And so, the countless clans that had once ruled their own territories and waged war against one another began cautiously approaching, one after another, choosing to join the new power formed by the two great clans.
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu remained quietly concealed, looking down on what seemed to be a scene of peaceful coexistence and prosperity.
Watching Hashirama's sincere, naive hopes, Madara's compromise in setting aside his hatred, and the seemingly perfect alliance between the two clans, Black Zetsu shook his head lightly, his eyes filled with cold mockery and indifference.
"What an ugly, naive farce."
"Hatred has taken root for a thousand years. Which clan hasn't lost loved ones at the other's hands?"
"How could that be broken overnight, or erased with a single word of reconciliation?"
"Indra, Asura."
"The more harmonious you are now, the more devastating and irreversible your eventual falling-out will be."
"I have all the time in the world. I can wait."
"I'll wait for you to tear this bond apart with your own hands, for the day you turn against each other and fight to the death once more."
White Zetsu stood quietly to the side, nodding in silence.
They had been watching Indra and Asura's farce for over a thousand years!
Outside the Sky Screen, the entire Shinobi World erupted with voices. Countless discussions rose and fell as everyone finally confirmed the suspicions they had harbored for so long.
"Just as I thought! I knew it! Fated Balance never fails!"
"Madara got the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, and his combat power went through the roof. Then Hashirama immediately unlocked Wood Dragon and Wood Human to counter him again!"
"The Sage of Six Paths' balancing act is ridiculous! He won't let those two settle who's stronger for their entire lives unless one