171-175

Chapter 171: Shindai's Worry 

The Battle of Kikyo Pass was a decisive victory for the Leaf Village. In just one battle, the joint forces of the Sand and Cloud shinobi were utterly crushed and driven out of the Land of Fire's border. Now, the Leaf shinobi were busy cleaning up the battlefield, tidying up, and handling other post-battle duties. 

Shindai, Obito, and Kakashi weren't too badly hurt. After Rin Nohara finished treating her own injuries, they started looking for wounded Leaf shinobi on the battlefield. Shindai, though, was seriously annoyed. His head was still swollen like a balloon, and they still wouldn't let him rest. Making him work like this felt pretty unfair. 

"Mommy!" 

As Shindai went to help a wounded shinobi, the guy saw Shindai's swollen, pig-like head and screamed in fright. 

"Well, you've got a lot of fight in you, don't you? Looks like a minor injury. Go back on your own." 

Shindai, who was halfway to helping him up, got irritated and just let go, letting the shinobi fall back to the ground. The injured shinobi looked at his broken legs, then blankly up at Shindai's swollen face. This was a minor injury? He was supposed to go back by himself? 

"Ah, sorry, sorry! He's just messing with you!" 

Obito quickly ran over, apologized for Shindai, then helped the injured shinobi up and took him to the medical ninja. Kakashi walked over to Shindai and asked, "What's got your temper so flared up?" 

Shindai snapped back, "My temper? Was it flared up? I just got annoyed by him! I was trying to help him nicely, and he looked like he saw a ghost! How could I not be angry?" 

Kakashi stared at Shindai for a moment before asking, "What did you and Pakura talk about during the fight? After she left, you've seemed preoccupied, like you're really worried." 

Shindai turned his head away from Kakashi and replied, "Did I? You're mistaken! What would I be worried about? Kakashi, you're acting a bit neurotic right now! Lord Hokage said that once this battle was over, the war was over, and I can go back to being a homebody! I'm happier than ever!" 

Obito also joined Kakashi, telling Shindai, "Shindai, honestly, you're too easy to read. Kakashi's right; I also feel like you're really worried, and it definitely has something to do with Pakura. Why don't you tell us, and we can all help you figure it out?" 

"Figure what out? You guys are overthinking it!" 

Shindai turned and walked towards the logistics area. He didn't want to clean the battlefield anymore; he just wanted to lie down and think. Shindai found an empty stretcher and pretended to be injured, lying down on it. Obito and Kakashi didn't stop him. It was clear Shindai was in a bad mood, and it absolutely had something to do with Pakura. 

Lying on the stretcher, Shindai pondered. He never expected Pakura to actually want to compete for the position of Kazekage. Rasa, that guy, was definitely a sly old fox. Shindai himself was a living example, having been manipulated into becoming a Sand Village rogue. And with Chiyo and Ebizo assisting Rasa, things would be even trickier. If Pakura wanted to become Kazekage, Rasa would surely make a move against her. However, since Rasa had just taken office as Kazekage and suffered a defeat, he wouldn't overtly act against Pakura. So, it was highly likely he'd still use the Mist shinobi to deal with her. 

But there was an uncertainty, still involving Rasa. If Pakura left the Sand Village, Rasa would absolutely not let her return alive. This brought up a question: if Pakura was meant to be a sacrifice, ambushed and killed by Mist Village ninja, what if she didn't die? If Pakura returned to the Sand Village, it would definitely cause a significant blow to Rasa's rule. Rasa had hastily taken office due to the Third Kazekage's disappearance, and with the Third Kazekage still missing, a major defeat, and all those "scandals," his position was already shaky. If Pakura claimed Rasa had ambushed her, even if Rasa tried to suppress it, it would cause turmoil. 

Shindai, being a sly fox himself, put himself in Rasa's shoes. If he were Rasa, he would definitely send ninja to follow Pakura, to personally witness her death at the hands of the Mist shinobi. If she didn't die, then those sent ninja would kill her. Shindai suddenly sat up from the stretcher, his expression extremely grim. 

"Oh no!" 

