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Soon after, in the Land of Iron, within a tower isolated amidst a frozen, snowy landscape.
Four men of extraordinary presence sat around a conference table. The differently colored conical hats on the table, and the elite shinobi arrayed behind them, clearly declared their identities.
The Four Kage of the present age!
With Iwagakure now erased from the ninja world, these four men represented the four strongest powers left in the entire world.
"Esteemed predecessors," Qianyu knocked on the table, taking the lead. "The scourge that is Madara Uchiha has somehow managed to cling to life until now, and his power seems even more terrifying than before."
The other three gave slight nods, finding no fault with Qianyu's words.
Each of their villages had suffered at the hands of "Madara Uchiha." Sunagakure had been violently dismantled by a Susanoo, and the Fourth Mizukage himself had been under Madara's control for a long time.
If Qianyu hadn't detected the abnormality and brought an Uchiha clansman to dispel the genjutsu, he would likely still be a puppet dancing on Madara's strings.
"Qianyu, if you have something to say, just say it plainly."
After a moment of contemplation, Shigure, who had a relatively good relationship with Qianyu, spoke up.
"It's like this, esteemed predecessors." Qianyu's expression turned serious. "Madara Uchiha's existence undoubtedly threatens the entire ninja world. I believe it is necessary for us to temporarily unite and eradicate Madara Uchiha as soon as possible!"
"Hah, fine words!" The Third Raikage leaned back in his chair with a cold snort, utterly scornful of Qianyu's speech. "An alliance is just a pretense; seizing benefits is the real goal. I think you, Hokage, just want to use this as an excuse to become our 'Alliance Commander'!"
The Raikage's dislike for Qianyu had its reasons. In fact, he wasn't just irritated with Qianyu—he was thoroughly annoyed by all three people sitting before him!
Back then, they'd agreed to deal with Iwagakure together and share the spoils. Yet, these three villages had reaped overflowing rewards, leaving only scraps for Kumo… Were they treating him like a beggar?!
So now, the Raikage wouldn't listen to a single word Qianyu said. He wouldn't be fooled by this little brat again!
"Ah, Raikage, I know you hold some resentment towards me. But this concerns the survival of the ninja world. We cannot act on impulse!"
Qianyu looked at the stubborn old man before him and spoke with a tinge of helplessness.
"Hmph, forget it. Kumo's affairs are none of your concern." The Third Raikage slapped the table, declaring with full force. "If Madara Uchiha dares show himself, I'll show him what the 'Strongest Spear' truly means!"
"Hah. Your Raikage lineage truly remains as stubbornly boastful as ever."
Right then, accompanied by a derisive chuckle, a figure swaggered into the conference room and spoke without the slightest courtesy.
"If your skills were even half as big as your mouths, the Second Raikage back in the day wouldn't have ended up unable to control even his own subordinates."
As everyone knew, the Second Raikage died in a rebellion instigated by his subordinates, Kinkaku and Ginkaku. For this person to bring it up now, in front of everyone, was a blatant provocation against Kumogakure.
"Bastard! Who are you?! How dare you speak of the former Raikage-sama like— Mmph! Mmph!"
One of the Third Raikage's guards couldn't hold back, loudly demanding justice, only to have his mouth swiftly covered by the quick-eyed Third Raikage himself.
"Shut up!!"
The Third Raikage clamped his hand over his guard's mouth, cold sweat breaking out all over his body as he stared at the figure across the room.
He remembered that ruthless man. Ambushed and grievously wounded, he had still slaughtered his way through Kumo without batting an eye. Now, that same man had just stepped out of his memories and into reality.
"You… You are the Second Hokage, Lord Tobirama?!"
It wasn't just the Third Raikage. The other two Kage also leaped to their feet from their chairs in shock, looking at the suddenly appeared figure as if they'd seen a ghost.
"Lord Tobirama, you've finally arrived. Please, have a seat."
Qianyu leisurely rose from his seat, offering his spot to the guest he had invited—Tobirama Senju. He stood smiling behind Tobirama, quite satisfied with everyone's reaction.
