CH - 160 Akihiko: Sasori? Puppet Show?

As the scenes unfolded, a hush fell over the underground chamber. White Zetsu, observing the spectacle, softly muttered to himself, casting a sigh, "What should we do now, Black Zetsu?"

Seating himself on a small stool nearby, White Zetsu settled in. Despite the winter chill, a chakra-powered heater in the underground cavern, diligently acquired by Zetsu, kept the space comfortably warm, shielding them from the cold.

Madara, with an uninterested countenance, snorted a few times, remarking, "Hmph, You're interrupting my rest."

Nonetheless, he continued watching the movie, an expression of indifference masking a hint of intrigue. Since being bound to the Gedo Statue, he hadn't ventured outside. His awareness of the outside world was limited to White Zetsu's updates on the continuing chaos and the perceived flaws in Hashirama's methods. The ninja world, it seemed, remained unchanged.

However, Grass Village appeared to have undergone notable alterations. But If Grass Village had evolved, had the rest of the ninja world followed suit or remained stagnant?

As time progressed, a hush enveloped the chamber as everyone was absorbed in the movie. When a character delivered a resounding line - "Those who break ninja rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are even worse!" - Obito sprang to life, pointing at the screen excitedly. "That's me! That's me! Madara-sensei, did you see that? Pretty cool, huh? Making money through movies without picking up trash!"

Before he could finish, Madara interjected with a derisive snort, fixing his gaze on Obito. "Foolishness, just as foolish as you are now! How can you call yourself a ninja if you can't complete the mission?"

"Madara-sensei, it's inevitable, isn't it?" Obito countered seriously. "Choosing the mission means abandoning your companions, and choosing to save your companions means giving up the mission. For me, my companions are more important."

He paused, as if awaiting Madara's response, then prodded further, "If it were an important companion of yours facing difficulties, what would you do, Madara-sensei?"

Madara fell silent, a distant look in his eyes, seemingly reflecting on something. If it were Hashirama in trouble... he'd certainly assist him. Perhaps even teasing him a bit after.

Yet, despite this, Madara snorted again and spoke coldly, "That guy doesn't need my help at all. If anyone needs help, it's his opponents."

Obito's expression twisted in confusion. What was Madara-sensei alluding to?

As time progressed, a hush enveloped the chamber as everyone was absorbed in the movie. When a character delivered a resounding line - "Those who break ninja rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash!" - Obito sprang to life, pointing at the screen excitedly. "That's me, That's me, Madara-sensei, did you catch that? Pretty cool, huh? See, even without picking up trash I can still make money through movies."

Before he could finish, Madara interjected with a derisive snort, fixing his gaze on Obito. "Foolishness, just as foolish as you are now. How can you call yourself a ninja if you can't complete the mission?"

"Madara-sensei, it's inevitable, isn't it?" Obito countered seriously. "Choosing the mission means abandoning your comrades, and choosing to save your comrades means giving up the mission. For me, my comrades are more important."

He paused, as if awaiting Madara's response, then prodded further, "If it were an important comrade of yours facing difficulties, what would you do, Madara-sensei?"

Madara fell silent, a distant look in his eyes, seemingly reflecting on something. If it were Hashirama in trouble... he'd certainly assist him. Perhaps even teasing him a bit after.

Yet, despite this, Madara snorted again and spoke coldly, "That guy doesn't need my help at all. If anyone needs help, it's his opponents."

Obito's expression twisted in confusion. What was Madara-sensei alluding to?

At that moment, just as Obito was puzzled, Zetsu chimed in cheerfully, "Watch the movie quietly. Didn't they say to be quiet during a movie?"

Obito, realizing the disruption, silently agreed, thinking, 'Never mind, Madara-sensei is old. I shouldn't argue with him.' He then smiled and turned his attention back to the movie.

Madara, too, remained silent. He watched the movie attentively, with the occasional distractions provided by the eccentric Zetsu amusing him, akin to hearing a captivating tale.

As for the upcoming Grass Village evening party, what did it matter to him? The liveliest times he remembered were the Uchiha Clan gatherings. After Konoha's establishment, it all became a distant memory. Why was he dwelling on this now? Could it be that he was truly showing signs of aging?

In the quiet underground chamber, two Zetsus, an old man, and a mischievous devil observed the movie in silence. Unseen by others, Madara's presence cast a subtle ripple of uneasiness, as if silently questioning, 'What on earth are these guys even doing?'

…

As time passed, the scenes of the movie unfolded continuously. Obito occasionally stole glances at Madara-sensei, and a slight smile adorned his lips when he noticed even Madara-sensei was quietly engrossed in the film.

Finally, when the movie concluded, Madara snorted once more, closed his eyes, and declared, "It was a waste of time."

Obito couldn't help but smirk, "Indeed. By the way, that guy mentioned we could catch the Grass Village evening party with this projector. I wonder if it's true."

Regrettably, Madara-sensei couldn't venture outside, Obito sighed inwardly. While he didn't fully understand Madara-sensei's condition, he knew that without the support of that peculiar apparatus, Madara-sensei couldn't survive outdoors. Otherwise, he could have attended the event venue to enjoy the performances.

A few days prior, Obito had passed by the newly constructed venue for the event, noting its enormity. It would have been a delightful experience for Madara-sensei to witness the festivities there.

Observing Madara close his eyes once more, Obito couldn't help but wryly smile. Truly, Madara-sensei could be quite childish at times.

After gauging the time, Obito announced, "Madara-sensei, I'll be taking my leave now. I'm heading to meet Rin, and I'll be back later. Rin has prepared a lot of delicious food for us."