The life-saving mechanism Shindai made for Pakura was a one-time use item. Once it was used, it was gone. He had to find a way to take action. But... how? Even if he made more mechanisms, he couldn't get them to Pakura. Another critical point was that he didn't know when Pakura would leave the Sand Village, nor where she would go. Shindai's eyes narrowed. He really needed to figure something out. To save Pakura, he had to know when she was leaving the Sand Village and where she was going. Otherwise, even if he could fly, he wouldn't make it in time. 

As Shindai pondered, he unintentionally saw a few Leaf shinobi gathered around a child. 

"Do you know your name?" 

"Your parents? Do you know their names?" 

"You don't know anything? Looks like amnesia, and his eyesight doesn't seem too good either." 

Shindai felt a strange familiarity with that child. 

"Let me examine this child." 

A yellow-haired woman wearing glasses checked the child's body. 

"Nono-sensei, how is this child?" 

"No head injuries, some minor scrapes on his body. The specifics of his amnesia are unknown. We'll need to go back to the village for a thorough examination to find out the cause." 

"I see. Then let's take him back to the Leaf Village and try to find his parents. A child this small shouldn't be out here, it's strange." 

Shindai paused, then ran directly to the yellow-haired woman and asked, "Big sister, what's your name?" 

The yellow-haired woman replied, "My name is Yakushi Nono." 

Shindai realized with a jolt. Yakushi Nono... then this gray-haired kid must be the master of dreams, Kabuto Yakushi! 

"Shindai, it's not very polite to stare like that." 

"You're too young. Wait until you're older." 

"But your taste isn't bad! Nono-sensei is a well-known beauty in the village! Lots of people like her, you wouldn't even get in line!" 

Many Leaf shinobi playfully teased Shindai. Because Shindai was a member of Kakashi's team, and Kakashi, Obito, and Rin Nohara were students of the Leaf's Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze, plus Shindai and Kakashi often went on missions together, most Leaf shinobi basically recognized Shindai. However, Shindai seemed to be a very shy person, so he never really interacted much. That's right, in their eyes, Shindai was a timid and shy person. 

Shindai rolled his eyes and said exasperatedly, "What are you talking about? Nono-sensei is more than a dozen years older than me! How is that even possible?!" 

A vein popped on the forehead of the 25-year-old Yakushi Nono. This kid, how could he be so annoying with his words?! 

Chapter 172: Izanami 

Shindai finally met the future dream-weaver, Kabuto Yakushi. 

But right now, Kabuto seemed a bit clueless, if you ask me. Honestly, he's a poor guy, tricked by Danzo, forced to kill his adoptive mother, Nonō Yakushi... and then he even questioned his own existence! Talk about a rough path to becoming a ninja! 

"Shindai! Time to head back!" Obito's voice echoed from a distance, calling out to Shindai. 

"Coming!" Shindai took one last glance at Kabuto, then sprinted over to Obito and Kakashi. 

The battlefield had been cleared, and now the main unit was getting ready to return to Konoha. Shindai followed the big group all the way back home. Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya, the big shots, went off to the Hokage's office for a meeting. Even though Lord Third Hiruzen Sarutobi said this Battle of Kikyo Pass was supposed to be the final fight, and the war would end, there were bound to be little skirmishes afterward, you know? 

So, Shindai and the others went their separate ways. But before everyone scattered, Rin Nohara piped up, "Hey, why don't we celebrate with some BBQ?" 

Obito was all over it, shouting, "Yeah! Of course! That's a great idea!" Kakashi even nodded in agreement, a rare sight! "Mm, let's go now then." 

"Nah, I'm gonna skip it. I've got something to take care of. You guys go celebrate, I'm heading home." Shindai wanted to figure out how to deal with the whole Pakura situation. Until he found a solution, he just didn't have the appetite to eat. So, he just went straight home. 

Rin looked confused. "What's up with Shindai? He's usually the most excited when it comes to food, isn't he?" 

Kakashi watched Shindai's retreating back and said, "It's probably about Pakura. He's been really preoccupied ever since their fight on the battlefield." 

Obito also looked a bit worried. "Yeah, he won't tell us anything. It's driving me nuts!" 

