Chapter 206

The Sage of Six Paths Datongmu Yuyi's current mood is not carefully beautiful.

Since his younger brother Yucun came over and told him that he had now become the synonym for 'cold-blooded, ruthless,' his mood was no longer good.

Although strictly speaking, all this is for the ninja world, so that the myriad beings of the ninja world can find a path to survival in that unknown future.

Even if it is ruthless, he still holds all beings in his heart.

But the problem is, this seems really to have nothing to do with him, right?

Yuyi also once doubted whether he truly thought that way back then, which is why he did it?

Actually, this isn't necessarily bad; for the future of the ninja world, so that everyone can survive in the future, what does it matter if he bears a bad reputation?

But Yuyi feels he cannot simply take such a 'Heavenly Skill' lightly, and besides, he never even thought of doing that!

"Where on earth did this come from, saying I've become like this?"

Yuyi couldn't figure it out; through his little brother Yucun he learned, and then he was shocked to discover that the origin of all these feelings seemed to be that Yuzhi?

"No, what on earth are you thinking?"

Yuyi felt somewhat bewildered; regarding this junior Yuzhi, he indeed paid attention but had never interfered.

This kid has also grown under his watch to this point, gradually reaching the status of his 'eldest son,' but how dare you scheme against me like this?

"However, this kid has actually awakened the Samsara Eye, and according to Yucun's account, the aura within him is increasingly approaching that of his mother, this."

Although he still feels resentful being schemed against by Yuzhi, which turned him from a 'kind, benevolent' person into a 'cold-blooded, ruthless' one.

But what he actually cares about more is still the ninja world, and more so about his mother's matter.

Yuzhi has come this far, not only him but also his wife, which makes Yuyi feel somewhat uneasy.

After much thought, he finally made a decision!

"I want to go see this kid; only by observing him carefully can I confirm some things."

Although his good younger brother Yucun had already said that Yuzhi is a person who cares about the ninja world, and that this kid also has some plans to integrate the ninja world and bring peace to it.

At the same time, it is also to gather the strength of the ninja world in order to better face the future 'calamities' coming from extraterrestrial sources.

But hearing about it is no substitute for seeing it; Yuyi feels he still needs to observe this himself, only then can he be at ease.

However, what really makes him unable to stay calm is that he sent his little brother back to the Moon, and then, following Yuzhi's aura, he arrived at the Leaf Village.

Instantly he heard a statement that left him unable to defend himself, which now seems to be turning into truth.

"Do you really approve of the Sage of Six Paths' methods? This cold-blooded, ruthless approach—is all of this worth it?"

"No, I haven't done anything; can it still be called cold-blooded and ruthless?"

Yuyi, this Sage of Six Paths, feels uneasy in his heart, and Yuzhi also feels somewhat uneasy; his nonsense is gradually taking root in people's hearts.

Now he wants to explain that he was just making things up, but probably no one believes him anymore, which makes him both amused and helpless; however, this situation is not necessarily bad for him.

After all, once this idea is confirmed and the future ruthlessness is made clear, his actions will gain support.

Ziraiye this guy feeling upset is quite normal, because Ziraiye has always been an 'idealist'.

For an idealist, the cruelest thing is none other than their dreams being shattered.

「Let's talk about the First Hokage later, Senior Ziraiye; I actually understand your thoughts. 」

Yuzhi rubbed his chin, he always felt as if someone was giving him a 'voyeuristic' gaze, but he could never find any trace.

After thinking it over, he also couldn't be bothered to think more, and instead focused on Ziraiye's problem.

「You ask me if all this is worth it; indeed, I think you should ask the Sage of Six Paths whether all this is worth it. 」

Ootsutsuki Haori: 「. 」

No, what are you asking me to do? I don't know anything at all!

「Besides, you should also ask yourself. 」

Fortunately, Yuzhi kept talking; he earnestly gazed at the still somewhat bewildered Ziraiye, asking word by word.

「Do you think all this is worth it? 」

「I」

Ziraiye pressed his lips, and after learning of the 'Sage of Six Paths' deeds, he has been somewhat unable to eat or sleep peacefully.

