After that, the pre-battle meeting proceeded as usual.
Jiraiya didn't ask any further questions deliberately.
After all, Master Tobirama's experience on the battlefield was far more extensive than his own.
Although his end had been a bit… messy.
But his strategic capabilities were truly unmatched.
Besides, according to the current arrangements,
he would remain in Konoha for defense this time, instead of joining the offensive forces directly.
So there was no need to overthink it—he could just relax and listen.
Soon enough, the entire battle plan was finalized.
Everyone in the office gradually left, getting ready for their assigned tasks.
After all, this wasn't just some small-scale conflict.
This was a battle that would decide Konoha's fate!
Not a single mistake could be tolerated…
After everyone left,
outside the office door, Jiraiya pulled Tsunade along as they approached Master Jigen.
Offering their thanks again.
"Master Jigen, thank you once again for your help earlier!"
"Thank you, Master."
Even the usually stubborn Tsunade sincerely expressed her gratitude—an unusual sight.
Master Jigen politely responded with palms joined together like a true holy monk.
"There is no need for such formalities. As one of Konoha's advisors now, it's only natural."
Jiraiya smiled joyfully and curiously asked:
"I heard that this strategy came from you?"
"That's correct."
Master Jigen nodded straightforwardly without denial.
"Why is that?"
"Tobirama told us that you've never been fond of fame or power before, nor have you ever competed for influence—why did you choose to actively participate this time?"
"You even proposed such a bold plan?"
Facing Jiraiya's question, Jigen didn't hide but replied frankly:
[World is but the passage of time; realm is defined by space and direction.]
"War or peace, every sentient being should decide their own destiny."
"But if someone dares to seize the power of gods while still bound by human flesh, it will unleash an apocalyptic catastrophe!"
"And thus, I must intervene…"
Jiraiya suddenly understood.
He could already picture him clearly in his mind.
To Jiraiya, Master Jigen fit the image of a true monk—someone who had seen through the illusions of the mortal world.
Back then, whether the Ninja World fought or fell into chaos,
as long as things stayed within acceptable limits, he wouldn't interfere.
However, now Madara Uchiha actually wanted to revive Kaguya and steal divine power.
If he succeeded, it would bring about an apocalypse-level disaster.
That's why Master Jigen finally decided to step out personally and help Konoha by suggesting this operation.
"I see now."
"Truly noble of you, Master!"
Jiraiya said with growing respect for Master Jigen.
Of course, what he didn't know was—
the real reason why Jigen had volunteered this plan.
The idea of stopping the plan to resurrect Kaguya?
That was nothing more than a cover.
His true purpose was entirely different—to sabotage Madara Uchiha's attempt to resurrect Kaguya.
Konoha itself? Nothing more than a tool in his hands.
"For the world, for all living beings, I'm simply doing my best."
With a humble bow, Master Jigen replied.
Still maintaining the image of an exalted monk.
"Thank you again, Master. I hope this time we succeed."
"Let's hope so."
The two bowed to each other once more before parting ways.
After all, Tsunade was now serving as the head of the Medical Department.
With a major battle approaching, there were many things to prepare for.
Jiraiya decided to go and help her out.
...
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office,
only Hashirama and Tobirama remained.
"Brother," Hashirama asked, "how confident are you about this mission?"
"About eighty percent."
To reassure his older brother, Tobirama gave a relatively optimistic estimate.
Deep down, he knew perfectly well
that regarding this plan,
there were only two possible outcomes—success or failure.
There's not much point in calculating exact odds.
"Brother... do you truly hate 'Madara' that much?" Hashirama sighed deeply as he asked.
"You know me, Brother. I've always been objective, never letting personal feelings interfere with decisions."
"I despise the Uchiha clan in general, but as long as they remain obedient, I have no grudge against them."
"But Madara is different. Do you know what he's trying to do?"
"He aims to resurrect a god, to commit the ultimate taboo!"
