Starting as a Ninja in the Naruto World

Finally, the troubles were over.

This thought simultaneously crossed the minds of both Tobirama Senju and Emiya Shigen, though the issues they resolved were vastly different.

While Shigen was speaking to calm the situation, Tobirama had long ceased his fake attempt to release the Edo Tensei jutsu.

Tobirama, ever the pragmatist, had predicted Shigen's compassionate nature. He had suspected Shigen wouldn't bear to see the ninja world descend into chaos.

Shigen, after all, was easy to manipulate.

Tobirama knew how to exploit his good heart.

Still…

Tobirama understood the need for caution.

He suspected Shigen's goodwill could be exploited by others. Since he couldn't directly restrict Shigen's movements, there was always the risk of Shigen falling into the hands of agents from other villages.

Such a situation…

Had to be carefully guarded against.

After all…

Shigen was going to stay in this era for a while.

Tobirama quietly considered that he might need to show Shigen the darker side of the world, to prevent the kind-hearted man from being deceived too easily in the future.

This was an era far more ruthless than ancient times—an age defined by killing and deceit.

For instance, Madara Uchiha.

Why else would that man approach Shigen in the middle of the night after faking his death?

"Speaking of which…"

Tobirama narrowed his eyes, deliberately steering the conversation:

"That man, Madara, used his supposed death during his fight with my brother as a cover to escape, yet he secretly infiltrated the area where Lord Shigen resides. He must be plotting something…"

"Madara's eye has gone blind," Hashirama interjected with characteristic simplicity.

He shared his own thoughts:

"It's the price he paid for escaping death. Perhaps he's seeking treatment for his eye…"

"Is that so?"

Shigen frowned, perplexed by Madara's actions.

"If he needed medical help, why resort to using his Sharingan's genjutsu to control me? Wouldn't it have been easier to simply ask the doctor for help?"

"Lord Shigen, you're far too kind-hearted!"

Tobirama seized the opportunity to lecture, while also taking a jab at Madara:

"Madara is an inherently evil man. He believes the ninja world should bow to his might and likely thought he could use genjutsu to manipulate you into compliance."

"That said…"

"Please remain cautious, Lord Shigen," Tobirama added with an air of earnest concern.

"While his malicious plans failed this time, it doesn't mean he won't use other methods to infiltrate Konoha and deceive you into healing his blind eye in the future…"

"In this era, people's hearts are far from pure…"

Tobirama continued, turning this into a teachable moment for Shigen:

"In this world, there are always those willing to spin intricate lies and exploit others to achieve their goals."

"..."

Shigen remained silent, furrowing his brow.

He seemed to be processing Tobirama's words, wondering if there was an underlying warning in them.

And speaking of missing figures…

Where had Black Zetsu gone?

Could it truly be preoccupied at a time like this?

In fact, Black Zetsu was quite busy.

It was deeply worried about Madara's safety.

Madara harbored the potential to awaken the Rinnegan, which was critical to its plans. Until Shigen could create new Rinnegan, Black Zetsu couldn't afford to let the weakened Madara fall into Konoha's hands.

Outside the Village

While Konoha dealt with the Nine-Tails' rampage, the exhausted Madara Uchiha was evading pursuit from Konoha's Anbu forces outside the village.

Madara wasn't concerned about the average Konoha ninja—his main worry was the possibility of being hunted down by the Senju brothers.

"Tch…"

"That cunning Tobirama… always so thorough…"

Madara warily eyed the Anbu blocking his path.

It was clear that Tobirama had anticipated his escape and sent these ninja to intercept him.

That man had planned ahead, knowing Madara would flee Konoha.

Still, Madara understood he couldn't linger.

Even if he managed to evade these ninja, Konoha would relentlessly send more to track him down.

The Hyūga clan, with their Byakugan, presented another problem.

Their ability to see through nearly everything made them perfect for locating enemies. It was only a matter of time before they found him.

"Break through!"

Madara launched himself forward, directly engaging the Anbu in his path.

Four patrol ninjas immediately drew their blades, shouting to alert the others:

"Madara Uchiha is here!"

"Don't let him escape!"

"Tch…"

Madara let out a disdainful snort.

In mere moments, the four Anbu lay defeated, their efforts utterly futile against his overwhelming power.

Their teamwork was meaningless…

The gap in strength, skill, and experience was insurmountable.

But this small skirmish was enough to alert another, more troublesome squad.

Led by Sarutobi Sasuke, a team featuring the Ino-Shika-Chō formation rapidly closed in on Madara's location.

"Stop him!"

Sarutobi Sasuke shouted, forming hand seals.

"If we can hold him here, the Hokage and Lord Tobirama will arrive as soon as they're done with the Nine-Tails!"

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"

A torrent of flame erupted from Sasuke's mouth, roaring toward Madara like a rampaging dragon.

"Sarutobi Sasuke…"

Madara's brow twitched. His lips curled into a mocking smile as he deftly evaded the flames.

"Hmph. So this is the great ninja Hashirama always praises? How foolish—to think you can challenge me with a fire jutsu…"

"Shadow Imitation Jutsu!"

A man with a ponytail pressed his hands to the ground, sending his shadow snaking toward Madara.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he strained to maintain the technique.

"Hurry! I can't hold him for long!"

"I'll support! Mind Transfer Jutsu!"

A blonde ninja raised his fingers in a seal, sending his consciousness into Madara's body to seize control.

"Don't underestimate us! Expansion Jutsu!"

From behind, a hulking figure grew to enormous size, his fist descending like a hammer aimed to crush Madara.

This was the strength of the Ino-Shika-Chō formation. Their combined attacks could overwhelm any foe.

But Madara was no ordinary opponent.

In an instant, he countered.

Madara used his Sharingan's genjutsu to turn the blonde ninja's Mind Transfer Jutsu against him, forcing him to possess the man with the shadow technique instead.

The ponytailed man's shadow then captured their oversized teammate, causing the giant ninja to inadvertently roll over his own allies, scattering them.

In mere seconds, the team lay in disarray.

Even against Konoha's elite formation, Madara had prevailed with almost effortless precision.

The fight was over.

Sarutobi Sasuke stood alone, sweat pouring down his face.

"I suppose I'll have to take you more seriously…"

Madara's fingers formed seals as his chakra surged ominously.

"Let me show you what real fire jutsu looks like."

Half a minute later.

The Ino-Shika-Chō team returned to find Madara gone.

Sarutobi Sasuke lay on the ground, unconscious and severely burned. His breathing was faint, his body covered in gruesome injuries.

"We can't pursue Madara anymore!"

The hulking ninja hoisted Sasuke onto his back, his tone urgent.

"We need to get Captain to the hospital!"

The blonde ninja, shaken but conscious, nodded grimly.

"The Captain looks bad… Should we inform his family?"

"We can't keep this from them."

The ponytailed man sighed, wincing as he nursed his own injuries.

"I've met the Captain's son.

"Hiruzen… that child is a remarkable ninja.

"He won't let fear overcome him, even if his father doesn't make it…"