"If I let Tobirama kill Izuna Uchiha, then I can't ignore the possibility of Itama Senju being killed by the Uchiha Elites," Yoichi mused, stroking his chin. "Plus, it might actually serve as a valuable training opportunity for them in the [Field of Desire]..."
His presence was starting to set off a chain reaction of events.
Now, he needed to focus on the potential positive outcomes while also bracing for some serious repercussions.
Saving both Itama and Izuna could influence Madara and Hashirama's determination to reshape the world. Also, Black Zetsu would likely feel threatened and could interfere with Yoichi's agendas in the future.
With that in mind, Yoichi began to devise plans, thinking of various backup strategies for when things went sideways.
"Sensei! Where are you going?"
As soon as their teacher stood up, lost in thought, Ryoma and the others sensed that something significant was about to unfold once again.
Whenever he looked that deep in thought, they knew it meant a new plan or action was in motion, something his students were well-acquainted with.
"Time to look for students at this time." Yoichi's smile felt mysterious. "Some children in the orphanage have some exceptional skills but it's not in my standards so I found out there are two very good students nearby. Just wait here!"
After Yoichi departed, the others exchanged looks while Ryoma and Kenshin shrugged, and the girls tilted their heads, intrigued until Harumi broke into a playful smile.
"Hey everyone, what do you think? Should we go after him— Wait, don't leave me! Come on, you guys!"
With their usual antics, the group walked away, ignoring Harumi's mischievous plan and beginning to turn a blind eye to her antics.
In the ensuing awkward silence, Harumi clenched her teeth, determined to defend her innocence as the courtyard fell quiet once again.
...
"Hey! It's been a while... Ummm..." A confident voice came from the riverside, though it seemed to struggle to recall the kid's name.
"It's Hashirama..." The downcast boy let out a sigh as he gazed at the clear yet relentless flow of water.
"You look pretty glum..." Madara's curiosity was piqued by the boy's somber demeanor. "What's going on?"
"It's nothing..."
"Come on, you don't have to lie... You can share with me."
"Seriously, it's nothing."
"Don't drag this out! I promise I'll listen!"
"It's really nothing... Nothing at all."
"Just spill it already!"
After a few exchanges, Hashirama erupted in tears, and for a brief moment, worry flashed across Madara's face as he watched the tears dry up on Hashirama's cheeks, trying to calm the palpable pain.
"My little brother passed away... I come to the river because it feels like all the heaviness in my heart gets washed away when I look at the water..." As Hashirama spoke, Madara was reminded of his own struggles and instantly resonated with him.
"You're Madara, right? I wonder if you understand how I feel."
Observing the melancholic figure, Madara picked up a stone and began to share his own experiences as an older brother within his clan.
From having five siblings to just two brothers left, who fought hard and sacrificed a great deal for their cause.
Yet, deep down, Madara felt a wavering heart, marred by the profound losses of clan members, loved ones, and life itself.
His revelations surprised Hashirama, who thought he had found another dreamer like himself, someone who wanted to make the world a better place.
*Thud!*
"...Reveal yourself! Are you going to show up or what?"
After tossing a stone at a nearby tree, Madara shot a cautious glare toward the hidden figure while Hashirama stood up, ready to react.
As a shinobi, being aware of your surroundings is crucial. Without that awareness, you might as well be a vulnerable mouse amidst vibrant but venomous snakes.
"Wow, you really have sharp instincts, kid! Well done!"
The unexpected praise drew both Madara's and Hashirama's attention to the newcomer. He had slightly dark skin, striking golden eyes, black hair, and was dressed in a white coat with dark pants, casually strolling through the forest while the two boys raised their eyebrows in surprise.
Cautiously glancing at one another, Hashirama and Madara exchanged nods as they started to strategize their next moves against the man before them.
It was evident that his presence in their meeting area wasn't a coincidence. The expansive forest and the clear waters were familiar yet stunning features of the Land of Fire.
"What's the plan? Gonna think it over? Just attack already, you brats!"
Clenching his teeth, Hashirama took the offensive with his taijutsu. His raw enthusiasm and immense strength at such a young age left a strong impression on Yoichi.
"You're using too much force; find your balance—"
Uchiha Style: Double-crossing Shurikenjutsu!
Stepping in as support, Madara paused Yoichi's training, only to flinch when he saw the man effortlessly catch the two stones Madara had thrown, skillfully bouncing them off the trees like shurikens while simultaneously countering Hashirama's relentless assaults in close combat.
'Great, without our supplies, we're at a real disadvantage against this guy!' Madara's ability to improvise and adapt as a shinobi was clear, earning a slight nod of approval from Yoichi.
As time passed, it became obvious they were growing weary. Both Hashirama and Madara exhaled heavily, staring down the nonchalant figure before them. In a final effort, Madara began forming hand seals, his tired frame straining.
"Fire Style: Great Fire—"
"That's enough, you reckless fool!" Yoichi slapped Madara's head, cutting off his destructive move as Hashirama blinked in surprise, a realization hitting him.
The man didn't seem to harbor any intent to kill.
If the visitor was that heartless, the two of them were instantly dead with that incredible speed!
"Who are you?!" Madara winced and rubbed the back of his head. "What do you want?!"
At that moment, he instinctively released his killing intent, glaring at Yoichi, who was still nodding away, grinning at them like someone up to no good.
"Well done! You two are now my disciples!"
Madara: (O_O)!
Hashirama: (O_O)!
Both of them were taken aback, equally surprised and distressed by his proclamation.
Here was someone they didn't even know, claiming them as his disciples without any consent from their parents or even from Hashirama and Madara, almost resembling a bizarre case of abduction.
How ridiculous is that?
To make matters more confusing, the man seemed simultaneously untrustworthy and incredibly powerful, boasting strength that surpassed most of their clan's seasoned warriors.
Yet, aligning themselves with him seemed pointless considering the wealth of resources at their disposal as the heirs to their respective clans.
Before they could respond with their refusal, he continued:
"In order to put an end to this cycle of hatred, you both need to become strong enough to handle any obstinate force across the globe, and I can guide you in that journey."
"Don't say no just yet. I encourage you to look into who I am—I'm sure it'll be worth your time. Remember my face and do some research; I'll return in a week. Anyway, see you!"
With that, the man abruptly departed, leaving Madara and Hashirama utterly bewildered.
What a strange character!
Eventually, the two decided to return to their clans to avoid raising any suspicion while they attempted to dig up information on this odd individual, using the time to keep themselves occupied.
On a cliff nearby, Yoichi enjoyed the refreshing breeze and the stunning scenery before him.
Trying to forcefully convince strong-willed kids like Hashirama and Madara would only undermine his goals. Instead, he chose to plant seeds of curiosity and doubt, setting the stage for his eventual persuasive efforts.
"Let's see how this unfolds... Patience is key."
(A/N: 100 chapters! Sorry for the irrational updates, having some sleeping problems recently. Thanks for reading XDD!)