More than a decade ago, Yanbai's coffin had been sealed shut. If anyone touched it with hostile intent, the thorns would turn fiercely aggressive and retaliate against the attacker.
Madara Uchiha said little, but his words implied that Tobirama Senju still had not given up on studying Yanbai, and had even attempted an attack while touching the coffin lid.
Tobirama Senju neither denied it nor argued. He merely sighed and said, "Sorry for disturbing you. Thanks for your trouble, Madara."
Tobirama Senju said nothing more, nor did he admit that he still wanted to see Yanbai.
Hashirama Senju was not actually stupid. After hearing the strange exchange between Madara Uchiha and Tobirama Senju, he more or less understood. All he could do was bid Madara Uchiha an apologetic farewell, then lead the dejected Tobirama Senju away.
Madara Uchiha silently watched the brothers leave.
Although Madara Uchiha lived here in seclusion, he knew everything that happened in the outside world.
Konoha Shinobi Village was indeed flourishing, but Madara Uchiha knew it was nearing its end.
Madara Uchiha turned back toward the thorn-entwined coffin and reached out to touch the white roses. The flowers responded to him, instantly healing the wounds on his hand.
At this familiar sight, Madara Uchiha seemed to remember something, and he smiled.
In the days that followed.
Tobirama Senju threw himself into developing Konoha Shinobi Village.
Senju Kawarama had died of illness several years earlier. Although Yanbai had saved him from being surrounded and killed as a child, he had been unable to save him from being "besieged" to death by women as an adult.
When Kawarama died, his women's earth-shattering antics had left Tobirama Senju dumbfounded.
Afterward, Itama Senju had retired to the Clan Grounds and inherited the women and children Kawarama left behind. That was