One wave after another of Allied Shinobi Forces rushed toward the battlefield.
Senju Tobirama, the Third Raikage, and the others who had been waiting in the Raikage's office immediately stormed out.
Standing at the center of it all, completely surrounded, Uchiha Madara remained utterly unfazed. With his arms crossed, he calmly observed the countless shinobi encircling him.
"You too wish to dance?"
The Allied Shinobi Forces held their ground.
They had strict orders—engage only to rescue, not to recklessly charge into battle. The enemy was far too powerful.
So instead of rushing in to be slaughtered, the shinobi focused on tightening the encirclement, layer after layer, trapping Madara like a beast in a cage while waiting for the true powerhouses to arrive.
"Huh?"
"Dance?"
Madara's words left many of the shinobi bewildered.
Dance?
Was he seriously considering putting on a performance right here, in the middle of enemy territory?
"Swoosh!"
Minato and his group arrived on top of a nearby high-rise, giving them a perfect vantage point to watch the unfolding scene.
"So that's Uchiha Madara? Wearing that old Warring States-era armor," Minato mused.
Lately, Madara's name had been everywhere, his reputation resounding like thunder.
Even Minato and Nawaki were staring in curiosity.
Even Kushina, Pakura, and the other girls couldn't help but scrutinize the legendary figure.
Seeing him in person was far different from looking at old paintings and descriptions.
On another rooftop, Senju Tobirama arrived with Senju Hashirama and the others.
"Madara, stop this! The Five Great Shinobi Villages have united—your plan is doomed to fail!"
From atop the building, Hashirama called out before leaping down and striding toward Madara.
He was preparing to unleash his signature Talk-no-Jutsu—the same technique that had successfully convinced Madara multiple times in the past.
And Hashirama firmly believed he could do it again.
"Disperse!"
The Third Raikage's voice boomed across the battlefield.
"This is not a fight you can take part in."
The presence of the Kage meant it was no longer the time for ordinary shinobi to throw their lives away.
Their priority was to guard the Jinchūriki and Tailed Beasts, preventing any of Madara's subordinates from seizing an opportunity.
Of the Five Kage, Rasa and Yagura had stayed behind to ensure the safety of the Tailed Beasts and their hosts.
As for Tsunade, thanks to Takuya's influence, she had been granted freedom of movement.
She could do whatever she wanted.
Unfortunately for her, Takuya had strictly forbidden her from fighting.
At most, she was allowed to provide medical support.
What kind of joke would it be to send Tsunade to fight Uchiha Madara?
She'd be little more than a punching bag.
Even the strongest medical ninja wouldn't be able to withstand his attacks.
The original timeline had proven that all too well—when the Five Kage had taken on Madara, they had thought they stood a chance.
They threw everything they had at him, only to realize it was all meaningless.
Had Orochimaru not arrived in time, Tsunade herself would have been done for.
No—fighting was best left to the others.
If necessary, Takuya himself could step in.
As for Tsunade, she was better off sticking to her role as a healer.
Medical nin should stay out of battles like this.
"Hashirama!!!"
Suddenly, Madara shouted.
His previously calm expression twisted with excitement—an excitement eerily similar to that of a lover reuniting after years apart.
Madara was thrilled.
And Hashirama was equally elated.
They rushed toward each other with such overwhelming enthusiasm that an awkward atmosphere spread across the battlefield.
Many of the shinobi exchanged strange looks.
Nawaki's mouth fell open as he tugged on Takuya's sleeve.
"Takuya, am I seeing things, or is Grandpa and Uchiha Madara…?"
Takuya's expression turned odd.
"No, you're seeing it right. These two are just that close. Seeing each other again excites them more than seeing their own wives."
Minato: "...."
Tsunade: "...."
The others: "...."
Did he really just say that?
But looking at them… it wasn't exactly wrong.
Tsunade swore that Grandpa had never been this excited to see Grandma.
This was ridiculous.
No wonder Grandma had always complained that, in Grandpa's heart, Uchiha Madara had always come first.
As a child, Tsunade had assumed it was just bitter words from a widow.
Turns out… it was true.
Here we go again.
Tobirama sighed and covered his face in exasperation.
"Can't you two act normal for once?"
This was supposed to be a serious moment, and yet these two had somehow managed to turn it into a heartwarming reunion between long-lost best friends.
Just moments ago, Madara had looked ecstatic.
Now, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over his head.
The excitement drained from his face. The warmth in his eyes vanished.
Stopping in his tracks, he stared at Hashirama, his expression dark and emotionless.
"So that's it, Hashirama. You plan to stand in my way?"
"Yes, I will stop you," Hashirama replied firmly.
"I will personally shatter your plans, Madara. Give up."
"Then let's fight."
Madara chuckled coldly.
"I told you before—I sought to unite the power of the Uchiha and Senju, yet you never believed in me. You thought I was mad.
And now that I've succeeded, you still refuse to believe in me."
It was clear—Madara was heartbroken.
To Takuya, this felt like watching a dramatic lovers' quarrel.
Hashirama looked like the heartless ex who had stomped all over Madara's feelings.
"Can you two be normal for once?"
"You won't succeed, Madara!"
"Boom!"
A surge of violet chakra exploded around Hashirama. The ground beneath him cracked, splitting into a web of deep fractures.
"Heh… No one can stop me—not even you, Hashirama."
Madara's chakra flared in response.
"I've been waiting for this fight for a long time."
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read the rest of the Chapter at Patreon com/ Emik01.
DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING