Konoha: The thirty-year-old Uchiha lacks motivation.

Three days were about to pass, during which many elders of the Uchiha clan came to see Uchiha Madara, but he refused to see them all. Even Uchiha Izuna, who was closest to him, was turned away.

Frustrated and unfulfilled, Uchiha Izuna decides to seek out the only family member he can confide in.

The small shop at the entrance of the village

"Big cousin, why aren't you worried at all? Didn't you say you were going to persuade Big Brother not to leave? How come you're so carefree eating shaved ice here now?"

Uchiha Gin, who was happily devouring his monthly ration of shaved ice, ignored his younger cousin's questions and focused solely on finishing the shaved ice piled high with toppings.

Long live sugar!

After licking the bottom of the shaved ice bowl clean, Uchiha Gin smacked his lips contentedly, casually pulled out a tissue, wiped the sticky jam from the corners of his mouth, raised his eyelids to look at the anxious Uchiha Izuna in front of him, and gently shook his head.

Instead of dwelling on this issue, you should consider when to succeed as clan leader.

"Huh? Now is not the time to talk about this."

"You little rascal, you really have ambitions to usurp the throne. I'll remember that!"

Uchiha Gin smiled wryly, took out a small notebook, and began to take notes.

On [Date] of the second year of Konoha, my little cousin plotted a rebellion!

"Big brother! Stop fooling around. Now let's get serious. Big brother has locked himself in the shrine for three days."

Has it been three days already?

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Gin raised an eyebrow. The three-day consideration period given by Senju Tobirama had expired, and his younger cousin would probably be leaving tonight.

"Izuna, try to think more positively. Maybe your cousin just went out for some fresh air and will come back once he's relaxed."

"I don't know my brother well enough. His sudden decision to leave means he's hiding something. It's definitely because of that despicable white-haired guy. He's the culprit who forced my brother to leave Konoha!"

Clenching his fists tightly, Uchiha Izuna's eyes flashed with malice as he gritted his teeth and pointed out the culprit.

You guessed right!

"No! I have to go find my older brother again and make him stay!"

After saying that, he left in a hurry.

"Ugh, this is so hard for me."

"Mr. Yin, is the clan leader really leaving? He's almost Hokage."

Wearing an apron, Uchiha Osamu walked over from the bar and took away the bowl of shaved ice in front of Uchiha Gin. She had also heard a little about Uchiha Madara's departure from Konoha, so she couldn't help but gossip.

"Yes, but I'll definitely come back."

"If I leave for too long, will I still be able to become Hokage when I come back?"

The girl glanced discreetly at the shaved ice spoon covered in Uchiha Gin's saliva, then frowned slightly. Uchiha Madara's dream was to become Hokage, but does someone who leaves the village on his own still deserve the position of Hokage?

"Why not? Some people cheat and swindle outside, and are addicted to gambling, but in the end they still come back and take power."

"ha?"

midnight

Madara Uchiha, kneeling before the stone tablet, slowly opened his eyes. Three days had passed in the blink of an eye. He had heard the voices of many of his clansmen, but none of this could shake his resolve.

"It's time to go."

Madara Uchiha stood up, stuffed the scroll containing the fan and armor into his bag, and slung his small pack over his shoulder, ready to set off.

Madara Uchiha was somewhat surprised when he pushed open the shrine door. He didn't expect to find a familiar figure kneeling on the ground outside.

Izuna Uchiha, who was still somewhat drowsy, was instantly jolted awake by the sound of the door opening. Looking up at Madara Uchiha, who was carrying his pack, he cried out excitedly, "Big brother! Don't..."

Without choosing to waste any more words with his younger brother, Madara Uchiha's pupils instantly transformed into bewitching patterns. Izuna, seeing this, was startled and subconsciously activated his Mangekyou Sharingan. The two brothers stared at each other.

"Izuna, please forgive me this time."

Ordinary Mangekyou Sharingan is no match for Eternal Eye. Madara Uchiha simply used his eye power to suppress Izuna Uchiha, who was caught off guard, and instantly killed him. Looking at his sleeping brother, he sighed and disappeared into the Uchiha clan's territory in a flash.

It was already past midnight, and the streets were deserted. Walking alone in the cold wind, Madara Uchiha felt a mix of emotions.

Suddenly, Madara Uchiha noticed two figures standing not far ahead, as if they were waiting for him. Sensing a familiar presence, Madara Uchiha did not detour but walked towards them.

"Madara, have you made up your mind?"

The Senju brothers, dressed in civilian clothes, had been waiting there for a long time. Senju Hashirama, with a reluctant expression, watched Uchiha Madara shoulder his pack and prepare to set sail. He still asked one extra question.

Madara Uchiha, who had initially felt somewhat sorrowful, couldn't help but roll his eyes dramatically upon hearing this.

I've already packed my luggage, and you're still asking? Are you blind at such a young age?

"Hot Mom in Harbin, next time we meet, you'll see a completely different me."

Full of confidence, Madara Uchiha straightened his back, looked directly into Hashirama Senju's dark eyes, and assured him with absolute certainty.

"When you're out in the world, don't forget your identity as a Konoha ninja!"

Standing next to Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju looked at Madara Uchiha, who was wearing a high-collared robe, but found no trace of Konoha on him. He then spoke up to remind him.

Besides investigating the Tailed Beast Knights, the most important part of Madara Uchiha's mission was to warn the four restless nations. If they made any unusual moves, he had to use his identity as a member of Konoha to secretly give them a warning and make them stop in time, nipping any potential disharmony in the bud.

"I brought this with me."

Senju Tobirama's implied meaning, Uchiha Madara took out a brand-new Konoha headband from his bag and waved it in front of Tobirama.

"Don't be stingy when it's time to flex your muscles. Let them know how big the gap is between them and Konoha."

It was rare for Tobirama Senju to show Madara Uchiha such special regard, and he immediately nodded in satisfaction.

"Do you need to teach me?"

"Remember to report on the mission progress regularly, and send back any intelligence you have."

Tobirama Senju always kept public and private matters separate. Madara Uchiha's mission was extremely important, and he needed to keep track of his movements at all times.

"I will give the information to Ninja Cat, who will then pass it on to my cousin."

Previously, under the leadership of Uchiha Gin, the Uchiha clan and the Ninja Cat clan formed an equal and mutually beneficial contract, with the Ninja Cat clan providing assistance to members of the Uchiha clan for a fee.

"Madala, take care on your journey, don't dawdle, and come back soon."

Not knowing how long Madara Uchiha would be gone on this mission, Hashirama Senju felt empty inside and painfully said goodbye to him.

"I'm going to be the Hokage!"

Uchiha Dazzle nodded, emphasizing throughout that he would definitely make a triumphant return.

"Since it's a secret mission, your real name can't be revealed in the report. Have you thought of a code name?"

Looking at the man exchanging final pleasantries with his elder brother, Tobirama Senju wore a complex expression.

"How about the Ninja World Asura?"

After thinking for a moment, Madara Uchiha said,

"This isn't good, Mada. He sounds like a villain."

Hashirama Senju was the first to deny it, saying that the code name sounded murderous and didn't sound good at all.

"Then tell me one."

"How's the Darkness of the Ninja World?"

Hashirama Senju's idea was simple: his nickname was "God of the Shinobi World," so giving Madara Uchiha the nickname "Darkness of the Shinobi World" sounds like a perfect pairing, doesn't it?

Turn your back on the light and embrace the darkness.

As long as it's not called a huge root, it's fine.

"Okay, I should go now."

After exchanging pleasantries, Madara Uchiha waved to Hashirama Senju with his back turned, leaving the two with a dashing silhouette before slowly disappearing into the darkness.

Landing outside the gates of Konoha, Madara Uchiha turned his head, taking one last look at the village he and Hashirama Senju had built. He clenched his fists and muttered in a low voice:

"I will definitely come back!"

As he turned to leave, the figure standing a few meters away startled the hot-blooded Uchiha Madara.

Who was it that I didn't even notice?

The figure slowly emerged from the darkness, its tousled curly hair standing out vividly in the moonlight. Those familiar, deadpan eyes instantly calmed Madara Uchiha's heart.

