Inside the Hokage Tower, Nara Shikaku was fully absorbed in handling Konoha's administrative affairs.
For the past two years, all routine matters of the village had been managed almost entirely by him.
After two years of peaceful rebuilding, Konoha wasn't just restored — it was thriving.
Mission requests surged, incomes for shinobi rose, and public order reached unprecedented harmony.
Almost no one dared commit a crime anymore.
A rare era of genuine peace.
It was a complete contrast to the time when the Third Hokage had been in power.
Although gratifying, the workload frequently exhausted Shikaku.
At this point, he felt like he was practically running the village himself.
Only major decisions required the presence of Uchiha Fugaku, Hyūga Hiashi, and Lady Tsunade.
Everything else normally passed through him.
Maybe the Third Hokage's fear of the Uchiha seizing power had been misplaced.
Fugaku had never shown the slightest interest in competing for political authority.
Even regarding major issues, he merely joined the other two advisors to make decisions collectively.
As for Lady Tsunade…
Shikaku sighed helplessly.
She was taking leave again — which likely meant only one thing:
she was pregnant.
He couldn't help but give a wry smile.
That man from the Uchiha clan… he's truly something.
To completely win over Konoha's Princess…
Considering Tsunade's explosive temper back then, barely anyone dared provoke her.
And now, she was already carrying her second child.
For a woman to willingly have two children with a man — that itself said everything.
Just as Shikaku was lost in thought, a staff member came to notify him:
"Elder Shikaku, Darui—the envoy from the Hidden Cloud—requests an audience."
Shikaku frowned slightly.
Darui?
What was he doing here?
The Cloud had been defeated by the Uchiha two years ago, forced to pay reparations that nearly shook the foundation of their village.
"Let him in."
Though puzzled, he wasn't worried.
Even though Uchiha Ryosuke had been missing from public sight for two years, Cloud shouldn't have forgotten the beating they suffered at his hands.
Even without him, Konoha was now strong enough — in manpower, resources, and unity — to crush the Cloud if needed.
Led by a staff member, Darui entered the Hokage's office.
The man with the braided ponytail bowed respectfully.
"I am Darui from the Hidden Cloud. I bring urgent news and request an audience with the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade."
Due to their previous defeat, the Cloud had withdrawn all spies from Konoha.
They didn't dare probe for information anymore.
If Konoha got angry over espionage again, Cloud might face total ruin.
Thus, Darui had no idea Tsunade was currently on leave.
Shikaku responded calmly:
"I am Nara Shikaku, Elder Advisor of Konoha. You may speak to me directly."
"Lady Tsunade is unavailable to receive guests."
Darui had no choice but to explain his mission.
This era was different now.
In the past, Tsunade had to appear for matters involving the Cloud.
But Cloud no longer had the status or leverage they once wielded.
"Very well," Darui said.
"A few days ago, the rogue Uchiha Madara from your village attacked Cloud's Jinchūriki, Killer Bee, and abducted him."
"The Fourth Raikage sent me to ask if Konoha possesses any information regarding Uchiha Madara."
Shikaku, who had been calm until now, froze.
"What is Cloud implying? Uchiha Madara died long ago, defeated by Lord Hashirama. This is common knowledge."
"Surely your village is mistaken."
It sounded absurd.
Madara lived decades ago. Even if he hadn't died, he would now be ancient — certainly incapable of overpowering the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki.
Was Cloud trying to fabricate an excuse to target Konoha again?
Darui quickly presented evidence:
"There is no mistake. The attacker wore black robes and a white mask, and unleashed overwhelmingly powerful Fire Release jutsu. He also manifested a Susanoo identical to the one recorded in Madara's era."
"It was enormous — far larger than the Tailed Beasts themselves."
"No one else in the shinobi world can manifest a Susanoo of that size."
"Killer Bee himself sent a distress message before fleeing, identifying the attacker as Uchiha Madara."
Shikaku's head throbbed.
Cloud seemed absolutely certain.
A Susanoo bigger than the Tailed Beasts…
He had seen Ryosuke Uchiha's own Susanoo — powerful, but not quite larger than a bijū.
A chilling possibility crept into him.
Could Madara truly be alive?
If such a terrifying figure had found a way to extend his life, it wasn't impossible.
And if true… this was a crisis of the highest order.
Madara still being alive would be a massive threat to Konoha.
If he attacked the village again — without Hashirama — Shikaku couldn't imagine what would happen.
The battle between Hashirama and Madara, as his father had described, was like a natural disaster — mountains collapsing, earth shattering.
But now… they had Uchiha Ryosuke.
He had personally witnessed Ryosuke crush the Third Hokage and Danzo like a parent disciplining unruly children — overwhelming strength, far beyond their level.
A monster capable of destroying an entire village in a single strike.
If anyone could handle Uchiha Madara, it would be him.
But that didn't mean the Konoha leadership could sit idle.
Preparations had to be made.
He needed to immediately summon the other decision-makers:
Hyūga Hiashi, Uchiha Fugaku, and Lady Tsunade — pregnant or not.
Darui saw Shikaku fall silent again and asked:
"Can we request Konoha's aid? This concerns Uchiha Madara. Surely Konoha must have an opinion on the matter."
Shikaku replied:
"I cannot make that decision alone."
"This matter is too grave. Konoha's leadership must assemble and discuss it."
"Please rest in the guest room for now. Once we have reached a decision, you will be informed."
Darui nodded reluctantly.
A matter involving Uchiha Madara naturally required extensive deliberation.
He had no choice but to withdraw.
The full story is available on Patreon! NOW AT ~35% OFF!
patreon.com/Zefyrus