Chapter 42 (Combined with Bonus Chapter)...

The prototype of Konoha Village unfolded on the once barren plains.

The foundations were laid, and the simple houses began to take shape, vaguely resembling a future village. However, most of the scene was still a busy construction site with scattered tents. The air was filled with a mixture of dust and hope.

A figure, invisible to ordinary people, drifted silently across this nascent land.

Looking at the village that was beginning to take shape, Kaori's feelings were complex and hard to describe.

She witnessed firsthand how Madara and the Senju clans went from being mortal enemies to becoming allies, and now they've invited other ninja clans, large and small, to join them.

Families that once faced each other in a life-or-death struggle on the battlefield are now able to coexist peacefully on the same land for the same goal.

Yes, barely.

She could see the lingering distance and wariness between the Uchiha and Senju clansmen, each clearly defining their own territory, their interactions tinged with a barely perceptible stiffness. Minor clashes were frequent, and the glaring Sharingan and the silent battle of chakra were not uncommon.

but.

Kaori floated to a spot next to two Uchiha and Senju ninjas who were working together to move a giant log. Though silent and withdrawn, they worked in perfect unison, placing the log securely in its place. There was no underhanded attack, no murderous glare; their goal was the same—to build the village.

This scene stirred up an indescribable feeling in Kaori's heart. A mix of bittersweetness, relief, and bewilderment.

She didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

Can former enemies truly enjoy lasting peace under one roof? Is the path Madara is pursuing a path leading to light or an even greater abyss?

but......

Looking at those young faces, whether they were Uchiha, Senju, or children from other newly joined clans, they no longer had to go to the battlefield at a young age like her children, living a life of constant uncertainty... Being able to avoid death, at least for now, meant not having to face death all the time... This should be considered a good thing, right?

Her ethereal figure swayed gently in the wind, letting out a long sigh that only she could hear.

***

During a break from his official duties, Madara Uchiha privately met with Hashirama Senju. He succinctly explained how Mikatsu had brought back the One-Tailed Beast and his plans regarding the other tailed beasts.

"Tailed Beasts?" Hashirama Senju sat cross-legged on a large rock, scratched his head, and a look of sudden realization appeared on his face. "Oh! You mean that legend! I remember the old man mentioned it... saying they were very powerful creatures!"

He had been so focused on forming alliances and building the village that he hadn't even thought about this. But after Madara mentioned it, he immediately became interested, his eyes lighting up. "That's right! There are such things! Wouldn't it be amazing if we could get them to help protect the village?! Madara! We—"

He was itching to get started, excitedly envisioning the grand adventure he would embark on with Madara to "invite" the Tailed Beasts.

Then Madara Uchiha poured cold water on him without any mercy: "Yan Sheng and I will handle it."

His tone left no room for argument: "You stay here and handle the village affairs well. We can't do without you in this initial stage."

Madara knew very well that if Hashirama went along, it would most likely turn into a strange situation like, "Ah, the Tailed Beast is so powerful!" "Let's be friends with it!" Not only would it be inefficient, but it might also create unnecessary complications.

Moreover, the village does indeed need him to oversee and handle countless complex matters.

"Eh—?!" Hashirama Senju instantly slumped down like a iris exposed to the scorching sun, his entire body visibly weakening, even his frizzy black hair seemed to droop a bit.

He looked at Madara with a pitiful expression, muttering to himself, "Why is it like this... I also want to go catch tailed beasts with Madara... Sitting in the office reviewing documents is so boring... Tobirama keeps nagging me... I want to go on an adventure too..."

As he grumbled, a few small, grayish mushrooms popped up from his clothes on his shoulder, vividly illustrating his current mood of "it's so dark and damp that mushrooms are growing there."

Madara Uchiha looked at his pathetic state, a vein throbbing on his forehead, and said speechlessly, "Can't you get rid of this gloomy habit?" He always pulls this stunt, and Madara actually does have a bit of a... habitual urge to kick him.

After speaking with Hashirama, Madara Uchiha returned home.

