Following that, Madara immediately announced a series of military reforms on the platform—with the Uchiha taking the lead, spearheading the reinforcement of the ninja training system, an absolute unification of regulations, and a merit-based military system!
Upon joining, one must prioritize the village above all; there would be no conflicts of interest between clans, and the only purpose in one's eyes would be victory!
This system immediately stirred up a commotion among the crowd.
Silence! Madara restored order once more.
"Hmph! Since you have chosen to join Konoha, you must prioritize the village's interests above all. If the village is unstable, where will the clans be? I will now announce the reward and punishment system…"
Feeling the slight hint of joy from the person beside him, Hashirama recalled the notification he had received from the system before the meeting.
[Congratulations, Host. The bond value between Uchiha Madara and the Host is 96%.]
[Note: Once a character's bond value reaches 100%, it will inevitably trigger a specific behavior from that character. If it aligns with the other's expectations, they will completely trust the Host, even if it means making enemies of the entire world!]
[Simultaneously, one of the other's abilities will be randomly copied, unrestricted by bloodline, talent, skills, or other limitations.]
"Great! The Rinnegan is waving at me!" He celebrated inwardly again.
"Why are you spacing out again?" Madara couldn't help but remind him: "Hashirama, what's wrong with you?"
"Ah~ I was just thinking about something happy. Under your leadership, Konoha is sure to become even more prosperous!"
"Of course, naturally."
Soon after, Madara finished announcing the reforms and immediately ordered everyone to be inspected by the Nine-Tails to confirm the situation regarding Black Zetsu.
Little Kurama sensed each person individually, including important figures like Hashirama, Madara, and Tobirama.
Jumping down from the last person, it shook its head at Hashirama.
"Unfortunately, there isn't a trace."
This even made Hashirama doubt himself: "Was I really worrying for nothing?"
"Alright, everyone is dismissed. Hashirama, you stay."
After everyone had left…
"What is it, Madara?"
"Your actions these past few days have impressed me. What other plans do you have?"
Hashirama thought for a moment: "Let's go to two places first."
Konoha Village, Sarutobi Compound.
One chō was about four hundred acres. To the north, west, and east, there were facing houses connected to the main sleeping chamber by corridors.
To the south was a courtyard, and the entire residence was surrounded by a ring of earthen walls.
The two were invited in, and the Sarutobi elder led the way.
Hashirama asked calmly, "How is Sasuke Sarutobi's health?"
"After receiving treatment from Lady Katsuyu and the medicine you provided, he has shown significant improvement. Thank you very much!"
Madara maintained a cold expression the entire time, watching them.
This was his demeanor towards everyone except Hashirama.
They passed through a wooden corridor and arrived at the sleeping chamber, a single-story building that served as the heart of the residence, facing south.
At the four corners of the chamber, the elder slid open the flat-pulled panel doors.
After entering, they reached the central main room, and the elder slid open the paper-framed sliding door.
Sasuke Sarutobi managed to rise from the tatami mat.
"I apologize for not welcoming you properly; I am deeply grateful for the trouble you two have taken to visit me in person."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries,
Uchiha Madara impatiently announced his decision to appoint Hashirama as the First Hokage and to appoint him as the Hokage's Assistant.
The other man showed no surprise, merely thanking the two again for their visit.
Since the other man remained composed, Hashirama was happy to engage in small talk with him…
He praised Hiruzen Sarutobi for his excellent performance and ability to complete missions properly.
He then complimented the other man's good taste, noting the unique style of the décor and the serene, pleasant environment.
The other man smiled and acknowledged each remark.
Finally, Madara, unable to tolerate it any longer, crushed his teacup and said impatiently: "Enough, Hashirama. Say what you need to say, or I'm leaving."
Ahem~ Hashirama choked on his tea and said somewhat awkwardly, "Well, you see, although Konoha Village has been established, my dream and Madara's dream are not yet over. We aim to achieve true peace!"
Hashirama once again voiced the great ambition of abolishing the feudal lords and unifying the world!
Sasuke Sarutobi was utterly shocked. After a long pause,
He finally spoke slowly: "I was wondering why you gave up the position of Hokage. So in your eyes, the world itself is the goal. That's truly remarkable…"
"What are your plans?"
Hashirama explained to him, proposing taxation as a breakthrough point, leading everyone in armed resistance, and so on…
"The ideas and strategic concepts are good, but there are still many flaws, such as resistance… clan interests, and so on."
Hashirama addressed each point one by one.
As the sun set, the three finally felt satisfied. Sasuke Sarutobi was willing to devote his full efforts to cooperation and also willing to help persuade the other clans.
Hashirama, in turn, would reciprocate with some benefits and have Tobirama take his son, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as a direct disciple.
Thus, the unification of the village's strength and ideology was concluded for the time being. Next, it was time to address Madara's concerns.
The two bid farewell to Sasuke Sarutobi and arrived at the research laboratory, located in a remote part of the village.
Inside the brightly lit research lab, the four walls were stark white.
Over a dozen chūnin and jōnin were busy working, either preparing materials, unsealing items, or standing by making records.
Tobirama, meanwhile, was facing the restrained person on the floor at the center, preparing to perform a ninjutsu.
Forbidden Technique—Impure World Reincarnation!
Dark, ritualistic markings surged towards the person, and a piercing scream echoed throughout the room.
"How effective is it?" Hashirama asked directly after entering, unable to bear looking at the person.
Madara, however, looked intrigued, observing with great interest.
"I've finally overcome the final step. This is the first experiment."
"I have no interest in this, but just don't use villagers for your experiments."
"I won't. Not even Uchiha would I—"
"Hmm?" Madara shot him a cold glare.
Tobirama immediately glared back.
"Alright, don't go looking for trouble on purpose."
"Hmph!" Tobirama turned his head away.
At the center, the ritualistic markings completely infused into the person's body, talismans gradually covering them. The screams ceased.
The form of Uchiha Izuna slowly materialized over the body.
Madara's pupils trembled, and he murmured in a choked voice: "Izuna…"
"Nii-san?" The other man, as if sensing something, looked over, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"It's me, Izuna! You've really been revived." Madara had just taken two steps forward.
But Izuna recalled the regret and fear before his death, his hatred for the instigator—Senju Tobirama.
He suddenly roared: "Nii-san, why are you standing with the Senju? Did you two…?"
"Listen to me, the era of war is over. Everything is over." Madara clenched his fists tightly, trying to convince him.
"No! Have you forgotten the Uchiha clansmen who died in battle? Is it for the sake of that false peace? Did you betray the entire clan?!"
"I want nothing more than to kill every last one of those hypocritical, disgusting Senju!"
Tobirama stood by, gleefully enjoying the brothers' quarrel.
"How splendid~"
"Hey, you knew this would happen from the start, didn't you?"
"Hmph↓ Hmph↑, Brother, what are you talking about? I don't know. I've done what you asked. The rest is up to that guy."
Slap! Hashirama slapped his own forehead forcefully.
"What am I going to do about this?"
Suddenly, Izuna roared: "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive fireball surged towards Tobirama. Madara glanced at "Hashirama," the meaning clear. Hashirama, left with no choice, reluctantly pressed his hands together to block it.
Wood Release: Wooden Barrier Technique!
[Impure World Reincarnation Limitations:]
1. Strength is less than one-tenth of that in life.
2. The user can control the body and will of the reincarnated individual.
3. Duration depends on the user's chakra reserves, with a maximum of no more than six hours.
4. Frequent use will attract the attention of the Sage of Six Paths and the God of Death.
***