Amidst a battlefield teeming with colossal trees spawned by Wood Release, Madara found himself cornered by Hashirama and the forces of the Senju clan. Despite wielding the power of the Nine-Tails, his efforts once again proved futile. Each successive defeat only deepened his hatred and intensified his obsession with defeating Hashirama. Yet, instead of ending the battle, Hashirama raised his hand and ordered everyone to cease their attacks. Calmly, he asked Madara to speak with him once more. Hashirama acknowledged that the death of Madara’s younger brother at Tobirama’s hands had left a wound that might never truly heal. He felt he had failed to protect their friendship and failed to halt the cycle of hatred passed down between their clans. To take responsibility for all that suffering, Hashirama slowly drew a kunai. Without a moment's hesitation, he pointed the weapon's tip toward his own chest. If his death could put an end to the vengeance and secure a future for both clans, he was willing to sacrifice his life. Just before the kunai could pierce his chest, a hand tightly gripped the blade. Blood dripped from Madara’s palm as he held onto it with immense force.