Uchiha Naruto: The Strongest

Chapter 9: Uchiha Madara II

*Two Years & Eight Months Later*

The sun began its ascent over Konoha, casting a golden hue over the village. The Hokage Monument, with the faces of past leaders etched into the rock, caught the first light of dawn, glowing warmly. The rooftops of the village sparkled with morning dew, and a gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the grand trees that lined the streets.

Birds chirped melodiously, welcoming the new day. Below, the villagers started their morning routines, shopkeepers opened their stores, and children with dreams of becoming ninja hurried to the Academy, their laughter echoing through the streets.

Madara perched on a high tree branch, his black eyes scanning the tranquil scene below. His hair, now reaching his waist, framed his face with two shoulder-length bangs and three distinct strands—two shorter ones just above his eyebrows curving inward, and a longer one extending to the bridge of his nose, its tip curving outward slightly.

Standing at 179 cm, he wore a grey high-collared, long-sleeved mantle that split at the lower half, paired with crimson armor plating his chest, waist, shoulders, and thighs. A wide brown fan with a black border and red tomoe adorned his back.

A soft rustle of leaves signaled the arrival of an Anbu, who appeared on a nearby branch. "Hokage-sama demands your presence in his office," the Anbu said flatly.

Madara vanished in a swirl of flames, reappearing instantly in the Hokage's office. Kakashi, Sasuke, and Naori awaited him. Sasuke wore a black cloak over a black shirt and pants, a white belt, and white bandages wrapped up to his knees.

Naori sported a navy-blue, long-sleeved, high-collared zip-up jacket left open, revealing a black shirt adorned with the Uchiha fan and floral patterns. A silver necklace with a small flower charm hung around her neck, and her right wrist jingled with multiple bracelets. She wore black shorts, shinobi sandals, and a pouch on her right hip filled with tools and herbs. A black hitai-ate was tied around her forehead.

Minato and Kakashi sighed in unison. Of the three, only Naori wore her hitai-ate. The others seemed to have forgotten they were shinobi of Konoha.

"Madara! You've grown," Minato greeted with a hint of warmth.

Madara ignored the pleasantry. "Why have I been summoned?" he asked, his tone as calm as ever.

Minato sighed again. "All of the Genin from your year have been training for the past three years. Some are even Chūnin now, while Neji is a Jōnin."

"Your point?" Madara's eyes narrowed slightly, his patience wearing thin.

"I want to evaluate your power, alongside Sasuke, Naori, Menma, Mito, and Sakura," Minato explained, his tone steady.

Madara folded his arms, his gaze unwavering. "When?"

Minato glanced at Kakashi, who considered for a moment. "Seven p.m. today?"

Minato nodded, and Madara's expression remained impassive, not a flicker of emotion crossing his face.

"Is that all?" Madara asked, his voice calm.

Minato shook his head. "At one p.m. there is a council meeting. You must attend as Clan Head."

Madara gave a curt nod. "Naori and Sasuke will come as my guards," he declared, his tone brooking no argument.

Without another word, Madara vanished in a swirl of flames, reappearing on his favorite hill. He hadn't been there in almost three years, and he took a moment to relish the familiar view. He lay back, arms behind his head, gazing up at the sky.

The sudden arrival of Hinata via shunshin broke his reverie. Her eyes widened with surprise upon seeing him.

Madara's eyes met hers, then slowly traveled over her form. Her black hair was styled into a hime-cut, cascading down to her lower back with shoulder-length strands framing her face.