Madara's Grief

The dawn split the sky, and at some point, the blizzard that had raged all night came to a stop.

Konoha's villagers were still fast asleep. Last night had been the tenth anniversary celebration, and they had all celebrated until midnight.

A wail rose from within the village, urgent and piercing, lingering over Konoha for a long time.

Senju Hashirama, the First Hokage, had died on the night of Konoha's tenth year.

For a time, it was as if the sky had fallen over Konoha. Every villager stood lost and helpless, with nothing left but grief.

As dawn broke, mist and clouds swirled through the valley. Frost covered the surrounding vegetation, leaving everything clad in silver.

Space twisted, and then a Black Shadow appeared. Shin glanced at the clan grounds in the distance and strode toward them.

"Deputy Clan Head." Some Uchiha clansmen were already awake at this hour. Seeing Shin return, they hurried forward to greet him.

Shin nodded. "Has Madara returned?"

"The clan head returned last night. He is at his home."

Uchiha Madara had been traveling outside for more than three years. Not long ago, he had sent word that he would be returning.

Leaving that Uchiha clansman behind, Shin made his way toward Madara's residence.

Uchiha clansmen continually greeted him along the way. A New Year's Eve Festival had been held here as well last night, and remnants of the celebration still lingered on the streets.

Arriving before Madara's courtyard, he pushed the door open and walked in. The courtyard was small, as Madara himself had requested. In his words, what did one person need such a large place for?

An ancient tree stood in the courtyard, its shade covering the entire space like a broad canopy.

"You came." The moment Shin stepped into the