(Edited)
Someone soon noticed Madara at the entrance of the village. Although the night was dark, his bright red armor was conspicuous, as if a flame was burning. They recognized Madara immediately and were shocked.
Although Hashirama never considered Madara a traitor to the village, other ninjas believed Madara had abandoned the village. In the traditional mindset of the Warring States period, this was no different from betrayal. They couldn't understand why the one who left the village had returned, and even stranger, why he hadn't entered but waited at the gate.
This situation required the attention of the First Hokage, so while some kept their eyes on Madara, others hurried to inform Hashirama. Madara was aware of the scrutiny but did not react. The only person he cared to see was Hashirama; the rest were inconsequential.
At that moment, Hashirama was excited about the upcoming Ninja Village Festival. While discussing it in the office, the door suddenly burst open, and a ninja quickly reported that Madara had appeared at the village entrance.
Hashirama and Tobirama exchanged a glance, both sensing that something was off. Though Hashirama had hoped Madara would return, the words Madara had spoken before leaving continued to trouble him. Despite his optimism, Hashirama doubted Madara's intentions were peaceful this time.
Nevertheless, Hashirama wanted to talk things over, so he stood up and walked outside. As he passed Tobirama, he whispered, "Be careful, Nii-sama."
Tobirama, who had always harbored a dislike for Madara—especially after his abrupt departure—didn't believe Madara would do anything reckless right away. Smiling, Hashiramapatted his brother's shoulder and said, "It'll be fine."
"I hope so," Tobirama murmured as he watched Hashirama leave the room.
News of Madara's return spread quickly through the village. Everyone was surprised, as Madara had all but disappeared without a trace. Among the many shocked by his return, Fumori Masaki couldn't shake a sense of tension.
He's finally come.
Masaki understood that Madara's goal was to obtain the power of the Senju, so that he could unite Yin and Yang and wield the power of creation. Madara would sever his bond with Hashirama to achieve this, even if it meant facing him in battle.
Masaki hurried toward the village gate, encountering Uchiha Kagami along the way. Kagami, though conflicted, did not hate Madara despite the trouble he had brought to the Uchiha clan. He believed Madara must have had his reasons for leaving, and he wanted to ask him directly.
When they arrived at the gate, many villagers were already there, unsure of Madara's purpose. The presence of the former Uchiha clan leader, now seen as a village betrayer, put everyone on alert. Sarutobi Sasuke, along with the clan heads of the Shimura, Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans, were all present.
Madara stood at the village gate, making no move to enter. His Sharingan eyes gleamed red as they swept over the crowd. When his gaze fell upon Uchiha Kagami, there was a flicker of emotion, perhaps some relief in seeing his heir healthy and grown.
But Madara's ambitions had grown, and Uchiha Kagami was no longer his concern. His gaze moved on quickly.
"Madara-sama!" Kagami called out, but Madara did not respond, only muttering to himself, "Is Hashirama still not here?"
Everyone now realized Madara had come to speak with Hashirama, and they refrained from acting rashly. Despite the large gathering, a heavy silence hung over them, suffocating in its tension.
After a while, Hashirama arrived, wearing a white robe. Smiling, he addressed Madara as though he hadn't noticed the thick atmosphere. "Madara, what a coincidence. You've returned just as we're preparing for the village's festival. You must be tired after your travels. Why not stay and enjoy the celebration?"
"Oh?" Madara squinted slightly. "You're preparing for a celebration? It seems the village has been well managed in my absence, Hashirama."
"Yes, things are going well. You should see for yourself," Hashirama replied with a smile.
"No, soon enough, it will be like it was in the beginning," Madara said coldly.
The gathered shinobi stiffened. What did Madara mean? Was he talking about when the village was first founded, or...?
"Hashirama, do you remember our conversation that day?" Madara asked, ignoring the tense looks around him.
Hashirama frowned slightly. Of course, he remembered. Madara's vision of the future had always unsettled him. What was Madara planning now?
"I didn't return to reminisce, but to fulfill my dream," Madara declared. "Hashirama, you are an obstacle. As long as you live, you will stand in my way. I've spent two years preparing for this moment, and now, I've found a helper."
Hashirama's heart lurched. Suddenly, a red light illuminated the sky not far away. A strong, overwhelming chakra filled the air. Even non-sensor shinobi could feel its immense power.
"What is that?" Hashirama murmured.
Tobirama's voice cut through the tension. "Nii-sama, that chakra is growing rapidly. It's going to explode soon!"
Hashirama spun around, shocked. In that instant, Madara spoke indifferently, "Can you protect the village, Hashirama?" He raised his hand to form a seal.
Instinct kicked in, and Hashirama immediately formed his own hand signs. The ground beneath him trembled violently and then cracked apart. A colossal wooden figure emerged, towering over the village gate. Its shadow loomed over the gathered shinobi.
On the head of this wooden figure, Hashirama saw the massive form of a fox—Kurama, the Nine-Tails—its nine tails stretched out behind it, chakra surging in its mouth, forming a dense sphere.
The wooden figure raised its hands, but the chakra ball, glowing with immense power, shot toward it like a thunderclap. The ball collided with the wooden figure's palms, and the resulting explosion blew apart half of its body. The shockwave knocked Hashirama to the ground, but he managed to land unharmed.
"Use your real power, Hashirama." Madara's voice came from beside him. Hashirama turned, seeing Madara standing coolly. "I could have summoned it here, but I want to fight you seriously. I'll destroy Konoha as my prize, so don't worry."
"Madara, what are you—?" Hashirama clenched his fists.
"You'll understand soon enough," Madara said with a cold smile.
Hashirama's expression hardened. He no longer recognized the friend standing before him. In one swift motion, he tore off his white robe, revealing the red armor beneath.
"Madara, I don't know what your dream is, but this village is the dream we built together. Now you're trying to destroy it." Hashirama's voice was cold. "I won't allow it. Even if you've given up, I will protect it to the very end."