Because he has always been seeking the 'prophecy child' who could change the ninja world, and has long been yearning for the arrival of peace.

But the 'Sage of Six Paths' turned out to be the 'behind-the-scenes black hand' of the ninja world's turmoil, which really left him at a loss.

Even the person who established the existence of the ninja sect and brought tranquility and peace to the ninja world is essentially someone who stirs up turmoil in the ninja world!

This left him momentarily unsure of what meaning the peace he sought still had.

「I don't know, I'm utterly bewildered. 」

I don't know how long passed before Ziraiye gave a bitter smile and shook his head.

「But, perhaps all this is worth it after all. 」

「No, it's not perhaps, it's certain; you must believe in the Sage of Six Paths' wisdom. 」

Yuzhi, seeing this, immediately spoke up, and this also made the nearby Ootsutsuki Haori, who was 'peeping', unable to hold back.

What do you mean by believing in my wisdom? This old man hasn't done anything at all!

「Indeed, the ninja world has endured thousands of years of hardship; such difficulty is ineffable for all of us

But such hardship has forged our resolute character, tenacious will, and superb combat skills.

How, then, could we respond to outsiders who seek to destroy our homeland, even to annihilate us all and all life, if we lacked these things?

If not for these thousand years of hardship, how could we have forged all this, allowing the ninja system to be perfected?

Giving a man a fish is not as good as teaching him to fish; rather than teaching us step by step, it would be better to let us train, learn, and grow in the fires of war.

Otherwise, how could we possibly have reached this point after a thousand years?

One peck, one sip is already fated; with effort comes reward, and sometimes, to survive, we must give up something」

Yuzhi's words left Ziraiye somewhat silent, and Senju Clan Tobirama, the Third Hokage, as well as Minato and Tsunade, couldn't help but nod.

Cruelty is truly cruel; they have all experienced war, but their strength was forged in war, so they naturally understand Yuzhi's meaning.

That is, understanding Yuzhi's meaning leads them to further endorse the Sage of Six Paths' approach; a ninja who has not endured blood and fire cannot grow!

"What nonsense is this?"

Yet the real Sage of Six Paths was already on the verge of tears; he only came to observe, but unexpectedly ran into the debate scripture.

Just saying those words made his head spin, and although he called it nonsense, he couldn't help but agree in his heart.

Combat does indeed foster growth, but he originally founded the ninja sect to teach the world how to use chakra, so that everyone could understand each other through chakra!

How come everything has become twisted now, yet everything seems so logical?

"Alright, it does indeed appear that way."

Ziraiye lowered his head, looking somewhat listless.

"Perhaps I am the odd one out; when faced with survival, someone like me truly feels out of place."

"No, I actually think someone like you might be the hope the Sage of Six Paths left for the world."

Just as Ziraiye felt at his worst, Yuzhi tilted his head, suddenly laughed, and spoke.

Although everyone knew the guy was in a great mood now, his sudden words still surprised them somewhat.

They knew what Ziraiye was thinking; though they didn't agree, they respected Ziraiye's choice, but Yuzhi's current remark seemed off, didn't it?

"Hm? This kid, is he the hope I left for the ninja world? What does that mean?"

Yuyi was still fidgeting nearby; when she heard that, she froze for a moment, then quickly recovered.

"So he's the heir of Ha Ma Wan, but Ha Ma Wan still hopes to use prophecy as always, this child."

Yuyi's relationship with Da Ha Ma was far from shallow; they were once comrades, both teacher and friend, and it's not surprising that Ha Ma Wan is still alive.

Yet Ha Ma Wan still upholds some of the convictions he left behind, using prophecy and guidance to let the world perceive peace, which lifted his spirits a bit.

After all, someone still understands the old man!

But soon his mood soured again, because he felt the person who inherited his will seemed about to be brainwashed.

"You, Hokage, what does that mean?"

Ziraiye was also a bit stunned; he felt his "ideal disillusioned", and Yuzhi's words now made him lose composure as well.