Once Shindai got home, he shut the door, took a quick shower, and then just lay on his bed, deep in thought. 

"How am I supposed to find out when Pakura will leave Sunagakure... that's a huge problem. I wish I'd thought of it earlier! If I had, I would've slapped a tracking device on her or something, and I wouldn't have to worry about this now. But then again, who'd have thought Pakura would try to become Kazekage and then try to bring me back to Sunagakure? Even if I could go back now, I don't want to. That would be totally pointless, dattebayo! Should I risk going to Sunagakure and putting a tracker on Pakura? No, no, no! The people in Sunagakure would eat me alive right now if they caught me! If I get discovered, I'd be picked clean to the bone! I'm not invincible, you know! I need a safer plan!" 

Shindai's head was spinning, he felt like he was facing a jutsu he couldn't counter! This was seriously tricky. 

The Graveyard of Mountains 

Meanwhile, Black Zetsu had already brought Uchiha Setsuna before Madara Uchiha. Black Zetsu puffed out his chest, looking proud. "Madara, I've brought the man!" 

Madara saw the unconscious Uchiha Setsuna and sighed, shaking his head. "If only it were like him, and Obito had been brought to me so smoothly." 

Black Zetsu's proud stance instantly crumbled. "Oh, so now we're gonna pick on that brat Obito, huh?!" If Black Zetsu didn't know everything about Madara, he'd honestly suspect Obito was Madara's secret love child! Madara was that obsessed with him... Besides Hashirama Senju, who else had Madara been so fixated on? In Black Zetsu's eyes, Obito was utterly useless, with no real value. 

"Wake him up. We'll start trying to awaken his Mangekyo Sharingan immediately. If it fails, we'll have to make other arrangements. My proxy plan will need to be completely changed." 

Black Zetsu silently poked Uchiha Setsuna awake. The moment Uchiha Setsuna's eyes opened, all he saw was a giant three-tomoe Sharingan. Madara immediately cast a genjutsu on Uchiha Setsuna: Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique! 

Uchiha Setsuna's pupils dilated to their limit. The scenery around him shifted to Konoha. And standing before him now was Tobirama Senju! 

"To-Tobirama Senju?!" That's right, the person Uchiha Setsuna feared the most was Tobirama Senju. Back then, Uchiha Setsuna was trying to stir up the Uchiha clan to seize power, and Tobirama had already arrived with his forces. The moment he saw Tobirama, Uchiha Setsuna just froze solid. Tobirama's goal was clear: to arrest him. Uchiha Setsuna tried to resist, and Tobirama instantly chopped off his left arm. 

Now, in Uchiha Setsuna's vision, Tobirama stood with his arms crossed, an immense pressure emanating from him as he looked at Uchiha Setsuna with an incredibly cold gaze and declared, "Uchiha Setsuna, as a member of the Konoha Military Police Force, you incited the Uchiha clan to rebel and cause trouble. I am now arresting you and imprisoning you!" 

Uchiha Setsuna was startled to find his left arm had healed, but at the same time, he horrifyingly realized he was uncontrollably drawing his ninja blade and slashing at Tobirama. 

"Trying to resist?" Tobirama pulled out a kunai in a flash. Uchiha Setsuna couldn't even clearly see Tobirama's movements before his arm was severed. The incredibly real pain made Uchiha Setsuna scream. 

Madara saw Uchiha Setsuna's expression of extreme terror and murmured, "It's time. The jutsu of destiny, Izanami!" 

Madara's three-tomoe Sharingan slowly turned gray, losing its luster. As for Uchiha Setsuna, it was as if he'd been hit with a paralyzing jutsu; he just sat there blankly on the ground. Madara reached out to his right and pulled an eye from a nearby White Zetsu, placing it into his own eye socket. Madara's vision returned. 

Black Zetsu looked at the dazed Uchiha Setsuna and asked, "You once said that Izanami can only be released once the target accepts their destiny, and that destiny can be set by you, the caster. What condition did you set?" 

Madara's face was devoid of emotion as he spoke, "Uchiha Setsuna's greatest fear is clearly Tobirama Senju. But fear alone is useless; he has no will to fight back against Tobirama. So, the condition I set for releasing the genjutsu is that when he counters Tobirama, then Izanami will be released." 

