The Third Hokage's Test

After returning home, Madara Uchiha first told his parents and Sasuke that he would be traveling far from the village, adding that this mission was expected to take half a month.

Fugaku and Mikoto were already used to Madara going on missions. Although Sasuke was unhappy that Madara would be away for so long again, he was sensible enough not to make a fuss. After briefly soothing Sasuke, Madara Uchiha packed a few changes of clothes and headed out. Outside the Uchiha Clan's grounds, Kazuhiko Sarutobi had already been waiting for some time.

Unlike Hayato Hyuga and Sōsuke Aburame, Madara Uchiha had to meet with the Third Hokage once more before setting out.

Madara Uchiha followed Kazuhiko Sarutobi swiftly to the place where he had last met the Third Hokage. Although only about a year had passed, the Third Hokage's beard had turned almost completely white, and age spots had appeared on his face. Clearly, his duties as Hokage had taken their toll on Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Itachi, now that you know about Shinhiko Kōzuki, what do you think of him? How do you intend to approach this mission?"

Madara Uchiha had grown considerably taller in the year since their last meeting. Looking at Madara's perpetually unruffled face, the Third Hokage questioned him about his upcoming mission.

"Shinhiko Kōzuki's desire for war is foolish under the present circumstances. On this mission, I will do everything in my power to keep him safe."

"Could you explain why you made that choice? Why is he foolish, and why should you protect him?"

Madara Uchiha's response was exactly the answer the Third Hokage had hoped for. But beyond the conclusion, he also wanted to hear Madara's reasoning, hoping it would give him a glimpse into Madara Uchiha's inner thoughts.

Why was it foolish?

*After