Chapter 154

Historical instances of overtaking in corners have occurred from time to time, even in the history of the Shinōbi World. The future shell organization is a prime example. They successfully executed a corner overtaking by utilizing scientific Ninja Tools. The ability to achieve such a feat demonstrated their strength and underscored the reality of the situation.

However, Sarutobi Hiruzen was no longer concerned with corner overtakings. Uzumaki Mito had begun the process of transferring the Nine-Tails, which consumed his attention. Senju Clan, including Uzumaki Mito, Utatane Koharu, Kushina, and Tsunade, resided in the wood house bequeathed by Senju Hashirama.

Tsunade looked at her grandmother with sadness. It pained her to part with loved ones. Not only did she have to bid farewell to her relatives, but she also had to send them on their journey personally.

"Silly girl, death is inevitable for all of us. As long as we die with dignity, it is worthwhile. Besides, I should have joined your grandfather a long time ago. Don't worry too much. Be strong," Uzumaki Mito reassured Tsunade with a calm and gentle smile. At her age, she had gained a clear perspective on matters of life and death. These concerns no longer troubled her.

Uzumaki Mito and Kushina made the necessary arrangements, ensuring that the Nine-Tails remained under control. The threat posed by the Nine-Tails had long been mitigated under Uzumaki Mito's watchful eye. Moreover, they were within the confines of Senju Hashirama's legacy, where Wood Release ninjutsu specifically restricted the Nine-Tails.

Outside the room, Sarutobi Hiruzen personally led a group of elite ANBU guards, including Hatake Sakumo and Shimura Danzo. Any attempt to attack the premises would come at an unimaginable cost. Even Uchiha Madara, upon discovering the strength of the defenders, chose to leave. His advanced age and frailty discouraged him from engaging in combat with a group of young and formidable opponents. The outcome would not be in his favor.

In the shadows outside the Senju mansion, Uchiha Madara mocked himself with a wry smile. He had not lived up to his expectations and had been defeated in due course. He observed Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hatake Sakumo tirelessly fighting, realizing they were not significantly weaker than him. However, he acknowledged that his current state was not comparable to his peak power. During the peak of his abilities, both he and Senju Hashirama had nearly reached the level of the Six Paths. Their mastery of Yin and Yang Release was unmatched, a far cry from Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hatake Sakumo, who had only recently attained the level of Super Kage.

"Madara-sama, shall we cause some trouble?" Tobi, oblivious to the situation, inquired.

Madara glanced at Tobi silently and replied, "What kind of trouble can we cause? Sarutobi's little monkey is guarding this place with a group of elite shinobi. Furthermore, if the Nine-Tails were to emerge, I would be its primary target."

Madara was well aware of the Nine-Tails' animosity towards him. If there were a list of grudges, he believed he would be at the top, followed by Senju Hashirama and Uzumaki Mito. The combined grudge of the second and third parties would still not match the weight of his hatred. In his mind, this meant he had triumphed over Senju Hashirama in some way.

Feeling a surge of newfound confidence, Madara's mood quickly improved. He paid little attention to causing trouble.

"Let's go. A mere Nine-Tails is nothing more than a Pokémon. I can easily capture it once I regain my youthful vigor," Madara declared, taking Tobi along with him as he swiftly departed, traversing Konoha.

Tobi, being a fool, did not question Madara's words. In his eyes, Madara's perspective was correct. He regarded the so-called Bijū as Pokémon, easily capturable. In the original story, Madara captured all nine Bijū effortlessly, as if they were mere trinkets. However, Madara did not truly comprehend the power of the Bijū. He had only managed to reach a level comparable to his rival, Hashirama, with great effort.

Meanwhile, Yin-Yang, lurking in the shadows, inquired with a puzzled expression, "Madara-sama, who do you consider worthy of our attention?"

Madara replied without hesitation, "Hashirama and the Third Kazekage."

Yin-Yang's face, Black Zetsu, had no personal grudges against anyone. As long as an individual appeared susceptible to manipulation and was beneficial to their cause, they would engage with them.

"Yes, the Third Kazekage is a person of interest. Once we identify his desires, we can bring him into our fold," Yin-Yang suggested to Black Zetsu.

Madara believed that he possessed keen insight and never missed a mark. He firmly believed that he had accurately assessed individuals. In the original story, the only person he misjudged was Black Zetsu. Everyone else fell victim to his manipulations, including Obito, who believed he could control everything, and the god of self-healing, Nagato. These two individuals were clear examples of his perceptive abilities. Senju Hashirama, too, held a special place in Madara's heart. He believed Hashirama had the power to change the Shinōbi World, and in the end, the Sengoku Period came to a close without his influence.

Madara, confident in his own abilities, believed that his eyes never deceived him. If he had made any mistakes, it was due to his age and the lack of time to correct his vision using physical means. Once he recovered, he planned to utilize physical restoration techniques to prove to the world that he, Uchiha Madara, had never wavered. The physical restoration technique was universally recognized across all realms. He had never encountered a problem it couldn't correct. If issues persisted, it was simply a matter of the individual's physical shortcomings. Furthermore, Master Wang Jingze's True Fragrance Law contributed to an invincible union. These matters were acknowledged by all.

Sarutobi Hiruzen believed that his position as the Supreme in the Shinōbi World would remain unchallenged, as did Uchiha Madara. To Uchiha Clan, anyone who dared to challenge them would disappear. The downfall of Uchiha Clan would serve as a testament to the effectiveness of the leverage obtained through physical restoration techniques.