Chapter 173 Meeting Nagato of Akatsuki
In a dark cave.
"Master Madara, the current situation in the ninja world... and the previous meeting of the jonin in Konoha was not carried out because the barrier was not deepened, but a considerable number of elite ninjas left the village that night...
And after the Konoha Jonin meeting that day, Tsunade Senju was at the Hokage Rock..."
Uchiha Madara, who originally had a bored look on his face, listened to the changes in the situation of the Three Ninja Wars. To him, it was just a group of children playing house.
But after suddenly hearing the conversation between Senju Tsunade on the Hokage Rock after the Konoha Jonin meeting, he immediately became interested and couldn't help but exclaimed:
"Hashirama's granddaughter actually said that?"
Bai Zetsu tilted his head in confusion, then imitated the postures and conversation of the two people at that time, even imitating the movements vividly.
"Ahahaha...Hashi Lama, your granddaughter said you are wrong! You are wrong!"
Uchiha Madara, who was already hanging on by a thread, suddenly burst into laughter, and his crazy laughter echoed in the dim cave.
No one could understand Uchiha Madara's excitement and joy. Some people in the ninja world admitted that Hashirama's original idea was wrong.
"Hashi Lama, I've long said that peace based on trust between people is false. After your death, war broke out in the ninja world. Is this the peace you're pursuing?"
Uchiha Madara's face flushed with excitement, and he was so excited that he almost coughed up blood.
"Senju Tsunade, I, Uchiha Madara, recognize you! I, Uchiha Madara, admit that you, the outstanding descendant of the Senju clan, have surpassed Hashirama in talent!"
At this moment, under Uchiha Madara's excited and crazy smile, someone admitted that Hashirama was wrong, and it was Hashirama's granddaughter. This was even more comfortable and exciting than the last time he heard that the annoying white-haired man died in the Land of Lightning.
"This outstanding junior, I admit that I will let you be named after me in the future, Uchiha Tsunade! I am really looking forward to it more and more!"
Under the excited smile, Uchiha Madara completely forgot himself.
"Haha, and this brat, I've said long ago that you and I are very similar. What would have happened if there was only one Konoha!"
At this moment, there was a strong sense of anticipation in Uchiha Madara's eyes. He wanted to see Senju Tsunade when they met in the future. No!
It should be Uchiha Tsunade with two children with Sharingan, staring at Hashirama and saying that his previous peace concept was wrong!
He was looking forward to watching the annoying white-haired Senju Tobirama's angry yet impotent rage!
He also wanted to see how much change this younger generation he had personally trained would bring to the ninja world.
Although this kid didn't know, it definitely didn't stop him from regarding Uchiha Ye as his successor. After all, without him, this kid would have died in World War II. Without him, how could this kid have perfect Lightning Release?
"Um... Madara-sama..."
At this moment, looking at Uchiha Madara, it was unknown what he was thinking of, with a crazy smile, White Zetsu beside him tilted his head and pointed at the connection that was about to be broken.
"It's almost broken... Master Madara..."
At the reminder of White Zetsu, Uchiha Madara finally came to his senses. Looking at the white tubes behind him that were stretched straight and about to break, he nervously stepped back a few steps.
"Ahem, this junior has exceeded my expectations. He is worthy of being the junior that this old man has selected."
Uchiha Madara returned to the stone chair and sat down domineeringly, revealing a proud smile.
"White Zetsu, bring me a copy of this brat's book next time. I am really looking forward to this interesting ninja world more and more."
Uchiha Ya represents his former self, and even becomes more perfect under his secret guidance.
At the time, he knew clearly that Hashirama's ideas were illusory and wrong, but he only had a vague concept of it. What would have happened if Hashirama had listened to him and suppressed the ninja world?
Just as this kid boldly thought, what would happen if there was only one village in the ninja world?
When he thought of this, Uchiha Madara showed a rare melancholy look and murmured:
"Hashirama, your granddaughter is more tolerant than you, and she has admitted that your philosophy is a failure. When you were alive, the ninja world was nothing but peace under the fear of power. My philosophy will make you see that if you had not stopped me... and joined forces with me..."
Uchiha Madara muttered to himself as he fell into memories. His eyes gradually dimmed, and finally he let out a melancholy sigh.
"Unfortunately, there are no ifs in this world. Just as your granddaughter said, you can only know right and wrong by doing it. I just don't know which one is right between this little brat and me now..."
At this time, Uchiha Madara muttered to himself, and he actually showed a rare moment of reflection, or in other words, who was right between his current self and his younger self.
The next moment, Uchiha Madara smiled calmly, and then a relieved and domineering smile appeared on his face.
"But it doesn't matter. Just choose both paths! Excellent junior, I will wait for you at the top of the mountain!"
At this moment, the one eye that Uchiha Madara revealed was full of domineering aura and arrogance of being the only one in the ninja world.
