Chapter 343: Just a Little Longer in Hell

Hashirama clapped his hands together and shouted decisively, "Tobirama, back me up! Today we must settle things with Madara once and for all!"

Tobirama cast him a sidelong glance without saying a word.

If you'd had this determination earlier, things wouldn't have reached this point.

It could be said that the shinobi world arriving at its current situation had a great deal to do with Hashirama himself.

Countless times, he could have resolved conflicts peacefully, yet he consistently led events to their most complicated conclusions.

Now you talk about 'settling things'? Hah! Let's see if anyone still believes you.

In the end, you'll probably hold back again.

Just like last time—after Senju Hashirama defeated Uchiha Madara, couldn't he have been a bit more decisive?

For instance, thoroughly destroying Madara's body.

But he didn't!

Instead, he sent Madara's corpse to a safe place.

And the excuse?

"Madara's body holds many secrets."

Do you really expect me to believe that bullshit?!

It was obviously because of your personal relationship.

Yet you have the nerve to talk to me about secrets?

Screw off!

Hashirama, at that time, you were already invincible. You alone could have wiped out all the other shinobi villages. What the hell did you even need those secrets for?

To pass them down to future generations?

Ha! Do you really think Senju would think that far ahead?

"Ah…!"

Tobirama sighed helplessly, saying, "Brother, I'm warning you one last time: you really can't hold back this time. Otherwise, the entire shinobi world will perish."

"I know," Hashirama replied seriously. "This time, I'll definitely stop Madara."

"I hope so."

Tobirama rallied his spirits and shouted, "Everyone, let's move!"

"Yes!"

Everyone who still had chakra left responded enthusiastically.

…

At this very moment, Uchiha Funan, who was rushing towards the battlefield, suddenly halted his steps.

He stared in astonishment at the two men before him:

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo.

These two old fellows… they're still not dead yet?

No way! You've got to be kidding me!

One is a decrepit old man whose strength barely clings to Kage level.

The other is even more ridiculous—he's literally turned himself into a monster, stuffing his body full of random, chaotic powers.

But looking at their current miserable states, it seemed their luck had finally run out.

Half of Hiruzen's face had been sliced off, and he lay collapsed, breathing weakly.

Danzo was even worse off—a katana had impaled him straight into the ground.

All the Sharingan in his arm were closed shut. Without Izanagi, he couldn't heal himself anymore.

Thus, he could only endure the agony of being pinned down by that blade.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Who did this?" Funan joyfully exclaimed. "Oh heavens, oh earth, which angelic big sister has finally avenged the Uchiha for me?"

"Cough, cough!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed weakly, forcing out with difficulty, "Uchiha Funan, there's no need for you to be so arrogant..."

"No, you're wrong!"

Funan cut off Hiruzen sharply, "I absolutely must be arrogant! If I'm not arrogant after seeing you two end up like this, wouldn't that be disrespectful to both of you?"

"Hahaha! I can't help but laugh! Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo—bet you never thought you'd see this day! Ahahaha!"

"Cough, cough!"

Hiruzen coughed again and said faintly, "Funan... Just give us a quick end."

But Funan asked curiously, "Can you at least tell me how you ended up in this sorry state?"

While speaking, his gaze wandered into the distance. With his powerful senses, he was fully aware of Uchiha Madara's current actions. However, he had no intention of interfering.

Kaguya's revival was inevitable.

That cunning old fox Hagoromo surely had backup plans. Did they really think stopping Kaguya now would put an end to everything?

Absolutely not!

Uchiha Funan had his own agenda. He needed Kaguya to revive.

If Hagoromo wouldn't do it, Funan would do it himself!

Sorry about this, Hashirama, but you're just going to have to endure it a bit longer.

Funan sighed internally. With the golden duo of Hashirama and Tobirama present, Konoha's losses would definitely be limited. Even if there were casualties, he had the Rinnegan; he didn't need to sacrifice himself like Nagato to revive anyone. His eyes were genuine, original ones, after all.

Besides, if Hagoromo really wanted to stop his mother's revival, wouldn't he have done something by now?

What nonsense!

Look at the original story—Naruto and Sasuke lacked nothing; Hagoromo gave them whatever they needed. He even conveniently summoned everyone, including the tailed beasts, through a massive summoning jutsu at the end!

"Sensei did it," Hiruzen smiled bitterly. Danzo, for his part, stayed completely silent.

"No way!"

Funan was genuinely surprised. Was Tobirama really this ruthless?

These two were his own disciples, after all—was his anger really so intense?

Hiruzen smiled bitterly again, "Sensei wanted us to reflect deeply on our actions."

