Inside the Hokage building, Nara Shikaku was focused on handling the village's affairs.
Currently, all routine matters of the village were under his care.
After two years of recovery and growth, the Leaf Village had not only regained its vitality but had begun to truly flourish.
Commissioned missions within the village had increased significantly, and the income of the shinobi had risen accordingly.
Public security was also excellent, with almost no one daring to commit a crime.
It was a rare era of peace.
It was a completely different world compared to when the Third Hokage was in power.
It was just a bit exhausting for him; he felt as though he was the one actually running the village now.
Only when major issues arose would Uchiha Fugaku, Hyūga Hiashi, and Lady Tsunade come together to make a joint decision.
Other minor matters were generally left to him.
Perhaps the Third Hokage's fear that the Uchiha clan would seize power was misplaced.
Uchiha Fugaku had no intention of competing with him for authority or control.
Even when there were major issues, the three consultant elders would deliberate and make the final call.
As for Lady Tsunade, she was likely pregnant again; otherwise, she wouldn't have taken a leave of absence.
At this thought, Shikaku couldn't help but offer a wry smile.
That guy from the Uchiha clan was truly extraordinary.
To think he could completely conquer the Princess of Konoha.
One had to remember that with the Princess's legendary explosive temper, few people ever dared to provoke her.
It was hard to imagine she was already on her second child.
For a woman to be willing to bear two children for a man, it was proof enough of her complete devotion.
While he was lost in these musings, he received a notification from the Hokage building staff.
"Elder Shikaku, the messenger from the Cloud Village, Darui, requests an audience."
Shikaku was somewhat puzzled upon hearing this.
'What is that guy doing here?'
Previously, the Cloud had been defeated by the Uchiha clan and paid a ransom so massive it shook the very foundation of their village.
"Please show him in."
To understand the other party's purpose, he had to speak with them face-to-face, though he wasn't particularly afraid of whatever the Cloud Village might be plotting.
Although Uchiha Ryōsuke had vanished from the public eye for two years, the Cloud Village surely hadn't forgotten the brutal beating they had received at his hands.
Even without that man, the Leaf Village's current strength was more than enough to crush the Cloud.
They had ample resources and shinobi.
More importantly, the village was more united than ever before.
Led by the staff, Darui made his way alone into the Hokage's office.
Seeing a man with a ponytail waiting ahead, he immediately spoke respectfully.
"I am Darui of the Cloud Village. I have come with important news for your village and wish to see the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade."
Their previous defeat had forced the Cloud Village to withdraw all spies from the Leaf.
They didn't dare attempt to gather intelligence on the Leaf anymore.
If the Leaf used the presence of spies as an excuse to lash out again, the Cloud Village might face a major catastrophe.
It could even lead to their total collapse.
Therefore, they were unaware that Lady Tsunade was currently on leave.
Listening to the other man, Shikaku spoke slowly.
"I am Nara Shikaku, a Konoha Consultant Elder. You can discuss your business with me."
"It is not convenient for the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade, to receive guests at the moment."
Hearing this, Darui had no choice but to relay the message to this man.
Times had changed.
In the past, Lady Tsunade would have had to receive him in person.
Now, the Cloud Village no longer held such prestige.
"Very well."
"A few days ago, your village's rogue ninja, Uchiha Madara, attacked the Cloud Village's Jinchūriki, Killer B, and kidnapped him."
"The Fourth Raikage sent me to ask if your village has any information regarding Uchiha Madara."
Chapter 284: Cloud Village Seeks Help
The normally calm Nara Shikaku was stunned by this news.
"What does your village mean by that? Uchiha Madara died long ago at the hands of Lord Senju Hashirama."
"This is common knowledge throughout the shinobi world."
"Could your village have mistaken his identity?"
He simply didn't believe it.
How could it be possible?
Uchiha Madara was a figure from decades ago. Even if he weren't dead, he would be incredibly old. How could he still have the combat power to attack the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer B?
'Is the Cloud Village trying to use this as an excuse to target the Leaf again?'
Seeing that the other party didn't believe him, Darui presented the evidence directly.
"There is likely no mistake. The white-masked man in black who attacked Killer B released an incredibly massive Fire Style jutsu, and the Susanoo he used was identical to the records of the one wielded by Uchiha Madara."
It was a Susanoo far larger than even the Eight-Tails.
"There shouldn't be anyone else in the shinobi world capable of using a Susanoo of that magnitude."
"Most importantly, while the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki was fleeing, he personally informed other Cloud shinobi that Uchiha Madara was the one attacking him and requested backup."
"He must have discovered some clues to prove the opponent's identity."
Shikaku was left confused and plagued by a headache. Since the other party was so serious about it being Uchiha Madara, was it actually possible?
A Susanoo larger than a Tailed Beast.
He had seen the Susanoo used by Uchiha Ryōsuke, and at most, it was on par with a Tailed Beast.
An ominous feeling gripped his heart. 'Could it really be Uchiha Madara?'
If such a terrifying person had used some method to live until now, it didn't seem entirely impossible.
Then this was a matter of the highest priority for the village.
If Uchiha Madara was still alive, he was an absolute and massive threat to Konoha.
If he attacked the Leaf again, Shikaku couldn't even imagine what would happen.
Because they no longer had the protection of Lord Senju Hashirama.
The battle between Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara back then had shocked the entire shinobi world.
He had heard from his father that the scene was truly horrifying.
It was like a scene of mountains crumbling and the earth splitting—a literal living hell.
However, they now had the protection of Uchiha Ryōsuke.
He had seen Uchiha Ryōsuke fight the Third Hokage and Danzō; it was as one-sided as a father disciplining a child.
His strength was on a whole different level.
Moreover, that man had guaranteed he could handle monsters capable of destroying a village in one shot.
He should be able to deal with that Uchiha Madara as well.
But even if Uchiha Ryōsuke could handle it...
'Does that mean we in the high-level management should just do nothing?'
They also needed to prepare for this eventuality.
Therefore, he prepared to notify the other three.
The other two consultant elders, Hyūga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku.
And of course, Lady Tsunade.
No matter how inconvenient it was, she had to come out and preside over this.
Looking at the silent Consultant Elder Nara Shikaku, Darui spoke again.
"Can we request your village's assistance this time?"
"Since it concerns Uchiha Madara, the Leaf must have its own thoughts on the matter."
Shikaku replied.
"I cannot make this decision on my own."
"This matter is of great importance and requires the Konoha leadership to gather and deliberate."
"Please go to the guest room and rest for a while."
"Once we have finished our discussion, we will naturally let you know."
Seeing the situation, Darui could only agree.
A matter like this naturally required careful consideration.
It was understandable.
After all, they were dealing with that man. Helplessly, he withdrew.