The War for a Disciple—Madara vs. Hashirama!

You must understand that although Shouta Kazuki had been training with Uchiha Madara during this time, Madara had never once acknowledged him as his disciple.

In the world of the shinobi, the bond between master and apprentice was more than just a passing of techniques—it was a destiny, a legacy, something that shaped both their fates. Madara, in his long life, had never taken on a disciple. Not truly. As for Uchiha Obito? To Madara, Obito had been nothing more than a pawn, a piece to be moved on the grand chessboard of his plan.

But now, things were different.

Spending time with Shouta Kazuki had made Madara reconsider many things. His long-held belief in the Eye of the Moon Plan—the idea that true peace could only be achieved through illusion—now felt hollow. Illusions were not real peace. They were simply an escape.

Shouta, on the other hand, had spoken of something far greater. He wished to unify the ninja world, to bring about real peace through strength and vision. And for the first time in decades, Uchiha Madara found himself doubting his own ideology.

Perhaps he had been deceived by Black Zetsu.

Perhaps Shouta Kazuki could succeed where he had failed.

And so, Uchiha Madara made a decision. He would go all out to train this boy, to pass down all of his knowledge. If the world was to change, it needed a worthy hand to shape it.

Of course, if Madara was going to take on a disciple, he wouldn't do it halfway. Over the past few weeks, he had even shared some of his secret techniques and hidden treasures with Shouta. This alone was proof of his growing investment.

Shouta, for his part, was ecstatic. Even though he had made Madara his summoned beast through the contract, that alone did not give him the right to command him. But if the bond of master and apprentice was truly formed, then Madara Uchiha would not just be a guide—he would be an ally, a force who would help him bring the world under one rule.

And then, Madara finally spoke the words Shouta had been waiting for.

"Madara... you mean to accept me as your disciple?!"

Madara crossed his arms, his expression filled with pride and arrogance. "Hmph. Brat, you still have a long way to go before you are worthy of being my disciple..."

Shouta smiled. He knew Madara's personality well enough by now. If he hadn't outright refused, it meant he had already accepted.

But just as he was about to respond, another voice boomed across the space.

"Shouta! If you need a master, I, Senju Hashirama, will take you as my student from today!"

Shouta nearly choked.

What?!

Where had this come from?!

Even Senju Tobirama, who stood nearby, seemed stunned by his brother's declaration.

"Big brother… you want to take this kid as your disciple?" Tobirama asked, his sharp gaze flickering between Shouta and Madara.

Hashirama grinned, placing a firm hand on Shouta's shoulder. "That's right! If I don't take him now, this old blockhead Madara is going to fill his head with all kinds of nonsense!"

Shouta was speechless.

First Madara, now Hashirama?

Tobirama sighed, rubbing his temples. He had briefly thought his older brother had finally matured, but now it seemed like his childish nature was as strong as ever.

Meanwhile, Madara's face twisted with irritation. "You idiot! If you take him as your student, then that would make me the second master!"

Hashirama smirked. "So what? I was the one who made the village. That means my rank comes first!"

Madara's eyebrow twitched, his Sharingan flickering with suppressed rage. "You damn fool! He already agreed to be my disciple!"

Shouta watched in silent amusement as the two legendary shinobi, the two most powerful warriors of their era, began arguing over who would be his master.

It was honestly ridiculous.

But it was also incredibly beneficial.

If both Madara and Hashirama were fighting over him, that meant he had access to the best of both worlds—the ultimate Uchiha techniques and the legendary Senju arts.

Still, he couldn't resist teasing them just a little.

"Well…" Shouta said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "First Hokage-sama, maybe you can be my master's wife instead?"

The entire room fell silent.

Hashirama blinked.

Tobirama twitched.

And Madara…

The crimson glow of the Mangekyō Sharingan exploded in his eyes as his face turned deep red. The veins in his forehead bulged dangerously. "WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

Shouta took a step back, but he was grinning. "I mean, if Hashirama-sama insists on being my master, then technically, that would make you my master's wife, right?"

"You insolent brat!"

With a flick of his wrist, Madara unleashed Shinra Tensei, sending Shouta flying across the room like a ragdoll.

"Ahhhhhhh—!"

As he tumbled through the air, Shouta couldn't help but laugh. But before he could recover, Hashirama suddenly leaned in close to Madara, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Hey, Madara… why don't you really try using the Sexy Jutsu? You might make a pretty good master's wife!"

"YOU IDIOT!"

Madara didn't hesitate. With another Shinra Tensei, Hashirama was sent flying as well.

Tobirama, watching all of this unfold, simply shook his head. "I should have expected this…"

Off to the side, Uzumaki Mito stood with a steaming pot in her hands, quietly observing the chaos. She sighed, stirring the unknown liquid inside.

"I should be under the tree, not watching over these fools…"