Chapter 185

In the world of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, peace seemed to reign. After Hashirama had brought the major villages under the control of Konoha, the smaller villages either voluntarily surrendered or were subdued. Their combat effectiveness was relatively low even the strongest being an elite Jonin, leading to a unified ninja world.

Hashirama was pleased with this outcome, believing that the future would be free of danger. He delegated all administrative duties to his younger brother, Tobirama, confident that his work was done. However, an undercurrent of unrest was brewing in the ninja world, unbeknownst to him.

One day in the Hokage office, Tobirama entered with a serious expression. "Brother, something has happened in the Land of Water recently," he reported.

Hashirama was taken aback. "What? Wasn't peace established there long ago? The troublemakers were dealt with. Are those ninjas clans or some nobles causing problems?" He found this news perplexing and abnormal. Given his terrifying strength, he thought any potential troublemakers would be too intimidated to act.

He recalled a past incident involving Kakuzu, a genius ninja from Takigakure, who had been sent to assassinate him. Under Taki village elder's instigation, Kakuzu attempted the impossible mission.

However, upon witnessing Hashirama's formidable power firsthand, Kakuzu fled and never dared to try again.

Furious at the impossible task and the dishonor brought upon him, Kakuzu returned to Takigakure with vengeance in his heart. In the dead of night, he assassinated the elders who had forced him into such a suicidal mission. He then stole the village's forbidden jutsu. But that's a tale for someone else to tell.

This, Hashirama believed, was the deterrent effect of his strength. It was a clear example of how overwhelming power could prevent future threats, ensuring a lasting peace through fear and respect.

"No, you misunderstood," Tobirama clarified. "It's not ninja or noble trouble this time."

Hashirama was even more puzzled. "Not ninja trouble? Then what is it?"

Tobirama unfolded a scroll and began to explain. "It seems there have been some changes recently. Although there are no ninjas causing trouble in the Land of Water, something significant has happened."

Hashirama listened intently.

"The previous Tailed Beast, the Three Tails, lived in the Forest land of the Water. However, according to reports, there was a fierce explosion one day. When people arrived, the Three-Tails was no longer at its usual lake."

"The Three Tails is missing?" Hashirama frowned. This was troubling news. Tailed beasts usually don't cause trouble when they have a stable place to rest. Hashirama had even designated an entire forest in the Land of Water for the three-tails and six-tails to rest, and they were pleased with this arrangement.

Now, with the Three-Tails disappearing and the sound of an explosion preceding its disappearance, it was clear that a fierce battle had taken place. "Who could have done this?" Hashirama wondered.

After a moment of contemplation, Hashirama made a decision. "Immediately send elite ninjas to form a team and investigate the area."

"And invite the native ninjas of the Kiri to cooperate with the investigation," Hashirama added.

"We must act swiftly and relay the news back as soon as possible. If it takes too long, three tails might bury the entire kiri overnight."

At the same time, underground, Uchiha Madara took his seat, looking very excited.

"It seems the strength of the tailed beast is weaker than I imagined," he said. "The Three-Tails didn't put up much resistance, and I caught it! Of course, the Mangekyō Sharingan is still very useful."

It turned out that the disappearance of the Three-Tails was orchestrated by Uchiha Madara.

At this moment, Black Zetsu slowly emerged from the ground.

"Madara-sama, you truly have extraordinary strength," Black Zetsu said. "Now that we've captured the Three Tails, our goal is one step closer. Next, we target the other-tailed beasts!"

Listening to this, Uchiha Madara laughed triumphantly.

"Hahaha!" After the iconic uchiha laughter, he stopped.

"Unfortunately, some of the other tailed beasts are in the hands of Hashirama and his allies. Capturing them won't be easy. Also, there was some commotion when we captured the Three Tails. I wonder if it will attract their attention. We must be more careful next time."

Meanwhile, in the world of the Second Hokage, Tobirama...

Tobirama and his allies encountered a similar situation! Initially, Tobirama had been "forced" to conquer those shinobi villages, fully dedicating himself to his scientific research experiments, particularly focusing on the specialties of the Shinigami world. However, his research was abruptly interrupted by important news.

"A tailed beast went missing?" Tobirama said, listening to the reports from his ninjas. "Has someone attacked the Tailed Beast?"

A sudden thought crossed Tobirama's mind: Uchiha Madara. Unlike some Hokages, such as Hashirama, who might overlook certain things, Tobirama had a sharp mind for analysis. He rarely forgot anything he heard.

As he pondered, he recalled a similar event from the past. At that time, Ryan had informed them about it. This led Tobirama to suspect Uchiha Madara. Considering the ninja world was now unified, there were few powerful ninjas outside his control. The strongest of them, Uchiha Madara, was no longer present.

Tobirama immediately issued an order: "Send a large number of ninjas to protect the Tailed Beasts! And ensure everyone carries my Flying Thunder God Kunai. If anything goes wrong, alert me immediately. I'll be there in no time!"

Tobirama knew the gravity of the situation. Uchiha Madara's strength was formidable. Ordinary ninjas, even elite ones, were not necessarily his match. To deal with Uchiha Madara, Tobirama knew he had to take matters into his own hands.

"Uchiha Madara," Tobirama muttered to himself, "Back then Big Brother spared you, and the second time you faked your death and escaped unscathed. But this time, you won't be so lucky!"

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In the World of the Fifth Hokage, Kakashi

Kakashi had successfully subdued two countries: the Land of Wind and the Land of Water. After these victories, he entered a temporary period of rest. Kakashi knew that if he continued to press on, it could provoke a strong counterattack from the remaining shinobi villages. If these villages united against him, it would be troublesome. 

Despite his strength, dealing with the combined forces of two countries would be tiring. Kakashi thought to himself, "The rewards I've redeemed so far are still too few. Compared to Ryan, Madara, Hashirama, and Tobirama, my strength is lacking. I need to find a way to increase my power."

With this in mind, Kakashi decided to check the chat group mall to see what he could redeem with his points to enhance his strength.

At that moment, the door to the Hokage's office was pushed open by an Anbu.

"Lord Hokage, we have a problem!" the Anbu said anxiously.

"What is it?" Kakashi asked, standing up quickly.

"Naruto Uzumaki! He's missing!"

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