Chapter 299: Next Time We Fight
The moment Uchiha Dali's replication clones appeared, more than thirty of them simultaneously released their chakra.
In an instant, they formed a mighty aura that soared to the heavens.
This was an unprecedented power. Even far away, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others, who were fleeing for their lives, sensed this chakra at the very first moment.
At first, everyone was shocked, but soon they confirmed that it was indeed Uchiha Dali's chakra aura, and they immediately broke into cheers.
"This seems like… like the Fourth Hokage-sama's chakra?!"
"So strong! At least dozens of times stronger than before—what's going on?!"
"No idea, maybe the Fourth Hokage-sama encountered some opportunity in another dimension that gave him a massive boost in strength?"
"The Fourth Hokage-sama is back, this is great! The enemy is doomed!"
"..."
The surrounding shinobi erupted into celebration.
But at that moment, Senju Hashirama couldn't help but furrow his brows, muttering to himself in puzzlement: "Strange…"
"What's wrong, First Hokage-sama?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen turned toward him curiously at his words.
The others also quieted down, all looking at Senju Hashirama with curiosity.
"Grandfather, what's wrong?"
Tsunade also couldn't help but ask.
Hashirama shook his head. "Nothing serious, just… strange. The chakra I sense is indeed identical, but it seems to be coming from dozens of different sources…"
"Dozens…"
"Sources?"
All the shinobi grew even more astonished.
After all, the one speaking was none other than the God of Shinobi—Senju Hashirama, the revered First Hokage.
In terms of power and perception, there was no doubt none of them could compare with him.
At this time, Yamanaka Inoichi confirmed the same.
He added, "First Hokage-sama, your judgment is correct. It's not just the Fourth Hokage-sama's presence—there are thirty-five more identical chakra auras!"
"As for the other two, they are Uchiha Madara and Ōtsutsuki Isshiki."
"Truly strange…"
As he spoke, Yamanaka Inoichi wore a puzzled expression as well.
The chakra signatures were all the same, their characteristics completely identical, and the amounts were just as vast.
Yet there were thirty-five separate auras, each independently existing.
This was something baffling, unheard of, and unseen before.
"Could it be his Multiple Shadow Clones?"
Uchiha Obito asked curiously.
"Impossible, not shadow clones."
Hashirama immediately denied that guess. "Shadow clones split the original's chakra. The more clones are made, the greater the amount siphoned away from the body."
"But right now, the chakra I sense from Uchiha Dali is even greater than mine. This doesn't seem like a case of using shadow clones, unless…"
As he spoke, Hashirama thought of a terrifying possibility.
At this moment, Kakashi spoke up beside him: "Unless the Fourth Hokage-sama's total chakra reserves have already far surpassed the First Hokage-sama's."
"So even after splitting into so many clones, each one still possesses chakra reserves exceeding the First Hokage-sama's."
Kakashi's words were chilling. Upon hearing them, everyone's expressions immediately turned to utter shock.
Instinctively, all eyes fell on Senju Hashirama.
Hashirama clearly had his own view of this assessment. Stroking his chin, he thought for a moment. "In any case, the situation is clear—each of Uchiha Dali's clones has chakra reserves nearly equal to Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's."
"In fact, he even surpasses him slightly. Now it's thirty-six against one. If we count Madara, our chances of victory are limitless."
What he didn't know was that Uchiha Madara had already struck a deal with Ōtsutsuki Isshiki. The two were preparing to join forces against Uchiha Dali.
So he naturally assumed Madara would help.
At this time, Yamanaka Inoichi hesitated. "First Hokage-sama, there's something I haven't had the chance to tell everyone yet…"
"What is it?"
All eyes immediately turned to him.
Yamanaka Inoichi then shared what he had heard earlier through his sensory link.
By channeling Hashirama's chakra, he had expanded his perception across the entire shinobi world, even piercing the dimensional barrier to converse with Uchiha Dali.
Thus, he was naturally aware of every corner of the shinobi world.
The conversation where Uchiha Madara and Ōtsutsuki Isshiki agreed to join forces against Uchiha Dali—he had heard every word of it.
Now, as Yamanaka Inoichi described the situation, the other shinobi's expressions instantly turned grim.
Hashirama's face grew stern as well.
"It seems Madara has once again betrayed our friendship," he said solemnly after a moment.
"First Hokage-sama, this isn't the first time Madara has betrayed us," Sarutobi Hiruzen reminded him.
Tsunade followed with her own words of comfort. "Strictly speaking, Uchiha Madara has always been our enemy. He only stood by our side temporarily out of convenience. Now that he's betrayed us again, it's nothing unusual."
"You don't need to blame yourself too much, Grandfather."
The others also echoed Tsunade, comforting Hashirama one after another.
Hearing his granddaughter and everyone's reassurances, Hashirama scratched his head awkwardly with a laugh. "Guess I was too quick to trust that guy Madara. But, well, now I finally understand what kind of person Uchiha Dali really is."
"You're right. He truly is a Hokage worthy of trust."
"Next, it's up to him to show us."
Previously, Hashirama had doubted Uchiha Dali's ability.
After all, he had never seen him fight, nor did he know what his true level was.
But now, the heavy stone in his heart had finally lifted, because the chakra he sensed proved Uchiha Dali's power far surpassed his own.
A single aura rivaled the current Uchiha Madara and Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.
And there were thirty-six such auras.
No matter how one looked at it, Isshiki and Madara had no chance of victory.
In the distance, Ōtsutsuki Isshiki and Uchiha Madara clearly understood this themselves.
After exchanging a brief glance, Isshiki said directly: "Looks like today isn't the right time to fight."
"Let's go, Madara."
Without hesitation, he activated Yomotsu Hirasaka. A spatial gate opened, and Isshiki slipped through without a second thought.
Though Madara felt unwilling, facing thirty-six opponents each equal to or stronger than himself, he naturally dared not claim he had the power to resist.
Seeing Isshiki make his escape, he didn't hesitate and followed in after him.
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