It wasn't until some of Konohagakure's trading companies were attacked by unknown ninjas and suffered heavy losses that the hidden villages of smaller nations finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Ah… so someone was provoking Konohagakure?
Then there was nothing to worry about.
Everyone turned their eyes to Konohagakure's actions.
The last time Konohagakure made a move, Iwagakure and Sunagakure—once at the top of the ninja world's power structure—were completely wiped out.
Rumor had it that not a single survivor was left.
…
"In recent days, your relationship with Uchiha Madara… seems to have improved?"
In Raijin's house, Tsunade and Kushina were in the kitchen cooking.
Uchiha Ryuri had gone on a mission with Nawaki.
As for Uchiha Shin… at this moment, he was probably off assassinating the Second Hokage.
Why the Second Hokage and not the Third?
Simple—when the Third Hokage decided to beat up Uchiha Shin, no one could stop him…
Meanwhile, Uchiha Raijin and Namikaze Minato were chatting in the courtyard.
"Since we've already agreed on a shared goal, it's only natural for our relationship to grow closer."
Raijin said to Minato.
"As long as it doesn't involve matters of principle."
After a brief pause, Raijin added.
"Yes, that's true. Even if there are still disagreements between you, there's no need to treat him as an enemy."
Minato nodded, agreeing with Raijin's viewpoint.
"After all, if you see Madara as an enemy, then Madara will certainly see you as one too."
Minato continued sharing his thoughts, while Raijin rested his chin on one hand, listening quietly.
"But if you see Madara as a friend or even a family member who shares the same ideals but differs in approach, then I believe his attitude toward you would change significantly.
I've heard people say that the Uchiha clan values emotions even more than the Senju. Many talented Uchiha have gone down extreme paths due to the pain of losing loved ones.
If that's true, then in today's ninja world, you might be the only one who can communicate with Uchiha Madara as an equal.
Even if the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, were to be resurrected, he might not be able to match the current Uchiha Madara in strength.
Besides, you and Madara share the same last name. You have the same blood flowing in your veins.
If you're willing to continue treating Madara as a friend, a family member, or even as a younger generation,
I believe that even if Madara refuses to abandon the Moon's Eye Plan, he will still be influenced by you—by the existence of the Uchiha clan—and change in some way."
"Hmph…"
After listening to Minato, Raijin let out a soft chuckle. He didn't share his thoughts on Minato's words but instead asked him a question.
"How do you know my ideal is world peace?"
"Ah… I don't think that matters. What matters is—wouldn't being friends with Uchiha Madara be worth it?"
Namikaze Minato blinked in confusion and asked Raijin, puzzled.
How could Raijin-sama not know something so basic about politics?
"Hahaha..."
Raijin nodded and laughed as he looked at Minato, who had the bright and cheerful look of a young man.
Namikaze Minato, huh...
On the outside, he seemed sunny and carefree, but deep down, he had his own darkness too.
"Looks like you've learned quite a bit in the Hokage's office."
Raijin raised an eyebrow and gave Minato a half-smile.
"I just think this approach would be really helpful for the village."
Minato pressed his lips together. He had to admit, this method wasn't exactly honorable. But since when did shinobi have the luxury of honor?
Shinobi were people who would do whatever it took to achieve their goals.
For Minato, the real question wasn't about morals—it was whether Konoha would gain an enemy named Uchiha Madara or a friend named Uchiha Madara.
Those were two completely different outcomes.
Even Konoha had to make compromises when faced with a situation like this.
Fortunately, the village now had enough leverage, even against someone like Madara.
"You're right—this would help the village a lot. But have you considered the risk of information leaks? The Uchiha are very emotional people, but at the same time, they're also extremely perceptive. The Sharingan can tell the difference between truth and lies.
And let's not even mention the Rinnegan."
Raijin raised an eyebrow and spoke to Minato in a calm voice.
"Information leaks..."
Minato froze for a moment and looked at Raijin in confusion.
"Hmm... Let me tell you something that happened when Madara first returned to Konoha."
Raijin then explained how, after Uchiha Setsuna had met Madara, he had shown up in front of Madara immediately afterward.
"In simple terms, every person who visits me and every word they say—Madara knows about it. And on the other hand, everyone Madara meets and everything he says—I also know."
Raijin grinned at Minato's confused expression, leaned forward, and patted him on the shoulder.
"So, after dinner, do you want me to walk you home? You really shouldn't underestimate the grudge of an Uchiha who's had their heart torn out—literally—by their best friend."
"Uh... well... I appreciate it."
Minato smacked his lips and finally responded to Raijin.
He had never imagined that, in this little courtyard of Raijin's, everything was basically transparent to Madara.
"But why would you..."
Minato hesitated, struggling to put his thoughts into words. If he didn't understand something, he would usually just ask. But this time, he wasn't even sure how to describe what was bothering him.
"Because of mutual respect."
Raijin chuckled softly and answered.
"I'm watching Uchiha Madara, and he knows it. In return, I have to let him know what I'm doing too. Otherwise, wouldn't that be unfair to him?
Madara isn't the kind of person who just takes things quietly. If he ever feels like he's being played, he'll definitely fight back."
Raijin smirked and spoke casually.
"I see."
Namikaze Minato nodded.
"Keep an eye on Zetsu from now on."
Raijin nodded and continued speaking to Minato.
"What's wrong with Zetsu?"
Before Minato could say anything, Madara's voice rang out.
"I don't think he's trustworthy."
Raijin turned to look and casually responded to Uchiha Madara.
His suspicions about Zetsu were something he wanted Madara to know. He just didn't expect Madara to show up so quickly.
Was it because Madara valued Zetsu too much?
Or had he already started to suspect him?
As for having Minato watch Zetsu—what could Minato possibly find out?
