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Upon hearing that the Senju and Uchiha were about to engage in their final battle, Akio felt a surge of excitement.
He had packed up early, just waiting for Tobirama to come, as usual, and trick him into heading to the Senju compound.
But to his surprise, a whole week passed with no sign of Tobirama. Akio realized—he had been overly optimistic.
"Tobirama probably doesn't know how strong his great-granduncle is now… It makes sense he hasn't come looking for me." Akio could only console his rather self-absorbed heart this way.
Another three days passed, and Akio finally gave up waiting for someone to invite him.
"I'll just take the initiative and go myself…"
After bidding farewell to his grandnephew and three disciples, Akio once again set off toward the Senju.
This time, however, he didn't allow his disciples to follow him. This was the final battle—there'd be no room for them to practice. With the likes of Hashirama and Madara in the mix, Akio couldn't afford to be distracted protecting them.
Upon arriving at the Senju compound, the guards—now familiar with Akio's face—let him through without question. He headed straight for the clan leader's hall, sensing both Hashirama and Tobirama were inside.
As soon as he entered, Akio got straight to the point.
"Tobirama, I heard you're about to go to war with the Uchiha again. Why didn't you come get your great-granduncle?"
Tobirama stayed silent, but Hashirama responded instead.
"Great-granduncle, who said we're going to war with the Uchiha? I just sent them a ceasefire agreement!"
Akio froze, then carefully examined Tobirama. The air grew tense until Tobirama began to feel uncomfortable under his gaze.
"So it really is you, Tobirama… You sent them a peace treaty but didn't attach his head with it? How could Madara possibly agree?" Akio said with a grin.
Tobirama: "…"
Hashirama chuckled awkwardly, then seemed to fall into thought.
"Hey, big brother! You're not seriously considering it, are you?" Tobirama shot Akio a glare.
Hashirama shook his head and turned to Akio.
"Great-granduncle, are you saying Madara won't accept the ceasefire?"
"Of course not. If Madara had killed Tobirama, would you accept a ceasefire?" Akio countered.
Hashirama thought for a moment… then actually nodded.
"Hashirama, you're going to lose Tobirama at this rate…" Akio said, exasperated.
"Ah—no, that's not what I meant! I nodded because I get it now—Madara definitely won't agree to peace." Hashirama hurried to explain.
"Big brother, you two keep chatting. I'm going to check on the injured clansmen." Tobirama couldn't take it anymore—both of them were stressing him out…
After Tobirama left, Akio looked at Hashirama.
"You have wounded? Need my help healing them?"
"No need, Great-granduncle. They were injured over ten days ago—almost fully recovered. Not sure why Tobirama suddenly decided to go check on them," Hashirama said, scratching his head in confusion.
Akio nearly burst out laughing. You really don't know why Tobirama suddenly remembered to do that?
Once he regained his composure, Akio finally asked what he truly wanted to know.
"So… that battle between you and Madara a few days ago—how was it? He's gotten stronger, hasn't he?"
"Yeah… Honestly, I nearly lost." Hashirama's face still showed lingering fear.
Akio's expression darkened. "What happened?"
"Madara… somehow managed to capture the Nine-Tails. Then he used Susanoo to cloak it—its power increased dramatically…" Hashirama slowly recounted the events of the battle.
Akio's face shifted several times as he listened, recalling a conversation he once had with the Uzumaki clan leader.
"The terrain within a hundred miles was reshaped by their battle. Back then, I thought he was exaggerating—but Madara already got his hands on the Nine-Tails?!"
"If that's the case… will the Battle at the Valley of the End happen early?"
Worried thoughts swirled in Akio's mind, but he still smiled at Hashirama.
"It's fine. Next time, I'll help you fight."
Hashirama shook his head.
"Great-granduncle, I've improved my Sage Mode again after this battle. I should be able to defeat him myself next time. That jutsu of yours… best not to use it unless necessary."
"That jutsu of mine?" Akio frowned. "You know I've learned Dust Release?"
"Dust Release?" Hashirama looked puzzled. "No, I meant that technique you use to make yourself young again."
"Oh…" Akio mentally slapped himself and screamed internally, "Becoming young again is a special jutsu! Remember that!"
After mentally scolding himself, Akio looked up and spotted a bamboo scroll on the table in front of Hashirama.
"A scroll?" he muttered with sudden excitement.
Hashirama, used to Akio's random self-amusement, tossed it over.
Akio opened it and grinned even wider.
Its contents were essentially:
"To build an ideal world of harmony, realize the dream of one country, one village, and eliminate shinobi hatred, the Senju are willing to lead by example and cease all aggression. We hope Uchiha Madara remembers his childhood dreams. Signed: Senju Hashirama, and a scribbled, barely-legible Senju Tobirama."
Seeing Akio laugh, Hashirama asked in confusion,
"Great-granduncle, that's just the draft of the ceasefire agreement. What's so funny?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Just that it reminds me of…" Akio stopped, unsure how to explain.
The writing reminded him of those awkward mother-in-law mediation documents from his previous life—no way to explain that to Hashirama.
"When did you send the ceasefire?" Akio asked again.
"Uh… this morning," Hashirama hesitated before answering.
"Hmm… given the distance, tell the Senju to start preparing. The Uchiha will likely arrive tomorrow…"
Hashirama: "…"
He wanted to say, "It's a peace treaty, not a declaration of war," but somehow, Akio's words felt… correct.
"…Fine. I'll tell everyone to get ready," Hashirama sighed in that classic, defeated way of his—making Akio almost laugh again.
After saying goodbye to Hashirama, Akio settled into a familiar guest room.
Alone, his expression turned grim.
"So Madara already has the Nine-Tails… Is Black Zetsu behind this? I wonder if my Kagura's Mind Eye can detect him…"
"What now? If the Valley of the End battle happens early, the entire Naruto plot could change—and I might miss my chance to witness it…"
"Should I secretly sabotage Madara during the fight? But that'd make me the bad guy to everyone!"
Akio's thoughts spiraled into chaos, and no perfect solution came to mind.
"Whatever. I'll just take things one step at a time. Who knows, maybe Madara will suddenly turn out to be a pushover? Hashirama did say he broke through to a new level…"
The next day, just as Akio predicted, the Uchiha forces arrived near the Senju compound. "Forces" was a generous term—only about a hundred people stood behind Madara, a clear sign that the Uchiha had already been crushed by the Senju.
When Hashirama saw Madara, he stepped forward, hoping to talk him down, maybe reminisce about their childhood—
But Madara's expression twisted, his teeth clenched in fury.
"You old bastard, you're still not dead?!"
With that, he charged straight at Akio.
Akio was stunned—he absolutely hadn't expected this development.
"Madara… what are you doing?!"
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