"If he succeeds, the entire ninja world (Ninjā Sekai) will face catastrophe..."
"There's no other choice—we must defeat him!"
Tobirama continued earnestly, still trying to convince Hashirama.
However,
he hadn't yet revealed everything.
In fact, compared to Madara himself,
Tobirama felt even more wary of that brat, Shimoku Uchiha.
That kid was just too young—
frighteningly so!
Nobody could say just how strong he'd turn out to be.
If they waited any longer,
even if a god resurrected, whether they could defeat him would be questionable!
...
"Ahh!"
"Madara definitely went too far this time. I'll do my best to stop him."
Hashirama finally gave his assurance, slightly calming Tobirama.
"Oh right, Tobirama. What are your thoughts on Master Jigen?"
Tobirama paused briefly before replying:
"To be honest, had I not seen his strength firsthand, I wouldn't have agreed to ally with Master Jigen at all."
A few days ago, he tested Master Jigen's strength against his older brother.
They ended up in a stalemate!
Even though it was Hashirama reincarnated using Yamato's body,
his power came extremely close to his prime form.
And yet Master Jigen managed to match him evenly, proving just how terrifying his strength really was!
That was precisely why Tobirama agreed to ally with Master Jigen.
After all, even with him and his older brother combined being capable of rivaling Lord Madara,
they couldn't defeat him quickly.
But now with Master Jigen joining them—
the tide of victory would turn decisively in their favor.
This was also why Tobirama was in such a rush to destroy Akatsuki.
Because no one knew
how much stronger that ambitious bastard Madara might become
or how much more power he'd gain.
It was imperative to defeat him and shatter his plans as soon as possible!
"Still, Brother..." Hashirama hesitated slightly, suspicion evident in his tone.
"I've noticed something strange about him."
"Lately, whenever he has free time, he keeps staring at Tsunade..."
"He's already quite old... you think—he might be into inappropriate things?"
Tobirama frowned warily.
Xiao Gang is his beloved disciple. How could he not care?
"Elder Brother, don't read too much into it."
"Even if there's something off about him."
"For now, our goals still align."
"As for the plan to take down Akatsuki, he seems even more serious about it than we are..."
"If there's any issue, we'll handle it after this plan concludes!"
"I'll keep a close watch on him."
Tobirama replied, his gaze distant.
He'd always been sharper than his older brother. How could he miss Jigen's odd behavior?
In fact, from their very first encounter,
Tobirama had clearly sensed that fleeting killing intent directed toward himself!
They were both sly old foxes. Neither was easy to fool...
But he understood what truly mattered right now.
Therefore, instead of digging deeper into Jigen's identity, he simply remained cautiously vigilant.
Jigen wanted to use Konoha's power to sabotage Madara's [Eye of the Moon Plan].
And Tobirama wanted to use Jigen's hands to eliminate the threat posed by Akatsuki and Madara.
Who'll end up on top in the end?
That all depends on who proves more skillful...
"You're right. Maybe I'm just being paranoid."
Hashirama said, rubbing his head, no longer dwelling on Jigen.
Instead, he continued asking:
"One last thing—your plan won't be exposed, right?"
In response, Tobirama immediately assured:
"Elder Brother, rest easy!"
"In our village, only a handful of us know about it."
"As for the Third Tsuchikage Onoki of Iwagakure and the Kazekage of Sunagakure, I personally wrote letters encoded within heavily encrypted scrolls and had them delivered directly into their hands."
"And I warned them not to share the contents with anyone else."
"So, all things considered, no more than fifteen people even know about the plan."
"There should absolutely be no risk of leakage!"
Unfortunately, Tobirama had no idea at that moment—
just a few days earlier,
when his personal scroll reached the hands of the Third Tsuchikage Onoki of Iwagakure Village,
another figure clad in dark red armor stood beside Onoki, reading the entire secret letter with obvious pleasure—Aying.
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