The mask on Madara's face hid his features, and hid the complicated feelings in his heart at that moment as well.
He subconsciously touched the ninja tool pouch at his waist. Inside was the signal stone he used to contact Hashirama.
He knew tomorrow was the day he had agreed to meet Hashirama, but the clan's mission, Qin Mo's plan, and the critical operation that was about to unfold, one that would decide the future course of the Uchiha, left him with no choice.
In his heart, he could only silently say to that close friend by the river: Sorry, Hashirama. I'm going to miss our appointment tomorrow!
Just then, Madara, who was leading the group, suddenly stopped and raised a hand in signal.
Behind him, Izuna, Qin Mo, and the gathered elites immediately halted, spreading out warily to keep watch.
"Big brother, what is it?" Izuna asked in a low voice, his hand already resting on his sword hilt.
Madara frowned slightly. "Nothing. I just feel... a little tired. We'll rest here for a moment."
Qin Mo saw it all, and the corner of his mouth curled into a wicked smile.
Madara's heart had probably already flown off to Hashirama by now!
"Young master, have some water," Crimson Snow said at the right moment, handing over a waterskin.
Qin Mo took it, thanked her, tilted his head back, and drank a few mouthfuls.
Suddenly, an extremely faint chakra fluctuation carrying the scent of blood spread through his powerful perception like a pebble dropped into the surface of a calm lake.
This concealment method was exceptionally brilliant. If not for his spiritual perception far surpassing ordinary people, it would have been almost impossible to detect.
"Since you're here, why hide your head and show your tail?" Qin Mo's sharp