Looking at the mountain of scrolls piled on the table: matters concerning clan affairs adjustments, resource allocation agreements with other ninja clans, preliminary plans for the village's defense system, communication documents with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, and so on—he rubbed his temples.

Although he told Yan Sheng that it would only take two days, he knew very well that two days was simply not enough to properly handle these urgent and important tasks.

He can't just leave a mess behind and walk away.

As a result, for the next few days, the Uchiha clan chief's study was often kept brightly lit all night.

Ban Gaosu handles all matters, prioritizing the most urgent ones. For matters requiring lengthy consultation or execution, he assigns them in detail to trusted elders or subordinates, and stipulates reporting cycles.

—Of course, it wasn't to report to him. He was on a long trip and most likely wouldn't be back for a while, so all the clan affairs were left to Izuna.

Even so, by the time he had arranged everything to the point where he could barely leave for a few days, it was already five days later.

On the morning of the fifth day, Ban found Yan Sheng, who had been waiting for a long time and whose aura was growing colder day by day.

Let's go.

***

Ban and Yan Sheng sped through the forest, foothills, and riverbanks.

The journey wasn't always a rush.

Occasionally, they would find a water source to rest, replenish their water supply, and catch some fish and shrimp to cook and eat. Ban would take out the ration pills he carried with him and share them with Yan Sheng, but Yan Sheng would usually just accept them and rarely take them immediately, seemingly preferring to get energy from the limited food available.

Ban also noticed that Yan Sheng rarely truly relaxed when he rested. He would either wipe his sword or close his eyes to concentrate, and if it was night, a faint moonlight could be seen flowing around him.

Yan Sheng's sleep was also very light and short, as if an hourglass was constantly urging him on.

Ban noticed more than once that after determining the direction of travel, Yan Sheng would unconsciously quicken his pace, and would even occasionally walk ahead. When encountering rivers or canyons that required detours, his barely perceptible furrowing of the brow and the way he measured the distance revealed a hidden urgency.

“There’s no need to rush like this.” During a nighttime rest, Madara added a piece of firewood to the fire and spoke casually, “The trail of a tailed beast cannot be located in a short time. Maintaining our condition is more important.” His dark eyes looked at Yan Sheng in the flickering firelight, with a look of inquiry.

Yan Sheng paused for a moment while poking at the fire, then resumed his normal movements. He didn't look at Ban, but simply gave a faint "hmm" in response. However, the deliberate slowing of his pace on the short stretch of road that followed only made his earlier eagerness seem more genuine.

Ban kept this unusual occurrence in mind, but didn't immediately investigate further. His younger brother had never been without secrets.

***

The tailed beasts are elusive, possess diverse abilities, and their journeys are fraught with unpredictability.

When they captured the Two-Tailed Beast, the two followed ancient records and scattered rumors to a canyon that was perpetually filled with ominous ghostly flames.

The Two-Tails is extremely fast, controls blue flames, is cunning, and is good at hiding and ambushing.

Yan Sheng's Moon Breathing range attack effectively blocked its escape route, while Madara's Sharingan accurately predicted its every attack.

In the end, the two of them used only illusion, ninjutsu and swordsmanship to corner the giant blue cat, and Yan Sheng completed the contract to suppress it.

The three-tailed creature resembles a giant turtle and hides deep within a lake.

Locating its exact location took considerable time. Madara used Fire Release: Steam to scorch the lake surface, forcing it to reveal itself. The Three-Tails possessed formidable defense, but its movements were relatively slow.

Its chakra cannons were incredibly powerful, yet they struggled to hit the two brothers who were moving at high speed. Yan Sheng's first attempt to cut through their thick shell was unsuccessful, so he switched to attacking their relatively softer parts through gaps in the shell.

Madara then unleashed a powerful punch from Susanoo, leaving the Three-Tails disoriented. Finally, as the Three-Tails attempted to retreat into its shell, Madara forcibly disrupted its mind with Mangekyou Sharingan genjutsu, allowing Michikatsu to seize the opportunity and form a contract with it.

The Four-Tails lives in a lava mountain range and can manipulate magma. The environment is extremely favorable to it.

