Somewhere in the land of Earth, a strange anthracite-black blot slid between large blocks of rock and plunged effortlessly into the stone, after a few minutes of movement, finding itself in a huge cave of apparent natural formation, through which a small stream gurgled and from above, through several vertical tunnels in the thickness of the stone, rays of light penetrated.
Traces of human intervention were visible not only in the creation of lighting - someone had adapted part of the huge space for a rough semblance of housing. But for the first-time observer, all this was lost from sight against the background of a huge statue of an ugly creature, set in the very center, which literally reeked of power and alienness.
And at its very base sat an ancient old man, looking more like a mummy than a living man. The tubes leading from his back to the statue only added to this impression.
However, ignoring all this, the black creature confidently slid straight towards him, taking the form of a human, albeit a monochrome one, on the way, giving the impression that this was not the first visit.
- You...," the ancient shinobi staggered as the visitor approached him.
- Madara," the creature greeted with a nod.
- You bring news," the aged voice crackled, but the activated sharingan looked firm despite the pitiful state of its owner, "or else you wouldn't have shown up here.
- The flywheel of a new war has begun to spin, and very soon, the world will once again burst into flames of another war," the black man shrugged, "and it will be time to begin the first steps of preparation for the execution of the Plan.
- Another conflict in which people will slaughter each other because of the greed and avarice of their rulers," the former head of the shinobi world sighed heavily, "it was like that hundreds of years ago, and it will be like that in the future if nothing is done.
- Yes, yes, I've heard it all many times before," the only listener said dismissively, "but you're just not in the right state of mind to do anything about it right now.
- I don't have much left, even with Gedo Mazo's support," the old man agreed, "find me a suitable pawn to take over the scene preparation while I'm gone.
- That won't be much of a problem now," the guest chuckled mockingly, "the Uchiha police are now recruiting most of their personnel from other clans and clanless ninjas, and the released fighters are now being sent out on missions, and most of them will definitely be involved in the fighting.
- Hashirama's minions allowed this? - The former head of the clan of dojutsu wielders raised his eyebrows in surprise. - They were so afraid of strengthening the Uchiha in war that they preferred to keep most of them on a short leash in the village like chain dogs on a leash!
- Ha, Sarutobi was ousted and the Leaf now has a new Hokage, seated on the throne by the combined efforts of most of the clans, including Senju and the Uchiha," the unknown being obviously enjoyed throwing his conversationalist off balance.
- Teaming up with Senju to put a neutral person in power? Haha, Hashirama's followers were able to get everyone that badly! - The ancient shinobi shook his head, covering his eyes for a moment. - The amazing thing is that the blind men have seen through, but it still won't change anything, the Plan must be fulfilled.
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