Zhang Hai didn't move. He merely shook the thunder blade in his hand, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes. "You are already a strong person, but remember, there will always be people stronger than you in this world."

Kakashi gripped the Chidori tightly, leaning slightly forward, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit. "I don't need you to remind me," he said resolutely. Kakashi knew he was no longer fighting for survival; he was fighting to protect what Obito had left behind, to find a new home for his soul, and that was why he was so determined.

Zhang Hai fell silent, simply watching Kakashi intently, seemingly observing his every move. Just then, the Iwa ninja forces regrouped; their commander had clearly recognized Kakashi's threat and was preparing to launch a new attack.

"You've proven yourself, but the battle ahead will be even more brutal," Zhang Hai finally spoke, his voice deep and powerful. "Are you ready to face an even greater challenge?"

Kakashi nodded without hesitation. "I'm ready."

The two did not immediately attack, but their auras had already begun to clash. Zhang Hai slowly took a few steps back, seemingly making thorough preparations for the battle to come.

Meanwhile, in the distance, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu were quietly observing everything. Black Zetsu's eyes were filled with unease, and he whispered to White Zetsu, "Zhang Hai's actions seem to be beyond our expectations; he didn't disappear as quickly as we anticipated."

White Zetsu did not respond immediately, but remained silent for a moment before calmly saying, "Zhang Hai is more complicated than we expected. Kakashi is no simple man either; his Sharingan has brought him entirely new power."

"What exactly are his trump cards?" Black Zetsu's tone was full of doubt and anxiety.

“We can no longer afford to be complacent about this situation,” White Zetsu said sharply. “Neither Zhang Hai nor Kakashi are ordinary ninjas. Our plan must be approached with greater caution.”

Kakashi's eyes were fixed on Zhang Hai, his resolve growing ever stronger. No matter how many enemies or challenges lay ahead, he was no longer afraid. He was no longer the Kakashi who lingered in the shadow of death, but a warrior who truly understood protection and responsibility. Obito's sacrifice, Rin's smile—all of this became his driving force in the fight.

Zhang Hai, however, remains the same ruthless strategist. His goals extend beyond Kakashi and the Iwa ninja in the present; they lie in the far-reaching future. Every move he makes is not merely a battle, but a step towards a larger, more comprehensive plan.

"Kakashi," Zhang Hai suddenly said in a low voice, "your current strength is insufficient to deal with the situation ahead."

Kakashi's gaze sharpened, a resolute glint in his eyes. "I will become stronger."

“You don’t understand, Kakashi.” Zhang Hai’s voice was icy. “You think your power is already strong enough, but you’ve only just begun.”

On a desolate wasteland, only the wind echoed across the empty land, carrying a few specks of dust. Zhang Hai walked slowly through this forgotten forbidden land, his gaze unusually resolute. Scorpion and Kakuzu followed closely behind, exchanging no words, as if this barren land had already taught them that no further unnecessary communication was needed.

This place was murky and silent, filled with an eerie atmosphere. Zhang Hai frowned slightly, his steps not slowing despite the deathly stillness, but rather becoming more resolute. Although the outside temperature felt like a cold blade cutting through his skin, the fire in his heart still burned. He knew that this place held secrets about Uchiha Madara and the "Infinite Tsukuyomi." And he had come for these secrets.

"Be careful, something's off about the atmosphere around us." Scorpion's voice was calm and sharp. His eyes had already locked onto the surrounding environment, seemingly sensing some faint movement. "This area isn't just desolate; I can vaguely sense some powerful aura."

Kakuzu stopped in his tracks, calmly surveying his surroundings, sensing the unease Sasori had expressed. A slight smile played on his lips, his face expressionless. "Let's remain vigilant, Zhang Hai." His voice carried an undeniable air of authority. "The enemy is well hidden."

Zhang Hai nodded slightly, his face expressionless. He knew that Sasori and Kakuzu's words were not unfounded. This forbidden area harbored the aura of an enemy, and his target was its center—the abandoned ancient palace, the hideout of Uchiha Madara.

"Let's go," Zhang Hai said softly, his voice piercing the silence like a cold wind, carrying a chilling aura.

They continued onward, traversing the desolate wasteland. Suddenly, a deep rumble echoed in the distance, and the air began to vibrate slightly, as if a tremendous force was stirring in the distance. Sasori immediately sensed the change in the air and quickly determined, "It's Dust Release! Madara Uchiha's power!"

A cold glint flashed in Zhang Hai's eyes, and he paused slightly. He had realized that although Madara's body was weak, his mental strength remained formidable, allowing him to use Dust Release attacks from a distance to fight off anyone who approached. He took a deep breath, gripped the Unintentional Blade in his hand, and felt the weight of the blade, as if it could bring him closer to the world.

"Are you ready?" Zhang Hai turned to ask Sasori and Kakuzu, a deep glint in his eyes. Sasori nodded, while Kakuzu's lips curled into a faint smile, clearly indicating that he was fully prepared.

Suddenly, a deep hissing sound echoed in the sky, followed by a tremor that seemed to shake the earth, as if a colossal creature were rising from the ground. The palace doors slowly opened, revealing a dark space that appeared to harbor some ancient power.

“You’ve come at just the right time.” Zhang Hai’s gaze was calm, and the Unintentional Blade in his hand was already drawn, its blade gleaming coldly. He stepped forward and entered the dark space.

Instantly, an immense pressure swept over them, as if the air itself had been compressed into a tangible form. A glint flashed in Zhang Hai's eyes, and his Mangekyou Sharingan began to spin, causing the entire space to seem to slow down. He sensed a powerful aura—the soul power of Uchiha Madara. Though physically weak, he still possessed formidable spiritual strength, enough to fill this space with a threat.

"You've finally arrived, Zhang Hai." The deep, threatening voice came from all directions. The darkness in the space suddenly distorted, and Uchiha Madara's figure appeared before Zhang Hai. His body looked extremely weak, but the chilling killing intent in his eyes had not diminished in the slightest.

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