"Are you really going to fight to the death, leaving tonight? You stared your little cousin until he was dizzy, and you didn't even cover him with a blanket. What if he catches a cold?"

Looking at Uchiha Gin, who had been waiting there for who knows how long, Uchiha Madara was deeply moved.

"Big cousin, you don't need to try to persuade me anymore, my mind is made up!"

I didn't mean to persuade you; I just came to see you off.

"Little cousin, it's better to travel with plenty of resources than to stay at home. There's not much I can do to help you, but take these things with you. Don't deprive yourself while you're out and about. Eat and drink what you want, and don't miss out on any of the things you should enjoy."

As he spoke, Uchiha Gin pulled a brand-new storage scroll from his bag and handed it to the other person without saying a word.

"Thank you, cousin!"

After some initial refusal, Madara Uchiha accepted Gin Uchiha's scroll and placed it in the bottom layer of his baggage.

The gifts had been delivered, and Uchiha Gin, who was just about to bid a tearful farewell, seemed to suddenly remember something. He pulled out a small notebook, flipped through the previous records, and after checking them, he gave Uchiha Madara instructions with a displeased expression.

"By the way, if you run into anyone from Iwagakure, teach them a lesson for me. During the Five Kage Summit, that old man Ishigawa made a lot of accusations against me."

"I've got it."

Madara Uchiha nodded seriously upon hearing this. Since his older cousin had spoken, he was determined to give the guys from Iwagakure an unforgettable memory.

Having delivered all the essential items and finished his tattling, Uchiha Gin glanced at the full moon overhead and bid farewell to Uchiha Madara.

"May you have great success in your military endeavors!"

The news of Madara Uchiha's unauthorized departure spread like wildfire a few days later, leaving the villagers of Konoha shocked but also puzzled.

It's important to know that the Uchiha clan, as the only two founding members of Konoha, had a fairly good reputation within the village. Madara Uchiha, as the head of the Uchiha clan, was a well-deserved candidate for Hokage and would undoubtedly inherit the position in the future.

It was truly baffling to everyone that such a person would leave the village without permission.

Just as everyone was waiting for the outcome of Konoha's leadership, it was discovered that Hashirama Senju did not characterize Madara Uchiha's unauthorized departure as defection, but also did not offer much explanation, choosing to handle the matter quietly. This inevitably led to speculation that there was some kind of dirty political deal among Konoha's leadership.

Inside Sarutobi's residence, the ninja clan alliance, whose bond was stronger than gold, secretly held a small meeting.

"Sasuke, Madara Uchiha has suddenly left. Is Konoha about to change drastically?"

Having already been placed on the throne of clan leader by his "uncle," Kenichi Shimura's tone was much more assertive than before. He rested his chin on his hands, a hint of fear in his eyes.

Even Madara Uchiha, one of the elders, was forced out by the Senju brothers. How much room will these smaller ninja clans have left? It seems that Konoha will become dominated by the Senju clan in the future.

"Is there anything unusual happening with the Uchiha clan?"

Sarutobi Sasuke's face was grim, his mind racing. He couldn't understand why Uchiha Madara would suddenly leave when the game was already halfway through and they were opening champagne.

"If it weren't for Uchiha Izuna, the vice-clan leader, holding them back, they probably would have already forced their way into the Hokage Building."

Having already gathered intelligence on the Uchiha clan, Minako Yamamoto's eyes were filled with deep unease. If the Uchiha clan were to riot, the entire Hidden Leaf Village would suffer a devastating blow, and the hard-won peace would be shattered.

"Sigh, let's make sure everyone in the family behaves themselves and doesn't cause any trouble at this critical juncture."

Sarutobi Sasuke, having decided to play it safe for now, took a deep breath and addressed the group.

"Yes."

Uchiha Ginya

Since his younger cousin left, the Uchiha clan members have rarely come to visit. Even Jiro, who used to be lazy and cunning, has become diligent and conscientious. The workload of Elder Uchiha Ryōshi has also increased exponentially.

All the clan members seemed to become more taciturn overnight because of Madara Uchiha's departure.

"Curly-haired baboon, don't be too sad. Maybe your brother is just throwing a tantrum and going out to hide for a few days."