He has already stood on the top of the mountain, and now he sees a younger self climbing up another mountain that he had not climbed when he was young. Then they will meet at the top of the mountain to witness what is right and wrong!
It is also about the right and wrong of his two choices when he was young and now!
"Madara-sama, what about the plan for the collapse of Kumogakure this time?"
Just as Uchiha Madara was sighing at himself, White Zetsu's voice interrupted him.
"The Kumogakure Collapse Plan?"
At this time, Uchiha Madara raised his eyebrows slightly, and then sneered arrogantly:
"Since the person I, Uchiha Madara, chose has already made up his mind and wants to take this path, let him go on his own!"
If Uchiha Madara had thought about helping this junior before, but now!
This is the perfect embodiment of his will from his youth. Let him go on his own. He has helped as much as he can. Now it’s up to him to go on his own.
"Then don't worry about it?" Bai Zetsu asked with his head tilted, confused.
But Uchiha Madara showed a contemptuous smile.
"He has Hashirama's granddaughter helping him, and the little girl Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. He's facing nothing more than a bunch of scum. This is what he should face."
Uchiha Madara is not a babysitter and has to do everything by himself. If he still cannot succeed with so much help now, it will only prove that this kid is not qualified to reach the top of the mountain.
"Moreover, the Third Raikage is much more sober in his pursuit of power than the greedy Sarutobi."
Uchiha Madara smiled indifferently. With his vision, he could clearly see the gap between the five Kages today.
A shadow without a bloodline is too greedy to master everything. It would be better for him to master one thing to perfection first, and then keep polishing it, allowing this perfection to cover up his other shortcomings, rather than trying to do everything.
"However, if the Third Ninja World War ends in the same muddled way as the Second World War, it will not be friendly to our plans."
Then Uchiha Madara seemed to think of something and frowned. It was not that he was afraid that the five major ninja villages were too strong, but that the host of the Rinnegan was too weak.
Therefore, it was in line with his plan that the five major ninja villages suffered heavy losses in the three wars.
"I understand."
White Zetsu understood this sentence, and Uchiha Madara nodded indifferently.
"Let this Ninja World War be more intense, you weak Ninja World juniors."
……
Konoha is close to the border of the Land of Hot Springs.
At the border, the densely packed Cloud Ninjas and Konoha formed a fierce battle formation, and a war would break out if one was not careful.
A huge canyon made the Cloud Ninja and Konoha awe-inspiring, and on both sides of the canyon were huge war machines flashing with cold light.
The battles between the big ninja villages are not just about ninjas, but also about countless sophisticated war tools and machines.
"Lady Tsunade, this is the latest information."
Standing in front of the cliff, Tsunade Senju, wearing a bright red armor, with her arms folded across her chest, looked calmly at the Cloud Ninja opposite her. At this time, a Konoha ninja respectfully handed over the information.
Looking at the information in her hand, Tsunade Senju nodded indifferently.
"Pass the order down. As soon as the Cloud Ninja takes action, all Konoha Ninjas on the border will go to war."
"Yes!"
This tough style not only did not make the Konoha ninjas on the front line nervous, but instead they all roared with excitement.
Ninjas live by killing, they are not afraid of death, and although most of them do not like war, the enemy has already declared war on them.
A commander with a tough style on the battlefield is more popular.
As the Konoha side roared with fighting spirit, the defensive Cloud Ninjas on the opposite side also became nervous. Cloud Ninja declared war on Konoha, but how and when to fight were not up to them.
"Uchiha Mikoto, Uzumaki Kushina, the two of you will be responsible for building an intelligence network targeting the Land of Rice, the Land of Hot Springs, the Land of the Moon, and even the Land of Lightning."
"Yes!"
Tsunade now serves as the head of Konoha's Intelligence Department in addition to being a frontline commander.
Although he is on the front line, he can also place his own people and use the Intelligence Department to establish his own intelligence network.
Under the fierce cold wind in the canyon, Tsunade Senju calmly walked down the canyon, continuously issuing deployments along the way.
"Also, tell Ye that after seven days...be prepared here."
"Yes!"
Uchiha Mikoto and Uzumaki Kushina, who were following behind, nodded solemnly after hearing this.
At the same time, a barrier was set up in a forest hundreds of miles away, which even a sensory ninja could not easily find.
The barrier was extremely quiet, but there were hard-to-find ninjas hiding in every tree trunk or bush.
"Sir, according to the information from the Root spies, the Third Raikage will be here in seven days..."
Inside a huge tree hole, listening to the report from his trusted Anbu, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with a serious look.
"I see. Seven days later? Just in time!"
This time, Sarutobi Hiruzen was forced into a corner and eager to prove himself, so he went to the front line in person.
However, after looking at the information sent by the spy, especially the time agreed upon by the Third Raikage, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but reveal a confident smile.
This location is just the right place to avoid being surrounded and is considered to be near the border. More importantly, there will be a chance for combat in seven days.
