"You're Uchiha Madara!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice trembled uncontrollably, and the Third Raikage's expression instantly turned fearful.
The figure standing above showed few signs of age, looming before everyone like a War God.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind was in chaos. Of course, he recognized this legendary figure.
As one of the village's early higher-ups, he knew well that Konoha's founding could not have happened without this man's efforts.
The world knew of the First Hokage Senju Hashirama, yet few understood Uchiha Madara's contributions during that era.
But hadn't this man died in his battle against Lord Hashirama?
He had personally watched the Second Generation Senju Tobirama place Madara's corpse deep within the mountains.
Now that Senju Hashirama was no longer in this world, who could possibly stop him?
As one thought after another surged madly through Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind, the proud figure finally turned his gaze upon him.
After pondering for a moment, Madara recalled the identity of the person before him and sneered.
"You're that kid from the Sarutobi family?
So you're the Hokage now?
Heh. That Tobirama fellow wasn't very likable, but he was fairly capable.
Why would he let you become Hokage? Have the Kage of this era all become so weak...?"
Faced with Uchiha Madara's mockery, neither Hiruzen Sarutobi nor Danzo showed any anger. They merely stood where they were, their expressions grave and their guards fully raised.
At that moment, Karatachi Yagura, the Mizukage seated in the center, suddenly leaped up and arrived before Uchiha Madara.
He lowered his head respectfully and said with utmost reverence, "Lord Madara, all preparations have been completed.
"The Three-Tails is currently being kept on the southeastern beach, awaiting your collection."
Hearing this, Uchiha Madara gave a slight nod and turned to leave.
At that moment, the Third Raikage A finally gathered