Immediately afterward, Madara announced a series of military reforms from the stage.
The Uchiha would take the lead in strengthening the shinobi training system, implementing absolute centralized authority and a military merit system.
After joining Konoha, every shinobi would be required to place the village above all else.
Clan interests and internal disputes would no longer exist.
There would be only one objective:
Victory.
The proposal immediately caused an uproar among the crowd.
“Silence!”
Madara once again brought the assembly under control.
“Hmph.
Since you’ve joined Konoha, the village’s interests come first.
If the village falls, what future is there for your clans?
Now, I will announce the reward and punishment system…”
As he sensed the faint satisfaction radiating from the person beside him, Kaito recalled the system notification he had received before the meeting.
[Congratulations, Host.
Uchiha Madara’s Bond Value toward you has reached 96%.]
[Notice: When a character’s Bond Value reaches 100%, a unique character-specific event will be triggered.
If the host’s actions align with the target’s desires, the target will place absolute trust in the host, even to the extent of opposing the entire world.]
[Additionally, the host will randomly copy one of the target’s abilities, unrestricted by bloodline, talent, or skill limitations.]
“Excellent!
The Rinnegan is getting closer and closer!” Kaito rejoiced inwardly.
“Why are you spacing out again?” Madara asked impatiently.
“Hashirama, what’s wrong?”
“Ah, I was just thinking of something pleasant.
Under your leadership, Konoha will definitely become even more prosperous.”
“Naturally.”
After finishing his reforms, Madara immediately ordered the entire village to undergo inspection by the Nine-Tails to determine whether Black Zetsu had left behind any traces.
The young Kurama carefully sensed every individual, including important figures such as Kaito , Madara, and Tobirama.
After checking the last person, he jumped down and shook his head at Kaito .
“Unfortunately, there’s nothing.”
Even Kaito began doubting himself.
“Was I really worrying over nothing?”
“Very well.
Everyone else may leave.
Hashirama, stay.”
Once everyone had departed…
“What is it, Madara?”
“Your actions these past few days have impressed me.
What other plans do you have?”
Kaito thought for a moment.
“Let’s visit two places first.”
Konoha — The Sarutobi Compound
The estate was spacious, covering roughly one square kilometer.
Residential buildings stood on the north, west, and east sides, connected to the central sleeping quarters by covered corridors.
The southern side contained a garden, and the entire compound was enclosed by earthen walls.
The two of them were escorted inside by the Sarutobi clan elder.
As they walked, Kaito casually asked,
“How is Sarutobi Sasuke’s condition?”
“After receiving treatment from Lady Katsuyu and taking the medicine you provided, his condition has improved significantly.
We are deeply grateful.”
Madara remained expressionless throughout.
Aside from Hashirama, he treated everyone else this way.
After passing through the wooden corridors, they arrived at the sleeping quarters, the central building of the residence, facing south.
The elder slid open the wooden doors at the four corners.
“Forgive me for not greeting you properly.
I am truly grateful that both of you have come to visit personally.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Madara impatiently repeated the announcement that he had become the First Hokage and that Sarutobi Sasuke would serve as the Hokage’s assistant.
The latter showed little surprise and simply thanked them once again for their visit.
Since Sarutobi Sasuke remained calm, Kaito was happy to engage in casual conversation.
He praised Hiruzen’s recent performance, saying he had handled his assignments admirably.
Then he complimented the man’s taste and the elegant atmosphere of the residence.
Sarutobi Sasuke responded to each compliment with a smile.
Eventually, Madara could no longer tolerate it.
Crack!
He crushed his teacup.
“Enough, Hashirama.
Say what you came to say, or I’m leaving.”
“Cough, cough…”
Kaito nearly choked on his tea and awkwardly explained,
“It’s like this.
Although Konoha has been established, Madara’s and my dream still isn’t complete.
We intend to achieve true peace.”