The longer it takes, the greater the chance of them being exposed.
"Master Third Generation, we will definitely win this time!"
A loyal ANBU jonin of the Sandaime Hokage spoke in a low voice, which made Sarutobi Hiruzen smile. He raised his head and looked at the people he brought this time.
There are over a hundred of Konoha's most elite jonins, plus nearly four hundred elite chunins. Not to mention the Third Raikage, even he would have to stay.
"I firmly believe in the greatness of the Will of Fire. Konoha will win!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded firmly. This time, they had Konoha's most elite ninja army, as well as intelligence from spies, and he was leading the team personally. There was no reason for them to lose.
The advantage is mine! I will win!
Not only Sarutobi Hiruzen, but the other elite jonin also showed determined looks after hearing the battle plan.
They have a big advantage this time.
"But father, will the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's arrival at the front line this time arouse opposition from other ninja villages?"
This masked ANBU Jonin actually called the Third Hokage "father" in a low voice. It turned out that this person was the Third Hokage's eldest son Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at his son calmly, then lowered his voice and said:
"Jinchūriki? Our Konoha's Jinchūriki is protecting his village within his own borders, and he hasn't invaded another country at will!"
Jinchūriki, the ultimate deterrent weapon of the five major ninja villages, secretly abides by an agreement with each other that once a Jinchūriki appears on the battlefield of another country, his nature will become different.
Looking at his father's meaningful eyes, he suddenly realized something.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded calmly, "Also, this war is different from the past. We must go all out. If needed, the Jinchūriki will be the last weapon."
This time, he not only wants to behead the Third Raikage, but also wants to defeat the Hidden Cloud Army in one fell swoop.
What's more important is that we must fight quickly and not give other villages a chance to react, so Tsunade brought the Jinchūriki just in case.
If the Kumogakure puts up a stubborn resistance, the Jinchūriki will just charge forward and make sure to defeat the Kumogakure as quickly as possible with the strongest attitude.
"Go down and get ready. This time, you will get a good look at the battle between Kage-level warriors."
A strong hand patted his shoulder, causing the masked Sarutobi Shinnosuke to nod solemnly.
"I understand father. I will watch you kill the Third Raikage with my own eyes, and your name as the Ninja Hero will resound throughout the Ninja world!"
Looking at his son's blind admiration, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with a gratified and arrogant smile.
It has been more than 20 years, and the ninja world has almost forgotten the power of the Third Hokage. It is time to give the ninja world a shock.
……
Uchiha Yamei ostensibly followed Tsunade to the border and was on patrol at a waterfall.
"Master Ye, Nagato is here."
Konan, who followed Uchiha Ye to the front line, walked out of the forest, followed by a red-haired boy in a black robe.
"Brother Ye."
After more than three years, the boy has grown a lot taller, especially the black robe he was wearing, which made Uchiha Ye smile.
"I heard that you have established an organization in the Rain Country. Is this the uniform of your organization?"
As soon as they met, facing Uchiha Ye's teasing, Nagato, the red-haired boy who was a little autistic at the beginning, smiled.
Brother Ye is still the same as before.
"Well, this was designed by Yahiko. When naming the organization, I remembered that you, Brother Ye, once said that you would bring the light of hope, dawn, to the ninja world, so this organization is called Dawn!"
A pair of lavender pupils appeared under Nagato's red hair. Because of the disguise of invisible eyes, his Rinnegan had been well hidden.
"Xiao!"
After hearing the name of this organization, Uchiha Ye smiled, but then under Nagato's puzzled gaze, Uchiha Ye stared at him and shook his head.
"This black uniform is too ugly. Since it is dawn, let's embroider a red cloud on this black robe."
"Hongyun!?" Nagato was stunned for a moment, then he smiled and nodded solemnly.
"I understand, Brother Ye. The red cloud represents the meaning of war and peace. Just like the will in the book, if you want peace you must go through war. Only a unified war can bring peace."
When he said this, there was a hint of fanaticism in Nagato's eyes.
"During the Warring States Period, there were wars everywhere, and the establishment of the Ninja Village was born after a large-scale war, which led to the partial unification of the Ninja World.
If the scale of this war had been larger, and the Ninja World had been unified instead of partially unified, perhaps peace would have been brought to the Ninja World long ago..."
Good man, after hearing Nagato’s fanatical words, Uchiha Ye smiled with relief and nodded.
"This is just my personal idea about peace. As for whether it is right or not, we will only know it after we do it. But I heard from Xiaonan that you are hired by the Iwagakure Village this time?"
As a very common mercenary ninja organization in the ninja world, Akatsuki would naturally borrow tasks issued by major ninja villages, especially those that the ninja villages could not do openly themselves, so it would be better to hire ninjas from outside to do them.
This is also the main reason why hired ninjas can survive.
(End of this chapter)
