"Hashirama, if we keep fighting, you still won't be my match. Just leave."
Madara looked at the wound on Hashirama's face, feeling a sudden irritation.
He didn't want to continue the battle any longer.
"Don't. We haven't settled the winner yet, have we? Sure, it looks like you're stronger than me now, but I won't lose."
Hashirama showed no hesitation.
This time, he began using his newly created jutsu.
"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!"
But at this age, Hashirama was far from the future God of Shinobi.
Only thirteen or fourteen years old, while far stronger than his clansmen, he was still too young.
Massive trees and vines erupted, and in the blink of an eye, a forest formed.
Vines grew across the Naka River, forming a bridge, while countless others reached for Madara to ensnare him.
Madara looked at him without a word, but there was pity in his eyes.
The two had sparred before, and back then their strength was about even—sometimes he won, sometimes Hashirama did, always close.
But this fight… Kaede could tell immediately—Madara wasn't even feeling pressured.
Taking a deep breath, Madara's eyes sharpened.
"Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame!"
A roaring sea of fire surged forward, engulfing everything in moments.
The newly grown forest was completely consumed before it could even settle.
As Hashirama stared in shock at the flames, Madara closed the distance in an instant.
With a swift spin, he knocked Hashirama to the ground, sending him rolling several times before stopping.
In a flash, Madara appeared before him, pressing the blade of his scythe to Hashirama's throat.
"You've lost, Hashirama!"
"…Yes, I lost. I didn't expect that in just a month, your strength could increase this much."
Hashirama got to his feet, his expression complex.
Now he understood—he had no way to stop Madara.
"It's all thanks to my teacher. Without his help, I wouldn't have grown this strong. Go home."
Madara's voice was calm.
"Madara, I know I lost, and I said I wouldn't interfere in this matter again… but I still want to say this: if possible, talk things through, don't—"
"There's no need. We've made our decision, and it won't change. Instead, Hashirama, you should think carefully about whether your ideals can truly be achieved. You want to protect your clan—there's nothing wrong with that. But remember, back in the ninja world, only the Senju clan could rival the Uchiha.
"If those other clans destroy us, will they not join forces to come for the Senju next? Too much strength draws fear. Too little invites bullying. This whole mess began because the other clans provoked it.
"We are innocent—yet we suffer their persecution. Every casualty has been because of them."
Without another word, Madara turned and left.
"Teacher, let's go." he said respectfully to Kaede.
"Oh?"
Kaede arched a brow at the two.
He had heard their entire conversation but hadn't stepped in, wanting to see if Hashirama could change anything.
The outcome was predictable—Hashirama was powerless.
"No need to say anything more. No matter what you told him, he wouldn't listen."
Kaede shook his head.
"Mm. Let's go. After today's fight, I can see your strength is decent. In a few days, during the clan's battle, I'll have you broadcast it live against our enemies. Don't disappoint me."
Kaede's gaze was sharp.
"Yes, sensei! I won't let you down!"
Madara nodded firmly.
The two Uchiha walked back toward their territory.
Hashirama watched their retreating figures, sighing heavily before returning to the Senju compound.
As soon as he arrived, he found Tobirama waiting on a tree branch, clearly expecting him.
"You went to see Madara, didn't you?" Tobirama's tone was certain.
"Yes."
"I knew it! Do you remember what you told Father and me before? That if we met on the battlefield, we'd be strangers. And yet you still went to him. I have no idea what you're thinking."
Tobirama's voice was full of anger.
He had always regarded the Uchiha as mortal enemies. Their power was simply too great—only the Senju could match them.
But his elder brother… kept wavering.
"Don't say that, Tobirama. I only wanted to persuade him. This whole matter—"
"It's obvious enough! The Uchiha are an evil clan. You can't persuade them—it's impossible. And don't forget the Kaze clan; they're the perfect example. Even if Madara is one of the rare clear-headed ones, he can't change his whole clan. Brother, wake up!" Tobirama cut him off sharply.
"Tobirama, don't say that. This whole incident was stirred up by the other clans. And the Kaze clan… they were just a group who angered the wrong people. We used to avoid provoking them too."
(End of Chapter)
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