Madara Uchiha... has taken the bait, right?
Hidden underground, Black Zetsu's mind was a bit confused. Shirou's lies were so clumsy that it, hidden underground, felt its heart clench, but Madara still seemed to have fallen for it as expected.
In fact, Madara didn't feel like he had been tricked at all. He even felt that he had gained a huge advantage, obtaining such important information from Shirou's mouth, which also allowed him to see the hope of realizing his ideals.
"What do you want to do?" Shirou asked seriously, as if seeing through Madara's thoughts. "After awakening the Rinnegan, do you want to use that world-changing jutsu to change the world?"
"That's a matter of course," Madara's face became arrogant again, as if he had returned to being that aloof and solitary ninja. "If I know the answer to the problem but choose to do nothing, I would be somewhat ashamed of my own life."
After speaking, he looked at Shirou again, wanting to invite him to join. If Shirou was willing, he would definitely be a strong support for his future. Just being able to guide the way was enough for Madara to want to invite him.
"Lord Emiya," he said sincerely, "don't you think this era is bad enough? Come with me and change the ninja world. In the future, I will possess the Rinnegan, and you possess the wisdom of the ancient era."
He extended his hand. "As long as we can cooperate, we will surely be able to lead this world towards... hmm?" His brow furrowed. He seemed to have sensed some kind of accident.
In a distant valley, surrounded by Konoha ANBU, Hashirama swung a ninja sword and cut through the indifferent-faced Madara, only to watch him turn into wood. "This is... a wood clone." A drop of cold sweat appeared on Hashirama's forehead.
This reminded him of their last battle. Now, Madara's wood clone had also led him on a wild goose chase.
Wait... when did he awaken the Wood Style?
Just as Hashirama was thinking about how powerful Madara would become, he suddenly realized now was not the time to be concerned about a wood clone.
"Not good... I've been tricked! Madara is with Lord Emiya!" He had been tricked. This was a plan to lure the tiger out of the mountains. He dared not stay any longer and loudly ordered all the ANBU to turn back immediately.
"It seems my plan has been discovered by Hashirama," the moment his wood clone was killed, Madara realized Hashirama would figure it out, and couldn't help but sneer. "Your move to kill me is still as sharp as ever, Hashirama."
"Plan?" Shirou frowned.
"A small trick to lure the tiger out of the mountains," Madara chuckled, mocking Konoha. "Did Lord Emiya not notice that someone has been secretly following you? That insidious villain Senju Tobirama long guessed that I wanted to meet with you, and secretly had Hashirama lead a team to tail you. They used you as a trap to lure me out! Lord Emiya, don't be deceived by hypocritical words!"
He spread his hands and invited Shirou again. "Come with me and change this world!"
Shirou was silent for a moment. He slowly looked into the distance, where two boys were tied up, blindfolded, and had their ears plugged. They were Hiruzen and Danzo.
Though Shirou didn't mind them listening, Madara minded very much.
"I was entrusted with a task. I still want to first find the materials to treat Hashirama," Shirou sighed, seeming to treasure his promise greatly. "It will still take some time before you obtain the Rinnegan. During this time, only Hashirama can maintain the peace of this world."
Madara was convinced. This reason, even he could not refute it. He didn't even think of refuting it. Though he believed he no longer cared about his past friendship with Hashirama, he didn't mind letting his fated rival live.
He wanted to prove in front of him that his ideal path was the most correct one.
"Actually, you're not the first person to persuade me to join this era," Shirou's attitude was unprecedentedly serious.
A leaf floated in his hand. "My story should perhaps have ended long ago. The only thing I can do now is to become a faint breeze, lingering on in this era. The power of a faint breeze can only barely make the leaves of this era sway. The ones who can truly change the world are always the winds that can turn the windmills."
"Lord Emiya, you are truly a respectable person," Madara looked at him and let out a long, faint breath. He realized he couldn't persuade him, but he also understood how broad Shirou's mind was.
Only the hidden Black Zetsu felt a little sad. It somewhat understood why Shirou had refused before, hoping to have Madara carry out the Project Tsuki no Me.
Was this what he was thinking in his heart?
"Hashirama is coming," Madara knew he couldn't stay any longer. "It seems I can only come listen to Your Excellency's wisdom next time. I know you are not good at deceiving and hiding things, but I still hope that all our communication today can be kept as secret as possible, especially about that jutsu."
"I understand," Shirou nodded. "You and Hashirama are walking on different paths, but the destination you want to reach is the same. It's just that your ways of getting there are different."
"Perhaps," Madara snorted contemptuously. In his heart, he agreed with Shirou's words. Speaking of which, being able to chat with such a great figure was somewhat comforting.
Hmph, that idiot Hashirama.
He thought of his encounter with his old friend. Hashirama had worshipped Shirou as a goal since he was a child, but later claimed his ninja way couldn't save the world.
It was clearly that idiot's brain that wasn't working well!
That idiot... is he also worthy of despising Lord Emiya's ninja way?
That idiot could never become a person like Lord Emiya in his life!
"Then I will take my leave." He used the Body Flicker Technique to appear next to the two boys, removing the black cloths from their heads.
"Madara Uchiha!" Hiruzen's voice was a bit nervous.
"Hmph. Are these the children that idiot Hashirama wants to protect?" Madara looked at them with a contemptuous face. "Brat, remember to go back and tell Hashirama that as a token of my gratitude to Lord Emiya, I will not start any wars with him for the time being."