Night of the Clan Massacre: Leading the Uchiha to Defect from Konoha!

Not even his soul—no, not even fragments of his soul could remain.

By the time Kaede reached the place where the space-time gate had been, it was already gone.

"You're good at running, little rat. But opening that rift must have cost you at least a day of your lifespan. I wonder just how many days you have left to live."

Kaede muttered softly.

He had thought about chasing Isshiki immediately, but in the end, he couldn't leave without a word.

He had lived here for more than a month, built bonds with the Uchiha, and shared struggles. He owed them a farewell.

So he returned to the village.

Konoha—though not yet the great village of the future, the outlines had formed, pulsing with life, filled with growth.

"Sensei!"

Madara rushed toward him the moment he sensed Kaede's chakra.

"Madara."

"Lord Kaede!"

"Lord Kaede!"

Clansmen and leaders from other families hurried to gather, eyes filled with awe.

Kaede's face softened. For once, the cold edge faded.

"Yes, Madara, I'm here."

"Sensei… that man, he looked so strong! Who was he?" Madara couldn't hold back.

"That was Ōtsutsuki Isshiki. For you all, he's an enemy you could never hope to defeat. But to me, he's no more than a rat, hiding in the shadows. Once he stood before me, tried to kill me. I beat him back, and in desperation he fled into the past. I chased him here. I had meant to end him, but even gravely wounded he forced another escape. Next time, he won't get that chance."

Madara clenched his fists. "Sensei…"

Kaede's eyes softened as he rested a hand on Madara's shoulder. "Your talent is remarkable. You will grow strong. But your heart is too soft. To lead a village, you must balance mercy and authority. Better to be feared than dismissed. Watch the small men who plot in darkness, Madara—such schemers can undo even the strongest warrior. And remember this—"

His last words were not spoken aloud, but whispered directly into Madara's mind.

Non-uchiha cannot be trusted.

Madara stiffened, the words carving themselves into his heart.

"…Enough. I've said what needed to be said. It's time I left. I must chase Isshiki again."

"Sensei, will I see you again?" Madara asked urgently.

"I do not belong to this time. If you live long enough… or grow strong enough… then yes, we will meet again." Kaede's gaze swept across the clans. "As for all of you—remember my warnings. This peace I forged will fall into chaos once I leave. Survive it if you can."

He turned away. None stopped him. They knew he wasn't meant to stay.

Kaede raised his hand, calling the dragon-vein.

A roar like thunder split the heavens. Purple energy burst skyward, shaking the land, coiling like a dragon in flight. The air itself trembled.

At the peak of its surge, the void split.

The space-time gate shimmered open once more.

Kaede gave one last glance at Konoha—at the village still in its infancy—then stepped into the light.

In the next heartbeat, his presence was gone.

"Sensei… I will keep your rules. I will grow strong. And when we meet again, I will show you just how far I've come. I won't shame your teachings." Madara swore silently.

He turned, addressing the clans with a new weight in his voice. "Enough standing around. The village isn't finished. Back to work!"

In that moment, Madara seemed to shed the last of his boyhood.

The clan heads saw it—this was the birth of a leader. Someday, perhaps the strongest man alive.

"I'll use Mokuton to help. It's perfect for building houses," Hashirama said with his usual grin.

Madara's eyes flicked to him, Kaede's words echoing.

Non-uchiha cannot be trusted.

He buried the thought deep, his heart steeled.

Lightning cracked. The gate opened again—this time far away.

The moon hung full. On the earth below, the divine tree spread.

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki stood before it.

Isshiki, mangled, half his body gone, spilled from the collapsing rift. With a snarl, he lunged toward her.

Kaguya was caught off guard. For a heartbeat, it seemed the strike would land.

But before it could—

A black blade, forged from Gudōdama, pierced Isshiki's chest clean through.

"You—!" Isshiki choked, eyes wide with despair.

His ambush had failed.

(End of Chapter)

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