling of the Hokage office greeted him. The polished wood, the rustle of papers, the faint sounds of the village outside—it was all as he left it.
But inside, everything had changed.
The meeting was a success, he thought.
Now, it was time to prepare for the fifth Hokage's arrival.
The real story was only just beginning.
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