Staring at Hiruzen's face, Funan suddenly understood.

Tobirama was indeed a remarkable Hokage. Had Hashirama not achieved peace and established Konoha, Tobirama would have easily stood unparalleled.

For someone like him, to witness the heir he personally selected committing such grievous mistakes—how could he not be furious?

Furthermore, Hiruzen had strayed far from Tobirama's ideals.

The greatest contradiction lay in Tobirama's vision: dismantling the major shinobi clans, integrating shinobi with commoners, and creating a unified Konoha family.

But what had Hiruzen done?

He'd assembled thousands of Sarutobi clansmen, reinforcing a hierarchy far stricter than ever before.

How could Tobirama not be infuriated?

He had willingly dismantled his own Senju clan, yet Hiruzen, his chosen successor, turned around and created an even stronger clan for himself!

What did that make of Tobirama's sacrifices?

Moreover, Tobirama, who had ruthlessly dismantled even the mighty Senju clan, was at best determined—and at worst, a ruthless politician. If Hiruzen dared go against his vision, he should have expected eventual retribution.

Perhaps Hiruzen never imagined that his teacher would once again appear before him through the Edo Tensei—a technique created by Tobirama, perfected by his own student, and now used to trap him.

Truly ironic!

Realizing this, Funan nearly burst out laughing.

"So, have you reflected enough?"

Funan asked, stroking his chin thoughtfully—even though he had no beard.

"Uchiha Funan, don't get so cocky!" Danzo growled darkly. "We might have failed today, but sooner or later, the Uchiha clan will face its punishment."

Funan glanced at Danzo, then shifted his gaze to the Third Hokage, sighing softly. "Well, it seems your sensei left you here for reflection, but clearly, neither of you have truly repented. In that case, I'll make sure you have plenty of time to reconsider your actions."

"What do you mean?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression tightened, a terrible premonition gripping his heart.

Danzo, even more so, was overtaken by fear. At that moment, memories of the past, of being overwhelmed by Funan, came flooding back.

Funan raised a finger, wagging it slowly with a teasing click of his tongue. "Don't forget—I'm a medical ninja."

Hiruzen froze in shock.

Danzo froze in shock.

What was he implying?

Was he really planning to heal them?

They were already at death's door, barely clinging to life. If Uchiha Funan decided to use a healing jutsu on them…

Their vision darkened momentarily, both nearly fainting at the mere thought.

"Relax!" Funan chuckled cheerfully. "I'm healing you, not killing you!"

"Summoning Technique!"

[Poof!]

Two small Katsuyu slugs appeared.

"Funan, what are you doing here?" One slug looked at him in confusion. "Things are chaotic over there! You're our strongest fighter—why are you wasting time here?"

"Yes, exactly!" Hiruzen hurriedly nodded. "Funan, you should hurry to the battlefield. We wouldn't want to trouble you any longer."

"Precisely!" Danzo echoed anxiously.

Katsuyu tilted its head, bewildered.

What was happening?

Were these really Danzo and the Third Hokage?

Why were they being so accommodating?

Did nearly dying truly change people so drastically?

"Oh no, I can't do that," Funan waved dismissively. "As a medical ninja, I can't just leave the wounded unattended. Don't worry, I'll make sure your injuries stabilize."

Stabilize their injuries?

They just wanted to die already!

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo cursed silently in frustration.

Senju Tobirama was a meticulous planner. If he had decided to punish them here, it was with thorough preparation. There was no way these two could be saved—unless Funan was willing to sacrifice the power of the Rinnegan.

But would he really do that?

These two deserved death long ago. The only reason they had survived until now was due to various circumstances. But now, as everything was drawing to an end, what possible use could these two still have?

Suddenly, Funan narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "Wait a second—I recall there were originally four of you elders, and someone else was still alive. Who was it again?"

"Huh?" Both Hiruzen and Danzo were stunned.

"Someone else from our group is alive?"

"Really?"

"Who was it?"

"Wasn't that what I just asked you?"

Everyone fell silent.

Who was that person again?

Their presence had been so insignificant that everyone had forgotten them.

Even Funan only vaguely remembered sparing someone—but who exactly, he hadn't cared enough to recall clearly.

Now, it seemed even he had completely forgotten.

That person was remarkable in their own right!

Did they possess some special secret technique to remain unnoticed?

"Never mind. I'll check it out later," Funan finally shrugged. "I've already taken care of three out of the four. Finding the last one shouldn't be difficult. Once I do, I'll just invent some reason to eliminate him as well."

Funan shook his head and returned his attention to the present. "For now, let's finish up your treatment."

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