"It's simple: perhaps your idea is what the Sage of Six Paths hopes to leave for everyone."

Yuzhi thought for a moment, then continued, "Although I've already ruined the Sage of Six Paths' reputation, I can at least make up for it a bit."

Moreover, he truly couldn't agree with Ziraiye's thinking; using this chance to "guide" him isn't a bad thing.

"Although the Sage of Six Paths forged us by making his two children constantly fight, turning the ninja world into a purgatory."

"What on earth are you babbling about!"

Yuyi clenched her fist; if her temperament weren't truly high, she'd reach for a tin staff to pierce time and space and give Yuzhi a couple of "clang clang" blows.

But Yuzhi was completely unaware, and his next words even left Yuyi stunned.

"But the world still needs hope; war and turmoil will eventually end, and when foreign enemies arrive, the ninja world must unite to face them together.

Yet hatred runs so deep—how can we dissolve it, how can we get everyone to focus on the outsiders who would destroy the ninja world?"

I think, at this moment, a certain kind of person is needed—a person who upholds the belief in peace, who constantly strives with ideals, a...

"Someone who embraces the ideal of 'mutual understanding among people', letting everyone set aside hatred and face the enemy together!"

Ziraiye didn't wait for Yuzhi to finish; he immediately added, and at that moment his eyes seemed to regain Hikari.

Indeed, the ninja world is so cruel, but it cannot remain cruel forever, because enemies will eventually come, and they will need to unite to face them!

And at such times, those who constantly hold the ideal of peace, constantly try to get everyone to set aside conflicts, and constantly act for that cause are needed.

Ziraiye, he is clearly that kind of person!

"Throughout history, there have not been few people like you, senior Ziraiye."

Yuzhi leaned back in the Hokage's office chair, his body reclining, and laughed as he spoke to the somewhat stunned crowd.

"They all yearn for peace, they all desire mutual understanding among people, and they strive forward for this dream that differs from the times."

Perhaps the Sage of Six Paths also doesn't know when the enemy will come, but such belief and spark must not be extinguished.

They hold ideals, they are not understood by the world, they press on, they run against the current of the era.

Those not understood by the times forever stand in darkness, but who says only those in the light are heroes? They are the true lone brave ones.

Yuzhi kept speaking and almost sang, but Ziraiye was completely frozen in place, his eyes reddening and flickering, his fist slightly clenched.

And Senju Feijian, the Third Hokage, as well as Minato and Tsunade seemed somewhat moved, but most were still bewildered.

These people are indeed great and truly worthy of respect, but

Are there really that many?

And if that's the case, the Sage of Six Paths is no ordinary schemer!

He actually accounted for every problem in detail, listed all possible matters clearly, and even maintained this belief while passing it on.

And letting this belief continue to be inherited is itself a kind of coldness and cruelty.

Those who bear such belief forever stand at odds with the times, forever misunderstood and intolerated by the era, yet they keep moving forward, inheriting and passing on this ideal.

What a tragic grandeur, what greatness, and how cold and cruel the Sage of Six Paths is!

"A lone brave one?"

Ziraiye closed his eyes, lowered his head, as if not wanting anyone to see his face, and couldn't help murmuring under his breath.

"Exactly, a lone brave one, and now I think it's also the moment you can demonstrate your worth."

Yuzhi nodded; he always felt he was somehow fixing a problem, yet somehow messed it up again?

But he was too lazy to think further and kept speaking.

"Outsiders have already arrived in this world; they intend to destroy it, and what we must do now is unify the ninja world and unite all forces.

The times are changing, and our methods need to be refined; equal mutual understanding among people is important, but the era of the ninja village is not that easy.

How can the Leaf Village achieve equal mutual understanding with others? The Leaf Village's abundance is forever the longing in others' hearts, while the poverty of the Sand Village makes them forever eat only a piece of fatty meat.

Only by unifying the Ninja World and letting everyone enjoy the resources can equality become possible!