In the Izanami loop, Uchiha Setsuna repeatedly tried various ways to escape, but every single time, without exception, his left arm was severed by Tobirama Senju. Uchiha Setsuna never even thought of fighting back; that time his arm was cut off by Tobirama became his absolute nightmare. Madara's Hell Viewing Technique earlier had made him relive that nightmare, and Uchiha Setsuna simply didn't have the courage to counter Tobirama. 

Being cut off arm after arm, enduring the pain of amputation over and over, pushed Uchiha Setsuna's mind to the brink of collapse. 

Madara and Black Zetsu waited for a long time. Uchiha Setsuna's three-tomoe Sharingan showed no change, and Izanami remained active. Disappointment slowly began to show in Madara's eyes. 

Chapter 173: Uchiha Madara's Little Fanboy 

Uchiha Madara was steadily losing hope in Uchiha Setsuna. Ideally, under such intense provocation, Setsuna would awaken his Mangekyo Sharingan. If not, even breaking out of the Izanami genjutsu would suffice. That way, Setsuna could still act as Madara's proxy, because Setsuna had the courage to fight back against fear. However, the subsequent plan would need to change since without the Mangekyo Sharingan, he definitely couldn't balance out Nagato, who possessed the Rinnegan. 

But Uchiha Setsuna neither awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan nor broke free from the Izanami genjutsu. In other words, Uchiha Setsuna was simply not up to the task. Madara reached up and pressed his temples, a headache forming. It was too late to find another proxy now. He knew his own body best; he didn't have much time left. Even with the Gedo Statue prolonging his life, the aging of his body was irreversible. Plus, he was already fed up with this body. If he didn't find a proxy, and something went wrong with Nagato, there would be no one to rein him in. 

Madara glanced at Black Zetsu. "Forget it, he's useless." 

Black Zetsu noticed Madara's look and instantly bristled with anger. That look, like he was looking at trash, even an idiot could see it. It wasn't his fault Setsuna couldn't awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan or break Izanami, was it? Why was he getting blamed for this too? 

At this moment, Uchiha Setsuna was in a state of mental collapse. He was reliving the moment Tobirama Senju cut off his arm, over and over again. And the pain of his severed arm was agonizingly real each time; he couldn't even go numb. No matter how Setsuna tried to escape or beg for mercy, the end result was always his arm being severed. 

"Why?! Why are you doing this to me?! I know I was wrong! I shouldn't have incited the clan to seize power! I've been locked up for so many years, and I almost starved to death! What do you want from me, huh?! Tell me! What else do you want?! Just kill me already! Why keep severing my arm?! My neck is right here, and you still want to cut off my arm!" 

A mentally broken Uchiha Setsuna shrieked hysterically. 

"I'll die with you, damn it!" 

Setsuna charged at Tobirama Senju. Tobirama once again severed Setsuna's arm, but Setsuna clung tightly to Tobirama with his right hand, biting down on Tobirama's neck with his teeth. In this moment of extreme madness, the three tomoe in Setsuna's eyes spun wildly, the three dots gradually merging together to form a triangular shape. Because Uchiha Setsuna resisted Tobirama Senju, Izanami was broken. 

Uchiha Setsuna, unaware that the genjutsu was broken, still had his eyes closed, savagely biting someone's neck. "Come on, let's die together! You Senju beast!" 

The person Setsuna was biting was a White Zetsu. 

Madara, who had been completely disappointed, showed a look of pleasant surprise as he saw Uchiha Setsuna finally awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan and even break Izanami. 

"Ah, it hurts so much! Will someone save me? Huh? Does no one want to save me? Then before I die, can someone make a hole in my butt? I want to know what it feels like to poop..." 

Under Uchiha Setsuna's frantic biting, the White Zetsu's neck was bitten clean off, and it collapsed to the ground. 

Uchiha Setsuna slumped to the ground, gasping for breath. Only then did he realize this wasn't the Leaf Village at all; it looked like he was in a cave. There was that guy with the split face, an old man, several white figures, and a terrifying giant statue. 

