Madara Uchiha left in a very dashing manner. He had found his own path, a path that was enough for him to cast aside everything from his past.
However, the ninjas of Konoha were not in a very good mood. For example, the two boys who had been scared by Madara. For Hiruzen and Danzo, this was the closest they had ever been to death. So much so that when Shirou was untying them, he could even see their bodies still trembling.
"Today's events must be reported to Lord Hokage," Hiruzen's face slowly calmed down. He remembered his father had once been severely injured by Madara and understood why he had been defeated. In front of that man, even trying to keep one's heart calm was a luxury.
"We go back to the village and report to Lord Tobirama," Danzo said, his face originally still a bit nervous, but seeing Hiruzen's calm expression, he also forced himself to suppress his panic.
If not for the fact that his hand couldn't even hold a ninja sword, one might not have seen that he was just trying to act strong.
This was normal. Konoha ninjas had always been afraid of Madara. Even when he was a founder of Konoha, the children were very afraid of that always fierce and cold face, let alone when he became the village's most terrifying enemy.
"You don't have to be in such a hurry," Shirou casually comforted them, his gaze turning to the distance. "If nothing unexpected happens, the Konoha ninjas should be arriving soon. Madara told me that when we left Konoha, a team of Konoha ninjas had been following us."
Danzo's heart immediately tensed up again.
Not good... Lord Tobirama's plan was discovered!
In that case, how could they still carry out the plan? Wait... did Madara not kill that group of ANBU?
Even so, they definitely couldn't continue to follow Shirou. He would definitely still encounter danger.
But should he choose to stay or leave?
He was worried that he might die, but also worried that if he went back, he would seem too cowardly.
Fortunately, he didn't have to struggle for long. Hashirama arrived with a group of ANBU ninjas. When he saw that Shirou, Hiruzen, and Danzo were safe and sound, his mood finally calmed down.
But only for a short while.
He learned from the two little ones that Madara had indeed come and had also left a promise that he would not start a war for the time being.
"He won't start a war for the time being?" Hashirama was a bit puzzled.
"This period of peace should be before Madara's eye recovers," Shirou reminded him. "It will still take some time for his blind eye to regain its sight."
"This is not good," the heart that Hashirama had been holding in suspense was once again suspended. If Madara's eyes recovered, he would regain his peak power, and he might even surpass it, because he had also awakened the Wood Style.
At that time, if he once again ignited the flames of war...
Even without the Nine-Tails, Hashirama couldn't help but worry. Only he clearly understood how powerful Madara was.
"Don't worry," Shirou noticed his mood and quickly comforted his patient. "Actually, the situation is not that bad."
"Oh?"
"Don't worry. For that blind eye to recover, it would probably take at least twenty years," Shirou patted his shoulder. "If I can't find a way to cure you, your lifespan is only ten years left. Even if he wants to start a war, it will be after you're dead."
The heart that had already been in suspense in Hashirama's chest completely died.
This kind of comfort was of no use at all! It even made him more worried about Konoha's future.
How could he not worry? Once he died, the entire ninja world probably wouldn't have anyone who could stop Madara.
"I will go track down Madara," Hashirama raised a hand to his forehead. "No matter what, I must find him within ten years. I must take this opportunity to completely kill him!" This was the only chance. He firmly believed that future generations could protect Konoha, but the trouble of Madara... he didn't believe they could solve it.
He had to use his last ten years to find his whereabouts. "We'll go back to Konoha first." He immediately planned to return with the ANBU. He had to discuss various matters with Tobirama. "These two little ones..." he looked at Hiruzen and Danzo.
Shirou's gaze also fell on them. He sighed softly. "I thought this era would at least maintain respect for medical ninjas, but it seems the ninjas of this era act without any scruples. I'm worried the future journey will be very dangerous."
"I will work hard to become stronger and protect Lord Emiya!" Hiruzen spoke with high spirits and even nudged his companion. "Danzo, are you going back with Lord Hokage?"
"You don't have to tell me!" Danzo's face immediately became irritable. "My mission isn't finished either! I will also work hard to become stronger and protect Lord Emiya!"
Though he hadn't made up his mind, was he going to admit that he was afraid of danger and cowardly choose to return to Konoha?
"What good children," Hashirama rubbed their heads, his expression becoming exceptionally solemn. "Then in the future, I'll have to trouble Lord Emiya to take care of these two."
"Within ten years," Shirou nodded and seriously agreed. "If I can't find a solution to your lifespan within ten years, I will bring them back to Konoha."