Sunken Gold Iron Gates, the Threshold of Strength

"So what?"

Madara did not stop walking.

"I had wanted to meet this fifteen-year-old junior anyway."

"And see just how much he has hidden away for the Uchiha."

The underground space fell silent once more.

Obito did not try to dissuade him.

Black Zetsu slowly sank back into the shadows as well.

They had summoned Madara back early precisely to deal with Ren and the Uchiha Shrine.

Now that Madara was taking the initiative to investigate, it fit perfectly with their plans.

Konoha.

After the Ninja Academy went on break, Uchiha Yaonai arrived at their meeting place early.

Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka were already waiting there.

Ino waved from afar.

"Yaonai, over here!"

"You came so early?"

Yaonai walked over to the two of them.

Sakura immediately said, "It's our first time going to Myriad City, so of course we had to come early."

"I heard you can't finish exploring it in a single day."

Ino gave a soft snort.

"Do you really want to explore Myriad City?"

"I think you just want to see Sasuke."

"Don't you want to see him too?"

Sakura immediately shot back.

The two glared at each other, neither willing to back down.

Yaonai crossed her arms, looking helpless.

"You're already arguing before we've even set off."

"If you keep this up, I'm not taking either of you."

Sakura and Ino fell silent at the same time.

The three walked along Konoha's main street toward the Uchiha District.

Myriad City had been completed for over a year.

This large commercial center beside the Uchiha District had long since become the busiest place in Konoha.

Before they had even truly reached the entrance, the flow of people on the streets had visibly increased.

Shops lined both sides of the road.

Merchants from all across the