Ziraiye, stop thinking about the "Prophecy Child"; I've heard the "Prophecy Child" you speak of is meant to bring change and peace to the Ninja World.

But the so‑called "prophecy" always places hope on others; why can't you be that Prophecy Child, why can't you shoulder the responsibility?

You and your seniors have pursued ideals all the way to today; you are the lone brave ones—so why can't you change everything yourselves?

Yuzhi's "chicken soup" power has never waned; his words made Ziraiye's eyes begin to flicker.

Lone brave one, take on all this responsibility—should I become that "Prophecy Child"?

Ziraiye fell silent; his thoughts grew chaotic, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

Yet inside him a yearning stirred, because Yuzhi's remark struck his heart.

"The so‑called 'prophecy' always puts hope on others; have I never taken the responsibility that should be mine?"

Ziraiye murmured, recalling the past, especially the time of the Nine‑Tails incident when he was not in the village.

Though no consequences arose, all of that was Yuzhi's merit, and combined with the "prophecy" he saw, as well as the "prophecy" seen by the Second Hokage and the teacher.

They all speculated—could it have been Minato and Kushina who died on the night of the Nine‑Tails?

Even if it isn't this world, his heart still aches; this seems to be his failure to take the responsibility he should.

Thinking this, Ziraiye decided that perhaps he really should shoulder more of his own necessary responsibilities.

Moreover, Yuzhi, now Hokage, wants to change the current state of the Ninja World; perhaps this is his chance—a chance to realize his ideals without "going against the current."

"Should I become the 'Prophecy Child' myself? Though it's somewhat heretical, but—"

Ziraiye lowered his head, muttering to himself; after a while his gaze grew firmer, and he lifted his head to look at Yuzhi.

"But instead of seeking others, I have already seen the world's direction, so I must bear this responsibility.

We cannot place hope on others; we have been 'going against the flow' for so long, I too must do something to break destiny!"

"Teacher, I support you!"

Before Yuzhi could speak, Minato's face already broke into a smile, and the Third Hokage lightly nodded.

Tsunade and Senju Fuguma crossed their arms without speaking, but Tsunade's eyes showed a slight change.

It seemed like praise, or perhaps a sigh; Senju Fuguma's expression was wholly compassionate, yet also a hint of relief.

"I look forward to your performance, Senior Ziraiye."

Yuzhi smiled and nodded; although he didn't know exactly how much of his "chicken soup" had been poured into Ziraiye, so far it was quite good.

Yuzhi never believes in any "Prophecy Child"; in his view, it's better to trust oneself than to trust others.

Just as he knows that in the future Naruto and Sasuke can bear the great burden, he would still choose to do it himself—unless he truly cannot.

Relying on heaven, earth, parents, or even others is nothing compared to relying on oneself!

"Do your best."

Senju Fuguma was silent for a moment before speaking, then he looked at Yuzhi.

"It seems we have all underestimated the Sage of Six Paths."

"Ugh."

Yuzhi felt embarrassed; for a moment he didn't know what to say.

"Exactly."

The Third Hokage, standing nearby, also nodded and sighed.

"Everything was plotted, everything was calculated by him; it turns out Ziraiye and people like him are so out of place because of this."

"Teacher Ziraiye, you've truly worked hard."

Minato, standing nearby, also nodded; he looked at the now‑smiling Ziraiye and said softly.

"Fortunately everything is ending; this cruel destiny— the Sage of Six Paths is fine in every way, but—"

"—too cruel and too cold."

"."

Yuzhi touched his head; at this point he no longer knew what to say, feeling he had uncovered a major problem.

"."

The Sage of Six Paths' feathered robe's eyes widened; his gaze was now full of bewilderment and helplessness.

No, is this something I did?

Did I make them the era's counter‑current, forcing them to endure a century of solitude, becoming lone brave ones?

No, you speak so movingly, but why am I the one bearing all the consequences?

Could it be that I arranged all of this?

No, I don't think so. —

"Honestly, why do the required materials have to be so many and so troublesome?"

In the forest, Madara Uchiha walked along a stream with a bored expression, pondering his resurrection.

