The Forest of Konoha.
Birds chirped in the quiet woods, and everything seemed peaceful. Yet occasional glints of light flashed in the shadows.
"Stay alert at all times! The enemy could attack from any direction at any moment!"
"We are the defensive line protecting central command! As long as this line holds, no one will disturb Lord Hokage or the other leaders!"
At that stern command, the Konoha Ninja hidden in the shadows grew even more vigilant.
Suddenly, a branch up ahead trembled, drawing everyone's attention.
A figure appeared immediately afterward, his black hair falling to his shoulders. He wore clothing from the Warring States Period, and his sweeping gaze was imposing and overbearing.
"Enemy attack!!!"
Sharp cries instantly rang out, accompanied by piercing whistles that startled countless birds into flight.
"They're over here too!"
"There are lots of enemies!"
Cries of alarm quickly rose one after another, spreading in every direction.
The peaceful forest erupted into commotion in an instant.
"That man is...?!"
The Jōnin at the front felt his pupils contract. The figure leaping from branch to branch and rapidly approaching them looked terribly familiar.
"It's Madara! Madara Uchiha!"
The elderly ninja beside him spoke in a trembling voice, his pupils shrinking.
Konoha had a number of elderly Genin and Chunin who had lived through that era, so they were very familiar with those from the First's generation.
The figure before them, whose fierce presence brought overwhelming pressure and fear, was none other than the legendary Madara Uchiha.
"Wait, the man behind him... who is that?!"
Soon, someone recognized the equally familiar figure behind Madara.
His face was carved into the first position on Konoha's Hokage Rock.
"Lord First!!"
But how was that possible?
These legendary figures had clearly died long ago!
"Reto!"
"The First Mizukage!"
"Kinkaku and