Shigen's words hit Uchiha Madara right where it counted.
After all, surpassing Hashirama Senju had always been Madara's goal. If he could also surpass someone as legendary as Shigen, someone who once stood on equal footing with the Sage of Six Paths, it would be even more exhilarating.
Shigen's reputation even eclipsed that of the Sage himself. To receive his recognition was an honor few could imagine.
While Madara would never admit needing anyone's approval, he had to concede that earning Shigen's trust and being entrusted with his will was a deeply gratifying experience.
"So, this is Lord Shigen's will from the past?"
Madara's heart swelled with satisfaction as he examined the strange figure of Black Zetsu, Shigen's so-called legacy. He couldn't help but be intrigued by its peculiar appearance.
"It does look a bit… odd," Madara remarked, glancing at Shigen. He shook his head slightly. "It doesn't resemble you at all, Lord Shigen."
The contrast was undeniable.
Perhaps it was because of Shigen's reputation, or perhaps it was Madara's own limited interactions with him, but Madara always felt a sense of tranquility when meeting Shigen. Despite their limited encounters, Madara had built an idealized image of him.
"This is a creation born of Yin-Yang Release," Shigen explained, his calm gaze landing on Black Zetsu. "In a way, Black Zetsu is a sentient being. Once you master Yin-Yang Release, you'll come to understand how valuable its existence truly is."
"Madara…"
Black Zetsu's raspy voice carried a touch of sinister amusement as its face contorted into what it considered a friendly smile. "I look forward to working with you in the future."
"Hmm…"
Madara frowned slightly.
Though he wasn't particularly concerned with appearances, Black Zetsu's ominous demeanor contrasted so starkly with Shigen's refined presence that it was hard to reconcile the two.
Whatever.
Perhaps creations of Yin-Yang Release simply looked like this. Considering Shigen's unimpeachable reputation, Madara was confident that Black Zetsu was as valuable as Shigen claimed. It was likely a repository of hidden knowledge, and Madara was certain he could extract plenty of critical secrets from it in the future.
"Madara," Shigen said softly, his gaze lingering on Black Zetsu. "The path you've chosen won't be easy. I've walked it before and encountered countless dead ends. That's why I'm leaving Black Zetsu with you—to help you find your way more smoothly."
His tone was heavy, carrying the weight of an elder passing down their legacy.
"Let me see it for myself…"
Shigen's eyes turned to Hashirama's gravestone, his voice lowering. "And let Hashirama see it too—that you can accomplish everything he could not."
"Of course," Madara replied, his voice steady and resolute.
The gravity of the moment wasn't lost on him. Shigen's decision to entrust everything to him at Hashirama's grave was a significant gesture, and Madara vowed not to disappoint his expectations.
Madara, as a man who respected Shigen, paused briefly to consider how he might reciprocate this trust.
"In that case…"
"Let me do something for you, Lord Shigen."
"At the very least, let me help bring this era's war to an end so you won't leave this world feeling too disillusioned by us."
Madara's gaze grew sharp, his characteristic arrogance reemerging as a sly smile crept across his lips. "Though it might benefit that schemer Tobirama, I suppose I can let him profit just this once…"
"I'll help end this war, Lord Shigen."
Madara's fist tightened as his confidence surged. "After all, wars aren't stopped by words alone. Some wills are as unyielding as stone, and the only way to silence them is to shatter them completely."
Thinking back to his encounters with Iwagakure's forces, Madara sneered. "In such cases, overwhelming power is far more persuasive than words."
"Don't try to refuse me," Madara added, his pride on full display.
"Consider it my gift to you."
Once Madara made up his mind, he was immovable. He was determined to accompany Shigen to the battlefield.
"…"
Shigen frowned slightly.
Come to think of it… Who was currently serving as the Tsuchikage in Iwagakure?
In the Land of Grass
Iwagakure's forces had established their base in this small country, with the Second Tsuchikage, Mū, personally overseeing the operation.
As the leader, Mū understood that he was up against both Konoha and Kumogakure, whose forces were led by their respective Kage. Though Mū believed his apprentice, Ōnoki, to be highly capable, he wasn't confident in sending him against someone like Tobirama Senju.
Even during the Warring States period, Tobirama's reputation had been legendary.
Though often overshadowed by his elder brother, Hashirama, anyone who underestimated Tobirama was inviting disaster.
"Tsuchikage-sama, when will we launch our attack?"
Ōnoki, sitting restlessly in his chair, was visibly impatient as he watched Mū pore over a map.
"Be patient, Ōnoki."
Mū's voice was calm and measured as he studied the strategic map in front of him, marking key points with a red pen.
Known for his intellect, Mū was not one to act rashly. "We're not just facing Konoha; we're also up against Kumogakure's forces. Even though we outnumber them on paper, we can't afford to make any reckless moves…"
Mū tapped the map with his pen, pointing out key locations. "Ōnoki, you must learn to remain calm. The scale of this war surpasses anything we've ever seen, so our strategy must be equally meticulous."
"The current situation favors us. As long as we hold Kanabi Bridge, our supply lines will remain intact, putting us in an unassailable position."
"But…"
Ōnoki's anxiety was palpable. "I've heard that Konoha and Kumogakure are about to form an alliance. If they join forces—"
"What of it?"
Mū shook his head dismissively. "Even if they do, it won't change much. As long as we hold our ground and remain patient, their alliance will eventually crumble…"
Mū's confidence stemmed from his understanding of human nature. Alliances between shinobi were always tenuous, and he doubted Konoha and Kumogakure would sustain theirs for long.
"Ōnoki," Mū continued, "Remember this: wars are won not just with strength but with strategy. Patience will win us this war."
As he spoke, a messenger from the rear lines arrived with urgent news.
"Tsuchikage-sama!"
"What is it?"
The messenger hesitated before delivering the report. "Lord Shigen is heading toward the frontlines… and accompanying him is Uchiha Madara."
Mū froze.
"Madara?"
The name alone carried weight.
"Why would he come here?"
Even Mū, known for his calm demeanor, found himself unsettled.
Whatever Madara's reason, one thing was certain: he wasn't here for a tea party.
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Powerstones?
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