God Tree Lake.
At this moment, an island formed from the power of Origin Runes floated silently at the center of the lake.
When Uchiha Izuna led the upper ranks of the Land of U here,
he ignored the ninjas standing along the shore and carefully scouting the area. He heeded the warning Uzumaki Mito had relayed through Mizu, who had caught up with them, and led everyone to quietly remain fifty kilometers away.
At this time, Konoha's upper ranks also arrived under Senju Tobirama's leadership.
Seeing the people of the Land of U standing so far away, everyone from Konoha instantly raised their guard to the highest level.
Recognizing the newcomers as Konoha's people, Uchiha Izuna and the others paid them no heed, merely gazing toward the lake with teasing looks.
For some inexplicable reason, Senju Tobirama also had Konoha's people stop nearby, secretly guarding against their surroundings.
Time passed second by second, while the throbbing from deep beneath the earth grew increasingly urgent.
Just then, Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju appeared almost simultaneously.
After seeing the people from their respective nation or village, they headed straight toward their own sides.
"What is going on? Why are you staying so far away?"
Uchiha Madara's usual cold voice rang out, causing the upper ranks of the Land of U to turn and bow.
He raised a hand to stop them, his gaze falling on Uchiha Izuna.
Before Uchiha Izuna could speak, Uzumaki Mito said gravely, "Big Brother, Kosuke's clone told Mizu that we cannot get too close. Otherwise, people will die."
Hearing this, Uchiha Madara turned in surprise toward Uzumaki Mito, who had Tailed Beasts hanging all over her body. His voice unconsciously rose. "People will die? What the hell is Kosuke doing?"
Meanwhile, Konoha's people, who had been utterly