"Hmph! You reckless fool, focus on your studies. Don't emulate that fool who only picks up trash." Madara opened his eyes, glancing at Zetsu who was sporting a small smile before turning his gaze to Obito. "I've heard that you were cheating on the exam this time?"

"Hahaha~" Obito laughed awkwardly. About to offer excuses, he met Madara's stern glare, quickly lowering his head. "I'm sorry, Madara-sensei. I'll do better next time."

"Hmph!" Madara snorted again, closed his eyes, and bluntly stated, "A foolish guy is not worthy of my recognition. Get lost!"

"Madara-sensei, I..." Obito's heart sank a little as he heard Madara's words filled with disappointment, feeling remorseful, he tried to speak up, but Madara continued, "This holiday, you'll have extra lessons."

Upon hearing those words, Obito's expression froze. So, that's it. He assumed he was going to be dismissed. However, Rin had already mentioned that she would assist him in catching up on lessons.

Yet, gazing at Madara's white hair, full of wrinkles, and closed eyes, Obito scratched his head, forced a smile, and said, "I'll return and study diligently. So... see you later, Madara-sensei."

With that, he employed his Kamui ability, disappearing from the spot.

And at this moment, after witnessing Obito's departure, Zetsu chuckled once more and remarked, "Hehehe, Obito is gone. Don't worry, if he doesn't study diligently next time, I'll take him out for some trash-picking." He raised his fist and then glanced at the still-closed-eyed Madara. After a brief hesitation, he inquired, "Madara-sama, would you like to rest? Should I turn it off?"

As the words left his mouth, Madara opened his eyes again, cast a faint look at Zetsu, and then shifted his gaze to the sizable screen. "Idiot!"

With that, he closed his eyes once more. Despite Madara-sama's comment, Zetsu maintained his smile but refrained from turning off the projector. Instead, he settled quietly in front, awaiting.

At this moment, the screen illuminated once again, accompanied by a piece of festive music. Suddenly, he exclaimed, "Madara-sama, it's starting!"

…

"Has it started?" Akihiko, accompanied by Kana, Fuso, Pakura, and Nono, found a place to sit. As for Nagato, he was already seated with Yahiko and the others.

Speaking of this performance hall, it was recently constructed. However, due to the overwhelming number of people eager to watch, positions were sold in the form of tickets.

To ensure that the majority could enjoy the show, Grass Village had implemented a cable projection method. Although the cables were a bit long and thick, ninjas assisted in setting up various viewing points, allowing everyone to have a clear view.

At this moment, a familiar voice chimed in, "Hahaha, it seems I'm not late." Akihiko turned to look, confirming that Hanzo was approaching.

"How did you find time to come?" Akihiko asked in confusion. "Isn't it possible to watch from the Rain Village?"

"Can watching there be the same as being present? This is the first New Year since the alliance between Grass and Rain. On such an important day, how could I not come?" Hanzo snorted. With a proud expression, he added, "And this time, an outstanding young man from the Rain Village is performing. I promised him I would come to see his show."

As he spoke, Akihiko's face displayed a slight surprise. If someone could capture the attention of a demi-god in the ninja world, they were likely no ordinary person.

However, Akihiko inquired, "Who? I'm familiar with the performers from the Rain Village. There doesn't seem to be any new faces."

"I've only recently met him. He's not a ninja, just a guy screwing screws in the Third Factory." Hanzo chuckled with a smug voice.

Akihiko was puzzled. Screwing screws? Could it be a civilian kid who emerged after the peace in the Rain Village?

Akihiko was slightly stunned, then asked again, "How could he catch your attention? Is there something special about him? Has the Rain Village produced an outstanding talent? "

"Of course, he's a talent." Hanzo stared at Akihiko. "What? Do you want to steal talents from the Rain Village again? Hmph, I remember you used to steal people."

With a hearty laugh, Hanzo took a seat on the side. "Although I'm getting old, I think he's a good kid. Maybe he can participate in that literacy program and even become a ninja. If you can, let him join it later."

As Hanzo spoke, Akihiko's expression betrayed a hint of surprise. To capture the attention of a figure like Hanzo, the person must possess something extraordinary.

However, Akihiko sought more details, "Who? I'm familiar with the performers from the Rain Village. There doesn't seem to be any newcomers."

"I've only met him recently. He's not a ninja, just a guy screwing screws in the Third Factory," Hanzo chuckled, a smug tone in his voice.

Akihiko was puzzled. Screwing screws? Could it be a civilian newcomer in the Rain Village, emerging after the era of peace?

Perplexed, Akihiko probed further, "How did he catch your attention? Has the Rain Village discovered exceptional talent? Is there something unique about him?"

"Absolutely, he's quite a talent," Hanzo replied, fixing his gaze on Akihiko. "What? Are you planning to poach talent from the Rain Village again? I recall you used to attract people."

He laughed heartily as he said this and then settled into a seat as he continued, "Even if I am agde, I think highly of this youngster. Maybe he could join the literacy program and even become a ninja. If you can, consider involving him in that initiative."

Akihiko didn't decline. However, he found himself unable to recall any notable figures from the Rain Village, prompting a curious sensation. Could it be an undiscovered civilian prodigy?

"What's his name? And what's the performance about?" Akihiko inquired with interest.

"His name is Sasori. He'll be showcasing a puppet show a bit later," Hanzo replied.

Akihiko's expression shifted abruptly as he heard the name. He was momentarily stunned, his face revealing a sudden change.

Hanzo observed Akihiko's reaction with curiosity. "Is everything alright? You seem a bit uncomfortable."

"...I'm fine," Akihiko quickly replied, attempting to mask his surprise. Yet, Hanzo's words had stunned him. Did he really just mention Sasori and a puppet show?

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