Published at 9th of November 2024 8:29 am

Chapter 178 Roots of the Leaf, Part 6

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Hashirama returned to the village as the first light of dawn crept over the rooftops, casting a pale glow on the sleeping homes of Konohagakure. He felt as though a part of him had died on that hill, where he had watched his closest friend walk away, leaving behind not just a bond but the vision that had shaped the village. The weight of loss and betrayal pressed heavily on him, but he knew he could not afford to crumble; the village needed him more than ever.

As he approached the village gates, Tobirama was waiting, his face grim. He could tell immediately that something had gone wrong.

“Brother,” Tobirama said quietly, his gaze sharp and questioning. “Did you find him? Did he… did Madara say where he stands?”

Hashirama nodded slowly, his voice laced with sorrow. “Madara has made his choice. He’s leaving the village, and he intends to walk his own path, one that is separate from ours.”

Tobirama’s face darkened, his mouth tightening. “If he’s left the village, then he’s abandoned everything we’ve built here. He’s not just leaving us, Hashirama; he’s turning his back on our people, our home. This… this could spark a rebellion among the Uchiha.”

Hashirama held up a hand, signaling for calm. “We can’t jump to conclusions. Madara may be gone, but that doesn’t mean the entire Uchiha clan will follow him. Many of them believe in the village. They are loyal to Konohagakure.”

Tobirama crossed his arms, his gaze skeptical. “Madara is their leader, their symbol. If he’s leaving, some will see it as an act of defiance against you, against this entire village. He’s dangerous, Hashirama—more dangerous than you want to admit.”

Hashirama looked away, his jaw clenched. “I know that, Tobirama. But he was… he was my friend.”

Tobirama softened, placing a hand on Hashirama’s shoulder. “I understand, Brother. But as Hokage, your duty is to protect the village, even if it means making sacrifices. We can’t afford to let old bonds cloud our judgment.”

Hashirama nodded, his mind racing with questions and uncertainties. “We’ll call a council meeting. The other clans need to know the truth—that Madara has left, and that we must remain united.”

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The council meeting was tense, filled with uncertain whispers and wary glances. The news of Madara’s departure had spread quickly, sparking fear and rumors throughout the village. Clan leaders murmured among themselves, casting glances at Hashirama, waiting for him to speak.

Hashirama stood before them, his face calm but resolute. “Madara Uchiha has left Konohagakure. He has chosen to walk a path separate from ours, and he no longer considers himself a part of this village.”

The council members exchanged shocked looks, their murmurs intensifying. Some wore expressions of disappointment, while others appeared relieved.

Shikaku Nara, head of the Nara clan, spoke up. “Lord Hokage, if Madara has left, does this mean we can expect… hostility from him?”

Hashirama hesitated, feeling the weight of his words. “Madara did not leave with the intent of attacking us, but he holds grievances with our ideals. He believes we have weakened ourselves by uniting. However, I am hopeful that this will not escalate further.”

Tobirama stepped forward, his face hard. “With all due respect, Brother, Madara’s ideals are dangerous. He craves power, and now that he has abandoned the village, he may be tempted to use that power against us.”

Hashirama’s voice was firm, though sadness lingered in his eyes. “Until we know otherwise, we will not treat Madara as an enemy. This village was built on trust, and I will not allow fear to taint that foundation. We must focus on protecting Konohagakure, but without turning against those who have been part of it.”

There were nods of agreement, but Tobirama’s frown deepened, his expression unyielding. “We need to prepare, nonetheless. If Madara is truly gone, the balance of power in the village has shifted. Other clans may see this as an opportunity to disrupt our unity.”

Hashirama took a steadying breath. “You are right. We must be vigilant. But we will not treat this as a declaration of war. Our goal is to maintain peace and stability in Konohagakure.”

The council adjourned, and Hashirama watched the clan leaders depart, each carrying a mix of emotions—loyalty, fear, and uncertainty. He could feel the strain in the village, the fragile peace he had worked so hard to build now resting on a knife’s edge. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Madara’s departure had left an unseen wound, one that might fester if not properly addressed.

_______________________________________________________________

In the days that followed, the village settled into an uneasy rhythm. The Uchiha clan was unusually quiet, their presence almost subdued as they kept to themselves, avoiding the rest of the village. Hashirama could feel the distance growing, but he wasn’t sure how to bridge it without causing further tension.

