Uchiha Madara… had taken the bait.
Hidden underground, Black Zetsu felt a flicker of bewilderment.
Emiya Shihara's lies were poorly told—so much so that it was almost heartbreaking to witness from underground—but Madara seemed to have fallen for them.
Not that Madara felt fooled at all.
In fact, he felt he had gained a great deal. From Shihara, he had obtained vital information—knowledge that now gave him hope of realizing his ideals.
"What will you do?"
Shihara seemed to see through Madara's thoughts and asked seriously, "After you awaken the Rinnegan, will you use the technique that can change the world?"
"Of course," Madara said, his arrogance returning in full force. His face radiated the same haughty, untouchable aura he had always carried. "If you know the answer but choose to do nothing… that would be a shame."
He looked at Shihara, his eyes glinting with an almost imperceptible invitation. He wanted him to join—because anyone as knowledgeable as Shihara could guide him in using the Sage of Six Paths' technique to reshape the world.
"Lord Emiya…"
Madara extended a hand, a cold smile on his face. "Join me. The times are bleak enough. Together, with your wisdom and my power, we could put this world on the right path."
But before Madara could continue, his brow furrowed. Something was amiss.
In a distant valley, Hashirama Senju appeared, wielding a ninja sword. With a swift strike, he destroyed the seemingly impassive Madara—only to realize it was a wooden clone.
"This… is a wooden clone…"
A drop of sweat appeared on Hashirama's forehead. He remembered their previous battle, when he had used a convincing wooden clone to trick Madara.
And now… Madara's wooden clone had him in a loop.
No… when did he awaken Wood Release?
Hashirama's mind raced, calculating Madara's potential power. But then realization struck.
"Oh no… I've been fooled!"
"Madara is with Lord Emiya!"
Hashirama understood immediately. Madara had used the wooden clone as a diversion—a clever trick to lure Hashirama away from the real target: Emiya Shihara.
He barked orders to the Anbu. They had to rush back immediately. Not only was Shihara at risk, but also two young ninja, bound and blindfolded nearby.
"It seems my plan has been discovered," Madara thought as his clone fell. "Hashirama's instincts are as sharp as ever…"
"A plan?"
Shihara frowned.
"A little trick to lure the tiger away from the mountain," Madara said, his voice carrying a mocking tone. "Didn't you realize someone has been following you?"
"That villain Tobirama guessed I would meet Lord Emiya and secretly sent Hashirama with Anbu to follow me," he continued. "They believed you were a trap."
"Lord Emiya… do not be deceived by hypocritical words," Madara said, spreading his hands. "Come with me, and we will change the world!"
Shihara fell silent, gazing into the distance where two young boys—Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo—were bound and blindfolded. Though he didn't mind them eavesdropping, Madara's concern was immediate.
If Shihara's presence hadn't restrained him, Madara might have killed the boys to protect his secret.
"I've been asked to do this," Shihara whispered, a sense of solemnity in his tone. "First, I must find a way to treat Hashirama."
He sighed deeply, as if cherishing a promise made long ago.
"It will take quite a while before you can awaken the Rinnegan," he said. "During that time… only Hashirama can maintain peace in this world."
Madara understood and could not refute it—even he had to accept this.
Though he no longer cared about his past friendship with Hashirama, he wanted the man to survive. Hashirama would be proof that Madara's ideal path was the correct one.
"You are not the first to ask me to intervene in this era," Shihara continued, his voice calm. "But I believe every generation has its own story. Perhaps mine should have ended long ago."
Shihara held a leaf in his hand, letting it sway in the wind.
"All I can do is be the last breeze of this era. A breeze can only stir the leaves…
The only true force that can change the world…
Comes from the wind that moves the windmills."
"Mister Emiya… what a man you are," Madara said softly, letting out a quiet sigh.
He realized he could not persuade Shihara. Yet he also understood the depth of the man's heart—the reason he had been revered for millennia.
Even naturally aloof Madara could not help but acknowledge Shihara's greatness.
Only Black Zetsu, hidden underground, felt a tinge of sadness. He began to understand why Shihara had refused, why he wanted Madara to execute the Moon Eye Plan.
"Hashirama is coming."
Madara knew he could not linger. Regretfully, he prepared to leave.
"I know you are not good at deception or concealment, Lord Emiya," Madara said, his voice lowering, "but I hope our discussions today remain confidential, especially regarding that jutsu."
"I understand," Shihara replied with a soft sigh. "You and Hashirama are on different paths, yet both aim for the same destination—using different methods."
"Perhaps…" Madara snorted, a hint of respect hidden in his voice. Despite their differences, he understood Shihara's words: he and Hashirama were simply taking different roads to peace.
It was comforting—being able to converse with such a prominent figure, to hear wisdom and secrets that could pierce through the hearts of men.
Humph… Hashirama, that fool.
Madara remembered their encounters. The man idolized Shihara, yet believed his own techniques could save the world. Madara's contempt was clear: Hashirama would never become someone like Lord Emiya in his lifetime.
"Then I shall take my leave."
With that, Madara appeared beside the two young boys in the distance, removing their black cloths.
"Uchiha Madara!"
Hiruzen's voice trembled with nervousness, while Danzo's face showed a hint of fear.
"Is this the child Hashirama wants to protect?" Madara sneered, looking down at them.
He spoke coldly: "Kid, remember this. Go back and tell Hashirama that, as thanks to Lord Emiya, I will not wage war during this period."
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