After hearing Shikaku's words, Tsunade spoke bluntly.
"That's impossible. How could Uchiha Madara still be alive?"
"My grandfather, Senju Hashirama, clearly killed that man when he attacked the village back then."
"Even my granduncle, Senju Tobirama, personally recovered the body and buried him."
"Given how meticulous Granduncle was, there is no way he would let Madara fake his death."
"And if it were a ruse, it definitely wouldn't have escaped my grandfather's notice."
Shikaku's expression was equally solemn.
"To be honest, I don't believe it either, but the other side brought back definitive news."
"That white-masked man in black can use terrifyingly powerful Fire Style and a colossal Susanoo."
"It's even larger than a Tailed Beast."
"I doubt anyone else in the world could pull off such a jutsu."
"Clan Head Fugaku, what is your take on this?"
Shikaku turned his gaze toward Fugaku. As the current head of the Uchiha, he would likely know more about Uchiha Madara than the other three.
After all, Uchiha Madara was the former head of the Uchiha Clan.
Fugaku's heart felt just as conflicted at the news of that man's return.
He looked at the others and spoke in a low voice.
"Actually, as you all know, when Uchiha Madara fled the village, he tried to take the other clansmen with him, but no one was willing to follow."
"After so many years of war, the Uchiha also yearned for peace and wanted to live a quiet life."
"Naturally, no one responded to his call."
"So he left alone and has had no contact with the Uchiha Clan since."
"We know very little about him as well."
"However, if that person can truly use peerless Fire Style and a giant Susanoo, then it really might be Uchiha Madara."
Who else in the shinobi world could use Susanoo?
It had to be an Uchiha.
Susanoo was a unique ability of their clan's Mangekyō Sharingan.
Regardless, his own Sharingan couldn't manifest such a massive Susanoo.
Ryōsuke, within the family, might be able to display a powerful Susanoo, but it probably wouldn't be that tall.
He didn't know exactly how strong Ryōsuke had become; he only knew the boy was very powerful. However, that was physical strength, not necessarily dōjutsu prowess.
While his dōjutsu was strong, it hadn't reached that level of overwhelming, tyrannical might yet.
Hyūga Hiashi was also somewhat puzzled.
"If it really is Madara, then how has he lived this long?"
Decades had passed since the era of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.
Shikaku speculated.
"With Uchiha Madara's capabilities, it's possible he used some kind of forbidden jutsu to survive this long."
"What's more important now is how we deal with him."
"He's already captured the Eight-Tails, so there's a high probability he'll come for the Nine-Tails."
"What do we do then?"
"The Cloud Village has requested support from Konoha to deal with such a monster."
"What do you all think?"
Tsunade still found it hard to believe.
There was someone else in the shinobi world capable of using peerless Fire Style and a massive Susanoo—the man who shared her bed.
The occasional dominance her partner displayed made her, the person closest to him, feel his overwhelming power.
Even though she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, it was possible for him to achieve.
Besides, Ryōsuke wasn't even in the village right now.
'Is it possible he's out there causing trouble in the shinobi world?'
"Don't panic yet. It's not necessarily Uchiha Madara. Let's send someone to confirm his identity first."
Shikaku admired Lady Tsunade's composure.
How could they not panic? That was Uchiha Madara!
"According to Lady Tsunade's wishes, we should indeed investigate the opponent's identity first."
"However, we must prepare countermeasures."
"Clan Head Fugaku, it's about time Uchiha Ryōsuke of your clan attended these meetings."
Facing Uchiha Madara, they obviously needed top-tier experts. Currently, Uchiha Ryōsuke was the only one in the village in a league of his own.
Fugaku replied helplessly.
"Regrettably, he isn't at the compound. He has left the village."
Shikaku sounded worried upon hearing this.
"If there's nothing pressing, would it be better to recall him to the village?"
"If this person suspected to be Uchiha Madara attacks Konoha to seize the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, it would be difficult for us to handle him on our own."
Although this was Konoha's headquarters, who was the opponent?
It was Uchiha Madara!
Even if they fought back, the losses would likely be catastrophic.
Tsunade spoke up then.
"Don't worry. If someone truly attacks the village, I can notify Ryōsuke immediately. Rest easy."
"We must increase the village's alert status. As soon as that man appears near Konoha, notify me immediately, and I will contact Ryōsuke."
She had already placed a Katsuyu clone on Ryōsuke, so she could reach him.
The other three were relieved to hear this. Having that man around provided a sense of security.
With the help of others and the advantage of being in Konoha's heart, they could deal with Uchiha Madara even if he came.
Shikaku then asked.
"Lady Tsunade, how should we handle the Cloud Village's request for aid?"
Tsunade said.
"Send someone back with them to the Cloud Village to investigate. We'll decide once we have clear information."
This was very necessary. Whether it was Uchiha Madara or someone else, they were incredibly troublesome enemies.
Especially if their goal was the Tailed Beasts.
Deep down, she suspected it might actually be Uchiha Ryōsuke.
'Actually, I could just contact Ryōsuke and ask him about this directly.'
The other two also agreed with the plan.
"Then we shall do as Lady Tsunade says. The Military Police Force will increase patrols both inside and outside the village."
"If that man is spotted, the entire village will be notified immediately."
Tsunade looked at the men.
"If there is nothing else, the meeting is adjourned."
With these measures in place, the village's safety was essentially guaranteed.
The other three naturally had nothing further to add.
The arrangements allowed them to leave with peace of mind.
After the three left, Shikaku had someone bring Darui in.
"Our leadership has reached a decision. An Anbu member will accompany you back to investigate and uncover the opponent's identity. Once we have a conclusion, we will proceed with further plans."
Darui was somewhat pleased.
"Understood."
This fulfilled the Fourth Raikage's goal, giving him something to report back.