Habit!
It's definitely a habit!
Itsuki looked at his hand with a face full of frustration.
This damn habit!
But what could he do?
The exotic charm of linen robes—it was so captivating, wasn't it?!
Without realizing it, he reached out with An Lushan's infamous hand!
Itsuki helplessly threw himself into a chair.
"Commander!"
Shikaku Nara said in a deep voice, "You're sending the Shadows to deal with Uchiha Madara. Will that work?"
In the original story, the Five Kage fighting Madara was a forced decision.
And the result? They got utterly humiliated by Madara.
Tsunade's big, strong arms were almost sliced in half.
This clearly demonstrated the strength of Uchiha Madara.
Now, although there were more skilled fighters, it still wasn't reassuring.
As for their strongest force, Uchiha Itsuki, he hadn't made a move yet.
"Don't worry!"
Itsuki glanced at Shikaku Nara and said, "There will be a chance to fight, but now is not the time. Uchiha Madara… let those guys handle him. Even though we might not be able to defeat him."
He was a bit troubled too.
Is Uchiha Madara easy to deal with?
Not at all!
In the original, the Five Kage seemed impressive, stepping onto the battlefield like kings.
That pride and assured victory could be felt even through the screen.
In the end, they were beaten down like dogs.
Even now, with more top-tier fighters on the field, Itsuki didn't think the result would be much different.
The only difference would be whether more or fewer people ended up dead.
That's Itsuki's assessment based on his own strength.
Yet, he couldn't act just yet.
Several key players hadn't even shown themselves, which made Itsuki uneasy.
For example, Hiruzen Sarutobi's group.
Or, Hashirama Senju.
And also, Uchiha Obito.
With these figures still not making a move, Itsuki hesitated.
Perhaps he could join forces with others to seal Uchiha Madara once and for all.
If Madara were gone, it would save them a lot of trouble.
The more he thought about it, the brighter Itsuki's eyes became.
It could work!
"Sir!"
"We've made a new discovery!"
Yamanaka Inoichi suddenly called out with a trace of fear in his voice.
Everyone tensed up.
"Hmm?"
Itsuki raised his head, narrowing his eyes.
...
"Boom!"
With a casual flick, Uchiha Madara's gigantic Susano'o pierced one of Kakuzu's hearts.
As if throwing away garbage, Madara discarded Kakuzu's body and coldly watched the panting group before him.
"It's about time to end this, don't you think?"
Madara's voice was cold, "I've played with you long enough. I'm getting tired."
His voice was full of arrogance, never acknowledging the group as a threat.
Even though they were skilled, their power was nothing compared to his.
Indeed!
The only person who could challenge him was himself.
Madara's gaze shifted to a hill where Hashirama Senju stood.
There, Hashirama's face was cold, his teeth clenched.
If he could fight, he would never let Madara be so arrogant.
Even though he was reanimated, and technically a living corpse, if he had to choose, he would side with the Ninja Alliance.
The dead should not interfere in the world of the living.
Of course, there's another way to explain it: If I'm not Madara's enemy, what else can I do?
"Damn, this guy's too strong!"
Even Hidan couldn't help but scream.
Despite being immortal, getting torn apart over and over again was painful, and even with Kakuzu's help in stitching him back together, it was agonizing.
Uchiha Itachi looked at the bodies scattered around, his face dark.
They were the main force fighting Madara, with other ninjas supporting them.
Despite that, their losses were heavy.
Sasori's Third Kazekage puppet had been smashed.
Chiyo's ten puppets were down to just three.
Kakuzu only had one heart left.
Hidan's body was covered in stitches.
Even Itachi's Susano'o had been shattered twice, and now his eyes burned with pain.
He knew he wouldn't last much longer.
Madara's strength was undeniable. His title as the "Shinobi World's Demon" was well earned.
"Hmph!"
Madara, arms crossed, stood in the center of his Susano'o, gazing coldly at the people below.
Finally, his eyes landed on Uchiha Itachi.
"You're quite impressive."
"So, how about it? Will you join me?"
Itachi sneered, "Madara, you're strong, but don't think we don't have powerful allies too."
