The Worst-Case Scenario

"Can everything we once lost ever return, Izuna..." Madara gazed out the window, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

"I agree. In the end, we and the Senju were never meant to coexist. No matter how well Senju Hashirama speaks, it is nothing more than a hypocritical lie. Equal peace does not exist. Whether inside or outside the village, there must eventually be one dominant force between the Uchiha and the Senju."

Having made up his mind, Madara spoke in a low, heavy voice. He had never fully trusted the Senju from the start, and this time, the Root sending people to tail Uchiha Shin had crossed his bottom line.

If they dared to act so wantonly within Konoha, then the day of tearing off the mask was not far off.

"Very well." Uchiha Shin nodded. With Madara's assistance, the success rate had increased significantly. "How is your Left Eye?"

Madara subconsciously touched his eye and said, "It has recovered quite a bit, but I estimate it will take another half a year or so to fully heal."

Uchiha Shin pondered for a moment and said, "Then let us not be hasty. We shall wait until your eye has recovered. Keep a close watch on the Senju's movements. For now, we are still high-ranking officials of Konoha, and there is still some semblance of camaraderie. I will find a way to help you recover your eye as quickly as possible."

After discussing the details further with Madara, Uchiha Shin raised his oil-paper umbrella and took his leave.

Watching Uchiha Shin's retreating back, Madara closed the door and headed alone to the cliff behind Konoha.

Under the drizzle, he sat cross-legged on the cliffside. The light rain draped a layer of mist over him. Below lay the stone face of Senju