One evening, Hashirama decided to visit the Uchiha district personally. He wanted to reassure the clan, to let them know that they were still valued members of Konohagakure, regardless of Madara’s decision. As he walked through the district, he noticed the wary gazes of the Uchiha, the faint whispers that followed him.

He was soon approached by an older member of the Uchiha, a man named Kagami, who bowed respectfully. “Lord Hokage,” he said, his voice respectful yet laced with uncertainty.

“Kagami,” Hashirama greeted him warmly, though he could sense the apprehension in the air. “I’ve come to speak with the clan, to reaffirm that the Uchiha remain a vital part of our village. Madara’s departure changes nothing.”

Kagami’s face softened, and he nodded. “We understand, Lord Hokage. But there are those among us who feel that… Madara’s path was not entirely wrong. He had strength, vision. Some saw him as a leader who represented the true Uchiha spirit.”

Hashirama felt a pang of sadness. “I know. But strength without unity leads only to destruction. This village is meant to protect all of us, to give every clan a chance to grow in peace.”

Kagami nodded slowly. “I believe in your vision, Lord Hokage. But there are those who struggle to forget the past, who wonder if peace can ever truly last. Madara gave voice to that doubt, and without him here, some may still carry his ideals.”

Hashirama sighed, his heart heavy. “I will continue to work for peace. For all of us. I hope you will stand with me, Kagami.”

Kagami placed a hand over his heart and bowed deeply. “I will, Lord Hokage. As will those of us who believe in your vision. But know that there will be others who need time to let go of the past.”

Hashirama thanked him and left the district, feeling the weight of Kagami’s words pressing down on him. Despite his best efforts, the division Madara had left behind was real, and it would take time—perhaps more time than he had—to heal.

_______________________________________________________________

The following weeks were quiet, but Hashirama knew better than to mistake silence for peace. He and Tobirama increased patrols around the village, taking precautions to ensure Konohagakure remained protected. Yet he could sense a growing tension in the air, a feeling that something was stirring beyond their sight.

One night, a strange occurrence shattered the calm.

A group of shinobi on patrol reported a distant but massive surge of chakra coming from outside the village, near the Valley of the End—a landmark where Hashirama and Madara had once trained together as young men. The chakra was intense, dark, and pulsing with a power unlike anything they had felt before.

Hashirama and Tobirama rushed to the scene, joined by several of the village’s most skilled shinobi. As they approached the valley, Hashirama could feel the immense energy vibrating through the air, a raw force that sent shivers down his spine.

When they reached the edge of the valley, Hashirama’s heart stopped. There, at the center of the valley, stood Madara—his chakra burning with an ominous intensity. His Sharingan had transformed into a new, twisted form that Hashirama had never seen before: the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.

Madara looked up as they arrived, his face calm but filled with a terrible resolve. “Hashirama,” he called, his voice carrying across the valley. “I have come to claim what I believe is rightfully mine. Konohagakure does not need peace; it needs strength. And I intend to prove it.”

Hashirama stepped forward, his face a mix of grief and determination. “Madara… don’t do this. You’re letting your anger consume you. This isn’t who you are.”

Madara’s gaze hardened, his voice unyielding. “No, Hashirama. I am finally embracing who I am. The path of peace is a lie, a weakness that will destroy everything we’ve fought for. I will reshape this village in my own image, with the strength of the Uchiha at its core.”

Hashirama felt a tear slip down his cheek, but his resolve remained unbroken. “If you insist on this path, then I will stop you. Not for the sake of power, but to protect the peace we both dreamed of.”

Madara’s face twisted with bitterness. “Then let this be the end of our dream, Hashirama. And may the strongest decide the fate of Konohagakure.”

The valley fell silent as the two men faced each other, friends turned enemies, united by a shared vision yet divided by their beliefs. With a final, sorrowful nod, Hashirama raised his hands, summoning the full force of his Wood Release. Madara responded, his chakra surging with an intensity that shook the earth beneath them.

As dawn broke over the valley, the two warriors clashed, their powers colliding in a storm of earth and fire, wood and lightning. The battle between the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha would be one that would echo through history, a symbol of a dream that had turned into a nightmare, a bond that had been shattered, and a village caught in the balance between peace and power.

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