Chapter 155

Dusk in Konoha was a sight to behold. The setting sun cast a gentle glow through the branches, illuminating the streets and giving a sense of stability to life. The small shops lining the streets remained open as the city came alive with the beginning of its nightlife.

The concerns of the upper echelons of leadership had little impact on the common people. The lives and deaths of those in power were distant from the daily lives of the citizens. With this mindset, the people of Konoha continued to live happily, unaffected by the tense atmosphere that permeated the higher ranks.

Senju Hashirama's love for Konoha may have stemmed from the fact that the village was named by Madara. After Madara's departure, Hashirama's love for Madara transferred to Konoha. Even now, it should be logical that the transfer of Chakra from the Nine-Tails would have a significant impact on Konoha. However, the village remained unharmed, and life continued as usual. The people still went about their daily routines, including enjoying their meals.

This was made possible by the wood house left by Senju Hashirama, which restricted the influence of the Nine-Tails' Chakra. Unless one visited the Senju Mansion, it was impossible to sense the presence of the Nine-Tails' Chakra.

Walking the streets of Konoha, Uchiha Madara was filled with a sense of nostalgia. It had been several decades since he last set foot here.

"It has become prosperous. The abilities of the Little Monkey are impressive, far superior to Tobirama. That dog of Tobirama can only resort to cunning and manipulation. Sarutobi was truly better taught by Hashirama," Madara remarked, a relieved smile gracing his face.

This foundation that Konoha had built over the past few decades owed half of its success to his own efforts, alongside Senju Hashirama. It brought him joy to witness the enduring legacy of the foundation he had helped establish.

But suddenly, a burst of excitement reached Madara's ears. He looked up to find himself in front of the Uchiha Clan Land, where a group of young and attractive men and women were exiting. The young people of Konoha eagerly observed their every move.

Observing their starry-eyed gazes, Madara couldn't help but feel envious and resentful. "Amusing themselves, yet not advancing. How embarrassing," he muttered, his tone filled with envy and bitterness.

Why was it that he, who was much more handsome than this group, was never the center of attention? If only they had shown this level of interest in him before, he could have challenged Hashirama for the position of Hokage. It wasn't about philosophy or power struggles; it was simply a matter of popularity.

At this moment, no one around could fathom the complexity of Madara's emotions. Witnessing the thriving development of the foundation he had laid and seeing his descendants integrate into Konoha and live in peace evoked a profound mix of feelings. It would take time for his emotions to settle.

Just then, Madara noticed a young boy from the Uchiha Clan, who was being playfully molested by the crowd. He was jostled and touched. The abundance of food in Konoha had contributed to the girls' development, and Madara witnessed the Uchiha child finishing off a bowl in one go.

"What an enviable life," he shook his head, and eventually turned and walked away. Unbeknownst to others, a tear streaked down Madara's face. After all, he was only human, and there were no truly heartless individuals. With no one from his own generation left, only the younger generation remained. How could he harbor any hatred towards them?

"Oh, that back looks familiar," Uchiha Mina, who had just walked out from the Uchiha wall, murmured as she stared at Madara's retreating figure.

"Aunt Mina, let's go. Nothing to see here. Let's go eat dumplings," a young Uchiha girl with beautiful black hair exclaimed as she rushed over to hug Uchiha Mina and swung her arms excitedly.

"Alright, Mikoto, don't shake so much. You're already a big girl now. Be steady," Mina gently patted Mikoto's head.

Mina held a prominent position within the Uchiha Clan. She was privy to many secrets and was aware of Uchiha Clan Leader Uchiha Fugaku's desire to marry into the Sarutobi Clan. Uchiha Clan Leader sought Mina's counsel on such matters. The older generation of the Uchiha Clan struggled to handle such affairs, especially matters of courtship. Uchiha Mina had pondered over the issue for some time but had never anticipated seeing Uchiha Madara's figure.

Madara continued to wander the streets of Konoha, reminiscing about the past. In Kaze no Kuni, a significant event was brewing.

After much searching, Hitoshi had finally found the Ryumyaku space. Facing the old man with long horns sitting opposite him, Hitoshi couldn't fathom how this old figure had emerged.

"Youngster, I am Rikudō Sennin, the one who has been secretly guarding the Shinōbi World. I can see the surprise in your eyes. Do you wish to inherit my legacy?" Rikudō Sennin sat atop black receivers transformed from Truth-Seeking Balls, a smile on his face.

"No, my own strength is sufficient," Hitoshi promptly declined, knowing that the old man was teasing him.

"Do you wish to hear my story?" Rikudō Sennin changed the subject abruptly.

"I have no interest in hearing the tales of old fools. They offer nothing worthwhile," Hitoshi replied, his disinterest apparent.

"But this Ryumyaku, wouldn't you like to know?" Rikudō Sennin tempted again.

"No, this Ryumyaku is likely formed by the natural Chakra beneath Kaze no Kuni," Hitoshi responded, confident in his ability to comprehend matters swiftly.

"Very well, you win. I shall take my leave," Rikudō Sennin decided to depart upon seeing that Hitoshi showed no intention of engaging.

Hitoshi paid no mind to Rikudō Sennin's departure. He had no fear of confrontation and cared little about the old man's actions. Instead, he focused his attention on the Ryumyaku space.

"It's rather mundane. This so-called Ryumyaku space seems more like a gathering place for natural Chakra. According to fantasy lore, the appearance of an energy gathering place indicates the absorption of the essence of another world," Hitoshi contemplated.

"Although I don't know whose handiwork this is, since I've encountered it, let's put an end to it," he declared with a firm expression. A surge of power emanated from his body as dragon scales began to emerge, signaling his half-dragon transformation.

Activating the Void Engine, Hitoshi connected with the power of the Ryumyaku, channeling it to improve the natural environment of Kaze no Kuni.

"Truly a kind-hearted child," Rikudō Sennin muttered with a contented smile, hidden in the shadows.