"Where... where is this?" 

Madara slowly walked in front of Uchiha Setsuna and said, "This is the gap between the Pure Land and the living world, Uchiha Setsuna." 

Setsuna frowned and asked, "How do you know my name?" 

"Because I've been watching you for a long time. You inherited my will, wanting to lead your clan to reclaim sovereignty from the Senju clan. Unfortunately, you failed." 

"I inherited your will? Who are you? Such big talk! That... that must have been a genjutsu, right? I think I saw a huge three-tomoe Sharingan at first..." 

Setsuna looked around. If that three-tomoe Sharingan was real, then there should be an Uchiha here. 

Madara said with a commanding presence, "My name is Uchiha Madara. You should be familiar with it. What you experienced just now was indeed a genjutsu. I used an Uchiha forbidden jutsu, at the cost of one Sharingan, to help you awaken your Mangekyo Sharingan." 

Madara lifted the scythe he was using as a cane, and the reflection from its blade showed Setsuna his Mangekyo Sharingan. 

Setsuna exclaimed in shock, "You're Lord Madara? No, it's impossible, Lord Madara clearly..." 

Madara replied, "Was killed by Hashirama Senju, right? Not at all. That battle was a draw at best. If anything, I won, since I'm still alive and he's dead. However, my severe injuries are real. These injuries have reduced my strength to less than a tenth of what it once was, so I've been searching, searching for an heir. And you, Setsuna, I've been watching you for a long time." 

"You inherited my will; you weren't assimilated by Hashirama and his kind. You are the heir I chose, which is why I had Zetsu rescue you from the Leaf Village and bring you to me." 

Uchiha Setsuna stared blankly at Uchiha Madara. He'd been watched by Madara for a long time? He'd been chosen by Madara as his heir? Uchiha Madara was Setsuna's absolute idol; he was the type of person who had an intensely fervent admiration for him. The legendary ninja, the strongest of the Uchiha clan, was now standing before him, not only watching him but also rescuing him from the Leaf Village and choosing him as his heir. He even used one of his Sharingan to help him awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan! This was simply amazing! What could be more joyful than being acknowledged by your idol?! 

Setsuna looked at Madara with fervent eyes. "Thank you, Lord Madara, for acknowledging me! Lord Madara, you are the god of our Uchiha!" 

A slight smile played on Madara's lips. With Uchiha Setsuna's deep admiration for him, the next steps would be much easier. There was no need to waste words; he could get straight to the point. 

Black Zetsu saw Madara smile and unhappily twitched his mouth. Hadn't he just looked down on him? With an expression of utter disappointment, even giving him a look like he was trash. What was there to smile about now?! 

Madara began, "Next, I will entrust you with a mission. As my successor, I will bestow everything upon you." 

Uchiha Setsuna excitedly vowed, "I will absolutely not fail Lord Madara's mission!" 

It seems Uchiha Madara has found himself a very eager follower in Setsuna, just like how Itachi found a loyal partner in Kisame. With Setsuna's newfound Mangekyo and his intense admiration, it looks like Madara's grand plan is finally moving forward. What do you think Madara's ultimate "mission" for Setsuna will be, considering his history and goals? 

Chapter 174: A Full Sense of Purpose 

Uchiha Setsuna was a huge fan of Madara Uchiha, so when he finally saw him, he was beyond excited! It felt like a dream come true, you know? Now, hearing that Madara was entrusting him with a mission and giving him everything, Setsuna was practically jumping out of his skin with excitement! 

Setsuna tried to calm himself down, suppressing his excitement as he asked, "Lord Madara, what do you wish for me to do?" 

"Sever the karma of this world." 

"Huh?" Uchiha Setsuna stared at Madara with his jaw dropped. Sever the karma of the world? What kind of abstract jutsu was that?! How in the world do you even do that?! 

