"Meaningless?"
Madara's lips moved slightly as he turned to look into Naruto's eyes.
Wasn't the meaning right over there?
But as he was now, he apparently still lacked the ability to take what he wanted.
Continuing the fight would apparently just give that Hashirama fellow something entertaining to watch.
Besides, that guy still refused to even see him.
It left him cold.
Watching Madara's movements, Obito had already decided that if Madara still wanted to fight, he would leave him here.
With Impure World Reincarnation and Susanoo, he could make whatever trouble he wanted here.
Later, he would see if Black Zetsu could summon him back.
But to Obito's surprise, after narrowing his eyes in thought for a moment, Madara actually accepted his invitation.
"Fine. Today's battle ends here, then."
Under Obito's astonished gaze, Madara dispelled his Susanoo and draped a hand over his shoulder.
"Hashirama, you bastard, you still won't come out to see me?!"
He shouted at Naruto atop the great fox.
His angry expression also held a hint of irritation and a tiny trace of hurt.
"Madara!"
At that moment, Hashirama could no longer hold back.
He grabbed Kurama and said to Naruto,
"Naruto, let me exchange a few words with him."
Naruto nodded and handed over his body.
Hinata tilted her head as she watched Naruto's presence change. Hmm, had Uncle Hashirama come out?
"Uncle... Hashirama?"
Hinata's voice was tentative and puzzled.
Hashirama nodded. Normally, he would certainly have rubbed Hinata's head and praised her.
But right now, Madara was calling him.
"Madara!!!"
He leaped down from the Nine-Tails, his voice carrying through the air straight to Madara's ears.
Hearing that familiar call, a gleam flashed through Madara's Rinnegan.
"Hashirama!"
"Madara!"
Obito watched the old man and the boy, whose minds had inexplicably clicked into sync.