Yuzhi and Hikari activated the Reincarnation Eye, and Yuzhi, even before the Reincarnation Eye fully manifested, had already defeated a true Otsutsuki.

Such pressure and achievements truly stirred emotions within him; he has always been a competitive person, and he will never deny that.

With these accomplishments, Yuzhi now wants to stage a contest no matter what.

Whether it's a contest against those Otsutsuki or a duel with Yuzhi, the foundation of all this requires his resurrection.

As for clashing with Yuzhi, he had long prepared internally; even Yuzhi knew they would eventually face each other.

Because, uncertain when the next wave of outsiders would arrive, Madara Uchiha needs to return to the Akatsuki Organization to become the great antagonist of the Ninja World.

Madara doesn't care what role he assumes; his greatest desire is peace in the Ninja World.

The opportunity is right before his eyes; he must seize it, he must do something no matter what.

But what's currently weighing on his mood is that reviving himself is still very difficult.

First, the matter of the Edo Tensei materials: he needs to remain at his peak after revival, not as a thirteen- or fourteen‑year‑old child like now.

"With this amount of power, the most I could do is crush that Neji Hyuga, Sasuke and Naruto, but…"

Thinking of those three brats, Madara felt a bit annoyed; that bastard Yuzhi truly has no sense, yet he makes him train his disciples.

Madara really didn't want to do such a thing, but he couldn't ignore those three defiant brats.

Especially when he saw that guy with golden hair, he suddenly felt an urge to give him a good scolding.

As for Sasuke, although he seemed somewhat friendly, his broken personality made Madara want to "bang‑bang" him with a couple of punches.

But unlike the others in the Leaf Village who only dare to think about it, he truly thought it and actually did it.

Yuzhi had lost count of how many times he saw Kushina dragging Mikoto to find him, and her dissatisfied stare always made him feel awkward.

And Sasuke, Naruto, even Neji's bruised face looked rather comical.

Yuzhi had also approached Madara about this, and Madara was pleased that although Yuzhi blamed him, the direction of the blame was rather unique.

"Don't hit the face; leaving a mark looks bad. Hitting where clothes cover is fine, after all it's not visible."

"You can even wrap a cloth around your hand, and the mark might not even appear."

Hearing this, Madara thought that although he hadn't spent much time with those three brats, he was sure he had left them a deep impression and memory.

After all, he had vented his frustration on those three kids, but beating them now would still be of no use.

"I want Obito to use the Rinnegan to revive me, so I must trick Obito into obtaining the Rinnegan."

Madara stopped by the creek, muttering to himself.

"I also need to seriously consider how to deal with Nagato; Nagato is obedient and now cooperating with Yuzhi, so I can't just kill him."

"I must think about his aftermath, and that Obito fellow might not obey honestly; he might not even use the Rinnegan's innate power for me."

"So I need someone to control him first—perhaps Kurojutsu?"

Thinking of Kurojutsu, Madara's brows furrowed tighter; he hadn't forgotten that someone was deceiving him, guiding him toward the abyss!

He didn't know, nor could he say, who that person might be, since everyone around him was actually suspect.

Including this, which in his view was a product formed by his Yin‑Yang Release, embodying his will!

"Since I can input my will into this Yin‑Yang Release lifeform, can others do the same?"

Madara couldn't help but think, and what puzzled him even more was Kurojutsu's behavior!

"Obito Uchiha has gone this far insane, attacking Uchiha Haori, Uchiha Ying, and even exposing the Akatsuki Organization with the Nine‑Tails early."

"And the deeds he did later to reclaim another of his eyes, also…"

"Years ago, that guy led the Akatsuki into the Leaf Village for a chaotic brawl, fully exposing the Akatsuki to the Leaf."

"Although the outcome was good, from another perspective Obito was a bottomless pit; his actions could be described as 'cannot be recorded on bamboo.'"

"Yet after committing so many unforgivable deeds, why does he still live, and why has Kurojutsu never taken any action?"

"Is this Kurojutsu truly his will, or has it been so from the start?"