Uchiha Gin, who was lying on the sofa lost in thought, suddenly heard Senju Itama's slightly cautious words and turned his head in confusion.

Do I look sad?

"You can't even drink your favorite strawberry milk anymore, what else could it be but sadness?"

Senju Itama walked over with a cup of tea, placed it in front of Uchiha Gin, and held the tray in his arms. His clear eyes were filled with worry.

"Don't worry about it. Strawberry milk is just outdated."

Uchiha Gin straightened up, somewhat speechless. Under Senju Itama's bewildered gaze, he pulled a 1L bottle of a chilling, unidentified red liquid from his pocket, unscrewed the cap, and gulped down a large mouthful.

"Hey, man!"

╬д╬

"Hmph~ And all that worry I had about you was such a waste of my feelings!"

Uchiha Gin looked incredibly pleased with himself, which infuriated Senju Itama so much that he turned around and stomped away.

"Phew~ What are you all arguing about in the middle of the day? Don't you want people to rest?"

Perhaps because the two were talking too loudly, Uchiha Hikaru, still half asleep, pushed open the door on the second floor, came down wearing a thin bathrobe, plopped down next to Uchiha Gin, and took a sip of the tea that Senju Itama had prepared.

"Huh? It's so sweet."

Disdainfully, she put the tea, which had three spoonfuls of sugar added, back down. The two girls curled up their legs and leaned on Uchiha Gin's shoulder, asking softly,

"Gintoki, should I kill the Senju brothers?"

The girl's tone was completely flat, as if she were asking what vegetables to buy for lunch.

"puff!"

Startled by these words, Uchiha Gin spat out his iced tea, wiped his mouth in a flustered manner, and pulled the composed Uchiha Hikaru into his arms, speaking in a very serious tone.

"Let's live our lives peacefully and not use such dangerous words, okay?"

"Then tonight"

"As long as you don't do anything reckless, I'll do whatever you say."

The story of Madara Uchiha's departure eventually faded into the past with the passage of time. Occasionally, villagers would mention it, but it was just a story of the past, causing no ripples in their minds.

Under Izuna Uchiha's leadership, the Uchiha clan developed relatively steadily, but the clansmen gradually became more reserved and less flamboyant than before.

Konoha Four Years

Two years have passed since Madara Uchiha left. The usually quiet Uchiha clan is unusually lively. Red lanterns symbolizing celebration are hung under the eaves of the clan head's residence, and smiles, which are rarely seen on the usually cold and handsome faces, are on display.

Uchiha Izuna, the acting clan head, was dressed in a pure black kimono and pacing nervously in the courtyard, rubbing his slightly pale hands together, his eyes fixed on the inner courtyard gate.

"Why isn't my older cousin here yet?"

Creak~

Speak of the devil and he appears!

"Little cousin, I'm coming in!"

A figure burst in with a gust of wind; it was none other than Uchiha Gin, dressed in a formal suit.

Two years have passed, and time seems to have left no trace on him. The handsome man has a lazy smile on his face, carrying two huge boxes in his hands. With each step he takes, you can hear the clattering sound of the boxes obeying his commands.

"My cousin doesn't have much to give as a wedding gift, so use this money to buy a new house~"

"Phew~ You've finally arrived. Is everything alright with me?"

Seeing that Uchiha Gin had arrived in time, Uchiha Izuna finally breathed a sigh of relief and then showed him his outfit.

"Tsk~ If you ask me, this outfit is too plain. It's not as good as the groom's suit I recommended to you before."

After tossing the two large boxes into the yard, Uchiha Gin clapped his hands and looked at his younger cousin's traditional wedding attire with a hint of disdain, feeling it wasn't festive at all.

"There's no way around it, Mieko wants to wear a white kimono."

When Mieko was mentioned, Izuna Uchiha, who was already in his thirties, showed a rare shyness on his face, and his dark eyes were filled with a deep tenderness.

"Sigh~ How did you, an old man like you, manage to win over that young girl?"

Uchiha Gin was also quite surprised, never expecting that his little cousin would actually succeed in dating a much younger woman.

