!!!
At Shinji's words, Madara and Hashirama abruptly raised their heads. Their pride as warriors, which Shinji had just dealt a slight blow, suddenly stirred again, and their eyes shone.
They exchanged a glance.
Each saw the other's resolve.
"Young man! I understand!"
"Mm!"
Madara Uchiha also nodded gently and let out a soft breath.
Yes, that was who he was.
He was Madara Uchiha. Even back when he had faced the unbeatable Hashirama Senju, he had never felt afraid.
Instead, he had plotted step by step, catching up to him and surpassing him. Hashirama had long since died, while he had remained behind, playing a grand game of chess with the Shinobi World...
Even if—
That experience was somewhat humiliating to speak of now, he had never been one to admit defeat!
Seeing the two regain their fighting spirit, Shinji smiled and shook his head. "All right, honored elders. Now, let's discuss the future of the Shinobi World. I imagine that after watching this battle, they already have their answers."
"Hmph!"
Madara Uchiha turned his gaze toward the few "little ants" in the distance.
He snorted expressionlessly. "The future of the Shinobi World lies with you. As for them... they're merely a few..."
"Now, Lord Madara, you shouldn't put it that way."
Shinji smiled and waved a hand. "The Shinobi World doesn't belong to a handful of people, much less to one person. Let's go meet them first."
Konoha.
Inside the conference room.
Shinji naturally took the seat at the head of the table, with Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha to either side of him. Below them sat the Fifth Hokage and Kei Uchiha.
Next came the others.
The Kage of each village.
Kei stood before the table, reading from his prepared speech as he surveyed the room.