Chapter 31: Intention of Alliance
"You should have a good talk with Hashirama. I'll go and teach Tobirama a lesson." Su Xiuyu disappeared in an instant.
Madara let out a breath of relief and came to a halt, causing Hashirama to stop as well.
"Madara, let's have a proper discussion. The incident with Tobirama was our Senju clan's fault," Hashirama said, his voice calm yet laced with anticipation. He could feel it—his dream was closer than ever.
Madara scoffed. "So what? Even if Izuna had died, would you have Tobirama exchange his life for his?" His words dripped with sarcasm.
"I'm sorry, Madara. I can't sacrifice Tobirama for Izuna. He's my brother," Hashirama admitted. "But I can offer my own life in his place."
He took a deep breath and continued, "I only ask that after I die, you lead our clans to form an alliance and create a peaceful village."
With that, Hashirama pulled out a kunai and drove it toward his heart.
Madara's eyes widened. Reacting on instinct, he flicked a shuriken, knocking the kunai from Hashirama's grasp before it could pierce his chest.
Madara stared at him, his expression unreadable. He hadn't expected Hashirama to act so decisively. The thought that Hashirama would rather take his own life for the sake of peace... it shook him. His anger dulled slightly—after all, Izuna wasn't dead. No irreversible tragedy had occurred.
"Hashirama, do you really believe we can build a peaceful village together?"
"Yes, I always have," Hashirama said firmly.