Hashirama and Madara locked eyes, each unwavering in their beliefs. Neither could convince the other.
Even Hashirama's idealism had been hammered at by Wakato and Mirai's words, yet it was not entirely shattered. It still yearned for a beautiful world of love and understanding.
After a moment, they both dropped the subject, almost as if by mutual agreement.
The battle of ideas would not be resolved quickly, and besides, that was not their current priority.
"Madara, do you really believe all this?"
Madara's mouth twitched. "…"
Believe that he'd be defeated by Hashirama himself?
Not a chance!
The thought of losing so miserably to Hashirama was inconceivable. The only way that would happen would be if he did it on purpose.
Had he deliberately lost to Hashirama and faked his own death to escape? All in order to gain the power of "yin and yang"?
As a legendary figure, Madara was quick to imagine the complex scheme his future self might have planned.
But he wasn't entirely certain.
"I don't believe in your stories, but I believe in you."
"Madara!"
Hashirama was elated; he knew Madara could be trusted.
It was his fault, too. Caught up in Hokage duties, he had neglected Madara's feelings. If he'd just opened up and spoken with him sooner, so many tragedies could have been avoided!
"So, you've agreed? You'll take up the mantle as the Second Hokage?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself. I haven't agreed yet."
"Madara, you're the only one I can rely on. The future of the village depends on you. You promised Izuna you'd protect your clan. If you leave, won't the Uchiha be vulnerable to Tobirama?"
"I…"
Madara was at a loss for words.
Damn it!
Hashirama had even learned to provoke him! The sting of his own strategy being turned against him was infuriating.
But Hashirama did have a point.
Madara might not care about much, but his promise to his brother was different.
In the end, for his people and his vow to Izuna, Madara decided to stay in Konoha, at least for now.
And at the very least, he would seek a chance to meet the mysterious person claiming to rival the Sage of Six Paths.
Or to verify if that person truly had the power to travel through time.
What if Hashirama had been deceived by them?
If they turned out to be a fraud, Madara would make sure to handle it himself!
"I'll stay in the village," he finally said.
"Great! First, you'll need to convince the daimyo and the other clans. They won't easily accept me as the next Hokage."
This was Madara's biggest concession, and he left the rest up to Hashirama's determination.
"Hahaha!"
"As long as you agree, leave the rest to me. I'll convince them, even if I have to use pure logic!"
Hashirama was overjoyed. He'd finally convinced Madara!
With Madara still in Konoha, perhaps the First Ninja War could be avoided, and things would move toward a brighter future.
...
"Also, where's Wakato, the one calling himself the Yudao Immortal? I want to meet him…"
Hashirama shook his head.
"He's likely still in another time-space. I can't be certain."
"But he said he'd come to see me again. You can meet him then."
Madara frowned, still uneasy about not being able to meet the mysterious figure.
"He really has the Rinnegan?"
"Yes, I'm certain it's the Rinnegan. And I can't sense any Chakra from him at all. It's probably hidden by some legendary ocular technique."
Madara was shaken. Hashirama's sensory skills were among the best in the ninja world.
If he couldn't detect any Chakra from Wakato, even at close range, it spoke volumes about Wakato's ability to conceal himself.
Could it be he truly had no Chakra?
No. If he could teleport with Hashirama, he must be using Chakra in some way, even if it was concealed.
"Then what's this immortal's objective?"
"I don't know, but I don't sense any malice."
"There's no such thing as kindness without reason."
"I know, but it's impossible to turn against an immortal without cause, right?"
"Hmph. When I see him, I'll test him!"
"Madara, don't act recklessly toward him!"
"Do I look that foolish, Hashirama?"
"Hahaha, just reminding you…"
...
"So, Hashirama, what's your plan now?"
Hashirama thought briefly before responding, "Tomorrow, I'll gather the village's clan leaders to discuss your succession as Second Hokage."
Madara was slightly surprised by Hashirama's straightforwardness.
This 'journey to the future' had clearly left a deep impact on Hashirama, changing him in unexpected ways.
Convincing the various clans would be challenging, but nothing could deter Hashirama once he made up his mind.
"And after that?"
"Madara, let's go out and capture all the tailed beasts in the ninja world."
"You're still on about the Tailed Beast Deterrence System?"
"Yes. They're too dangerous to be left unchecked. Their Tailed Beast Bombs could obliterate the entire village."
Madara nodded, feeling eager to get out and, perhaps, have a bit of fun along the way.
"Alright! I'll go with you."
He didn't mind going with Hashirama. It felt… enjoyable.
"By the way! One more important matter. We need to find a match for Tobirama as soon as possible."
"Oh?"
Madara's interest piqued.
"Didn't that stoic guy never bother with women? It seems he must have caused some trouble in the future for you to be this concerned, right?"
"Exactly. Tobirama needs to experience love! Madara, do you have any eligible kunoichi in your clan?"
"Even if I did, that guy wouldn't accept it."
"If that's the case, we'll have to get him drunk and…"
"Ugh…Hashirama, you've changed…"
"Hahaha, it's for the future of the village!"
Hashirama chuckled. He'd already devised a plan to give his brother a little push toward finding love.
Then, Hashirama and Madara continued their conversation well into the night.
It wasn't until much later that Hashirama reluctantly left.
If he stayed any longer, Lady Mito would be furious, and he'd probably be sleeping on the floor tonight…
Of course, staying over at Madara's would be fine, but he decided to head home. Tobirama likely had plenty of questions for him to answer.
...
After Hashirama left, Madara remained alone in a secluded chamber, lost in thought.
Hashirama's visit had left a lasting impact on him, especially the idea of him becoming Hokage. It completely derailed all his previous plans.
Though he still remembered the ancient prophecy inscribed on the Uchiha Ancestral Stone Tablet, he chose to stay in Konoha for now.
Perhaps he would give Hashirama another chance, to see how things unfolded.
If he could truly become Hokage, it might prevent further hardship for the Uchiha clan.
And it would fulfill his promise to Izuna.
As for Hashirama's suggestion of finding a match for Tobirama, it wasn't entirely out of the question to consider an Uchiha kunoichi for him.
While Madara had no children, he did have a few nieces.
Although the thought of one of his kin marrying that insufferable Tobirama wasn't ideal…
But when he imagined Tobirama having to call him "Uncle" with a grimace, Madara couldn't help but smirk in satisfaction.
Yes, he liked the sound of that.
This would be far more satisfying than merely confronting Tobirama.
After all, it was Hashirama's idea. If Tobirama had a problem, he could take it up with his elder brother!
Just as Madara was indulging in this amusing thought, a strange voice cut through his reverie.
"Uchiha Madara? What's making you so pleased?"
Madara's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan activated in an instant as he scanned the room, catching sight of a mysterious figure standing there.
"That's the Rinnegan!"
"Are you the one calling yourself the Yudao Immortal?"
…