The battle was extremely intense, with lava pouring down like a torrential downpour. Yan Sheng's breathing technique was slightly affected by the high temperature, but his swordsmanship remained sharp, continuously slicing through the giant lava fist.

Madara displayed overwhelming power, his Susanoo rising from the ground and forcefully splitting open the lava river, pressing down on the Four-Tails so that it couldn't get up.

With absolute power and exquisite coordination, the Four-Tails was also forcibly bound to a contract.

The Five-Tails is a tailed beast that combines the characteristics of a dolphin and a horse, possessing extreme speed, monstrous strength, and the ability to boil.

The chase became the main theme. It galloped across the open fields at incredible speed, using ramming and steam attacks to escape its pursuers.

For the first time, Yan Sheng encountered a worthy opponent, who dodged the ranged attack of Moon Breathing.

Madara used the Sharingan's perception to predict its running trajectory and created obstacles with a large-scale Earth Release technique to restrict its range of movement.

In the end, during a fierce clash, Yan Sheng deflected Mu Wang's charge with his exquisite swordsmanship, and Madara's Susanoo arm descended from the sky, slamming him into the ground, thus completing the contract.

It took quite a bit of effort to find the Six-Tails, a slimy slug-tailed beast skilled in Lava Release and stealth.

It hides in damp caves and swamps, and can create small clones. The battle environment is unpleasant. Yan Sheng's sword is only moderately effective at cutting through the slime, while Madara's fire and wind release techniques effectively evaporate a large amount of the acidic slime.

After a difficult battle, Madara used his powerful chakra perception to lock onto his true form. Yan Sheng used a wide-range Moon Breathing technique to clear the area, eliminating a large number of clones before completing the contract.

The Seven-Tails excels at flying, and aerial chases take up most of the time.

Madara's Susanoo, capable of flight, became the main force. Meanwhile, Kokusatsu provided long-range interference from the ground with his crescent-shaped slashes.

The Seven-Tails was exceptionally agile, and its scales could interfere with sight and perception. The battle lasted for a considerable time, until Madara finally forced out its true form with a wide-ranging ninjutsu. Yan Sheng seized the moment when it dodged and struck it down with a super-fast thrusting sword technique. Madara followed up to complete the contract.

The Eight-Tails is a tailed beast with only octopus tentacles and a bull's head. It is extremely powerful, possesses immense strength, and is highly intelligent. Its fighting style is wild and cunning.

This battle was the toughest one yet. Madara used his complete Susanoo, and Kokushibo also brought his Moon Breathing and chakra fusion to its limit, with the cold moon blade clashing with the violent lightning release.

The Eight-Tails even tried to exploit the weakness of Yan Sheng, who was fast but relatively weak, to launch a fierce attack, but was forcibly stopped by Madara.

In the end, under the combined and relentless attack of the two brothers, the Eight-Tails was exhausted and subdued, and Madara personally completed this difficult contract.

The ultimate goal is to defeat the most powerful of the tailed beasts.

They found the Nine-Tailed Fox deep in a vast forest.

The Nine-Tails' malice was equal to its power; its roar alone caused an earthquake.

It recognized the aura on Madara that resembled Indra's and became even more ferocious. The battle was earth-shattering; the clash between the Perfect Susanoo and Kurama shook the mountains, and the explosion of the Tailed Beast Ball illuminated the night sky.

Yan Sheng's swordsmanship at this time served more as a means of restraint and precise strikes, constantly seeking opportunities to weaken the Nine-Tailed Fox's defense.

Madara bore the brunt of the pressure. The battle lasted a full day and night, turning the entire forest into scorched earth. In the end, faced with Madara's overwhelming eye power, even the strongest tailed beast, Kurama, had to let out a defiant roar and was forcibly bound to a contract.

After ten months, they finally captured all the tailed beasts.

The return journey was even more silent than the way there.

Yan Sheng's aura grew increasingly cold and silent, as if all his emotions had been exhausted during the continuous hunt.

But Ban keenly sensed that beneath this silence lay not relaxation, but a tension akin to being "ready."

