The immediate problem was finally resolved.
This thought ran through both Senju Tobirama and Emiya Shihara's minds, though each was solving an entirely different problem.
By the time Emiya Shihara began to reason with him, Tobirama had already ceased feinting the Impure World Reincarnation technique. As the de facto ruler of Konoha, he had long anticipated Emiya Shihara's character—he knew the man would not allow the ninja world to descend into chaos.
Emiya Shihara truly was gullible…
And Tobirama knew precisely how to exploit that kindness.
Yet he remained cautious.
There was the possibility that Shihara's kindness could be manipulated by others. Since he could not restrict Shihara's movements, the man might encounter shinobi from other villages. Tobirama had to prepare him for such eventualities.
After all, Emiya Shihara would remain in this era for a long time.
Tobirama quietly planned to reveal to Shihara the darker sides of this world so that he would not be so easily deceived.
This era was even more cruel than ancient times.
Deception. Killing. Subterfuge.
Ninjas had long adapted to such realities.
For instance, Uchiha Madara might have exploited Shihara Shihara's goodwill. Otherwise, why would he have secretly met with Shihara Shihara in the dead of night after faking his own death?
"Come to think of it…"
Tobirama narrowed his eyes, bringing the topic up deliberately. "That Madara used a fake death to escape his brother, yet he sneaked into the place where Lord Emiya lived. There's a conspiracy here…"
"Madara is blind in one eye."
Hashirama's thoughts were simpler. He spoke plainly: "That's the price he paid for surviving. Perhaps he wanted to heal his eye."
"Is that so?"
Emiya Shihara frowned, confused. "Then why try to manipulate me with the illusion of the Sharingan? If he wanted treatment, shouldn't he have asked the doctor directly?"
"Lord Emiya is far too kind!"
Tobirama took the opportunity to lecture, his tone stern as he scolded Uchiha Madara indirectly. "That man is inherently evil. He believes everyone should submit to his will. He thinks he can control you with illusions."
"But…"
"Lord Emiya, be cautious."
Tobirama's voice softened slightly, yet the warning remained sharp. "Madara's current scheme failed, but he may attempt another ruse in the future—using lies to trick you into helping him heal his eye."
"People in this era are not simple-minded," Tobirama added. "There are always some who manipulate others with deception to achieve their goals."
"…."
Shihara Emiya merely frowned, silent. His mind still struggled to comprehend the harsh realities of the ninja world. Tobirama's words were a gentle warning, but also a harsh revelation.
Meanwhile… where was Black Zetsu?
Perhaps he was busy.
Indeed, Black Zetsu had reasons to be concerned.
Uchiha Madara still carried the hope of awakening a new pair of Rinnegan. Before Shihara Shihara could forge a new pair, Madara did not want to be left vulnerable, hunted by Konoha's ninjas. Outside the village, he moved cautiously, evading Anbu forces.
"Hmph… that scheming Tobirama, always thinking ahead…"
Madara's sharp eyes scanned the Anbu blocking his path. He knew Tobirama had anticipated his moves. Yet he could not linger; the endless stream of pursuing shinobi from Konoha made prolonged evasion impossible.
Inside Konoha, the Hyuga clan's Byakugan users also remained vigilant. Their eyes, perfect for reconnaissance, would inevitably expose his movements.
"Kill them!"
With a sudden surge, Madara charged. Four ANBU ninjas hurriedly drew their swords, determined to stop him.
"Uchiha Madara is here! Don't let him escape!"
"Hmph…"
In moments, the four ANBU were dispatched. They barely had time to react before being overwhelmed. It was not just a disparity in strength, but in talent and experience as well.
Yet another problem emerged: a new pursuit team led by Sarutobi Sasuke, Konoha's most prized ninja, was closing in, accompanied by the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.
"Stop him!" Sasuke commanded, forming hand seals rapidly. "If we can prevent him from leaving, Hokage-sama and Tobirama-sama can catch up after handling the Nine-Tails!"
"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"
Sasuke released a fiery dragon-shaped flame toward Madara.
"Sasuke?"
Madara's lips curved into a mocking smile. "I thought the ninja praised by Hashirama would be strong… but he uses fire escape techniques against me?"
"Shadow Imitation Technique!"
The man with pigtails extended his hands. Shadows stretched, connecting with Madara's own shadow. He called out nervously: "Hurry! The gap is too big. I can't maintain control for long…"
"Heart Transformation Technique!"
The blond ninja attempted to seize control of Madara's body, while a fat, muscular man readied a devastating punch. If it landed, Madara would be crushed.
Yet, the Uchiha's response was instantaneous.
He turned the blond ninja's spirit against the others, manipulating the pigtails ninja through the Heart Transformation Technique and controlling the Shadow Mimicry Technique of the muscular man.
Boom!
The entire Ino-Shika-Cho combination collapsed instantly, sent flying, utterly defeated.
Even this victory, however, required only the faintest glance from Madara. He had not exerted himself at all.
Within seconds, only Sarutobi Sasuke remained.
"Some of your chakra has recovered," Madara observed coldly. Sasuke formed a hand seal, sweat forming on his brow. "You're not so easy to shake off… Let's see your real strength."
"…."
Half a minute later, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio returned, only to find Sasuke severely burned, unconscious, barely breathing.
"We can't catch Madara!"
The fat man carried their captain back to Konoha, urgency in every step.
"The captain… he's in bad shape…"
The blond ninja, now freed from the illusion, asked nervously, "Should we inform his family?"
"It can't be hidden," the pigtails ninja said. "His son, Hiruzen… he's exceptional. He won't falter even because of his father's misfortune. Let's hope someone can save him."
Even the Sarutobi clan's best could not have defeated Uchiha Madara. His power, his strategy… the gap between him and others, like Hashirama, remained immense.
The gifted, the genius, the brilliant strategist—all clearly above the hardworking yet capable ninjas of the era.
And among them, Hiruzen… was destined to become extraordinary.
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