If Zetsu made a move, Raijin would know before Minato did.
"I have reason to believe you're trying to stir up trouble between me and Zetsu."
Madara took two steps forward and sat down in front of Raijin.
"Then go ahead and suspect me."
Raijin shrugged casually, looking indifferent.
Madara's expression stiffened for a moment, leaving him momentarily speechless.
He had come here to hear exactly what Raijin found suspicious about Zetsu, so he could observe for himself later.
But he hadn't expected this kind of response.
It was... pretty frustrating.
Minato blinked, wanting to say something, but after thinking about it, he decided to stay quiet.
This wasn't a conversation where he had a place to speak.
He'd just listen.
"Is that any way to talk to Madara-senpai?"
At that moment, Tsunade walked out, holding a cup of tea.
She placed it in front of Madara first, then shot Raijin an annoyed look.
"I suspect that Zetsu is connected to the surviving members of Kumogakure and Kirigakure."
Raijin raised an eyebrow and looked at Madara.
First, Zetsu had been observing his daughter, Uchiha Ryuri.
Now, the survivors of Kumogakure and Kirigakure were targeting Konoha.
Things had developed in a way that felt all too familiar.
Back then… wasn't this the same pattern that led Indra and Asura to turn against each other?
The only difference now was that Raijin was in Konoha.
Because of that, Black Zetsu hadn't been able to get close to Ryuri.
So instead, he was trying to throw the ninja world into chaos.
"Do you have any proof?"
Madara's expression darkened slightly as he asked.
"I don't have solid evidence, but can't I be suspicious of him?"
Raijin looked at Madara and replied.
"Of course, you can. You can even suspect that I was the one behind this."
Madara nodded slightly as he spoke to Raijin.
"But I want to know—what makes you think Zetsu is connected to this? This matter is quite important to me as well."
"This has nothing to do with you."
Raijin shook his head. Madara had no reason to do something like this. If he really wanted something, there was no need for him to go through those people to get it.
He could just start a fight directly.
After all, how much of a threat could those survivors really be to Konohagakure? At most, they would cause some trouble for a while.
They wouldn't be able to do anything significant.
"Do you remember when I told you that Zetsu had been watching my daughter?"
Raijin looked at Uchiha Madara.
Madara nodded but said nothing, waiting for Raijin to continue.
"Not long ago, Ryuri graduated. And shortly after that, Kakuzu's corpse appeared in Konohagakure. Tell me, shouldn't I be suspicious of Zetsu?"
Raijin asked in return.
"If you already had doubts, why did you still let Ryuri leave the village?"
Namikaze Minato asked immediately.
"If I didn't let her leave, how would I find out who's pulling the strings?"
Raijin shook his head and said softly.
"Besides, this situation isn't as dangerous as it seems. Right now, the only real threats to Ryuri in the ninja world are Uchiha Madara and Jigen.
Madara is right here by my side. As for Jigen, he has already made a move against my child—and he succeeded."
Raijin pressed his lips together before continuing.
"As for those so-called survivors, none of them can pose a deadly threat to Team 7."
"Overprotecting someone will only lead to loss in the end."
Tsunade spoke softly from the side.
"That's a bit of a stretch."
Madara shook his head and looked at Uchiha Raijin.
"That's why I never expected you to agree."
Raijin smirked, took a sip of tea, and spoke slowly.
"Besides, it's not like I've captured Zetsu and interrogated him, have I?"
"If Zetsu really is a problem, aren't you worried that he'll hear everything you're saying right now and prepare for it in advance?"
Madara chuckled and asked Raijin.
"Prepare in advance? If he does, then he won't be able to do anything. And the moment he makes a move, he's bound to leave traces behind."
Raijin chuckled as well and spoke casually.
"Of course, if nothing unexpected happens, that would be ideal."
Madara gave a slight nod and said nothing more.
He couldn't stop Raijin from suspecting Zetsu. In fact, even he himself wasn't fully trusting Zetsu anymore.
Lately, Zetsu has been acting really strange.
"By the way, do you have a dream?"
Madara looked at Raijin and asked, deciding not to dwell on the matter of Zetsu.
If Raijin wanted to be suspicious, so be it.
If Zetsu really did something behind his back without permission, then Madara wouldn't care whether he lived or died.
Because at its core, such behavior was no different from betrayal.
"A dream? Yeah, I do. I want to bring lasting peace to the ninja world."
Raijin paused for a moment, glanced at Namikaze Minato, and then answered Uchiha Madara without hesitation.
As soon as Raijin finished speaking, the bright, cheerful smile on Minato's face gradually twisted.
"Then how about I help you make that dream come true?"
Madara nodded and asked Raijin.
"The Eye of the Moon Plan—just one simple jutsu, and we can create eternal peace. Right now, this plan really needs a ninja like you."
"Take a guess. Do you think I'd join?"
Raijin smirked in disdain and threw the question back at Uchiha Madara.
"Hmph."
Madara snorted and glanced at Namikaze Minato without showing any emotion.
Feeling Madara's gaze, Minato slowly lowered his head and took small sips of his tea.
"Dinner's ready!"
At that moment, Kushina walked out with a tray of food.
"I didn't invite you to eat."
Raijin glanced at the food on the table, then gave Madara a sidelong look.
"But since I'm feeling generous, I'll let you stay as a guest."
Madara snorted and spoke arrogantly.
"Well, I should really thank you for that, huh?"
Raijin pursed his lips and began calling everyone to eat.
Minato watched the scene unfold, his eyes flickering slightly.
At least for now, it seemed like Raijin and Madara had grown a lot closer.
They could even joke around with each other now.
(End of Chapter)
-----
Read +20 advanced chapters on my patreon
patreon.com/GustinaKamiya
---