Chapter 33 : Namikaze Minato

[My Name is Uchiha Madara!]

[I Shall Return Anew and Forge a New Path!]

As the resolute declaration echoed, the eyes of formidable beings from countless worlds ignited with interest. It was the first instance of a person on the list leaving their own comments.

Unexpectedly, the impact of his tragic demise seemed not to have affected the other party profoundly. Instead, he rebounded in a remarkably short span of time. Truly befitting of a man aiming to revolutionize the world single handedly.

In this instant, the spectators shed their sympathies. To underestimate this man would be a grave mistake.

...

Shinigami World.

Aizen lifted his gaze, his eyes piercing through existence itself, fixated on some distant, unknown point. While Uchiha Madara's failure to succumb in the end might have mildly surprised him, his thoughts delved deeper. The closing statements this time around clearly indicated artificial manipulation in the ranking of the top ten memorable death scenes. This led him to ponder how far this individual—perhaps even a deity—could truly extend his influence.

...

Shinobi World.

Uchiha Madara's closing statement was indeed accurate.

The essence of the ninja world remained unaltered, rendering the countless saviors nothing more than recurring iterations. In Iwagakure, Onoki sat alone within the Tsuchikage's office. He had turned away his granddaughter Kurotsuchi, sending her on a quest for justification. There was no joy painted on his face by the seemingly happy ending, only a furrowed brow.

If his interpretation was correct, the final two, Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke, hailed from Konoha. Once again, the power to reshape the world rested within Konoha's grasp. Thus, the conclusion posed the question: how should the other ninja villages address themselves after the curtains fell? What purpose did the Shinobi World Wars serve? Was it to spill blood and annihilate rival villages? Ultimately, the world was a small place, and its strife often boiled down to matters of resources. Just as in Sunagakure, where the majority endured harsh lives.

After extensive contemplation, Tsuchikage reached for his pen and began to write. Shortly thereafter, two sealed missives were handed over to the Anbu.

...

Within a hidden underground cave, a Uzumaki mask emerged suddenly.

Obito's gaze fell upon the coffin before him, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Time-space manipulation granted him swiftness superior to that of Black Zetsu, yet he hadn't prematurely disposed of the body. Once Uchiha Madara's remains were relocated, he faded into the shadows once more. The next step: locating Orochimaru.

...

Inside the cave, Itachi regarded Kisame, whose gaze remained lowered, and inquired, "What course will you take?"

Given this revelation, Akatsuki could never revert to their former path.

Kisame's thoughts remained tangled as he replied, "For now, I'll stick by you, Mr. Itachi. We can decide our next steps later."

Itachi, too, was ensnared by complex emotions. While the world perceived a satisfying conclusion with Naruto and Sasuke's triumph over Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, he saw the truth. Sasuke's eyes were devoid of warmth and sentiment, uncannily reminiscent of Uchiha Madara. The story's conclusion would not halt here.

...

After half a day...

Within Konoha, Kakashi had already submitted his report and departed on a mission—to track down Obito, ostensibly to capture a fugitive.

Sarutobi Hiruzen noted Kakashi's unyielding determination. At his side, Danzo's powerlessness bred frustration.

Upon Kakashi's departure, Danzo spoke unexpectedly, "Third Hokage, the figures in the recording, Naruto and the rest, appear to be around fifteen or sixteen—about five or six years later."

"If I'm not mistaken, you were resurrected using Impure World Reincarnation. Consequently, you ought to prepare for what lies ahead."

A frown creased Sarutobi Hiruzen's brow; he discerned Danzo's implications.

Dying within a few years was a real possibility.

For the greater good of Konoha, he should identify the next Hokage sooner.

Inwardly sneering, Sarutobi Hiruzen countered, "Your suggestion has merit. For instance, Tsunade in the recording could be a fitting choice. Her battlefield performance is commendable."

Danzo's eyes half-lidded, his voice steady as he responded, "The village won't accept someone suffering from hemophobia as Hokage."

He had anticipated this, knowing full well that while Tsunade appeared to have conquered her phobia in the future, the present reality was different.

But with careful manipulation and some stoking of the flames, perhaps Sarutobi Hiruzen's abdication could be expedited. Time might yet be on his side.

Just then, the screen flickered to life once more.

A grayscale screen speckled with snowflake-like dots materialized, accompanied by a countdown.

10... 9... 8... 3... 2... 1!

Light flooded the screen.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart tightened.

On the screen...

The blood moon loomed, and nine colossal tails soared against the heavens!

[Memorable Death Scene, Ranking #7]

[The World of Hokage: Namikaze Minato!]

*****

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