"What a hassle!"

Madara muttered irritably, lowered his head to the stones at his feet, squatted, picked one up.

He stood, looked at the calm river, and suddenly threw the stone toward the surface.

Plop, plop—

After just two throws, the stone sank, and Madara's face darkened instantly.

"Damn, haven't thrown one in ages? The feel is so clumsy."

Feeling disgruntled, Madara aimed at the opposite bank again and launched the stone.

Plop, plop, plop—

A slight improvement, but it still sank in the middle of the river, which instantly flared Madara's temper.

"What the heck, can't even toss a stone across? I won't believe it!"

Madara let out a light hum, tossed the last stone in his hand, and just as he aimed to throw it—

Suddenly a stone flew out from behind him, lightly hopping across the river surface.

One, two, three times, it didn't sink but kept a rhythm and finally leapt over, landing steadily on the opposite bank.

"When throwing, lift slightly upward—that's the trick."

At that moment, a voice sounded beside Madara's ear, making him turn back, irritated.

But he was stunned, for in front of him stood a watermelon‑headed idiot wearing an extremely retro outfit!

Seeing that idiot made him feel dazed—

"Where… is this?"

Inside the Hokage's Office, with Yuzhi's seal active, a thirteen‑four‑year‑old boy with a watermelon head stared blankly around.

When he saw the darkened old face of Senju Tobirama, he froze, then pointed at Tobirama and said,

"Hey, hey, hey, aren't you Tobirama? You're dead too!"

"Idiot!"

Senju Tobirama's fists clenched; he could barely contain himself, and the Third Hokage nearby was also flustered.

He knew a bit about the First Hokage; although he was young then, that Hokage left him with powerful, majestic memories.

And also, some unreliable after‑effects.

Tsunade covered her face, seeming unable to tolerate her own grandfather, while Minato and Ziraiye stared blankly at the boy.

The two seemed puzzled why the First Hokage appeared somewhat 'unreliable.'

As for why the First Hokage looked so small now, they weren't surprised.

Whenever Yuzhi performs Edo Tensei, strange effects always occur, as if his requirements for sacrifices are very high.

If the quality of the offering is poor, the resurrected person's strength will vary according to the offering.

Sometimes they even wonder whether, if the offering is terrible, Yuzhi could summon a baby for them.

After Yuzhi dealt with Ziraiye, the next issue to face was whether the First Hokage could possess the Rinnegan.

In fact, Yuzhi isn't sure either whether Senju ZhuZhang could have the Rinnegan.

The Rinnegan and the Sharingan are indeed two separate eyes, but whether they are still broadly "the same pair of eyes" remains disputed.

The essence of both the Rinnegan and the Sharingan comes from a mutation of Divine Tree Power.

The most typical case is the Sage of Six Paths: he originally had the Byakugan, but after his fiancée was "hung on a tree" by his mother, he directly awakened the Sharingan.

The Rinnegan was awakened when he killed his brother Hane, who was controlled by his mother, in a burst of grief and anger.

"Thus, the Sage's Three Tomoe are essentially the Eternal Eye, and his Mangekyou Sharingan is directly the Rinnegan."

Yuzhi can't help but make a snide comment, but this gives him the feeling that the Rinnegan and the Sharingan are no longer a single defined pair of eyes.

After all, some abilities are not inherited from each other, yet the Sharingan is clearly the foundation for awakening the Rinnegan.

The Sage of Six Paths has already demonstrated all this through his own experience, whereas those foreign Otsutsuki, whose Rinnegan appear one after another, essentially have no Sharingan at all.

"That's because their Divine Tree Fruit power has neither regressed nor been passed down, so their Rinnegan are naturally just Rinnegan!"

Therefore Yuzhi thinks there are only two ways to obtain the Rinnegan: the first is to follow Madara Uchiha's path.

By enhancing the Sharingan and combining it with the 'Power of All Things', one can acquire it; the other way is far simpler—just eat a Divine Tree Fruit and you'll have everything.