"I have to thank you for this, cousin."

A smug Uchiha Izuna looked at the incredulous Uchiha Gin and thanked him with a smile.

"ha?"

What does your womanizing have to do with me?

"Who told you to love lemons so much~"

That's right, if it weren't for buying lemons for Uchiha Gin, Uchiha Izuna wouldn't have met Mieko.

"Alright, alright, let's get ready and set off!"

Seeing that the auspicious time had arrived, Uchiha Gin urged them on.

"Um... any news, big brother?"

Looking at the empty courtyard, Uchiha Izuna suddenly spoke up and asked,

Madara Uchiha had been gone for over two years, and had never had any contact with the Uchiha clan during that time, but today was his joyous day, and Izuna Uchiha still felt a faint sense of anticipation.

"My older cousin... unfortunately, I don't have one yet, at least not now."

Uchiha Gin sighed inwardly. It had been a month since he last contacted Uchiha Madara. In his letter, Madara said that he had arrived in the Land of Earth and that Iwagakure seemed to be getting a little restless lately, so he was going to give them a warning.

In his reply, Uchiha Gin also mentioned Uchiha Izuna's wedding. I wonder if my cousin took it to heart.

"Phew, let's go."

A look of disappointment flashed across his face, but Uchiha Izuna let out a long sigh and once again put on a happy smile.

Wedding scene

Besides the Uchiha clan members, many other ninja clan members came to offer their congratulations. The ninja alliance led by Sarutobi and the Hyuga clan represented by Hyuga Tenyo were all present.

"The Hokage has arrived too!"

Someone shouted something, and everyone turned their gaze to Hashirama Senju, who was dressed in casual clothes, and Tobirama Senju, who had a gloomy expression. The noisy scene instantly cooled down, and every Uchiha clansman's eyes were filled with a chilling intent. The stiff atmosphere made it difficult for those with slightly weaker strength to breathe.

"Hahaha, Madara's brother is getting married! Tobirama, you've lost again this time~"

As if he was used to such awkward silences, Hashirama Senju, holding a large red envelope in his hand, laughed heartily and took the opportunity to tease his younger brother.

"Enough with the nonsense! I would never be as perverted as that guy, marrying a girl half his age."

With his arms crossed, Tobirama Senju turned his face away, breathless, a hint of envy flashing in his crimson eyes.

Looking around at the Uchiha clan members with unfriendly expressions, the Senju brothers felt a mix of emotions.

"."

"Crunch~"

Just as the atmosphere reached a freezing point, Uchiha Gin appeared with a somewhat reserved Uchiha Izuna. He first waved to the Uchiha clan members who had displeased expressions, saying, "On such a joyous day, why are you all looking so sullen? Smile!"

"What are you standing there for? Keep the music playing and keep dancing!"

Upon seeing a group of familiar faces, he immediately smiled and greeted everyone.

Thank you everyone for coming!

"Not at all, not at all. It's Mr. Yin's younger brother's wedding; how could we not come?"

The ninja alliance, led by Sarutobi Sasuke, arrived with large bags and small gifts to offer their congratulations, their attitude clearly very respectful.

"Gintoki, here's a small gift for you. Please accept it."

Hyuga Tenyo nodded to Uchiha Gin. Behind him followed a dozen servants carrying several large, exquisitely crafted boxes, clearly worth a fortune.

You truly are a good friend, someone I've shared a bath with. I'll return the favor with a generous gift when you get married.

"This is our Inuzuka."

"We are oil women."

"The Kurama Clan."

As the groom made his entrance, many young ninjas came forward to offer their congratulations, and the scene became lively once again.

"Brother Gin, this is the money that Tobirama and I are giving as a gift."

Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju walked over and handed the thick red envelopes in their hands to Gin Uchiha.

"Hashirama in prison, you've got a good heart~"

"Alas, it's such a pity that Mada couldn't be there!"

Looking at the lively scene at the wedding, Hashirama Senju sighed deeply.

When he got married, everyone was there for the banquet, but now even the people at the previous table can't be gathered together.

"Who can argue with that!"

Life is truly unpredictable, like a large intestine encasing a small intestine~ (End of Chapter)