Madara settled back onto his seat and told Setsuna, "Don't rush. I'll tell you everything. I want to create a world where there are only victors, only peace, only love—a world where only these things exist. This world is filled with regrets, and many things don't go as planned. Just like you, you wished for the Uchiha clan to rule Konoha, but instead, you had your arm severed by Tobirama Senju and were imprisoned in Konoha's jail, day after day. And what's even more ironic is that the ninja guarding the prison were Uchiha themselves. They didn't see you as a hero; instead, they, like those ignorant villagers, saw you as a rebel. Perhaps you acted with selfish motives, but who doesn't have them? You did all this for the Uchiha clan, yet no one understood you. It's truly tragic..." 

Uchiha Setsuna's eyes suddenly welled up. He felt like Madara truly understood him. He admitted it, he did have some selfish reasons for wanting to take back power from the Senju clan – he wanted a better life, to be respected and loved. But mostly, he wanted the Uchiha clan to stand at the top of Konoha, to finally overcome the Senju, who had always been ahead of them. Yet, after he failed and was imprisoned, his clan members didn't just not understand him; not a single person even came to visit him. Setsuna's heart was filled with both sorrow and indignation. 

Madara continued, "But creating this world where there are only victors, only peace, only love, where only these things exist... it's impossible in the real world. All the regrets have already happened and cannot be erased. Therefore, to create this world, it can only be done in a dream world. In a dream, you can mend regrets, you can get everything you desire. You are the master of everything!" 

Hearing Madara talk about a dream world where he could fix regrets and control everything, Uchiha Setsuna's heart fluttered. Setsuna asked, "So... what should I do, Lord Madara?" 

Madara beckoned to Uchiha Setsuna. Setsuna eagerly scampered over to Madara and knelt down in front of him. Madara reached out and pressed his hand onto Setsuna's head: "Because my Sharingan is now blind, I'll be borrowing your Sharingan for a bit..." 

Madara wasn't actually taking Setsuna's Sharingan. Instead, he connected with Setsuna through the power of the Gedo Statue, then cast a genjutsu, and simultaneously placed a sealing curse tag on Setsuna's heart. Madara and Uchiha Setsuna found themselves in a pure white space. 

"This is my genjutsu space. Though it's still just a blank canvas, I can project my will to create and control anything. By connecting to the Gedo Statue and using its power, anything, big or small, can be done. Like this." Madara transformed from his aged appearance into his youthful form, with both of his eyes sporting three-tomoe Sharingan. Uchiha Setsuna stared at Madara in awe. His idol was so cool when he was young! 

"We'll use genjutsu to create the ideal world, then all we have to do is cast a genjutsu on all of humanity and bring them in. By using the moon to amplify the Sharingan's power, we can expand the scale of this jutsu and create the dream world." 

Uchiha Setsuna felt like this wasn't just a matter of difficulty; it was impossible. He questioned, "Can that even be done?" 

A stone tablet appeared before Uchiha Setsuna. Madara replied, "To explain it, we first need to talk about the Sage of Six Paths and the Ten-Tails. To you, the Ten-Tails is a myth, but myths have their factual basis. The Tailed Beasts scattered across the world are formed from the split power of the Ten-Tails, divided by the Sage of Six Paths. After I obtained Hashirama Senju's cells, I transplanted them into my wound. At first, nothing happened, until just before my death, when I awakened the Rinnegan. But at the same time, a certain seal was broken. I learned how to summon something—the husk of the Ten-Tails from a sealed stone. I call it the Gedo Mazo. And that sealed stone is what people call the moon. After that, I immediately used the Gedo Statue as a catalyst to cultivate Hashirama's cells with it..." 

A huge pistil appeared before Uchiha Setsuna. On the stem of the pistil, individual people were hanging, looking exactly like the white figures he'd seen in the cave. Uchiha Setsuna was almost dumbfounded listening to all of this; it felt like he was listening to a story. 

Madara pointed at a White Zetsu and explained, "In other words, these artificial humans can be considered copies of Hashirama, though they're quite degraded. Without both Uchiha and Senju power, you can't awaken the Rinnegan, let alone control the Gedo Mazo. Later, your left arm will be replaced with a White Zetsu arm, an artificial arm. This arm contains Senju cells, so even without the Rinnegan, you should be able to control the Gedo Statue." 

Madara released the genjutsu. 

