On a hill in the center of the Land of Whirlpools.
The wind swept in from afar, carrying the scent of the sea.
Not a single building could be seen nearby, nor was there a single human voice to be heard. Only withered yellow grass swayed in the wind, making the place seem especially desolate.
Two figures stood atop the hill.
Rather than bringing even a trace of life to this dead land, their presence only made the place feel even more oppressive.
Kou landed steadily, raised his head, and looked past the dry grass at the proud figure standing not far away.
"Is this... the Land of Whirlpools?"
Madara surveyed his surroundings, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
"It actually became this barren. How ridiculous."
"Back in the war-torn Warring States Period, this was still one of the few places that could be called peaceful.
"Who would have thought that the ninja village system Hashirama and I created with our own hands would become the catalyst for the destruction of this 'paradise'... How ironic."
He murmured softly, as though speaking to this land, or perhaps to someone who was no longer there.
But that sentiment lasted only an instant before Madara turned his gaze toward the young man opposite him, a trace of admiration appearing in his eyes.
"I see. You guessed I would come here long ago and set up a Flying Thunder God formation in advance, separating me from those troublesome trash and the Jinchuriki gathered in the Land of Rice."
"Heh heh. You really got one over on me."
Kou did not respond. He merely kept every one of Madara's movements firmly in his sights, ready to strike at any moment.
"Don't be so tense, kid."
Seeing the gravity in Kou's eyes, Madara waved a hand and