It was as if his eagerness to collect the tailed beasts was to fulfill some prerequisite.

Looking at her younger brother beside her, his dark eyes were gazing ahead, but his focus seemed to be on something extremely far away.

That inexplicable urgency has never disappeared; on the contrary, it has become even clearer now.

Ban's doubts grew stronger.

Yan Sheng, what are you searching for? And why are you in such a hurry?

***

The dust has settled after a long journey and a series of battles.

The silence that had built up over the entire journey finally reached its peak, and Madara Uchiha finally voiced the question that had been weighing on his mind all the way, not far from the clan's territory:

"Yan Sheng, those sword techniques you displayed earlier," he paused, his gaze sweeping over the sword at his brother's waist, "formed their own system, completely unlike the Uchiha style or any other school I know. Where did you learn them?"

Yan Sheng didn't stop walking, and even the curve of his profile didn't change, as if he had expected this question. And indeed it was, but he didn't expect Ban to wait until now to ask.

That's why he didn't want to travel with Ban.

But since I've already been asked, there's no point in hiding it.

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze calmly meeting the stare: "If I told you that this was something that existed in my mind from the moment I was born, would you believe me?"

When Yan Sheng said this, he didn't expect Madara to believe him. The claim was too outlandish; Madara certainly wouldn't believe it. He was prepared for Madara to press him even harder.

However, to his surprise, Madara did not refute or question it, but instead fell into a brief moment of contemplation. His handsome brows furrowed slightly, and a thoughtful light flashed in his eyes. He actually followed this line of thought and pondered in a low voice, "Is it something that is inherited from birth...?"

As he spoke, he searched his memory, "However, neither my father nor my mother had ever heard of such a thing... Perhaps it originated from an ancestor who lived many generations ago? A predecessor who had cultivated swordsmanship to its peak and could even imprint his mark into his bloodline?"

Ban actually came up with a seemingly reasonable explanation in his own mind.

Then, he remembered another detail and added, "By the way, I noticed that your breathing rhythm was also completely different from usual when you were performing those sword techniques."

Seeing that Ban had accepted the explanation, Yan Sheng was happy to save himself the trouble and lowered his guard. Or rather, seeing that Ban could accept even such nonsense, he figured that Ban could accept everything else as well. He replied in agreement with Ban, "Yes. It's a breathing technique."

"Breathing techniques?"

"A unique breathing method," Yan Sheng explained succinctly, "that can greatly enhance bodily functions in an instant, breaking through the limits of normal conditions."

This explanation only made things worse; Madara Uchiha's expression instantly darkened. As a top-tier powerhouse, he naturally understood what "instantly enhancing physical capabilities" usually meant.

"This breathing method must put a tremendous strain and strain on the body, right?" Madara said in a deep voice. "You clearly know your physical condition isn't good, so why do you still use this—"

Before his rebuke had even finished, as if to provide a "footnote" to his words, Yan Sheng, who was walking steadily forward, suddenly trembled, then turned his head and raised his hand to cover his mouth.

"Cough...cough cough...!"

A violent cough escaped from between his fingers, and bright red blood soaked through his pale knuckles, dripping onto the dust at his feet in a shocking sight.

Yan Sheng swayed slightly, then forced himself to stand firm. He casually wiped the blood from his lips and chin with the back of his hand and said in a calm tone, "It's nothing. I know my body. I can handle it."

Ban Zhen was furious.

He grabbed Yan Sheng's wrist, a terrifying storm raging in his eyes. His voice was low and menacing, each word seemingly ground out from between his teeth, "No problem? Is this how you pursue power? Recklessly squandering your life time and time again? Yan Sheng, you—"

He abruptly stopped speaking.

Because Yan Sheng raised his eyes.

There was no pain, no regret, no turmoil in those deep, dark eyes. Only indifferent calm. This absolute calmness sent a chill down Ban's spine more than any explanation or resistance.

"Just the necessary price." Yan Sheng's voice remained calm. He tried to pull his hand back, but Ban's grip was like an iron clamp. He paused for a moment, then continued, "To gain power, one must pay a price. It's fair."

