"Madara-sama, this is the Thunder Train. It's a new invention from the Land of Grass. Although it may appear green now, its original color was different," Zetsu pointed at the projection screen and elaborated, "As for the green color... it seems to symbolize the resilience of small plants, capable of steadfast growth in the soil regardless of the wind and rain. It also signifies the harmonious coexistence between the Land of Grass and the Land of Rain. Hence, it's named the Harmony Express!" Zetsu gestured towards the projection screen while explaining.
During this period, after the conclusion of the war, Madara had inquired about the state of the ninja world. Upon learning that the ninja world was entering an era of peace, Madara hadn't offered many words, but Zetsu could detect his underlying curiosity. As a result, Zetsu had borrowed a camera and documented the intriguing developments occurring in the Land of Grass.
"Furthermore, this thing is unbelievably fast, It takes merely five hours to journey from the Rain Village to the Grass Village. It's truly remarkable. I even managed to sneak on board and take a ride, it was quite a smooth experience." Zetsu said with enthusiasm.
Madara, however, cast a disinterested glance at the train on the screen. Nonetheless, he occasionally stole glances at it before casually remarking, "Useless."
"Ah? Really? I found it quite interesting," Zetsu scratched his head, casting Madara-sama a smile."It's a shame, Madara-sama, that you've aged, surviving solely on Gedo Statue. Even, eating has become quite challenging for you now. Otherwise, you could have gone and experienced it for yourself, you'd surely find it enjoyable."
"Shut up!" Madara glared at Zetsu. This wretched creature, why did he have to speak in a manner so reminiscent of that idiot Hashirama? It was obviously a tool he made it.
"I apologize, Madara-sama. I shouldn't have made that remark," Zetsu promptly responded, as if he had offered such apologies many times before. "Please, don't be upset, Madara-sama. I'll bring you some three-color dango later to make amends."
Madara, with his wrinkled countenance, gazed at Zetsu, who was coaxing him like a child. His expression darkened considerably. He clenched his teeth tightly and admonished, "I said, shut up!"
'Relax, don't be upset,' Madara silently repeated to himself as he took a deep breath and composed his emotions. He knew there was no point in getting annoyed, particularly with someone more foolish than Hashirama. Madara let out a sigh and added, "I've already said, I have no interest in these matters. Stop wasting my time, You fool."
"Understood," Zetsu finally acquiesced, deciding not to provoke Madara any further.
Madara briefly closed his eyes, furrowing his brow as if deep in contemplation. After a while, he reopened his eyes and directed his gaze toward his frail, withered body. His body had long succumbed to the ravages of time, and if not for the Gedo Statue, he would have departed this world years ago. Nevertheless, he considered himself victorious, as he had outlived that idiot Hashirama.
Madara glanced at the stack of papers on the table with a complex expression and muttered to himself, "It still requires some time."
Then he resumed his emotionless countenance, raised his head, and inquired, "How is that boy faring these days?"
"That boy? Do you mean Obito?" Zetsu scratched his head, appearing pensive. He then grinned and said, "School has been in session for a while, and Obito is attending. However, he's a bit older than the other kids, so he's feeling a bit self-conscious."
While Zetsu was updating Madara, he suddenly recalled something and exclaimed, "Ah, now that you mention it, a few days ago, he got scolded by his teacher for dozing off in class. He even grumbled about how the Grass Village Academy teaches a bunch of irrelevant things."
After listening attentively to Zetsu's reports, Madara fell into silence for a moment. He then grumbled, "That idiot is the worst student I've ever encountered!" He paused briefly but refrained from elaborating further. Instead, he continued in a disgruntled tone, "Ensure that fool studies diligently. Otherwise, don't expect me to be lenient."
"Understood," Zetsu nodded and flashed a smile. "I'll have a word with Obito and let him know that if he fails his exams, he'll face a scolding from Madara-sama."
"Idiot!" Madara retorted but chose not to comment on Zetsu's use of his name.
Zetsu replied, "Very well, I won't trouble Madara-sama any further. Please take your rest, Madara-sama. I have some errands to do."
With that, Zetsu gathered the borrowed projector and other equipment and disappeared from view, retreating underground. Madara was left alone in the cavern, or so it appeared, as White Zetsu and several of his clones still remained.
"Madara-sama, should we bring Uchiha Obito here?" White Zetsu inquired hesitantly, a faint smile on his face. "By the way, even though we're exposed now, we're uncertain about what to do with him."
"I have my own plans," Madara responded, his gaze fixed on White Zetsu. "Tools should simply execute their tasks proficiently."
White Zetsu chuckled nervously, "I was just curious, that's all."
"Indeed, not just him, but everyone here is a fool," Madara muttered, casting a glance at White Zetsu. He paused briefly and added with a trace of curiosity, "What has the leader of the Land of Grass been occupied with recently?"
The question left White Zetsu somewhat perplexed, but he swiftly replied, "Not much, I believe he's been engrossed in the Land of Grass's affairs as of late."
"Mmm?" Madara furrowed his brow in contemplation after hearing White Zetsu's response. Then, In his typically emotionless tone, he inquired, "What's your assessment of him?"
What does Madara-sama seek to accomplish by asking this? White Zetsu hesitated, not daring to probe too deeply. After scratching his head, he hesitantly replied, "Him? Uh... hehehe, I believe that... Leader Akihiko is rather commendable!"
Inwardly, White Zetsu cursed at Akihiko, Madara-sama that guy is audacious enough to poach even your tools.
Madara's brow furrowed even more deeply at White Zetsu's words. He remained silent, seemingly deep in thought for a while. Eventually, he shrugged and simply stated, "Leave."
"Of course," White Zetsu exited the cave, still wearing a smile.
Now alone, Madara lowered his gaze to the pile of papers before him, casting a complex glance upon them. He unfolded them and, using his trembling right hand, clutched the pen that Zetsu had worked hard to acquire. With unsteady strokes, he inscribed 'peace' on the paper. Then, he murmured to himself, "It still requires some time."
…
In the aftermath of the war, Akihiko found himself immersed in the demanding post-war responsibilities. Initially, he had intentions of nurturing better relations by visiting the underground hideout where White Zetsu and others resided. However, the pressing post-war tasks demanded his immediate attention, causing his visitation plans to be delayed.
In the days that followed the war's conclusion, a joint memorial service was conducted to honor the fallen ninjas from the Grass and Rain countries. Despite their collective efforts to minimize casualties, the nature of war made it impossible to prevent losses.
On this solemn occasion, a multitude of Grass and Rain ninjas gathered for the funerals, including Hanzo, who made a special trip back. The attendees paid their respects to their departed comrades in somber silence, and, at the request of Rain Village leader Hanzo, the fallen Rain ninjas were interred alongside their companions from the Land of Grass. This joint ceremony served as a testament to the heroes who had contributed to the prosperity of the two nations.
Following the memorial service, the focus shifted to the continued development of the Land of Grass. Akihiko addressed the gathered crowd and declared, " Although Peace has arrived, The Land of Grass must continue to develop. We cannot afford to stagnate."
It was also time to resume their filmmaking endeavors. The film industry would serve as a platform to showcase the Land of Grass's accomplishments and contribute to its growth during this era of peace.