Yuzhi didn't fully disclose his speculation to Senju Feijian and the others; he only told Senju Feijian that "the opportunity is extremely difficult," and besides that he hinted another line to him.

"I've always suggested informing the First Hokage directly; that's a form of respect. No need for overwhelming power, nor does he need to fight.

Let him see the Leaf Village, then explain these issues to him, and let him judge for himself, just as we once resurrected you from the Impure World."

"Back then it was me who resurrected you from the Impure World?"

Senju Feijian was a bit uneasy; Yuzhi's words seemed unreliable, and in his view the Impure World Resurrection Yuzhi performed was also utterly unreliable!

Kakashi's father is younger than Kakashi, the monkey's wife looks about the same age as his son—are you staging a family‑ethics drama, or what?

Now Senju Feijian is already considering whether to ask the monkey to beg Tsunade to learn the Shadow Seal.

Though it's merely a cover‑up, it does have some use.

It can also be used.

Despite a myriad of thoughts swirling in his mind, Senju Feijian and the others still explained the relevant matters to the newly awakened Senju ZhuZhang.

For example, the Ninja World is currently in an "Era of Great Strife," and everything in the Ninja World is being driven by the cold‑blooded, ruthless, behind‑the‑scenes hand of the Sage of Six Paths.

Of course, all of this is also for the Ninja World, so that everyone can cope with future crises and the like.

Senju Feijian spoke animatedly; the Sage of Six Paths' feathered fist hardened again within the dimensional space, and Senju ZhuZhang listened, stunned.

When he heard that Yuzhi, as a Uchiha, had become the Fifth Hokage, an uncontrollable smile of joy spread across his face.

When he learned that everything was the Sage's hidden hand, and that his split with Madara mirrored that of their ancestors, he couldn't help but sigh.

And when he heard that an external enemy had already appeared, that the Ninja World needed to unite forces and act, he felt a hint of melancholy.

By the time everything was said, he finally turned to Yuzhi.

"Fifth Hokage, hello."

"Um, hello."

Although Yuzhi was no longer surprised by an old guy being resurrected as a little imp by his Impure World technique, seeing the watermelon‑headed figure still made him a bit awkward.

"I never imagined I'd still get to see a Uchiha become Hokage."

Young ZhuZhang laughed brightly and sincerely; he looked especially happy at Yuzhi, but soon let out a helpless sigh.

"But it's a pity—I'm not the first person to see a Uchiha become Hokage."

Who would want that!

Senju Feijian couldn't help shouting in anger; he couldn't hold back his inner idiot brother any longer and blurted out.

"Now isn't the time for idle chatter; I want to ask you right now—how do you actually view this matter?

Reviving and fighting alongside us, or…?"

"You're still the same as before, Feijian."

ZhuZhang isn't at all surprised by his younger brother's impulsiveness; after years together he's long been used to it.

Even his younger brother will turn and shout at him when he makes a mistake, and ZhuZhang just takes it as normal, nothing serious.

Of course, if his younger brother really oversteps, he'll still display the demeanor a big brother should, letting Feijian know why he's the younger one.

"I know you're anxious, but the current Hokage hasn't said anything. You're being overly eager—have you overstepped?

Don't forget, you're no longer Hokage now."

In that instant Senju Feijian froze completely; the Third Hokage and Minato also stared at each other—why does this scene feel so familiar?

Even Yuzhi couldn't help touching his chin; he felt something was off about the people before him.

Otherwise, why does it seem that Danzo is dead, yet this guy still lingers like a lingering spirit?

"Actually, I think there's no need to rush to conclusions; let the First Hokage think it over a bit more."

Yuzhi tilted his head, then smiled and said.

"Besides, he just revived; there's still so much he doesn't understand. Rather than forcing him to take a stance immediately, it's better to let him look around.

Let him see the Leaf Village today, see everything now; after all, he's not a statue that draws attention. I think he can see whatever he wishes to see."

Yuzhi's words made Senju ZhuZhang smile and nod; being forced to decide right away also made him feel a bit uneasy.

