Uchiha Naruto: The Strongest

Chapter 22: Inner Turmoil

The next day, Mei's camp was a flurry of activity. The early morning light cast long shadows as men hurriedly packed up supplies and dismantled tents, preparing to move back to Kirigakure. The urgency in their movements spoke of the dire need to leave the area as quickly as possible.

Madara stood at the entrance of the camp, his imposing figure accentuated by the remnants of his broken armor. His gaze was steady, scanning the bustling scene before him. Behind him, Sasuke, Naori, Ajisai, and Karin stood in a line, their expressions a mix of resolve and readiness.

Mei, looking visibly exhausted, trailed behind them. Dark circles under her eyes and a weary slump in her shoulders betrayed the toll the recent battles had taken on her. Despite her fatigue, she remained a commanding presence, issuing orders and ensuring her men were prepared for the journey ahead.

The camp buzzed with a sense of urgency as Mei's men continued their preparations. The clatter of metal and the rustle of canvas filled the air, a stark contrast to the stillness that surrounded Madara and his companions.

"Are you okay?" Karin asked, eyeing Mei's exhausted features with concern.

Mei shook her head. "I've been planning our return to Kirigakure all day and night... I haven't even been back to my tent yet..."

Karin chuckled softly, a light, musical tone. "Isn't that better than being in a civil war? At least you can sleep peacefully now."

Mei slowly nodded, her gaze shifting to Madara. "Madara..." she called, though her voice faltered as she struggled to find the right words.

Madara folded his arms, his expression stern. "I do not desire your gratitude, nor your forgiveness. Vent your anger and focus your entirety on restoring Kirigakure."

Mei nodded again, her lips curling into a small, weary smile. That smile quickly faded, replaced by one of anger as tears welled in her eyes. "How dare you?!" she shouted, punching Madara's chest. "Rura was just a kid! Your age, in fact! She thought she was doing the right thing! For you to kill her was so cruel, but to even give her hope before doing so? Despite our begging?"

"She should have recognized her death as a possible outcome," Madara replied bluntly.

Mei frantically shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "She did! She did, Madara! But she's not like you! She was a normal girl, affected by the state of the world around her! She... she..." Mei fell to the ground, her emotions and exhaustion overwhelming her.

Madara turned back to his companions, his expression unchanged. "We are leaving. It is time we avenge the Uchiha Clan."

Naori slowly nodded, her somber eyes still watching Mei sob relentlessly on the ground. "Madara... why would you do that for her? You're the last person I'd expect to allow someone to vent."

"I do not care about how she feels," Madara clarified, his tone icy. "It is simply beneficial to rid her mind of such irrelevant thoughts as she restores Kirigakure."

Naori nodded, her brow furrowing. "And that's even stranger. You destroyed Suna and Iwa without a second thought, but you want Kiri to be repaired? Why?"

"The power-hungry are dead, and it is not yet time to cleanse the filth," Madara answered cryptically, his eyes glinting with a hidden resolve.

Before anyone could respond, Madara turned and began walking, Ajisai trailing close behind. The journey ahead, not just to Itachi, would be a long one, but Ajisai's curiosity about Madara's actions kept her pace steady and determined.

As they walked away, one of Mei's men cautiously approached her, his hand trembling as he placed it on her shoulder. "Mei-sama, there's an... interesting case in your tent," he reported.