Once again, Kaito explained their grand ambition:
To abolish the daimyo system and unify the world.
Sarutobi Sasuke was utterly stunned.
After a long silence, he finally spoke.
“I was wondering why you gave up the position of Hokage.
So in your eyes, the entire world is the true objective.
That’s…
remarkable.”
“What exactly is your plan?”
Kaito explained their strategy—using taxation as a breakthrough point, mobilizing armed resistance, and gradually restructuring the world order.
“It’s a good idea, and the strategic framework is solid,” Sarutobi Sasuke said after careful consideration.
“However, there are still many flaws.
Resistance, clan interests, and other issues…”
Kaito answered each concern one by one.
By sunset, all three were satisfied.
Sarutobi Sasuke agreed to fully support their cause and even offered to help persuade the other clans.
In return, Kaito promised certain benefits and arranged for Tobirama to accept Sarutobi Hiruzen as a direct disciple.
Thus, the village’s strength and ideology had finally been unified.
The strategic phase was complete.
Now, it was time to resolve Madara’s concerns.
After bidding farewell to Sarutobi Sasuke, the two arrived at a remote section of the village.
The Research Laboratory.
The brightly lit laboratory was spotless and entirely white.
More than a dozen chunin and jonin bustled about—preparing materials, removing seals, and recording data.
At the center of the room, Tobirama stood over a restrained prisoner, preparing to perform a technique.
Forbidden Technique: Impure World Reincarnation Technique!
Black markings spread across the floor and surged into the man’s body.
His agonized screams echoed throughout the room.
“How’s the progress?” Kaito asked upon entering, unwilling to look directly at the subject.
Madara, however, watched with great interest.
“We finally solved the last problem,” Tobirama replied.
“This is the first successful test.”
“I don’t care about your research.
Just don’t use villagers as test subjects.”
“I wouldn’t.
Even if they were Uchiha, I still wouldn’t—”
“Hm?”
Tobirama immediately glared back.
“Enough.
Stop provoking each other.”
“Hmph.”
Tobirama turned his head away.
At the center of the room, the jutsu fully engulfed the subject’s body.
Sheets of sealing paper gradually covered him, and the screaming finally ceased.
Slowly, a familiar figure emerged.
Uchiha Izuna.
Madara’s pupils trembled.
“Izuna…”
His voice broke.
“…Nii-san?”
As though sensing something, Izuna looked up uncertainly.
“It’s me, Izuna!
You’ve truly returned!”
Madara took two steps forward.
But Izuna remembered his regrets, his fear, and above all, his hatred for the man responsible for his death—Senju Tobirama.
Suddenly, he roared:
“Nii-san!
Why are you standing beside the Senju?!
Don’t tell me you actually…”
“Listen to me!
The Warring States Period is over!
Everything is over!”
Madara clenched his fists, desperately trying to persuade him.
“No!
Have you forgotten the Uchiha who died in battle?
Have you betrayed the entire clan for that false peace?!”
“I wish I could slaughter every one of these disgusting, hypocritical Senju!”
Nearby, Tobirama watched the brothers argue with obvious amusement.
“How splendid.”
Kaito turned toward him.
“You knew this would happen from the start, didn’t you?”
“Hm?
Brother, what are you talking about?
I have no idea.
I’ve completed the task you assigned me.
The rest is up to that guy.”
Smack!
Kaito slapped his forehead.
“What are we supposed to do now?”
Suddenly, Izuna roared:
“Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!”
The massive fireball shot toward Tobirama.
Madara glanced at Hashirama.
The meaning was obvious.
Sighing helplessly, Kaito formed hand seals.
Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall!
Impure World Reincarnation Restrictions
The resurrected individual’s strength is less than one-tenth of what it was in life.
The user’s control extends to both the target’s body and will.
Duration depends on the user’s chakra reserves and cannot exceed six hours.
Frequent use may attract the attention of the Sage of Six Paths and the Shinigami.