To be honest, Tobirama Senju's sudden visit really caught Jigen off guard.
Although he had long stayed within the alternate dimension he created, he still kept up with major events in the ninja world.
He naturally knew about the legendary reputations of The First Hokage and The Second.
But he never imagined they would actually return from the dead!
And appear right before his eyes!
Huh, those locals actually pulled something off!
They even came up with some pretty wild ninja techniques.
After all, any abilities related to souls were considered taboo even among the Otsutsuki Clan...
So much so that Jigen secretly wondered:
Had they sensed something unusual? Had they discovered the Kāma he inscribed inside that kunoichi Tsunade?
Was this an official visit meant to confront him?
He was already prepared to strike instantly—completely erasing Tobirama Senju—and then retreat once more into his hideout within the dimensional space to go into hiding again.
But unexpectedly, the visitor had come simply to express gratitude.
Even going as far as inviting him to join Konoha's side.
How amusing!
Jigen hesitated briefly but ultimately declined Tobirama's request.
After all, he had been lying dormant for many years,
solely to find a suitable "vessel," and also to wait patiently for Kaguya's contingency plans to unfold.
Before that happened, he definitely didn't want to recklessly expose himself...
Therefore, no matter how persuasively or self-righteously Tobirama pleaded,
Jigen remained unmoved.
Until Tobirama casually mentioned Hashirama's theory.
...
Jigen: "What?"
"You mean Madara Uchiha is planning to gather all the Tailed Beasts to resurrect a god?!!"
Tobirama: "Most likely. That must be his plan."
Upon hearing this, Jigen's expression changed dramatically.
Others might not understand the connection between the Tailed Beasts and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path,
but as a member of the Otsutsuki Clan, he understood it perfectly.
This was clearly preparing to resurrect Kaguya!
Moreover,
throughout ninja history, only a handful could truly be called gods...
Other than Kaguya herself—who was neither dead nor merely sealed away—
he could think of no other being
who could be revived simply by gathering the Tailed Beasts and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Suddenly, he couldn't afford not to take this seriously!
If Kaguya were indeed unsealed and reborn, once she pacified the ninja world,
she definitely wouldn't spare him!
That treacherous woman already ambushed him once before.
If she discovered he was still alive, how could she possibly let him go?
Even if she might not necessarily detect him;
for the rest of his life, he would probably have to continue living like a mole—constantly hiding and fleeing.
As a proud Otsutsuki, how could he accept that?
Therefore,
Jigen quickly made his decision.
Regardless of whether this was connected to Kaguya's hidden backup plan or not,
nobody shall be allowed to gather all the Tailed Beasts and unseal Kaguya!
He must stop that bastard Madara Uchihi!
"Never thought someone with such outrageous ambitions actually exists."
"If his evil scheme succeeds, the entire Ninja World will indeed face catastrophe."
"God forbid! I absolutely cannot allow that man to have his way!"
"I'm willing to offer my assistance, Lord Tobirama," Jigen said earnestly.
Of course, for safety's sake,
he insisted on joining Konoha under the identity of Master Jigen
to prevent anyone from recognizing his true self...
There was some risk involved.
But it was a gamble worth taking.
After all, by joining Konoha, he could closely observe Tsunade and ensure the stability of his "new vessel"-
which was definitely a bonus.
...
Meanwhile, seeing that Master Jigen had decided to join,
Tobirama was extremely pleased.
After all, his main goal on this trip was to find outside help for the village!
Although he hadn't known the monk long,
he could clearly sense that Master Jigen was an expert-
his power surely no less than Tobirama's own!
That kind of power was definitely something worth celebrating.
With this kind of support, they would have a better chance at dealing with those two evil men, Madara Uchiha and Shimoku Uchiha.
Of course, Tobirama didn't know at that moment
just what kind of dangerous threat he was bringing back to Konoha...
Soon afterward,
the two sides reached an agreement
and wasted no time setting off together
heading straight back toward Konoha Village.
Originally, Tobirama had intended to make a detour to Hozuki Castle in the Land of Grass
to investigate the sealing technique of Lord Mui and that evil artifact.
However, halfway through their journey, they encountered a Konoha ninja squad sent by the village.
