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Konoha is beyond saving!
Now, after Hatake Sakumo finally managed to break through the psychological pressure Uchiha Madara had imposed on the shinobi of Konoha, Fire Shadow Hiruzen Sarutobi—who should be leading them—was instead consumed by resentment, jealousy, and even a subtle sense of wariness toward Sakumo.
Just by looking at this leadership dynamic, anyone would say it: Konoha is doomed!
But is that really the case?
In the original story, Hiruzen Sarutobi may have been indecisive at times, but he was still a competent leader. So why does he appear so pitiful here?
Heh, of course, this is all thanks to Uchiha Madara's schemes.
Just moments ago, when Madara directly confronted Hiruzen with his piercing words while staring into his eyes, those eyes were none other than his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan!
That's right—as some might have guessed, it was genjutsu! Just now, Madara used genjutsu to influence Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Don't think that because Madara rarely uses genjutsu, it means he isn't skilled at it.
On the contrary! Madara's genjutsu is incredibly powerful—he just hasn't had much opportunity to use it until now.
As previously mentioned, every Mangekyō Sharingan possesses its unique abilities. While the original Madara's specific powers weren't entirely clear in canon, one ability of this time-traveling version of Madara's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan is the power to annihilate and shatter anything it targets.
And the other unique ability? Ultimate genjutsu.
The name of this ultimate genjutsu?
Haze.
Just hearing the name gives you a sense of how terrifying this technique truly is.
Unlike Tsukuyomi, which deals devastating damage, or Kotoamatsukami, which bends reality without reason, Haze is an exceptionally specialized yet profoundly useful genjutsu. Its effects operate directly on a person's soul—specifically their emotions, personality, and willpower. Anyone caught in Haze experiences a gradual degradation of their character traits, shifting toward negative tendencies.
For instance, earlier, when Madara mocked and oppressed the shinobi of Konoha, he cast a wide-range Haze over them, targeting their emotions and instilling fear within them.
As for Hiruzen Sarutobi, the original Hiruzen wasn't such a narrow-minded individual. However, unknowingly ensnared by Madara's Haze, his personality began to shift under its influence, becoming increasingly suspicious, jealous, and defensive.
It must be said, Madara executed this Haze perfectly against Hiruzen.
As the leader of Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi has always been a capable leader, earning the title of "Ninja Sage." But if his personality continues down this path of corruption, then the future of Konoha promises to become very... interesting.
Unaware that he had fallen victim to Haze, Hiruzen quickly suppressed his petty thoughts and stepped forward alongside Hatake Sakumo, standing side by side as they faced off against Uchiha Madara.
His three apprentices, seeing someone take the lead, also broke free from their own fear and panic, positioning themselves behind Hiruzen.
These five individuals now stood ready, prepared to fight Madara to the death!
With these five leading the charge, the rest of the Konoha shinobi rallied as well, no longer displaying the same defeated expressions as before.
Seeing this, Madara chuckled lightly and pointed at Sakumo, nodding approvingly:
"Not bad! You're quite something, young man. I believe your name is Hatake Sakumo, correct? Good! Truly impressive. To think that even in this decadent era of ninja villages, there still exists someone like you—a warrior reminiscent of the Warring States period. It seems not everyone here is spineless after all!"
He paused, surveying the group before him.
"So, judging by your stance, you intend to fight me, Uchiha Madara?"
At these words, the shinobi of Konoha couldn't help but tremble once more. After all, the towering figure of Madara's fully manifested Susanoo loomed menacingly behind him—it was nothing to scoff at.
However, having already stepped forward, retreat was out of the question!
Afraid that Sakumo might steal more of the spotlight, Hiruzen was the first to roar defiantly at Madara:
"Uchiha Madara! You've already destroyed our village to this extent. There's no turning back now! No matter how powerful you are, we will never forgive you for what you've done to Konoha!"
Hiruzen's impassioned speech stirred the hearts of the shinobi behind him. One by one, they adopted a fearless, do-or-die attitude, roaring in agreement with their leader's words.
Madara didn't grow angry; instead, he laughed heartily.
"Ha! Well done, all of you! Looks like you've grown some backbone. I hope you can keep up this bravado."
He paused thoughtfully, adding:
"Still, it wouldn't be fair for someone of my stature to bully you youngsters like this. Let me make you an offer!"
Madara raised a single finger.
"One strike! If any of you can withstand a single attack from me, Uchiha Madara, I'll leave Konoha immediately and never bother you again."
Hiruzen's eyes gleamed sharply.
"Uchiha Madara, do you mean it?"
"I swear it. Someone of my caliber wouldn't lie to a bunch of youngsters like you," Madara replied confidently.
Without another word, Madara leapt high into the air, landing directly onto the forehead of his colossal Susanoo. From there, he took full control of the massive entity once more.
Standing before the shinobi of Konoha, the towering Susanoo—its form rivaling that of a god—radiated overwhelming intimidation. Beads of cold sweat formed on the foreheads of the gathered shinobi.
Hatake Sakumo, gripping his White Fang blade tightly, spoke solemnly to rally the troops:
"Everyone, brace yourselves for Madara's assault! Prepare to unleash your strongest techniques!"
Though Sakumo's intentions were noble, his words inadvertently undermined Hiruzen's authority. Shouldn't the Hokage himself be delivering such motivational speeches?
A flicker of anger crossed Hiruzen's face as he tore off his ceremonial Hokage robe, revealing the black armor beneath. He bit his thumb and slammed his hand onto the ground, summoning Enma, the Monkey King.
With a burst of white smoke, Enma appeared beside him, ready for battle.