Marine Calendar 1503, September 28.
A man stepped out of the enormous Medium Star Gate.
He wore a long, black high-collared robe emblazoned with clusters of vivid red clouds, giving him an overwhelmingly oppressive presence.
At that moment, a breeze swept past, scattering his equally black, waist-length hair and revealing the metal forehead protector beneath his bangs.
His handsome face, tall figure, cold demeanor, and the aura of a powerhouse radiating from his very bones seemed like an invisible force, instantly drawing the gazes of the surrounding guard ninjas.
Their eyes were filled with reverence and admiration for the man.
He was the legendary ninja who could stand toe-to-toe with Hashirama Senju, the 'God of Shinobi,' and who had once led the Uchiha Clan to join forces with the Senju Clan in founding Konoha Ninja Village.
After joining Sea Ninja Village, he had directly received the title of Shadow-level and gained the World Government's official recognition as possessing 'Admiral-level strength.'
The 'Hokage,' Madara Uchiha!
Although he had previously lost to Admiral Azure Dragon of Air Force Headquarters, aside from a small number of dimwits, most ninjas only found it regrettable while admiring his strength even more.
The power Madara Uchiha had displayed in that battle was enough to leave them in awe, revering him as a god.
Thus, rather than earning him contempt, that battle had instead won Madara Uchiha immense prestige and popularity among the ninja community.
Even the common people at the bottom of Shinobi World society had been frequently discussing Madara Uchiha lately.
By comparison, hardly anyone mentioned Hashirama Senju.
That was the impact of the World Government's public broadcasts.
Yet Madara Uchiha paid no attention to the gazes of these ninjas.
His cold, sharp eyes first swept over the base facilities and surroundings built around the