If a crisis arose, he would unquestionably act, but now it isn't an urgent moment.

Even though there is some tension, everything remains within controllable limits; he just revived and is full of unfamiliarity and curiosity about the present.

Naturally, he hopes to have some time to absorb and understand everything that's happening now.

Just Yuzhi's words already made Senju Feijian a bit upset; he turned his head and glared at the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage gave a wry smile, recalling that when Senju Feijian was revived he immediately faced the Danzo rebellion, with no buffer time at all.

"Since that's the case, I'll go out and take a look."

Senju ZhuZhang glanced around, and after a moment of contemplation he spoke.

"Although I've been awakened, it still feels rather odd.

Impure World Reincarnation is fundamentally a technique that defies natural order; even though I understand its purpose, I still want to calm down.

Just as the Fifth Hokage said, give me some time now, okay?"

Although the First Hokage stepped forward intending to drop the task, no one present objected.

After all, not everyone is Senju Feijian, who, upon waking, is overly eager to get involved in state affairs; moreover, Senju ZhuZhang's temperament has always been different.

He wants to calm down, to have more time to think; that's perfectly normal.

Watching Senju ZhuZhang leave alone, Senju Feijian frowned and, after a while,

"Hmph, still the same as before, this guy"

"After all, not everyone is like you, waking up and constantly scheming."

Yuzhi, hearing that, couldn't help but teasingly look at Senju Feijian, which instantly drew a furious stare from the Second Hokage.

But Yuzhi didn't mind; after a moment of thought he said.

"Wait and see his thoughts; besides that, make some preparations. Whether he agrees or not, your preparation is necessary.

It can be used by him or by you; after all, even if you're a bit weak, it's still valuable for the future."

"Bastard, what do you mean!"

Senju Feijian, hearing that, really couldn't hold back; although he admitted that compared to his older brother, he was indeed far inferior.

But that was only in comparison to his older brother; against anyone else, he had never been afraid!

And while they were quarrelling, Senju ZhuZhang stood atop the Hokage's own statue, looking down over the Leaf Village.

"The changes in the Leaf Village are truly massive, and I never expected that after I died in the blink of an eye for so long, now the Hokage of the Leaf Village are all Uchiha Clan."

Senju ZhuZhang gazed into the distance, feeling an indescribable sensation in his heart.

Now, under the effect of Impure World Reincarnation, he has returned to his childhood, but he doesn't think that's a bad thing.

In that era of war, he and Madara Uchiha were standing here, overlooking below, determined to create a village that protects everyone.

And now he stands again, of similar stature, at the same spot; the Leaf Village has been established, and everything looks wonderfully beautiful.

"But now, I can no longer see you."

Senju ZhuZhang sighed and shook his head; even though he was the one who stabbed Madara Uchiha with a blade back then, he still always regarded Madara as his best friend.

Turning around, Senju ZhuZhang also walked toward the forest; he no longer wishes to see so much of the Leaf Village's prosperity.

Just as he told Yuzhi, what he now hopes for most is a hint of peace; he needs to contemplate many more issues.

Especially since he just revived and heard so much information, his mind feels a bit swollen, and naturally he now longs even more for some quiet.

"Who would have thought the other side of this world would be like this? the Sage of Six Paths, although you did the right thing, it's just too cruel."

Senju ZhuZhang recalled what his younger brother had said earlier, and couldn't help murmuring a line.

However, for a moment he seemed to sense some lingering resentment around him; looking left and right he found no one, which left him somewhat bewildered.

He continued toward the forest, and soon he saw a small river, and also heard some movement, which surprised him a bit.

"Are there people here too? How interesting."

Senju ZhuZhang felt a bit curious, and he walked slowly toward that side, and at that moment he was completely stunned.

Because he saw a creature with a hedgehog-like head, smashing water‑skimmers toward the opposite bank, its fragmented tossing resembling the way he once threw a hand‑blade back then.

In that instant, Senju ZhuZhang felt as if he were in another world, and subconsciously picked up a stone from the ground and walked over.

(End of Chapter)