Youthful Face

After Hashirama left, Kazama Valley fell silent.

Over the years, as the Mine War had spread far and wide, Hashirama had gradually become the undisputed strongest in the Warring States. In the hearts of the Senju Clan members, as long as Clan Head Hashirama was present, there was no enemy they could not defeat—not even the Uchiha Clan.

Now that Hashirama had left, the Senju's morale temporarily sank.

Tobirama looked around and said, "What's wrong with all of you? Big Brother has gone back, but the Uchiha Clan Head isn't here either. Are we really going to lose to the Uchiha?"

At the mention of losing to the Uchiha, the Senju Clan members quickly rallied again. Having long considered themselves the number one clan in the Warring States, how could they possibly admit defeat to the Uchiha?

Masahiko stood to one side, deep in thought. Something felt off. Neither Hashirama nor Madara was here—could this not be the battle where Izuna died?

However, half an hour later, Masahiko's expression changed drastically. His Perception Ability detected a large force of ninja approaching. The Uchiha Clan's troops had arrived. More importantly, the one leading them was clearly Uchiha Madara!

Damn it! Hashirama being lured away never happened in the original story. Where did I alter the plot? Was it because Hashirama learned Sage Mode early? Masahiko glanced around. The Senju Clan members here were likely no match for Uchiha Madara.

Masahiko sighed and turned toward Nanako and Hitomi. "You two, go back and protect Iko. I'm afraid I won't be able to look after you in the battle ahead."

"Teacher..." Hitomi was about to ask why, but Nanako pulled him away. It was the first time she had seen Masahiko look so serious.

"Second Grandfather, why are you sending them back?" Tobirama asked, looking puzzled.

Masahiko smiled. "In the battle ahead, we'll all have to risk our lives."

Tobirama was about to ask more when a booming sound from the distance startled him.

A black dot suddenly appeared on the far horizon. The dot became a line, then spread into a vast swath of black that grew ever larger, rushing toward them at incredible speed.

"They're here!" Masahiko's heart tightened. It really is Uchiha Madara. Transformation Technique—Release!

To maintain the appearance of a forty-eight-year-old, Masahiko had always used the Transformation Technique. Although a Level 10 Transformation Technique consumed very little and had virtually no effect under normal circumstances, maintaining it in battle still required a small amount of Chakra.

Even during the Mine War, when he had been forced into a disadvantage by the Hatake Clan Head because he had continuously maintained the Slug summoning, he had never released the Transformation Technique. But this time, the opponent was... Uchiha Madara.

Tobirama did not ask again. In fact, there was no need to. The moment he saw Uchiha Madara, he understood all of Masahiko's actions.

He quickly turned his head. "Second Grandfather, I'll hold back Uchiha Madara. As long as you quickly defeat Uchiha Izuna, we'll still have a chance to win this battle..."

As Tobirama spoke, he vaguely sensed that something seemed off.

Masahiko smiled faintly, removed his hat, and took off his loose robe.

"What? Stunned by your Second Grandfather's youthful, handsome face? I'll hold Madara back. Let me show you my current strength."

"Second Grandfather, you..." Tobirama's voice caught, and Masahiko thought he had been moved to tears by his handsome face...

Who would have thought that Tobirama would swiftly turn and look at the panicked Senju Clan members? "Don't panic! To hold back Uchiha Madara, Second Grandfather Masahiko has already exhausted his life force! As long as we quickly crush the rest of the Uchiha Clan, victory will still be ours!"

The Senju Clan members looked at Masahiko's young face. Many of them were deeply moved and shouted in response, "Crush the Uchiha!"

Since when was I this great... Masahiko cursed inwardly.

Ninja were fast. If you could see one, it meant they were not far away. As they spoke, Uchiha Madara had already led his clansmen to within two hundred meters of the Senju. Any closer, and they would enter the Senju's ninjutsu attack range.

Uchiha Madara looked around, disappointment on his face. "That single-celled Hashirama really isn't here..." After saying that, he shot Izuna a glare.

Masahiko understood. He knew that even if Madara understood he was currently no match for Hashirama, he would never resort to luring Hashirama away.

"Big Brother!" Izuna glanced at Madara. "This is a rare opportunity..."

"I know!" Madara cut Izuna off. He stepped forward slightly and, without further words, formed hand seals. "Fire Release—Great Fire Annihilation!"

Tobirama was just about to form hand seals when Masahiko stopped him. Stepping forward, he said, "Dark Release—Suction Hole!" The palm seal he had secretly prepared long ago completely absorbed Madara's Fire Release.

"Madara, I'm your opponent!" Masahiko shouted as he looked at Uchiha Madara.

"That technique..." Madara pondered briefly, then looked at Masahiko. "An Uzumaki Clan member?"

Izuna spoke quietly beside him. "I noticed that Uzumaki Clan member earlier... Big Brother, don't you think he looks somewhat familiar?"

Madara fell silent for a moment as memories buried deep in his mind surfaced one after another. "You bastard, you're that old man from fourteen years ago!"

Masahiko smiled faintly. "Madara, I didn't expect you to still recognize me..."

Uchiha Madara's face darkened with anger. "It really is you, old man. Are you planning to fight me to the death in that state? Come on, I wanted to kill you fourteen years ago!"

Madara was about to charge forward when Izuna grabbed him and stopped him.

"Big Brother, since that old man has exhausted his life force, he probably won't last long. The Senju have already set up defensive fortifications. If we attack now and he manages to stall you for even a short time, our clansmen may suffer terrible losses."

"Our clansmen have just traveled all this way to reach the battlefield. They need to rest as well. We should stay calm. Even if Hashirama Senju returns to the clan, notices something is wrong, and rushes back, it will take at least eight hours."

"Big Brother, think of the bigger picture!"

Only after much persuasion did Madara reluctantly agree. He gave the order, "All Uchiha, withdraw one thousand meters and rest in place!"

Seeing the Uchiha temporarily withdraw, Tobirama did not relax. Instead, worry filled his face as he turned to Masahiko. "Second Grandfather, how long can you hold on? Should we take the initiative and attack now?"

Masahiko's face darkened. Why did that sound like he was about to die at any moment?

Giving Tobirama a sidelong glance, Masahiko casually said, "No need. Delaying them is fine. It would be best if Hashirama can return. As long as I don't fight, I can keep this up indefinitely..."

Tobirama nodded in understanding.

At that moment, Masahiko's three disciples rushed over. Tears filled Iko's eyes as she cried, "Teacher..." She looked as though she was about to burst into tears.

Masahiko hurriedly comforted her. "Teacher is fine. Teacher has a very long lifespan..."

No one believed him. All three disciples wore sorrowful expressions, and Iko's tears were already streaming down her cheeks.

Masahiko looked helpless.

Seriously, how did things end up like this? Why does it feel like I'm definitely going to die...?