Uchiha Madara left with a carefree demeanor.
Now, he truly seemed unburdened, having found a path powerful enough to make him forsake his past.
However… the Konoha ninjas were far from at ease.
For the two young boys—Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo—this had been the closest they had ever come to death. Emiya Shihara carefully untied their ropes, and their trembling bodies betrayed the fear they tried so hard to suppress.
"What… happened today?" Hiruzen whispered, his voice barely steady.
"We must report this to the Hokage," Danzo added.
Gradually, Hiruzen's expression calmed as he recalled his father, Sarutobi Sasuke, who had been gravely injured by Madara. He understood why even his father had been defeated by him.
In the presence of that man… maintaining composure was a luxury.
Even without releasing chakra or displaying his full aura, Madara's mere presence was unsettling.
And worse… they would have to face him again under these conditions.
"We… should go back to the village," Hiruzen finally said. "Report today's events to Lord Tobirama."
The young Danzo, though still nervous, forced himself to follow Hiruzen's lead. If his palms could grasp a ninja sword, it would have been evident he was only trying to appear brave in front of Hiruzen.
This was normal. Konoha's ninjas had always feared Madara—even when he was the village's founder, his ferocity and cold demeanor intimidated everyone. As Konoha's greatest enemy, even the first Hokage had failed to kill him.
After losing an eye, Madara seemed even more terrifying.
"Don't worry," Shihara said casually, glancing into the distance. "If nothing unexpected happens, Konoha's ninjas should arrive soon…"
He spoke as if unaware of Hashirama Senju and the Anbu shadows following them.
The boys' hearts raced again.
Oh no… Lord Tobirama's plan had been discovered!
Could it still succeed?
Did this mean… Madara had spared the Anbu ninjas?
Even so, they could no longer continue following Shihara. He would be in danger carrying out this mission alone.
And outside Konoha, smaller villages like Takigakure could strike. A single attack from a medical ninja like Shihara could be fatal.
But should they stay or leave?
Danzo hesitated, torn between fear of death and fear of appearing cowardly.
Fortunately, his hesitation was short-lived.
Hashirama Senju arrived, leading a group of Anbu. Danzo had no choice but to follow orders and wait for Hokage guidance.
Seeing Hiruzen and Danzo safe, Hashirama finally relaxed—but only briefly.
When he learned that Madara had been present and had promised not to start a war for now, his relief was tempered with unease.
"No war… during this period?" Hashirama mused.
Although he appreciated Madara's temporary restraint, he knew it was short-lived.
"That peace…" Shihara said candidly. "It will last only until Madara's blind eye heals."
Hashirama's heart clenched.
Once his eye recovered, Madara would regain his peak power—enhanced by Wood Release. War, devastation, and destruction would follow.
Even without the Nine-Tails, Hashirama understood the danger. Only he knew the full extent of Madara's strength.
"Don't worry," Shihara said, noticing his anxiety. "It's not as bad as it seems."
Hashirama's tension eased slightly.
"That blind eye will take at least twenty years to recover," Shihara explained, patting him on the shoulder. "If I don't find a cure for you, you'll have only ten years left. Even if Madara wanted war, it would happen after you're gone…"
Hashirama's anxiety shifted to frustration. This kind of comfort offered little reassurance.
He had always respected others' wisdom, but he also knew the harsh reality: if he died in ten years, Konoha—and perhaps the entire ninja world—would struggle to stop Madara.
"I'll track down Madara," Hashirama declared, fingers tangled in his hair, resolve hardening. "No matter what, I must find him within ten years. I must seize this opportunity to end him once and for all."
The first Hokage was determined. His final ten years would be spent hunting Madara, preventing the return of war.
"Let's return to Konoha first," Hashirama ordered, accompanied by the Anbu. He needed to discuss strategy with Tobirama.
Glancing at Hiruzen and Danzo, Hashirama felt both pride and concern.
Shihara's gaze lingered on them as well. "I had hoped medical ninjas of this era would earn respect," he sighed. "But the world seems reckless. Their journey will be dangerous…"
"I will work hard to become stronger and protect Lord Emiya!" Hiruzen said eagerly, squeezing Danzo's shoulder. "Are you coming back with the Hokage?"
"You don't have to tell me!" Danzo snapped, his face hardened. "My mission isn't over! I will also grow stronger to protect Lord Emiya!"
Although Danzo had not fully decided, Hiruzen's proclamation left him little choice. Would he admit fear and cowardice if he returned to Konoha?
"Two good kids…" Hashirama said seriously, rubbing their heads. "Then I'll ask Lord Emiya to take care of them in the future."
"Within ten years," Shihara promised solemnly. "If I can't find a way to extend your life within that time, I will return them to Konoha."
Ten-year agreement.
Begin the time method.
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