Chapter 290: The Greater the Hope, the Greater the Disappointment
For Hashirama Senju's concern, no one could immediately give a firm answer.
After all, the opponent they now faced was truly unimaginably powerful—far beyond anything anyone here had ever conceived of.
When Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others fell into silence, Hashirama laughed heartily.
He turned to Yamanaka Inoichi and said, "The Yamanaka clan is still as impressive as ever, just like back in the day."
"In that case, let's try your method. I'd like to see this Uchiha Dali myself."
With that, Hashirama unhesitatingly released his chakra and shared it with Yamanaka Inoichi.
The instant Inoichi received Hashirama's chakra, his whole body jolted. His pupils widened in disbelief as he muttered to himself, "Th-this is the First Hokage's power… what terrifying chakra!!"
This must be the brightest moment of his life.
Inoichi usually wouldn't even dare to dream of possessing such a staggering amount of chakra.
Hashirama reminded him, "Now, begin searching for Uchiha Dali's location."
"Understood!"
Inoichi didn't dare delay. He immediately drew on the chakra Hashirama had given him and activated his sensory ability.
In an instant, his perception range expanded without limit.
Everyone around revealed hopeful expressions.
From afar, deafening explosions continued to thunder—that was Uchiha Madara and Ōtsutsuki Isshiki locked in their fierce battle.
The threat had not yet been removed, and for now, all they could do was pin their hopes on Uchiha Dali.
Yet after some time passed, Inoichi still had no answer.
A sinking feeling crept into everyone's hearts.
They noticed that fine beads of sweat were already forming on Inoichi's forehead.
"Still haven't found him?"
Hashirama asked in puzzlement.
No one knew his own power better than he did. Though he hadn't given Inoichi all of his chakra, the amount he had provided was more than enough to search the entire ninja world.
Inoichi frowned and shook his head, cold sweat pouring even heavier down his face. He replied, "Just a little more…"
"Last time I picked up traces of the Fourth Hokage's chakra, it was from a much farther distance than I'm sensing now."
"Farther away? What do you mean by that?"
Hashirama grew curious.
"I'm not sure… perhaps it's some hidden sacred ground, or maybe somewhere far off from the mainland. Both are possible."
"I'll try again…"
Inoichi refocused, pushing his sensory range to reach farther.
Hashirama could see his struggle. He stepped forward, placed a hand on Inoichi's shoulder, and at once poured an even greater surge of chakra into him, instantly boosting Inoichi's sensory range yet again.
Inoichi knew such a method drained enormous chakra. Even for Hashirama, it wasn't something that could be sustained for long. Deeply grateful, he said, "Thank you so much, First Hokage."
"Did you find him?"
"N-no… not yet…"
Inoichi shook his head again, looking even more uneasy.
He was starting to wonder if perhaps his earlier detection had been mistaken.
With Hashirama's aid, his sensory range now far exceeded what the combined chakra of the entire Intelligence Division had ever achieved.
And yet, there was still no trace at all.
This was strange—far too abnormal.
"Could it be that Uchiha Dali went to a sacred ground?"
Hashirama couldn't help but mutter.
"A sacred ground?"
"First Hokage, you mean…?"
Hiruzen's heart stirred.
"It's only a guess. But if he's in a sacred ground or another similar space, then it's natural we wouldn't be able to sense his chakra.
"Those places are generally protected and concealed by barriers."
Hashirama explained.
Hiruzen was now sure the "sacred ground" referred to exactly what he was thinking of.
It was said there were three great sacred grounds in the ninja world, home to powerful sages.
They were Mount Myōboku, Shikkotsu Forest, and Ryūchi Cave.
These three sacred grounds were deeply mysterious, places ordinary people could never find—let alone reach.
"If the Fourth really is in a sacred ground, that might actually be good news…"
Hiruzen muttered in delight.
But Hashirama wasn't nearly so optimistic.
The sage arts of the three sacred grounds were similar to his own Sage Mode—and even with Sage Mode, he himself had no way to contend with such enemies.
Seeing Hashirama remain silent, the others didn't dare say more. They all realized the situation wasn't looking favorable.
After a while, Inoichi spoke again, embarrassed and uneasy. "First Hokage… I need to extend my search even farther.
"If I had enough chakra, I could even pierce through the barriers of the sacred grounds and speak directly with the sages of Mount Myōboku."
At that, Hashirama nodded.
"In that case, I'll lend you all of my chakra."
With those words, he shared the entirety of his chakra with Inoichi.
At once, a halo of light enveloped Inoichi, his whole body radiating an overwhelming aura that drew envious stares.
Inoichi wasted no time, immediately launching his sensory technique again.
This time, just as he had said, his perception pierced the barriers of the three sacred grounds and extended into them.
The sages of Mount Myōboku quickly sensed his presence and began to communicate with him.
The same happened with Shikkotsu Forest and Ryūchi Cave.
Yet after his inquiries, the look on Inoichi's face grew darker with disappointment.
"I'm sorry, everyone. I asked the sages of the three sacred grounds—they said they haven't seen the Fourth Hokage. He's not there."
When he reported his findings, everyone's expressions sank in disappointment.
"If he's not on the mainland, then he must be in the ocean," Hashirama reasoned.
At that moment, a young figure stepped forward and said to the group, "Perhaps… the Fourth Hokage isn't in the ninja world at all."
Hearing this, everyone turned to look at the speaker.
Though his body was still wrapped in bandages, they instantly recognized him.
He was none other than Uchiha Obito—the one who, during Madara's invasion of Konoha, had bravely stood against the overwhelming foe and suffered grave injuries.
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