On a barren hill, Hashirama stood beside Kou, gazing from several kilometers away at Madara, who was firmly restrained by sealing techniques and the Gate of the Great God.
For shinobi of their level, a few kilometers could be crossed in an instant with a single use of the Body Flicker Technique.
Yet at this moment, Hashirama felt as though the distance between them was unimaginably vast.
The wind blew past. His gaze passed over the crooked, withered grass and earthen mounds, landing directly on the figure pinned beneath the red torii gates. His eyes were filled with indescribable complexity.
"...Your expression is far too ugly, Hashirama."
Madara paid no heed to the two seals on his body. Tilting his head, he looked at Hashirama through the gap between the two red crossbeams, a deep nostalgia rising in his eyes.
"Seeing that stupid face of yours again does make me somewhat happy.
But if you keep that stupid look on your face, it really takes the fun out of it."
"Madara!!"
Looking at his dear friend after so long apart, Hashirama felt a sharp pain in his heart.
"Can't you really reconsider... and give up the Eye of the Moon Plan?"
Madara curled his lip and shook his head helplessly.
"Here we go again. Even after dying once, that naive look of yours hasn't changed at all."
"At this point, are you still trying to change my mind?"
He paused. Looking at Hashirama's grave expression, his tone turned contemptuous.
"Reality has already proven that your path was a failure.
You, who failed to bring peace to the Ninja World, have no right to stop me, its savior."
"If you truly want to stop me, then shut up and fight me with everything you have!
Only the victor has the right