"Fairness?!" Madara snapped out of his daze, amused and exasperated by this logic, his anger burning away his reason. "What kind of power is worth trading your life for? Aren't the Sharingan and Mangekyou Sharingan of the Uchiha clan enough for you to use?"

He couldn't understand what kind of obsession could make Yan Sheng despise himself so much.

Yan Sheng remained silent for a moment, then looked past Ban's shoulder and gazed into the distance, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

“...Not enough.” After a long pause, he said.

The power of the Sharingan is indeed formidable, but that's not what he desires. What he seeks is the ultimate swordsmanship that can sever destiny, transcend limits, and allow him to directly confront that sun-like figure—a swordsmanship uniquely his own.

The physical strain of breathing techniques, and the demanding requirements of Lunar Breathing on skill and spirit, are all tolerable "necessary costs" compared to that goal.

As for the Sharingan, if one had to put it in perspective, it was merely a "ticket" for him to enter that world. However, it seems that it's still not enough.

He was very disappointed.

But because his abilities were quite useful, he wasn't too disappointed.

Ban stared intently at Yan Sheng, trying to read the hidden truth in those indifferent eyes. However, he saw determination and obsession, but no wavering or retreat.

The younger brother's heart was encased in an unbreakable layer of ice, freezing all weak and potentially dissuadable emotions deep within.

A wave of helplessness washed over me.

Ban could forcibly imprison Yan Sheng, take away his sword, and order the clan doctor to guard him day and night, but he could not pry open that frozen will, nor could he reverse the path that had already been chosen.

He released Yan Sheng's wrist.

At this moment, a clear red mark was already left on Yan Sheng's wrist, but he seemed unaware of it, without making any uncomfortable sounds or movements, and simply silently put his hand back into his sleeve.

"After we get back, you and I will go find Kuji." Madara's voice was cold and hard, carrying an unquestionable tone. "Before you use that so-called breathing technique again, I need to see a report showing that your body has recovered to a state where it can withstand the strain. Otherwise," he took a step closer, a powerful sense of oppression descending upon him as if it were a tangible reality, "I will personally keep an eye on you, and you won't be allowed to leave the clan territory even once more."

This is not a negotiation, but an ultimatum.

***

Upon entering the clan's territory, without pausing for a moment, Uchiha Madara grabbed Yan Sheng's hand and dragged him without giving him a chance to speak, heading straight for Hisashi's residence.

His face was so gloomy it seemed to drip water, and the oppressive aura emanating from him caused the tribespeople he encountered along the way to turn pale and hurriedly give way, not daring to even offer a greeting.

Yan Sheng frowned and tried to break free, but Ban's hand was like a branding iron, unmoving. He pursed his lips and ultimately did not put up any more futile resistance, but his aura became even colder.

With a "bang," Madara kicked open Hisashi's door, startling Hisashi who was arranging medicinal herbs.

"Ban, Clan Chief? Young Master Yan Sheng? You're back?" Looking at the two brothers' strange demeanor, especially Ban's stormy expression, Hisashi felt a sense of foreboding.

Ban pressed Yan Sheng into a chair, his icy gaze piercing Hisashi like a sharp arrow: "Give him the most comprehensive examination. Now. I want to know the most truthful situation. Hisashi, I want to hear the truth. Any concealment will have consequences."

As expected, they've come with ill intentions!

Cold sweat beaded on Hisashi's forehead. He subconsciously looked at Yan Sheng and met Yan Sheng's deep, dark eyes—the coldness and warning within them were almost tangible.

Normally, Hisashi would have chosen to be vague and try his best to cover for Yan Sheng. He knew this little devil's temper and methods all too well.

But at this moment, under Madara Uchiha's all-knowing and furious gaze, and under the heavy pressure of the words "you will bear the consequences," Hisashi knew that things were different now. If he dared to hide anything this time, he would be dead for sure.

Hisashi swallowed hard, avoiding Yan Sheng's gaze, inwardly groaning: "My ancestor, it's not that I don't want to help you this time, it's just that Lord Madara... he clearly knows everything! Glaring at me won't do any good!"

