The wind atop Hokage Rock stirred the robes of Rikusei, Madara, and Hashirama.
Under the dim moonlight, the three looked down upon Konoha and out over the Shinobi World shrouded in darkness.
In the end, Rikusei voiced the concern in his heart. "Isn't this a bit too much for Kaguya, who has already been split apart?"
"At her peak, Kaguya fought Hagoromo and Hamura for months before a victor could be decided. With the Shinobi World's current strength, no degree of caution would be excessive."
Madara cast Rikusei a slight sidelong glance, then exhaled a breath of stale air into the night, his face grave.
"I agree with Madara."
Hashirama followed up with his own opinion.
Rikusei clearly caught the meaningful look sent his way through the darkness. The intent in Madara's eyes needed no words.
A once-in-a-millennium opportunity for battle could not be ruined.
Hashirama, gazing at the God Tree, broke up the little exchange between master and disciple. "More than that, I'm worried about how shinobi can avoid being bound by the God Tree when the Infinite Tsukuyomi is cast."
?
Madara came back to his senses and stared at Hashirama in surprise. He gave a light cough, cutting off the question. "I have the Rinnegan and Tailed Beast chakra. Hashirama, why are you worrying about trivial details like Rikusei?"
"Damn it."
With the Ten-Tails' Jinchuriki standing right before him, Hashirama realized he had been overthinking things. Madara was no longer merely Madara—there was something strange inside him now.
"But we need to inform the other Kage. The entire Shinobi World needs to be mentally prepared."
"Of course."
"What about the promise made to Black Zetsu?"
Strength was Madara's greatest source of confidence, and he handled the question from beside him with ease. "The plan has changed. Let