Pain is dead?
As Madara Uchiha's voice rang out, everyone couldn't help but look startled.
"Those eyes!"
Just then, Deidara suddenly let out a surprised cry.
It was only then that everyone realized Madara Uchiha's eyes were precisely Nagato's Rinnegan.
"I don't care if you're Madara Uchiha! If you want to be our leader, defeat me first!"
Hidan slung the scythe in his hand over his shoulder and said with a displeased look.
Hearing Hidan's words, Madara Uchiha's mouth curved up, and a faint smile appeared on his originally indifferent face.
"Come at me, all of you!"
Madara Uchiha's disdainful voice reached everyone present.
For a moment, the entire air suddenly fell silent.
"Speaking of which, I also want to witness the strength of the legendary Madara Uchiha!"
Kakuzu's originally somewhat stiff face suddenly broke into a smile.
The next moment, everyone turned into afterimages and charged towards Madara Uchiha.
Zetsu and Obito, who were not far from Madara Uchiha, watched this scene with calm expressions, and Obito even showed a hint of pity on his face.
Boom!
A huge roar echoed throughout the Akatsuki base.
Immediately after, a one-sided situation appeared before everyone's eyes.
Hidan's screams occasionally echoed throughout the air.
After a moment, Madara Uchiha stretched his neck, looked at the Akatsuki Organization members lying at his feet, and said in a calm voice:
"From today onwards, I am the Akatsuki's leader."
Having said that, Madara Uchiha lightly tapped his foot, and his entire body disappeared from the spot, reappearing on top of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
"Report everything significant that has happened in the Ninja World during this time to me."
Madara Uchiha's calm voice reached Zetsu's ears.
Land of Fire - Konoha Village!
Konoha, having just gone through war, now looked completely ruined.
Half of Konoha was completely destroyed, and countless civilians didn't even have a place to live.
Fortunately, there were still a large number of Konoha Ninja stationed around, otherwise, given the current state, Konoha would probably be in chaos.
Konoha was currently at its weakest moment since the village was founded.
Under normal circumstances, any Ninja Village, when weak, would likely have to expend a lot of effort to guard against the prying eyes of other large and small Ninja Villages, or even attacks taking advantage of the situation.
But Konoha was completely different at this time, perhaps because of the Ninjutsu left behind by Hashirama Senju and the act of repelling the Four Great Shinobi Villages with the strength of one village.
Such a record was enough to deter anyone from acting rashly.
Although there were still quite a few probes from large and small Ninja Villages around Konoha, none dared to make a move.
This situation was somewhat unexpected for the people of Konoha.
However, taking advantage of the fear of the Ninja Villages, all the Ninja in Konoha, and even some students who hadn't graduated from the Ninja Academy, joined the effort to rebuild Konoha.
Fear was only temporary; before the Ninja Villages couldn't help but attack, Konoha's barrier and various defenses had to be rebuilt.
Otherwise, if something went wrong, Konoha would truly be in danger.
In a forest in Konoha.
At this time, the members of Third Squad were responsible for cutting down trees.
After Might Guy kicked a large tree down, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to look at Lee, Neji, and Tenten, who were cutting down other trees.
Might Guy's gaze fell upon Neji, who was cutting down trees but was clearly somewhat distracted.
"Neji, cutting down trees is also good training, you can't slack off, right Lee!"
Might Guy also showed a row of teeth, gave a thumbs-up, and said to Neji.
"Yes! Guy-sensei!"
On the other side, Lee also responded accordingly, swinging the axe at the large tree even faster.
Hearing Might Guy's words, Neji snapped back to attention, and a look of apology appeared on his face.
Tenten, standing not far from Neji, glanced at Neji, a worried look flashing in her eyes.
Might Guy nodded, as if remembering something, and looked at Neji, saying:
"Right, I wonder how Clan Head Hyuga Hiashi is recovering?"
"Thank you for your concern, Guy-sensei. The Clan Head was seriously injured in an enemy attack and has not woken up yet."
Neji was slightly startled, then lowered his head slightly and said to Might Guy.
At this moment, no one noticed the hint of nervousness that flashed in Neji's eyes as he lowered his head.
"If there's anything you need, just tell me."
Might Guy nodded and said to Neji with a smile.
Having said that, Might Guy turned around, just about to attack a large tree behind him again, when Neji's voice suddenly rang out.
"Sensei, do you believe in fate?"
A hint of conflict flashed across Neji's face, his eyes filled with confusion, as he suddenly looked at Might Guy and asked.
Hearing Neji's voice, Might Guy turned his head to look at Neji, and when he saw the confusion in Neji's eyes, Might Guy was clearly taken aback.
The Neji of the past would never show such a confused look.
Perhaps this sudden war made everyone feel a sense of confusion.
Thinking of this, Might Guy reached out and patted Neji's shoulder, a bright smile appearing on his face:
"Perhaps Lee can give you an answer to this question. You just need to believe in the path you're walking, stride forward, and then become someone that others can watch over with a smile."
Might Guy's voice reached Neji's ears, making Neji's spirit stir.
Neji's eyes still held a slight look of confusion as he turned his head to look in Lee's direction.
Seemingly sensing Neji's gaze, Lee stopped what he was doing, grinned, and said firmly:
"I've never believed in something like fate, Neji. You're my goal, and one day I will surpass you! I'll tell everyone that hard work can defeat genius!"
As Lee's words trailed off, the large tree that Lee had just been cutting suddenly broke and crashed to the ground, emitting a heavy thud.
"I won't just give you that chance!"
At this moment, the confused look in Neji's eyes had disappeared. As if having made some decision, a long-lost smile appeared on his face as he said to a sweat-soaked Lee.
Seeing the smile on Neji's face, Might Guy also showed a bright smile on his face and gave a thumbs-up to the three of them, saying:
"That's the power of youth!"
The next moment, heavy thuds and the rapid sound of cutting trees echoed through the forest once again.
Meanwhile, on the other side, near the destroyed part of Konoha.The members of Team Seven were clearing a section of the ruins.