Uchiha Madara's fingers rested on his arm, tapping his bicep rhythmically, while his eyes stared directly at Uchiha Itachi. Uchiha Itachi likewise stared directly back at Uchiha Madara.
At this moment, he absolutely could not show any fear. A tense atmosphere continued to grow between the two of them. Even Ryun now felt nervous for Uchiha Itachi.
Although Ryun was also unhappy that his daughter had been taken away, he never thought about taking Uchiha Itachi's life.
After all, after training him for so many years, teaching him like his own son, he had developed feelings for him. Moreover, the current Uchiha Itachi was different from the one in the original story.
As the original plot progressed, everyone would come to respect his perspective, calling him 'Itachi-sama'. Some also felt it would be better if Uchiha Itachi were a bit more selfish; that way the Uchiha clan wouldn't be destroyed.
Having been taught by Ryun for so many years, Uchiha Itachi was now able to make choices between selfishness and selflessness.
As for other aspects like ninjutsu, appearance, and character, he was outstanding in every way, ranking among the top three of Konoha's new generation. Most importantly, Uchiha Ju was deeply in love with Uchiha Itachi.
His daughter's choice played a huge role here, making Ryun give up on further obstructing the two of them. He chose not to interfere. If they ended up together in the end, then Uchiha Itachi would be lucky.
If they didn't end up together, he could still protect Uchiha Ju from harm. At worst, he, her father, could support her for life.
'My daughter, Uchiha Ryun's daughter, can do whatever she wants, can do as she pleases!'
Suddenly thinking of this, Ryun's lips curled into a smile. Uchiha Madara clicked his tongue. He looked at Ryun, his expression strange. 'We're here to seek justice for your little Rou'er. Why are you looking so happy?'
Uchiha Madara shook his head and ignored him. His gaze fixed on Uchiha Itachi.
"You are Uchiha Itachi. I remember you. You're Fugaku's child, right?" Uchiha Madara scrutinized Uchiha Itachi. Uchiha Itachi nodded. This wasn't a secret. It wasn't surprising for a figure like this, akin to the founding ancestor of the Uchiha clan, to know.
"You are the future clan head of the Uchiha clan. If Rou Rou cannot bear you a son, what will you do?" Uchiha Madara's eyes were now as sharp as an eagle's. He knew Uchiha Itachi was the heir of the main clan line.
He would definitely inherit the position of Uchiha clan head in the future. If he had no heir, then the clan head's authority would be passed to another line. There were many records of Uchiha clan heads taking multiple wives and concubines, just to ensure a male heir and secure their own line's power permanently.
This included the past Uchiha Tajima, who had seven or eight children before finally having Uchiha Madara, ensuring the stability of his clan head line. However, the current Uchiha Ju was clearly the great-great-granddaughter of Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju. They could not accept their future great-great-grandson-in-law having multiple wives and concubines!
Therefore, he posed this very realistic question. Now, even Hashirama Senju seriously observed Uchiha Itachi's expression. Uchiha Itachi smiled. He thought it was a difficult question.
Then he spoke. "If such a day really comes, seniors need not worry. After all, the main clan line doesn't only have me, Uchiha Itachi. There is also my younger brother."
In pursuit of his own happiness, Uchiha Itachi directly shifted the burden to Uchiha Sasuke. Poor Sasuke didn't know his brother had just planted a huge landmine for him.
Uchiha Madara raised an eyebrow. He looked at Uchiha Itachi with a smile. This kid was clever. But this was also a solution. He nodded. "Since that's the case, I'm done. It's their turn now. Remember, kid, if you ever dare treat Rou Rou badly in the future, I, your great-grandfather, will settle accounts with you."
Uchiha Izuna, hearing this, nodded. "Although you are a genius and very strong, you are still more than a step behind my elder brother!"
Uchiha Itachi nodded, simultaneously feeling relieved in his heart. The most difficult one, Uchiha Madara, was dealt with. He believed he could definitely pass the others!
Hashirama Senju remained silent. He glanced at Uchiha Madara. Uchiha Madara looked back at him and nodded. Hashirama Senju was overjoyed. He spoke. "Since you are to be with Rou Rou in the future, strength is also a crucial part."
"Like this, I will use half of my power. As long as you can hold out against me for two hours, I will also have no objection to this matter!" Hashirama Senju chuckled.
Uchiha Itachi took a sharp breath. He looked at Hashirama Senju with disbelief.
He never expected the God of Shinobi, the First Hokage, would take the opportunity to bully a junior??? However, Uchiha Itachi thought it over and then nodded. After all, Hashirama Senju wasn't wrong. As Uchiha Ju's future husband.
He must possess powerful combat strength to reassure the elders present here to entrust Rou Rou to him! In other words, this battle was unavoidable for him!
"Good! When does the First Hokage intend to have this match?" Uchiha Itachi looked at Hashirama Senju, battle intent rising in his eyes. This made Ryun's mouth twitch. He looked at Hashirama Senju. 'You, old man, are simply bullying the young!'
