Chapter 85: I Hate You

Chapter 85: Chapter 85: I Hate You

"Lord Madara, will he affect our Eye of the Moon Plan?"

Beside Madara, Black Zetsu spoke up at an opportune moment to inquire.

"If necessary, I will take action."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Madara merely raised his eyes slightly, his tone indifferent as if discussing something of little importance.

"..."

Black Zetsu fell silent at these words. For a moment, he didn’t know how to persuade Uchiha Madara.

In Uchiha Madara’s eyes, his only rival was Senju Hashirama. Now that Senju Hashirama had passed away, everyone else was merely a rabble.

However... Uchiha Xuan was truly different.

Thinking of that strange Summoning Beast...

"Lord Madara, Uchiha Xuan’s strength doesn’t seem as weak as you believe. It is highly possible he has already touched upon the concept of Yin-Yang Release."

Unable to help it, Black Zetsu spoke again.

"The current Uchiha Xuan, without any blood relatives, is ultimately nothing more than an ephemeral flower. His power will be worn away. Go now, continue watching Nagato. After Mito dies... Konohagakure... can also be included within the scope of surveillance."

Hearing this, Uchiha Madara paid no mind, merely waving his hand lightly to signal Black Zetsu to leave and not disturb him.

"...Understood."

Black Zetsu, who claimed to be the will of Uchiha Madara, had no other recourse upon hearing this and could only slowly sink into the ground, leaving the cave.

"Hashirama is already dead. To have a worthy opponent... how rare that is... Art of Rinne Rebirth... Nagato... grow quickly."

After Black Zetsu left, Uchiha Madara’s low voice echoed within the cave. Finally, the candle flame extinguished, and the cave returned to darkness.

...

Konohagakure.

Several days had passed since the end of the war against the Hidden Sand.

During these days, apart from Uchiha Xuan, Tsunade, and all members of the Uchiha clan who had returned early to Konohagakure via the Anywhere Door, the other ninja had only arrived in Konohagakure today.

Also today... Uzumaki Mito came to Akimichi Torikaze’s home.

"After all these years, you’re still so fond of eating."

Uzumaki Mito looked at Akimichi Torikaze with a kind smile.

"Madam Mito, you..."

Seeing Uzumaki Mito no longer maintaining her youthful appearance, Akimichi Torikaze’s expression was complex as he bowed respectfully.

"Torikaze, among all of you, you’re the one who hasn’t changed."

Facing Akimichi Torikaze’s complicated expression, Uzumaki Mito merely shook her head gently, then smiled and spoke softly.

"You jest, Madam Mito. Look, I’ve actually changed quite a bit too. See, I can barely walk anymore. That kid of mine is always yelling at me to eat less."

Akimichi Torikaze gave a simple, honest laugh, as if not understanding Uzumaki Mito’s implication, patting his own belly cheerfully as he spoke.

"You..."

"Madam Mito, your visit to my home today is quite timely. I happen to have just developed a very good recipe for barbecue seasoning. Hehehe, the flavor is truly excellent."

Looking at Uzumaki Mito, Akimichi Torikaze scratched his head and continued speaking. In front of Uzumaki Mito, he regained some of the feeling from his youth.

"No, thank you. Little Tsunade and the others are waiting for me at home. Torikaze, you must remember that no matter what happens in Konohagakure in the future, you must act as if you know nothing and never involve yourself. Do... you understand?"

Uzumaki Mito gently shook her head, declining Akimichi Torikaze’s invitation, and then spoke softly.

Her tone was light, but it inexplicably reminded Akimichi Torikaze of the Second Hokage—both were so serious and resolute.

"... Madam Mito, you..."

Upon hearing this, Akimichi Torikaze was startled. He recalled the message and decision conveyed by that kid Nara Shikanin a couple of days ago. Combined with Uzumaki Mito’s words now, he immediately began to form some suspicions in his heart.

"You... remember this, don’t you?"

Uzumaki Mito stood up, looking calmly at Akimichi Torikaze. Her aged figure seemed to radiate an intangible aura.

"I will remember."

Looking at Uzumaki Mito, Akimichi Torikaze nodded firmly but gently.

"Good, remember it well. Then, this old woman will take her leave now. Torikaze... although eating is a joy... you still need to take care of your health. I wouldn’t want you to come see me too soon."

Hearing this long-unused form of address, a flicker of nostalgia passed through Uzumaki Mito’s eyes, and she smiled softly. After speaking, she turned and left directly.

Akimichi Torikaze stood up, watching Uzumaki Mito’s back until it completely disappeared from his sight.

"Third Hokage... Danzo has already paid the price. You... must not follow in his footsteps... Konohagakure has never belonged to just one person or a few people."

A soft sigh echoed within the Akimichi household.

....

Night, Senju Clan Territory.

Uzumaki Mito stood calmly in the courtyard. Behind her, Uchiha Xuan and Tsunade stood side by side. On the other side, Uzumaki Kushina and Nawaki, tears streaming down their faces, crouched on the ground, gazing longingly at Uzumaki Mito.

"Xuan, as we discussed before, Kurama... I leave in your care."

Without any sentimentality, Uzumaki Mito looked at Uchiha Xuan with a gentle smile and spoke softly.

Over the past few days, she had said all that needed to be said. Now... she wanted to save her remaining energy for after meeting Hashirama.

"... I understand."

Looking at the elderly woman before him, Uchiha Xuan nodded slightly.

In the next moment, the Mangekyo Sharingan quietly activated.

Ocular Jutsu—[Kuni-no-Tokotachi’s Eternal Standing]!

Simultaneously, domain expansion!

The space within the Senju Clan Territory was instantly under Uchiha Xuan’s control.

In the blink of an eye, the courtyard of the Senju Clan Territory expanded infinitely into a vast, empty clearing.

"Such an ocular jutsu is truly remarkable. Hashirama... Konohagakure has produced an extraordinary successor."

Looking at Uchiha Xuan, Uzumaki Mito smiled faintly, then immediately released the seal restraining Kurama on her body.

A torrent of violent Chakra instantly poured out, and within moments, it coalesced into a massive Nine-Tails fox, its body bound with chains.

"ROAR!!"

"Uzumaki Mito!!! I hate you!!"