In the Second Hokage's time-space, Uchiha Madara had been stabilized.
Although it was traded for a beating from Madara, Tobirama felt it was worth it.
With that twisted mind of his, did Madara really think he could just beat him openly?
He was thinking too much.
He only said he wouldn't stop Madara from beating him, but he never said he wouldn't run.
When the time comes, he'll just plan a bit, and if Madara really manages to land a hit, he'll step down immediately and hand the Hokage position over to Izuna.
With Senju Tobirama's situation stable, the Third Hokage's time-space, however, became even worse.
After the Seven-Tails jinchuriki was captured, the Eight-Tails jinchuriki was also successfully taken by Uchiha Madara.
"Didn't we send information about Uchiha Madara to the Cloud Village? Why was the Eight-Tails still captured?"
In the Hokage office, Jiraiya was quite puzzled.
Knowing that Uchiha Madara was coming for the Eight-Tails jinchuriki, Raikage Ai still didn't hide him, insisting on facing him head-on.
Now, look what happened. Not only was the Eight-Tails captured, but the recently rebuilt village was destroyed for the most part, and Raikage Ai himself was severely injured and fell into a coma. He still hasn't woken up.
"When Uchiha Madara was at his peak, Ai wasn't even born yet. He probably didn't believe Madara's power would be as legendary as it was."
After hearing the Third Hokage's explanation, Jiraiya nodded.
Ai was always reckless in his actions.
Originally, Jiraiya thought that after the village was destroyed by Nagato, Ai would have grown a bit.
But who would have thought that only a short time later, he went back to his old nature.
He acted without thinking about the consequences, just rushing in blindly.
Looks like he hit a wall this time.
"After the Cloud Village, it should be our turn, Konoha."
Gently tapping on the table, Jiraiya looked at Sasuke and asked, "How is Uchiha Izuna doing?"
Sasuke gave an uncertain answer, "He should be fine, I guess?"
"What do you mean by 'should be fine'?"
"I don't really know how to say it."
Sasuke paused for a moment, organized his thoughts, and then continued, "He told me that he's quite happy with life in Konoha. The kids have schools to attend, they don't have to go to the battlefield during their youth, civilians have food to eat, so they won't starve to death. And most importantly, the village's thriving atmosphere really appeals to him."
"Mm, it seems like he's really satisfied with his current life."
"But, every time I bring up the topic of Uchiha Madara to him and try to probe his attitude, he either stays silent or changes the subject, never responding directly."
"Looks like we can't rely on him."
Jiraiya had been thinking about using the power of time to influence Uchiha Izuna.
He had read some records on the Senju clan and knew that Izuna wasn't as proud and arrogant as his older brother.
Strictly speaking, his personality was more like the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
He believed that as long as Izuna lived in Konoha for a while, he would definitely come to like this kind of life.
From Sasuke's words, it was clear that Izuna was quite satisfied with his current life.
However, this brief period of peace didn't make Izuna develop any deep attachment or reluctance to see it disrupted.
Moreover, due to the Uchiha clan's past experiences, he always had a sense of caution and wariness toward the village.
In that case, between Konoha and Madara, he would definitely choose Madara.
"What should we do now? Should we confront him head-on, or should we hide Naruto?"
Among everyone present, the one who was most anxious was still Minato.
It couldn't be helped, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was his son.
He had already experienced the Nine-Tails incident once and had witnessed Kushina die in his arms.
That heartbreaking feeling was something he never wanted to experience again.
"Don't panic. Even if Izuna refuses to help persuade Madara, as long as he's in Konoha, Madara won't do anything reckless, unless he wants to watch his brother die in front of him again."
Minato thought Jiraiya's words made sense. As long as Izuna was still in Konoha, Madara wouldn't act in Konoha.
"But the issue with Madara still needs to be dealt with. We can't just hide in the village forever, can we?"
The Third Hokage pointed out the key issue.
Sure, they could stay in the village, but then what about the mission? What about their reputation?
The great ninja village of the Hidden Leaf being trapped in their own village without fighting back would be too embarrassing.
Even if it's the legendary Uchiha Madara, so what?
If one, two, or even three people can't defeat him, does that mean ten, a hundred, or even a thousand ninjas can't take him down?
Those who hadn't seen Madara fight firsthand wouldn't understand. The current strength of ninjas compared to Madara's power was on completely different levels.
Even now, there were still people who believed that the Valley of the End wasn't the result of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara's battle changing the terrain, but something Konoha intentionally created to elevate these two.
After all, why would only the Land of Fire have such powerful individuals?
And not just one, but two.
It just didn't make sense.
Not to mention, if the Third Hokage hadn't witnessed the battle between Madara and Hashirama, maybe he would've been one of the doubters.
"Well, just because we can't deal with Madara, doesn't mean no one else can."
"Are you talking about the First Hokage?"
"That's right."
Jiraiya nodded. This was exactly what he thought.
Uchiha Madara is indeed powerful, but we also have the First Hokage.
Plus, Madara isn't at his peak right now.
Because of the limitations of the Edo Tensei body, even if Black Zetsu makes improvements, Madara can't regain his peak strength.
By the way, Orochimaru has successfully revived the First Hokage and made another major player in his army, enjoying same treatment as Kabuto.
"Let's send Obito to deliver the message. Set up a meeting with Madara and have the Second Hokage and the others take him down."
"Do you think Madara will agree?"
"With Izuna as our trump card, Madara will agree."
When Obito, who was cleaning at Rin's house, got the mission to deliver a message to Madara, he froze.
"Obito, what's with that expression? Are you scared?"
Hearing this, Obito flared up like a cat whose tail was stepped on.
"Bastard Kakashi, what are you saying? Am I scared of Uchiha Madara?"
"Well, with your dual Mangekyō Sharingan, you do have the right not to fear Madara."
That's right, Kakashi had already returned the Sharingan to Obito.
With the other Mangekyō Sharingan back, Obito was much faster at jumping into the Kamui space.
Even Madara wouldn't be able to defeat Obito like last time if Obito was cautious.
If things went wrong, Obito could just escape into the Kamui dimension.
Putting down his cleaning tools, Obito took the scroll from Kakashi's hand and said, "What about the cleaning here, if I go deliver the message to Madara?"
"It's fine, I'll handle it."
"Rin's Dinner"
"I'll prepare it."
"The ten acres of land at Granny San's house on the east side of the village."
"I'll go plow it."
"The few little wild cats hanging around next to the Yoshinoya on the street next door."
"I'll go feed them."
"The older sister at the west side of the village is going to give birth tonight."
"I'll go. No, wait, you're really pushing it! If you keep messing with me, I'll tell Lord Hokage that you're slacking off."
"Just kidding. No need to take it so seriously."
Obito grinned, holding the scroll, and in the blink of an eye, disappeared from Kakashi's sight.
*********
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