"Oh, that Uchiha Itsuki fellow?"
Madara asked with interest, "I've heard about him several times now. I'm really curious—what kind of person is he?"
...A bastard!
That thought crossed many people's minds.
But this wasn't the time to say it.
"Boom!"
The sound of battle echoed from afar.
Madara glanced in that direction, his expression indifferent.
Gaara and Ōnoki were teaming up against Mū.
Unlike the original story, Mū was not half-sealed.
Fully revived, Mū was practically dominating Ōnoki. Luckily, Gaara was there to assist, allowing them to barely hold on.
However, since Mū was reanimated, with infinite chakra, defeating him was only a matter of time.
Itachi's face showed signs of growing anxiety.
The situation was not looking good!
He knew that apart from Madara, there was still Senju Tobirama lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment.
However.
Orochimaru was aware of the deep-seated hatred between Tobirama and Madara, so he wasn't planning to have them appear at the same time.
Madara was currently free, and if he killed Tobirama, Orochimaru would lose the "fastest ninja in the world."
"Brother Itsuki, what are you thinking? Why haven't you acted yet?" Itachi thought to himself. "If you don't step in soon, we're going to die."
"It's almost time!"
Madara smirked and said, "Since you won't join me, then you can all die!"
Boom!!!
He suddenly dove down, rushing straight toward Uchiha Itachi.
"Here it comes!"
Blood began to drip from Itachi's eyes.
He was prepared—first using Amaterasu, then striking Madara with Susano'o.
But his eyes were reaching their limit.
Whoosh!
A sudden sound of something cutting through the air was heard.
Then, three figures appeared in front of Uchiha Madara.
"Roar!!!"
The Raikage suddenly let out a loud roar, and lightning crackled all around him.
He threw a powerful punch, sending Madara Uchiha flying.
"Scorch Release!"
"Lava Release!"
Mei Terumi and Pakura both unleashed their Kekkei Genkai at nearly the same moment.
Immediately, Madara was engulfed in flames, crashing to the ground and sending up clouds of dust.
"Lord Kazekage!"
"Lord Mizukage!"
"And Lord Raikage!"
The Raikage's voice boomed like thunder as he said, "We're here to help you."
"Just the three of you?"
Itachi frowned.
"We don't know what the Supreme Commander is thinking either!" Mei Terumi shook her head, fixing her gaze on Madara. Her eyes began to burn with fighting spirit. "But don't underestimate us!"
"Exactly!"
"Boom boom boom!" Pakura smirked as several orange fireballs appeared around her. "We're not pushovers."
Itachi stayed silent.
He wanted to believe them, but Madara Uchiha was just too powerful.
"Boom!"
Suddenly, a sharp sword shot up from the ground.
It aimed straight at the Raikage.
"Roar!!"
The Raikage sensed it the moment the sword broke through the earth. With a low growl, he smashed it with a punch.
"Bang!"
The great sword of Susanoo was shattered by the Raikage's fist.
"Water Release!"
Mei Terumi immediately began using her Water Release techniques.
Among everyone present, she was the one best able to suppress Madara Uchiha.
"Boom!"
Madara, controlling Susanoo, burst out of the ground, coldly glaring at the three new arrivals.
"The Raikage? The Kazekage and Mizukage too?"
"Exactly!"
Pakura's slender fingers made a slight gesture.
Immediately!
The orange fireballs transformed into a fiery dragon, lunging at Susanoo.
Madara didn't seem concerned, but as soon as the fireballs made contact, he was shocked to find that Susanoo was beginning to melt.
Such intense heat!
He quickly retreated while controlling Susanoo.
The Raikage, now in his Lightning Release Chakra Mode, charged furiously toward Madara.
Behind him, Mei Terumi was desperately using Water Release to counter Madara's Fire Release.
Perhaps it was the combined strength of their respective villages' will that allowed the three to briefly suppress Madara Uchiha.
"Attack!"
Itachi was thrilled to see this and shouted, "Support the three Kage and attack Madara Uchiha!"
"Got it!"
The others immediately joined the fray.
With the arrival of the three Kage, the second round of the battle had begun!
…
"What on earth is that?"
