Land of Fire, Valley of the End.
On the cliffs flanking the gorge, two enormous stone statues stood facing each other across the waterfall that plunged between them.
In the distance, the mountains of the Land of Fire rose faintly into view. Against their backdrop, the silent Valley of the End looked like a painting on a long scroll.
But now, an all-too-familiar scent of blood had settled over the gorge that should have been so peaceful.
"Is this... the Valley of the End?"
Madara stood atop the head of his own statue. As he looked around, memories stirred within him.
"Heh. This place brings back memories."
He turned slightly toward the three figures who had appeared with him above the statues, a teasing smile touching his lips.
"Wouldn't you agree, Hashirama?"
Hashirama ignored the jab and spoke gravely.
"Madara, stop clinging to this obsession.
You... have already lost!"
Hashirama looked at Madara, his eyes flashing with heartfelt anguish.
Madara's body was a bloody ruin. Most of his armor had shattered, exposing the flesh beneath as it broke down.
That flesh kept rotting under the backlash of the Eight Inner Gates, then growing back.
But his healing had slowed considerably.
At Hashirama's words, Madara showed no trace of concern. Instead, he laughed.
"Heh, heh, heh... Hahaha!"
"You're the one who can't see how things stand, Hashirama."
At last, Madara's laughter faded.
He turned to Kou, who knelt on one knee beside Hashirama, and spoke coldly.
"Your ocular power... must be exhausted by now, Kou."
Kou said nothing. He merely pressed a hand to his eye socket and watched Madara on the opposite statue with a grave expression.
His cold Rinnegan eyes looked especially dim.
"I have to admit, you caught me off guard."
Madara recalled what had happened. His gaze