Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 201: Reunion
---Uzushiogakure---
"Setsuna, you're not lying," said the former Uzukage while shaking Setsuna by the shoulders. "Hashirama is really alive"
Just moments ago, he had received a message confirming that Hashirama had returned and reclaimed his position as Hokage. Tobirama had also thrown his student into prison for betraying his trust and committing numerous crimes.
Even though he had resigned from his position as Uzukage, he still held the privilege of overseeing certain matters in Uzushiogakure.
They also informed him that Mito, Hashirama, Tobirama, Tsunade, and Nawaki would be visiting Uzushiogakure soon.
Although he had already been told by Setsuna that Hashirama was still alive, hearing the news from him and seeing the proof was an entirely different experience and acceptance.
He had been skeptical and doubtful, especially since he was one of the people who had attended Hashirama funeral and saw Hashirama body was put inside the coffin. It came as a complete shock when Setsuna revealed that Hashirama had been saved and hidden inside another dimension.
Now, after seeing the photos and receiving the official message confirming Hashirama's return, he trusted Setsuna more than ever. If his trust was already at 100%, it was now at 200%.
Setsuna simply laughed and asked, "Did Hashirama send any message?"
"Yes, they plan to come here in three days. They need to take care of a few matters in Konoha first," the former Uzukage replied.
"Good. By the way, Father, we're going to hunt Madara," said Setsuna.
"Madara?" the former Uzukage echoed. He had already heard from Sasuke that Madara was still alive in his timeline, and it seemed the same was happening in this one.
Later, Uchiha Setsuna confirmed Madara existence. Apparently, Setsuna had known for a long time that Madara was alive, but since Madara hadn't made a move and remained hidden in one place, Setsuna chose not to confront him yet.
He had urged Setsuna to go after Madara before, but Setsuna insisted the time wasn't right. Now, it finally was.
"Did you wait for Hashirama return before going after him?" the former Uzukage asked again.
"Yes, Father-in-law," Setsuna replied. "Are you worried? Don't be. I'm the Uzukage now, I'll protect this village."
Uzumaki Ashina, the former Uzukage, let out a deep breath of relief at Setsuna promise.
---Madara Dilemma---
His plan had failed miserably. Uzushiogakure managed to defend itself, and Hashirama was still alive. He couldn't understand how Mito had accomplished it.
As long as Uchiha Setsuna remained alive, he couldn't risk kidnapping anyone from Uzushiogakure.
So, his only remaining option was to uncover the jutsu Mito had used. He had already instructed White Zetsu to search for the scroll or infiltrate Konoha by possessing the bodies of its shinobi. The goal was to find their secrets and deliver them to him silently.
He couldn't afford to alert either Hashirama or Setsuna.
Why was it that he alone had aged, while Hashirama and Setsuna both looked younger than their actual age?
Suddenly, he sensed chakra approaching his location.
"Hashirama," Madara muttered with a crazed grin. "He knows I'm still alive."
White Zetsu morphed out of the ground into the room.
"Madara-sama, Uchiha Setsuna and Senju Hashirama are heading this way. It seems they've discovered you're still alive," said White Zetsu.
Madara laughed. "It seems I've lost again—even though I already possess the Rinnegan."
Boom! A section of the stone wall was smashed open by a powerful punch, creating a hole.
Setsuna stepped through and greeted him casually. "Hey Madara, long time no see."
Another figure entered, it was Senju Hashirama.
"Madara, you're still alive. Yokatta (I'm glad)," said Hashirama sincerely.
Then came a third figure: Uchiha Izuna.
"Brother, why are you here alone?" Izuna asked.
Madara eyes widened as he stared at his brother.
"Izuna… You…" he stammered.
"Yes, I'm still alive. Weren't you able to sense my chakra?" Izuna replied with a soft smile.
"I could sense it," said Madara. "Even though I knew Setsuna had taken you to safety, the attack back then… it was fatal."
Izuna nodded. "He managed to save me… but look at my lower body."
Madara eyes fell to Izuna legs and his expression froze. A vivid memory flashed before him when Hashirama blade slicing Izuna in half at the waist. He clenched his fists.
"Your legs… That's impossible," Madara whispered.
"Yeah. It was impossible. But I don't want to talk about the injury back then, this time, brother, I've come to stop you," Izuna said firmly.
"Stop me? Do you even understand what you're saying?" Madara snapped, anger rising in his voice.
"Infinite Tsukuyomi, right?" Izuna asked calmly.
Madara eyes widened. "How do you know about that?"
Izuna turned to the entrance of the cave. "Sasuke, come in."
Sasuke stepped into the cave without hesitation.
"Tell him what you told us," said Izuna.
Sasuke nodded and began explaining everything about the Uchiha massacre, the Fourth Great Ninja War, Kaguya Otsutsuki arrival and how even after peace was restored, the Otsutsuki clan eventually come and threatened Earth.
When Sasuke finished, silence fell.
Everyone looked at Madara.
"Brother," Izuna said softly, "Even if Black Zetsu is gone, you alone can't stop the Otsutsuki."
Madara suddenly laughed. "Hahaha… You're right. I've grown old too."
He looked at Hashirama and smiled bitterly. "It seems your dream won and mine failed. Take care of the future ninja world."
"Brother…" Izuna murmured.
"Madara," said Hashirama.
"Former Clan Leader," Setsuna added.
"My body can't hold out much longer," Madara admitted, pointing to the giant Ten Tails shell behind him. "If not for this structure, I would've crumbled already."
"Madara, won't you see your little niece one last time?" Setsuna asked gently.
At the mention of his niece, Madara expression softened. A warm smile spread across his face. He remembered when Kazuha was still a child, her laughter, her stubbornness, her spark.
"I don't think I have much time," Madara said, unplugging the tubes from his back. "An hour at most, the Rinnegan's toll is too great."
Izuna and Hashirama quickly moved to support him, channeling chakra into his body.
But nothing happened.
"I know my limits," Madara said. "Once the tubes are gone… this body starts to collapse."
Tobirama frowned. Sasuke looked solemn, while Hashirama and Izuna were visibly sad. Only Setsuna remained calm.
"Setsuna… after I die, take my eyes and give them to Kazuha," Madara requested.
"Madara, wait. I think I can help," said Setsuna, activating Kamui.
A minute later, he returned with someone else—Kagami Uchiha.
"Kagami, use your eyes on him," said Setsuna.
The others watched, confused. Kagami Mangekyō Sharingan was a closely guarded secret and except former Uzukage and him, no one knows about his ability.
Kagami nodded. His eyes shifted into Mangekyō form and he placed a hand on Madara chest.
A pulse of chakra surged.
In an instant, Madara aged, crumbling body rejuvenated. The wrinkles vanished. His posture straightened. His chakra stabilized.
"My body…" Madara gasped, stunned.
"Setsuna…"
"Madara…"
Everyone, except Kagami and Setsuna stood frozen in disbelief.
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