They reported: Lord Mui and The Box of Paradise had already been taken away...
Therefore, Tobirama had no choice but to abandon the idea temporarily.
He decided to return to the village first,
and look for opportunities to gather intelligence on that mysterious box later.
...
At that moment, within the Tsuchikage's headquarters in Iwagakure Village,
the evil Lord Madara still occupied the office and continued to act tyrannically.
At the same time,
Black Zetsu, who had been ordered to inspect the base,
had just returned.
"How is the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path? Has it recovered yet?" Lord Madara asked calmly.
Black Zetsu immediately began his report:
"It's still absorbing life force from the White Zetsu; complete restoration will probably take another one or two months."
"What about that kid Obito?"
"Obito has returned to the base as well."
"Still recruiting new members? Any results?"
Black Zetsu nodded.
"Yes. He brought back a new recruit named Shimon Hiruko."
"Trustworthy?"
Black Zetsu: "This man used to be a Konoha Jonin, quite friendly with the Sannin."
"Later, due to insufficient talent and inner resentment, he secretly began researching the Gatai Kinjutsu [Gigeroo]."
"When his actions were exposed, the Third Hokage sent hunter-nin after him; he barely escaped with his life, and is now a well-known rogue ninja active in the criminal underworld."
Based on his experiences, he should harbor deep hatred for Konoha Village, making him trustworthy."
Lord Madara nodded and asked further:
"Gatai Kinjutsu [Gigeroo]? This isn't one of that scoundrel Tobirama's forbidden techniques, is it?"
"More likely one he created himself."
"By fusing with the bodies of ninja or Summoning Beasts to seize their abilities; it seems he can even assimilate Kekkei Genkai!"
Lord Madara sneered:
"Fusing with Kekkei Genkai, huh? That's somewhat interesting..."
"You Leaf ninja never cease to amaze me!"
"What level is that guy's strength?"
Black Zetsu quickly replied:
"He appears to have already absorbed three Kekkei Genkai. His power isn't bad, but nothing special."
"But he was still defeated by Obito, which is why he was recruited into the Akatsuki..."
"Hmm? Couldn't even beat Obito?"
"Then his strength must be quite ordinary."
"If so, let Obito play around as he pleases. After all, the Akatsuki isn't that important anymore."
Lord Madara showed little interest and ignored further discussion.
A ninja who couldn't even beat Obito...
To him, such a person would naturally hold almost no value anyway.
"Lord Madara, regarding Obito's faction... He mentioned agreeing to one condition from that Shimon Hiruko before joining."
"What condition is this?"
"The other party wants to obtain an Iwagakure Jonin named Shou, apparently preparing to absorb his Kekkei Genkai..."
Lord Madara frowned slightly and responded with dissatisfaction:
"For something as minor as this, let them sort it out on their own. We have nothing to do with it!"
"The one who attacked and kidnapped an Iwa ninja was the Akatsuki. Between the Akatsuki and Iwagakure, only enmity can exist!"
Upon hearing this, Black Zetsu instantly understood.
He immediately agreed:
"Understood, I'll inform them right away..."
...
"Any other matters?"
Black Zetsu paused briefly, then decided to report:
"Ah, Lord Madara, there actually is one small additional matter."
"Speak."
"This is a letter specially addressed to you from the Homuragakure Village."
Black Zetsu handed over an unopened letter, planning to express his 'loyalty' through this gesture.
"Oh? Sent by that brat Shimoku again?"
"How did he figure out the location of our base?"
Black Zetsu: "I'm not entirely sure either..."
"Hmph! Incompetent."
"Give it here. Let me see what trash this brat scribbled down. Probably groveling for mercy, right?"
With arrogant disdain, Lord Madara snatched the letter.
Ripped open the envelope, and began reading:
Shimoku: [Respected Ancestor; our village is currently producing a film and humbly invites you to star as the lead. The offer includes an excellent package with salary negotiable. Please don't miss this opportunity! Below are the titles of the upcoming films: [This Uchiha Is Not Too Cool], [Dark-Cloaked Madara vs. Divine Hashirama].]
Lord Madara: "???..."
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