Hashirama ultimately escaped. Because Konoha did not intervene, even though Madara had the advantage, the opposition managed to flee at some cost.
This outcome left Madara very dissatisfied.
In front of hundreds of Konoha ninjas, he walked straight up to Aoba. This action made Kakashi, Minato, and the others extremely tense.
Even though Madara did not have the Rinnegan now, and they already knew he wasn't invincible, facing Konoha's number one rogue ninja still made everyone nervous.
Tobirama immediately called for the Anbu and set up a battle formation.
However, at that moment, Aoba waved his hand, signaling the Konoha ninjas to stand down. He wasn't the Hokage, but his words carried just as much weight.
Even someone as proud as Tobirama had to admit that Konoha, under Aoba's influence, was no longer the same as before.
Tobirama was different from Hashirama, he was never a pacifist. In fact, his ideology was originally much closer to Madara's.
It was only because Madara lost to Hashirama back then that Hashirama's philosophy prevailed in the ninja world, where strength determines what is right.
But now, Aoba had completely transformed Konoha with his actions, making it stronger than ever before. So naturally, Aoba was right.
Moreover, Aoba Kamikawa was one of the very few ninjas in the current era who could rival both Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
Thus, in Tsunade's absence, he practically represented Konoha. In fact, even if Tsunade were present, anything Aoba wanted to do would inevitably move forward.
At present, a significant portion of Konoha's Research Department, Anbu, Ninja Academy, and Jōnin ranks were filled with Aoba's people, either those he had promoted into leadership positions or those who had received his guidance and called him their teacher.
If he wanted to, he could become Hokage at any time. However, the current Hokage was Tsunade, and since the two had a close relationship, Aoba had no interest in taking her position.
Although Tobirama was more closely related to Tsunade by blood, he understood that she was not as fit for the Hokage position as Aoba.
He had even privately asked Aoba why he didn't want to become Hokage, and Aoba's response was simple, too much work. Not just administrative duties, but also symbolic responsibilities.
Being Hokage meant attending various public appearances, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, school events, and Konoha festivals.
All these trivial obligations combined were a massive headache, and Aoba had no patience for them. That was why he refused to take the job.
Right now, Madara did not scare Aoba in the slightest, but neither did he intend to capture him.
Strictly speaking, Madara was still the Mizukage of Kirigakure. Even though he preferred using Fire Release, he was officially recognized as the Mizukage.
Of course, those who considered themselves the true Kirigakure authorities, like Mei Terumi and her faction did not acknowledge him. But most of them had already integrated into Konoha. Asking them to leave Konoha now to fight Madara to the death and reclaim Kirigakure was pure nonsense.
Even Mei herself knew that was impossible. The only one still clinging to hope was Kisame.
Back when Aoba handed Kisame over to Mei, Kisame had been extremely passionate about their so-called "restoration" plan.
He firmly believed that Mei and the others were merely enduring humiliation and biding their time for the perfect opportunity.
Aoba couldn't help but worry about what kind of expression Kisame would have when he finally learned the truth.
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Currently on Chapter 338 - Madara and Aoba's Conversation