Hisashi steeled himself and began a thorough examination of Yan Sheng. As chakra was introduced and various indicators were checked, his brows furrowed more and more deeply.

After a long while, the examination was completed, and Jiu Si, drenched in cold sweat, said, "Clan leader, Young Master Yan Sheng's health... is in very bad shape..."

He took a deep breath and said quickly, as if facing death, "His internal organs, especially his heart, lungs, and meridians, are showing obvious signs of failure. His life force is draining away at a rate far exceeding that of an ordinary person."

After speaking, he paused, then, remembering something, added, "Actually, given Young Master Yan Sheng's original physical condition and this level of depletion, he should have been bedridden long ago." He cautiously glanced at Ban's gloomy face, "The fact that he's been able to hold on until now is probably thanks to the large amount of life-giving chakra (yang energy) that the Senju clan leader injected into him during his treatment, barely keeping him afloat..."

He was showing signs of multiple organ failure, his life force was rapidly fading, and he was only kept alive by the yang energy between his pillars.

One thunderclap after another exploded, but Ban stood still, his aura strangely calm—the extreme anger that had reached its peak transformed into a chilling stillness and coldness.

His face was expressionless, except for his unfathomable eyes, which seemed to hold a silent black storm.

He turned his head and looked at Yan Sheng, who was sitting in the chair with a blank expression.

"Did you hear that?" Madara said calmly. "You're standing here because Hashirama's power is supporting you, not because your own body is so strong."

Yan Sheng looked away and remained silent. Of course he knew about his physical condition, but so what?

Ban stopped looking at him and said coldly to Hisashi, "Prescribe the medicine. Use the best medicine. Develop the most detailed treatment plan. From today onwards, all his diet and medication must be approved by me."

Then, he looked at Yan Sheng again and delivered his final verdict: "Until your body recovers to the standard approved by Jiu Si, you are not allowed to leave the clan territory. Your sword will be kept by me for the time being."

confined to one's home.

This is the most direct and effective means of control.

Yan Sheng suddenly looked up at Ban, a hint of emotion finally appearing in his eyes: "Big Brother!"

“This is not a discussion, Yan Sheng.” Ban interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “If you try to force your way through the ban, I will personally stop you. You can try.”

The two brothers' gazes clashed in the air, one side displaying a stubborn and resolute obstinacy, the other an unquestionable authority.

In the end, Yan Sheng turned his head away, out of sight, out of mind. He knew that Madara meant what he said. And he truly didn't have the power to contend with Madara at the moment.

His elder brother in this life was undoubtedly a genius.

Even if his body wasn't in such bad shape, and he was at his peak in his previous life, he still might not be able to beat him.

But he doesn't have time!

Yoriichi's soul could dissipate at any moment under the burning of karmic fire and various tortures; he didn't have much time to take his time!

Yan Sheng suddenly stood up, ignoring everyone, and strode out of the room without looking back.

Inside the room, only Hisashi, who was inwardly lamenting his fate, and Madara Uchiha, whose aura grew increasingly deep and cold.

Yan Sheng, what exactly are you chasing? Are you willing to burn yourself out for it?

-----------------------

Author's Note: Actually, a younger brother who is strong enough wouldn't have his soul scattered.

And if the younger brother knew that the older brother would protect him because of his 'vulnerability,' and would no longer be so resistant to him, then the younger brother wouldn't mind letting this misunderstanding continue. [Hands clasped]

That's just his personality; he won't change. He's been like this for nearly four hundred years. If he could change, he would have done so long ago. [emoji]

On the other hand, Madara and Izuna weren't much better off.

The former later betrayed the village without a word, his mouth seemingly useless, refusing to speak properly. If he had spoken calmly, Hashirama might have tried to change him. The latter insisted on giving his eyes to the former, deliberately courting death (Tobirama, used as a tool for 'suicide': Heh).

The three brothers are all the same type. Let's just say, no one should criticize anyone else; birds of a feather flock together.