The Battle of Kannabi Bridge was the most critical confrontation between Konoha and Iwa.
The bridge served as the primary supply line for the Iwa forces. Without it, they couldn't maintain their army, forcing them to retreat.
Recognizing this, Konoha devised a plan to destroy the bridge and cripple the enemy's supply chain.
The task was entrusted to Namikaze Minato and his team—Kakashi, Obito, and Rin.
While Minato distracted the enemy head-on, the other three infiltrated and successfully destroyed the bridge. However, during the mission, Obito was severely injured while saving Rin, crushed beneath a falling boulder. Half of his body was destroyed, and he was ultimately rescued by Uchiha Madara.
Orochimaru remembered this series of events vividly.
Some might wonder why, knowing all this, Orochimaru prioritized dealing with Kumo before Iwa. Wouldn't addressing Iwa earlier have prevented these events from unfolding?
Orochimaru had considered that possibility.
If he had confronted the Iwa forces first, there was a chance these events might not have occurred. But he concluded that the likelihood of change wasn't significant.
Madara's grand plan didn't hinge solely on Uchiha Obito. If Obito had been unavailable, someone else would have filled the role. Combat strength wasn't critical for the mastermind pulling the strings from the shadows. With the help of White Zetsu, executing Madara's plans would still have been achievable.
Moreover, Orochimaru had access to a vast number of reanimated ninjas from Iwa. Strategically, focusing on the Sand and Kumo defense lines was the most efficient choice.
After all, with his current strength, resources, and knowledge of future events, he was more than capable of handling unexpected challenges as they arose.
---
At the same time, in the Land of Grass, in a hidden underground chamber, Madara lay in his makeshift sanctuary.
The area, situated between the mortal realm and the underworld, had served as Madara's base during his final years.
On a large bed in the chamber lay a young man, his body heavily bandaged, with half of it repaired using makeshift parts.
Standing nearby, a White Zetsu clone observed the scene with fascination.
"This kid is incredible," Zetsu remarked. "If not for his unique eye power, even I wouldn't have been able to save him!"
Madara, his eyes opening slowly, spoke in a calm yet commanding tone. "Is that so?"
"Of course," Zetsu replied, undeterred by Madara's indifference. "By the way, Madara, I've heard something interesting. Konoha fought against four other villages this time, and somehow, they still came out on top. Can you believe that?"
Madara didn't respond, so Zetsu continued. "Apparently, Konoha's victory had a lot to do with a technique called the Reanimation Jutsu."
"The Reanimation Jutsu?" Madara's eyes narrowed. "That's Tobirama's creation. But Tobirama has been dead for years. How is Konoha still able to use it?"
"I'm not sure," Zetsu admitted. "But rumor has it they used it to bring back the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama."
"Hashirama…" Madara's tone grew sharper. "Who in Konoha would dare to summon him? Have you discovered the user's identity?"
"Not yet," Zetsu said, shrugging. "Whoever it is has been very careful about staying hidden. But once this boy wakes up, maybe he can provide some answers."
Madara's gaze shifted to the young man on the bed. Slowly, he rose from his seat, his long cloak trailing behind him as he approached.
"That's true," Madara murmured, his voice low. "It seems this boy is finally waking up."
As if on cue, the young man stirred. His eyes fluttered open, revealing one scarlet Sharingan as his vision adjusted to the dim light.
The first thing he saw was Madara, his weathered face framed by long white hair.
"W-Where am I?" the boy stammered, his voice weak and hoarse.
"This," Madara said, his voice filled with authority, "is somewhere halfway between life and death, child of Uchiha."