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White Zetsu never dreamed that the battle between Kazekaze and Hashirama would end in such a way.
"It seems that Hashirama's terminal illness has reached a very serious stage now."
White Zetsu couldn't help but sigh. Even someone as strong as the God of Shinobi, Hashirama, ultimately cannot escape the issues of life, aging, illness, and death. And as soon as he dies, this ninja world will no longer have a ninja capable of suppressing Uchiha Madara.
"At least, not right now."
White Zetsu gave Kazekaze a meaningful glance, then activated the Mayfly Technique and left the scene. Kazekaze is only seven years old now. Although he fought Hashirama to a draw, White Zetsu could see. Once Hashirama enters Sage Mode, his power would multiply.
"I thought I could witness Hashirama's True Several Thousand Hands, what a pity..." White Zetsu muttered to himself as he hurried back to the Hell's Crevice.
"You're back, White Zetsu." Uchiha Madara sat cross-legged on the bed, meditating, but sensed White Zetsu's presence.
"Lord Madara." White Zetsu emerged from the rock and reported to him.
"Just now, Hashirama had a fight with Kazekaze."
Uchiha Madara: "???"
His eyes suddenly opened wide, wondering if he had misheard something. What did White Zetsu just say? Hashirama fought Kazekaze?
"It should just be a normal sparring match."
Uchiha Madara calmed himself, thinking it was probably just Hashirama testing Kazekaze's current strength as a grandfather. There's really nothing to be surprised about. In Uchiha Madara's view, even Kazekaze cannot be compared to Hashirama. He is the God of Shinobi. The man who mastered Wood Release to perfection. The only man in the entire ninja world capable of suppressing him. The only man who could fight him to the last moment before determining a winner.
"The only man I, Uchiha Madara, recognize is Hashirama!"
It's not hard to see Hashirama's status in Uchiha Madara's heart. Even if Kazekaze has now defeated Kinkaku, Ginkaku, and Hōzuki Gengetsu. He is still worlds apart from Hashirama! After all, Kazekaze is only seven years old. In terms of strength, speed, or anything else, he is vastly different from Hashirama. There's simply no comparison.
"The result must be that little brat Kazekaze lost, right?"
Uchiha Madara said without thinking, believing it to be a matter of course. However...
Kazekaze's talent is indeed terrifying. If he continues to grow. Perhaps one day, he might surpass Senju Hashirama. Become the biggest obstacle on his path. That kid who inherited Hashirama's powerful Wood Release.
"In reality, Hashirama and Kazekaze clashed in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and Wood Release. All were evenly matched."
White Zetsu gasped, recounting the battle process he witnessed. Even Uchiha Madara was stunned by White Zetsu's account. What? Kazekaze and Hashirama, evenly matched? Moreover, Kazekaze had learned Tobirama's Flying Thunder God Technique. And used the Flying Thunder God Technique to defeat Hashirama with a Rasengan? Are you kidding? That was the only man I recognized.
"Flying Thunder God..."
Uchiha Madara gritted his teeth, recalling how Tobirama once used this technique. To kill his brother Izuna. If not for his brother's death, he might have truly sat down with Hashirama. To believe in the path he spoke of. For a moment, Uchiha Madara was filled with emotion. If not for Izuna's death, he wouldn't have awakened the Eternal Mangekyo. Regarding that stone tablet... Thinking of this, Uchiha Madara shook his head. At this point, reminiscing about the past is meaningless. He doesn't hate anyone, nor does he blame anyone. The only thing he cares about now is his Eye of the Moon Plan. To create a true, peaceful world without war. A world where everyone can be open and honest with each other.
"The past means nothing to me now."
But, although Uchiha Madara said this, his heart was still shocked by White Zetsu's account. Now, at just seven years old, Kazekaze was evenly matched with Hashirama, who wasn't using Sage Mode. Even though this was partly due to Hashirama's terminal illness. It still shows that Kazekaze's growth rate is faster than he imagined.
'How did that little brat Kazekaze do it?'
Wood Release, Rasengan, Flying Thunder God, Eight Gates, Super Strength... In Uchiha Madara's view, each of these techniques requires enough effort to master. But Kazekaze mastered them all in less than four months. Such a growth rate is simply too exaggerated.
'I originally planned to deal with Kazekaze after Hashirama's death. But now it seems, I can't wait for that time.'
Uchiha Madara looked down at his hands. He could feel his power slowly fading. And Kazekaze's growth rate completely overturned his understanding. If given another four months, Uchiha Madara truly doesn't know how strong he would become.
'With Hashirama's current condition, he should live for another year or two. If Kazekaze is given a year or two...'
Uchiha Madara hesitated. On one side is Senju Hashirama. The only man in this world he recognizes. He doesn't want Hashirama to suffer the blow of losing the most important person in his final days. But on the other side is the Eye of the Moon Plan. The only answer that can completely change the world and allow people to be open and honest with each other.
'It seems I have to make my choice.'
Uchiha Madara took a deep breath, his voice low, as his Sharingan spun and instantly upgraded to the Eternal Mangekyo. Based on the information White Zetsu brought back. He deduced that in the coming period, Hashirama would be unable to extract chakra and become powerless. In other words, at that time, Konoha's strongest combat power will be Senju Tobirama. And thinking of Senju Tobirama as the strongest, Uchiha Madara couldn't help but sneer. Is this what they call, in the land of no tigers, the monkey becomes king?
"White Zetsu, you mentioned before when collecting information on Konoha that someone in the Uchiha clan inherited my will?"
"Yes," White Zetsu nodded, immediately responding, "They intend to use force to seize power from Tobirama. But they haven't acted because Hashirama is still alive."
"Hmm." Uchiha Madara felt complicated. He had given the Uchiha clan a chance back then. To leave the village with him. But they chose to abandon him. Ironically, after abandoning him, they now want to inherit his will.
"Perhaps, I should use them."