What half his power? Hashirama Senju's half power was enough to overpower four nations! Using that level of power to fight a 14-year-old boy! How shameless.
Ryun now began to feel protective. Although he also felt displeased with Uchiha Itachi, in the end, this was his future son-in-law. He could bully him himself, but others, no!
"I say, Lord Hashirama, isn't this bullying? If you want a match, how about you fight me? Uchiha Itachi is only 14!" Ryun could no longer hold back. He spoke out.
Hashirama Senju looked at him, then remained silent, instead staring directly at Uchiha Itachi.
Uchiha Itachi felt grateful to Ryun, knowing he wanted to brush this matter aside, make a big deal out of it but then let it go lightly!
But Uchiha Itachi, having undergone this great change, with Uchiha Ju exhausting her body for him, developed a craving for power.
Uchiha Itachi first looked at Ryun and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, father-in-law, for speaking up for me. However, this battle cannot be avoided. At this moment, my identity is Rou Rou's future husband. This battle is not for me, but fought for Rou Rou!"
"Therefore, I ask for father-in-law's understanding. This battle, I am determined to win!" Uchiha Itachi's words were resolute and forceful. He looked at Ryun, his expression firm.
Ryun rolled his eyes. "Don't call me that randomly! Brat, when did I ever acknowledge you as my son-in-law! Rou Rou is only eight years old now, don't even think about it. As for the future, who can say for sure!"
Ryun was so angry he seemed to blow his beard and stare. But in his heart, he felt comforted. Because Uchiha Itachi actively accepting this battle made him understand that Uchiha Itachi now possessed the heart of a strong individual.
On the path of cultivation, talent was important, but effort was indispensable. Uchiha Itachi had now found his own path: protection, protecting Uchiha Ju.
This would become his belief and determination on his cultivation path. This would gradually make him stronger!
Uchiha Madara laughed heartily. "Hahahahaha! Ryun, do you think I don't know how happy you are in your heart right now?" He looked at Ryun with teasing in his eyes.
Ryun snorted coldly and did not reply. Uchiha Izuna, however, took a deep look at Uchiha Itachi, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth. He wasn't as bold as his brother, but hearing Uchiha Itachi's determination made him feel happy.
It seems Rou Rou didn't misjudge the person! Uchiha Izuna thought to himself. Hashirama Senju also looked at Uchiha Itachi with an appreciative gaze. This little fellow certainly had courage!
"Since that's the case, then there's no time to lose! Let's set off now!" Hashirama Senju said, then dashed towards the Konoha training grounds. Ryun clicked his tongue, then spoke. "Everyone, place your hands on me."
After he finished, everyone complied. The next moment, the stars shifted and the dipper turned. Several people arrived at the training grounds. This training ground was Ryun's personal training ground. The walls here could not be marked by anyone below Kage level.
Now, everyone looked around and found these stones covered with various scratches, traces of ninjutsu and taijutsu!
Hashirama also arrived on the scene through sensing. He looked around and spoke. "This place is good! I feel that even if Madara and I fought here with full power, there wouldn't be a problem!"
Uchiha Madara nodded. Such a training place could be called luxurious. It allowed maximum use of one's ninjutsu and taijutsu, thereby identifying shortcomings and continuously improving.
Ryun glanced at the two of them, then walked in front of Uchiha Itachi. He summoned the Blazing Flame Fan, then used an incantation to transform it into the Chixiao Sword.
"The power gap between you and Hashirama Senju is too great. Therefore, I lend you this sword. It might have an unexpected effect later." After speaking, he flashed to a stone nearby.
He sat with his legs crossed, quietly observing everything.
The others, seeing Ryun's action, also quickly distanced themselves from the central area, giving Uchiha Itachi and Hashirama Senju a sufficiently large arena to display their skills.
Uchiha Itachi held the Chixiao Sword, standing with his hands behind his back. He could feel that the Chixiao Sword in his hand now was definitely no ordinary item.
Because when he gripped the Chixiao Sword, he clearly sensed the sword's will.
Hashirama Senju glanced at Ryun, his mouth twitching. This guy always opposed him! Originally, Hashirama Senju could have defeated Uchiha Itachi one hundred percent.
But now, because of the Chixiao Sword, he couldn't help but become solemn. Because Hashirama Senju felt a life-threatening danger from that sword.
This was a weapon rivaling a divine tool. If he wasn't careful, he might really falter here!
"Junior Uchiha Itachi, asks senior for guidance!" After speaking, he twirled the sword elegantly, then prepared to strike.
Hashirama Senju nodded. As a strong individual, and the top among the previous generation of strong individuals.
He still had the qualification to let Uchiha Itachi make the first move.
"You make your move. I can assess your strength and provide you with one-on-one guidance." Hashirama Senju said with a smile.