In the ninja world, Tobirama Senju's fearsome reputation far surpassed that of his elder brother Hashirama Senju, who was revered as the "God of Shinobi."
Hashirama, while immensely powerful, was kind-hearted and sometimes even spared his opponents. Tobirama was different. He was vicious.
Hashirama, facing ten enemies, might kill two—sometimes by accident. Tobirama, facing ten enemies, would kill twelve. The extra two were probably just passing by.
Tobirama Senju's formidable reputation was entirely soaked in blood. After Madara Uchiha's "death," he became the second "Asura" of the shinobi world.
The three Kage present had all lived through that era to some degree. Their fear of Tobirama Senju was understandable.
"I told my elder brother long ago we never should have distributed the Tailed Beasts to your villages. Getting snatched away at every turn, causing so much trouble!"
Tobirama Senju sat in Qianyu's chair, arms crossed, complaining without the slightest reservation.
"Yes, yes, absolutely."
"Right, right…"
None of the three Kage dared utter half a word of disagreement. Including the previously defiant Raikage, they stood before Tobirama, nodding meekly like three schoolboys being reprimanded.
"But Lord Tobirama… judging by your appearance… have you been… revived by Edo Tensei?"
After a moment, the iron-headed Third Raikage couldn't resist being mouthy again.
The thought of the great Forbidden Jutsu master being troubled by his own forbidden technique after death made the Third Raikage want to laugh, but he didn't dare. He desperately suppressed the corners of his mouth, causing his entire face to twitch.
"Hmph. Laugh if you want." Tobirama Senju glanced at the Third Raikage. Naturally, he wouldn't get angry with a junior. "If you successors weren't so useless, unable to even protect your own villages, you wouldn't have disturbed the peace of a dead man like me."
The moment Tobirama finished speaking, the Third Raikage instantly lost any desire to laugh.
Stubbornness was one thing, but he was keenly aware of the current situation. If Madara Uchiha attacked Kumogakure again, he would have no way to stop him.
"Temporarily set aside your grievances. First, join forces to deal with that evil Madara Uchiha. We can discuss other matters afterward. What do you think?"
"Y-Yes!"
"No problem, Lord Tobirama!"
Tobirama's gaze swept over those present. Who would dare disagree? They all nodded in agreement. And this was precisely why Qianyu had brought out Tobirama.
"Madara Uchiha will undoubtedly target the Nine-Tails. Return to your villages and prepare quickly. Mobilize your elites. All we need to do is wait for Madara Uchiha to walk into the trap."
With Tobirama presiding and under the threat of Madara, the four great shinobi villages united for the first time, driven by common interest.
Hehe. Once Madara Uchiha is dealt with, I can use more gentle methods to slowly take over the other villages, Qianyu thought to himself.
…
Deep within an underground palace.
As the Nine-Tails' chakra was injected, the final eye of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path suddenly snapped open. Its colossal body shuddered violently.
(In the original timeline, the initial revival of the Ten-Tails only required portions of the Eight and Nine-Tails' chakra. It served more like a key to unlock the seal.)
"Awaken, Ten-Tails!"
Madara Uchiha raised his arms, uttering a low, impassioned cry.
Under his expectant gaze, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path slowly stirred. Its hands, which had been folded together like lotus petals, pressed against the ground, gradually supporting its massive body upright.
BOOM!
An astonishing pressure erupted from within the Demonic Statue. The entire underground palace shook violently. Chunks of earth and stone rained down incessantly from above.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Watching as ten tails sprouted from the Demonic Statue's back, transforming it into a monstrous beast roaring at the heavens, Madara Uchiha laughed wildly.
The source that gave birth to all creation, the aberration that heralds the end—the Ten-Tails had revived!
"With the Ten-Tails in hand, who in the entire ninja world can stop me now, Madara Uchiha?"
Madara's eyes blazed with fanatical light. Only one step remained to fulfill his lifelong ambition!
"Qianyu, I can't wait to see the look of astonishment on your face. If you kneel and beg for mercy then, I might even grace you with a beautiful dream!"
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