A tree frowned, staring at the figure on the far side of the battlefield.
It was White Zetsu!
But this wasn't just any White Zetsu.
This one was special—constantly talking nonsense and using Wood Release.
Moreover!
It wasn't an ordinary Wood Release; it summoned a massive Buddha statue.
This guy was preparing to attack the Hidden Leaf Village.
Even showing up on the battlefield made him nearly invincible.
Not to mention that the Leaf Village had deployed most of its top fighters.
Should they help?
Of course!
There was no need for hesitation.
If Tree hesitated now, the alliance would instantly crumble.
After all, they had joined forces for the sake of their villages. If one of them refused to help when the others were in danger, the alliance would fall apart.
While Tree was contemplating who to send, Inoichi Yamanaka spoke up again.
"Supreme Commander, we've made another discovery."
"Inoichi, can't you bring me any good news?"
Tree looked exasperated.
"I'm very sorry!"
"If you're really sorry, then send your daughter—"
"Supreme Commander!!!"
Tree shrugged and turned his attention back to the battlefield.
His eyes lit up.
Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Danzo Shimura!
The symbols of the Hokage and the shadow of the ninja world had finally appeared.
I've been waiting for you two for so long that the flowers have withered.
"How many of them?"
"There are quite a lot!" Inoichi Yamanaka took a sharp breath.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
"Danzo Shimura!"
"Hanzo of the Salamander!"
"Explosive Release Scourge!"
"And several of the former Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, including Fuguki Suikazan!"
After Inoichi finished, the entire command center fell silent.
Kakashi and Mifune, who had been sharpening their swords, froze in place.
With that many opponents, the two of them were almost certain to be crushed.
The only question was how long it would take.
Tree turned to Kakashi and Mifune, smiling. "It's your turn."
"We'll be defeated in mere moments," Kakashi said expressionlessly.
"Hahaha!"
Tree burst into laughter.
"You think that's funny?" Kakashi shot him a sideways glance.
"Alright, alright. Time is tight, no more jokes," Tree chuckled. "I've prepared a few helpers for you, I hope they'll be useful."
As he spoke, several figures appeared.
Kakashi was stunned to see them.
Tree had been hiding such a powerful force.
Tsunade!
Chōza Akimichi!
The Uchiha brothers, Inabi and Tekka!
"How's that?" Tree smiled. "With these reinforcements, surely you're more confident now?"
"Of course!"
Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief and exchanged glances with Mifune.
There was no denying that being friends with Uchiha Tree had its benefits. The man was incredibly reliable.
A woman who had been quietly observing Tree would surely argue if she heard this, claiming that they were underestimating him.
That woman was Mabui.
Although Tree had taken slight advantage of her earlier, his unique behavior had piqued her curiosity.
She began to observe Uchiha Tree more closely.
She noticed that no matter the situation, Tree remained calm and collected.
Moreover, whenever the enemy made a move, he always had a plan ready.
Like now, when the opposing side suddenly revealed a group of Kage-level ninja, Tree immediately called upon Tsunade and the others.
She trusted that Tree already had a strategy to counter the giant Wood Release.
So, she relaxed.
"Mabui, prepare the Heavenly Transfer Jutsu!"
Tree tossed a kunai to several people.
Just like last time, it was a simple teleportation.
Though the number of people had increased, the process was still the same.
"All set!"
"All set?"
Mabui was puzzled. "Supreme Commander, have you forgotten? There's still a White Zetsu who can use Wood Release!"
"Yes, he's quite the problem," Tree nodded, staring at the creature. "It seems I'll have to deal with him personally."
"You're going in yourself?"
Everyone in the command center was shocked.
"What else can I do?" Tree spread his hands helplessly. "There are plenty of powerful fighters keeping Madara busy, but as for White Zetsu, we don't have enough people left to handle him."
"So, I'll go myself!"
"But, but…"
Mabui stammered.
Though they weren't particularly worried about Tree's strength, considering how powerful he was, there was still the issue of commanding the rest of the army.
What would happen to the command center if their Supreme Commander left?
They couldn't just lose their leader now, especially with Tobi still yet to make a move!
(End of chapter)