Under the pale light of dawn, three shadows moved swiftly past the village gates. Madara, Hashirama, and Isshin—three of the most powerful shinobi of their time—slipped away from the village, their cloaks billowing as they disappeared into the mist.
The Fire Temple was their destination, a revered and ancient sanctuary where the nine tailed beasts, embodiments of raw and ferocious power, lay dormant. They traveled in silence, each lost in thoughts of the monumental task ahead: convincing these strongest forces to lend their strength to the village's cause.
For weeks, they journeyed, enduring the harsh landscapes and trials along the way. Yet, no matter the challenge, they pressed on, driven by the singular vision of peace and protection for their home.
Meanwhile, in the village, murmurs of discontent rippled through the air like cracks in the foundation. Council members and clan leaders convened in urgent gatherings, filling rooms with heated arguments and anxious whispers.
To the village, the departure of Madara, Hashirama, and especially Isshin, who was known as the 'demon of the crimson whirlpool,' felt like a potential betrayal. How could they abandon the village in these turbulent times?
But when Hashirama and Madara reappeared to confront the council, their sheer presence alone seemed to settle the restless leaders. The council members found themselves pacified, though begrudgingly, their fear and indignation faltering in the face of the Hokage's resolve.
After all, what power did they truly have to oppose these legends?
In the background of these confrontations, Isshin remained a calming force. His composure was almost unnaturally steady, a quiet strength that soothed the council and reminded them of their purpose.
He spoke a few words, but each one resonated with a wisdom honed from years of restraint. Though he too was restless, Isshin chose patience, enduring the doubts cast upon him for the sake of peace—both his own and the village's.
The trio paused at the edge of a tranquil forest clearing, the sun casting dappled light through the leaves as they considered the challenges ahead. Madara's eyes gleamed with confidence as he turned to his companions.
"So, how will you negotiate with the tailed beasts?" Black haired Uchiha asked, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. "I propose Genjutsu control. These creatures, powerful though they may be, are beings born from chakra. Nothing more."
Hashirama sighed, folding his arms. "And what happens when that control wavers, Madara? You're talking about suppressing living entities, beings of incredible will. I suggest we tame them—not as slaves, but as allies. We could suppress their energy and seal it within one of us to create a bond. Imagine the strength that would bring."
Isshin chuckled, shaking his head at their tactics. "Damn, you two are ruthless. Trying to put these forces under lock and key like they're some wild animals. They're ancient, and they've existed long before us." His voice was light but firm, an unmistakable hint of wisdom embedded within the humor. "Why don't we approach them with some respect?"
Madara scoffed, crossing his arms as he eyed Isshin. "You think reason alone will sway them?"
Isshin's expression turned serious, his eyes glinting with conviction. "Not exactly, but there's more than one way to gain respect. They need to know they're dealing with someone who's not afraid to face them as equals. Let's show them we understand their power—and that they can be part of something greater than constant isolation."
Hashirama nodded slowly, intrigued by Isshin's perspective. "Perhaps there's merit in both approaches. We'll prepare for negotiation but keep our options open if things turn hostile."
Madara rolled his eyes but couldn't deny the logic in Isshin's plan. "Fine. But if negotiations go south, we do it my way."
The three moved onward, their figures fading into the forest as they ventured closer to the heart of the Fire Temple. The tension in the air was thick with anticipation, each of them carrying different philosophies and expectations, but bound by a shared goal.
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..
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As they arrived at the sacred ground deep within the Fire Temple, the atmosphere grew thick with ancient and heavy negative chakra. The trio could feel it pulsing beneath their feet—a testament to the tailed beasts' presence. Isshin's gaze sharpened, his Kagura eyes as he scanned the area, picking up on the flickers of chakra moving restlessly in the shadows. Kurama, the Nine-Tails, was close.
"He's pissed and frustrated, guys. You both know what not to do, right?" Isshin said, casting a warning look over his shoulder. Through his mind's eyes he was capable of reading intent and chakra fluctuation and knowing their current mood accordingly.
Hashirama gave a firm nod. "Yes, we'll be careful."
Madara smirked, his Sharingan flickering with a dangerous glint. "On guard."
A low rumble resonated through the temple, a deep growl that seemed to make the air itself shudder. And then, from within the darkness, massive red eyes opened, filled with a timeless, barely-contained fury. Kurama's colossal form emerged, his fur bristling as he faced the intruders with an expression of disdain.
"Kurama! The greatest creation of the Sage of Six Paths," Isshin called out, his voice steady but carrying an unyielding force.
The beast's eyes narrowed, lips pulling back into a snarl that revealed rows of gleaming fangs. "...Speak. Human," Kurama's voice rumbled, laced with contempt but also laced with a cautious curiosity.
Isshin stepped forward, undeterred by the beast's hostility. "I've come here for two reasons. First, to negotiate a truce—a pact for the sake of world peace, where we no longer live in fear of each other."
Kurama's eyes flashed with a mixture of interest and skepticism, but Isshin continued, his gaze unyielding.
"And second, to remind you of the responsibility and duty you left behind for your own selfish greed." Isshin's words were bold, his tone both chiding and commanding. "You were born to bring balance, yet you've chosen isolation, allowing fear and hatred to breed in the hearts of children of sage."