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*****
After Nagato said this, he immediately controlled his chakra and sent a message to the Akatsuki members.
"Return to the Land of Rain immediately!"
This was the only message.
Simple and clear.
It was sent out directly.
Nagato didn't want to say much. The current situation was beyond his control, something he never imagined would happen. He never thought he would be under someone else's control again.
"I've finished."
Nagato looked up at Hashirama, his emaciated face showing signs of exhaustion. It was clear that his nutrition was severely lacking.
"Can you release Konan and Yahiko now?"
Nagato was deeply concerned about his two companions. Otherwise, he wouldn't have used Yahiko's body as the Deva Path.
"Alright."
Hashirama kept his promise and immediately withdrew his Wood Release chakra, removing the wooden bindings from Konan and Yahiko.
"Nagato."
"I feel I should remind you of something."
"The corpse…"
"Hmm… that… doll…"
Hashirama realized that referring to it as a corpse was inappropriate and switched to calling it a doll.
"Although the doll is interesting…"
"Young people need to learn moderation."
"Take proper rest."
"Control the frequency."
"Don't overindulge!"
Hashirama sincerely advised. Seeing Nagato's overworked appearance, he couldn't help but be concerned.
If this continues, it won't be long before he collapses.
"???"
Nagato was filled with confusion as he listened to Hashirama.
He understood each word individually.
But together, they made no sense!
Is this how people communicated in the Warring States period?
Nagato didn't understand.
But it was clear that this was not the time to admit that!
"Don't be dismissive."
"Let me tell you."
"There are only exhausted oxen!"
Seeing the slight confusion in Nagato's Rinnegan, Hashirama shook his head.
This kid.
Too young.
He won't listen!
"I… I understand!"
Nagato nodded reluctantly. He just wanted to get through this.
He never wanted to see the First Hokage again.
He could tell that Hashirama was imparting some wisdom, but he didn't quite grasp it.
Whatever!
Just admit defeat for now!
Nagato didn't want to continue fighting with the First Hokage. This battle clearly involved an information gap.
This First Hokage from the Warring States period knew him extremely well.
However...
Nagato realized he didn't understand the First Hokage at all. He even found the current state of the First Hokage a bit baffling.
"When will they arrive?"
Hashirama stopped talking about Nagato's personal interests and returned to the original task.
"Within three days."
Nagato answered confidently. He had great faith in the Akatsuki's efficiency.
Once the message was sent,
No matter where they were, they would return quickly!
Three days was just the maximum time frame.
If they were closer, they could arrive much sooner.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
Just as Nagato finished speaking, the space between him and Hashirama distorted, and a masked man appeared in their sight.
The masked man wore a deep black robe and an orange, swirling mask with a hole for his right eye, revealing a three-tomoe Sharingan.
It was Obito.
"What's going on?"
Obito spoke in a low voice, imitating Uchiha Madara's tone. He had heard the commotion and received Nagato's message, quickly using Kamui to arrive.
"Madara!"
Nagato and Konan exclaimed simultaneously, their voices tinged with relief.
This man finally showed up!
If he hadn't, the entire Akatsuki would have been flattened by the First Hokage.
In the entire ninja world,
Only Uchiha Madara could rival Senju Hashirama!
"Huh?"
Obito sensed something was off with their emotions. He instinctively turned his head and his Sharingan focused on Hashirama's face.
"You... you... you..."
Obito's voice faltered, and he instinctively stepped back. His Sharingan behind the mask widened, pupils constricting sharply, his eyes filled with shock.
It was normal for Nagato not to recognize the First Hokage, as he hadn't seen him before.
It was also normal for Konan not to recognize him.
But...
Just one look.
Obito immediately recognized the man in the red armor as the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
It was the face he had admired countless times in his youth.
The first face on the Hokage Rock!
The First Hokage who founded the Village Hidden in the Leaves!
Obito's idol.
In his youth,
Obito had always wanted to become the Hokage of the Leaf Village and had worked hard every day towards that goal. He didn't even know how many times he had seen the First Hokage's face.
It's over!
Obito's heart pounded wildly!
Swish!
In an instant.
Nagato and Konan's eyes darted back and forth between Hashirama and Obito, their faces filled with shock and caution.
A historic moment had arrived!
The First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, versus the Uchiha Clan leader, Uchiha Madara!
"Konan, stand behind me."
Nagato immediately whispered, fearing that if these two formidable warriors started fighting, the resulting shockwaves might harm Konan.
"Alright."
Konan raised her right hand, turning her entire arm into sheets of paper that flew towards Yahiko's body, enveloping it completely.
Then,
Konan carried Yahiko's body to a spot behind Nagato's chair. After placing the body down, she couldn't help but look towards Hashirama and Nagato.
At this moment,
Obito felt immense pressure!
Should he run directly?
Or follow a procedure?
Obito's thoughts mirrored Black Zetsu's; the mission of the Infinite Tsukuyomi still awaited completion, and he couldn't die here.
Now was not the time.
"Sen... Senju... Senju Hashirama..."
Obito deliberately lowered his voice, imitating Uchiha Madara's tone, but he couldn't replicate the inherent dominance.
When facing the Fourth Hokage, he could confidently use Naruto as leverage to make the Fourth leave the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Kushina.
When dealing with Nagato, he could speak as if he were a detached sage, watching Nagato's actions with a bemused detachment.
But...
Facing the First Hokage.
This time, Obito couldn't maintain his composure!
No way.
He was stuck.
He had to face this head-on!
"I... I advise you... to leave here. I don't want to fight you!"
Obito tried to steady his turbulent emotions, attempting to make his words sound like a threat.
"So you're Uchiha Madara?"
Hashirama's expression remained unchanged, showing no sign of taking Obito seriously.