Madara then told Uchiha Setsuna, "Setsuna, I will teach you the forbidden jutsu of the Uchiha, the Six Paths techniques, and Onmyoton, and him..." Madara looked at Black Zetsu, who stood beside him. "That black part of the White Zetsu is an embodiment of my will. You can consider half of it to be me; it's also a degraded product. You can use these beings, created with Onmyoton, as your pawns." 

Black Zetsu let out a ragged breath. "Degraded product?" He was a higher life form, thank you very much! A black rod covered in spikes emerged from the tree trunk. "That black rod is the physical manifestation of my consciousness. You can use it when employing Six Paths techniques." 

"Alright, Black Zetsu can tell you the rest..." The tubes connected to Madara's back disconnected, and Madara instantly became incredibly weak, looking like he was on his last breath. "Now, go. Until I am revived, you will walk the shinobi world in my name, Setsuna. You are now the savior..." 

Madara passed away. 

Uchiha Setsuna looked at Madara's body, his heart brimming with an overwhelming sense of purpose. He was Madara Uchiha now! And from this point on, he would save the ninja world as its savior! 

Uchiha Setsuna declared solemnly, "Lord Madara, I, Uchiha Madara, will absolutely do it! I will fulfill your long-held wish!" 

Black Zetsu looked at Uchiha Setsuna with a strange expression. This guy sure accepted his new identity quickly, didn't he? 

Chapter 175: A Precautionary Measure 

Uchiha Setsuna had now become Uchiha Madara's proxy. Seeing Madara's body finally lifeless, Black Zetsu was inwardly ecstatic. First, of course, because the plan was finally about to begin. Secondly... finally, no one would be making sarcastic remarks at him anymore. As the esteemed and most beloved child of Kaguya Otsutsuki, being constantly disregarded by some brat was simply unacceptable! 

Black Zetsu walked up to Uchiha Setsuna and said, "From now on, I will address you as Madara. Now, let's proceed with transplanting a White Zetsu arm, imbued with Hashirama's cells, onto your left arm." 

Because Black Zetsu was the manifestation of Madara's will, and Madara had instructed Setsuna to treat Black Zetsu as if he were Madara himself, Uchiha Setsuna's inner reverence extended to Black Zetsu as well. It was like his idol was constantly watching over him. 

Uchiha Setsuna nodded. "Alright, I'll rely on you, Black Zetsu." 

"No need to be polite with me. We are both here to fulfill his great mission." 

While he said that, Black Zetsu was secretly quite pleased. Especially Uchiha Setsuna's eyes, that look of adoration was quite satisfying. Black Zetsu ripped off a White Zetsu arm and directly attached it to the severed stump of Uchiha Setsuna's left arm, connecting them together. Setsuna immediately felt sensation in his newly attached arm and could already control it. Uchiha Setsuna marveled at the White Zetsu's body. It could not only be consumed but also replace severed limbs – truly astonishing. 

Black Zetsu said to Uchiha Setsuna, "Next, you will go to the Hidden Rain Village and make contact with a person named Nagato. You must guide Nagato to accept and identify with your ideology, and then begin collecting the Tailed Beasts." 

Uchiha Setsuna agreed, "That's the guy who received Lord Madara's Rinnegan, right? Then let's go!" 

As Uchiha Setsuna and Black Zetsu were preparing to leave the Mountain Graveyard, they passed by a stone chamber and discovered several sets of clothes Uchiha Madara once wore, along with various weapons. Uchiha Setsuna slowly walked over to a piece of clothing, picked it up, and stared at it in his hands for a long time. Just as Black Zetsu, wondering what Setsuna was looking at, was about to ask, Setsuna suddenly pressed the clothes to his face and took a deep sniff. 

"Ah... it's Lord Madara's scent!" 

Black Zetsu shivered with disgust, his gaze towards Uchiha Setsuna becoming increasingly strange. This clothing had been here for how many years? How could it possibly smell like Uchiha Madara? He must just be sniffing dust! Black Zetsu suddenly felt a chill down his spine. In Setsuna's eyes, he was the embodiment of Madara. Would this guy try to sniff him like he did this clothing? 

No way! 

With a look of reverence, Uchiha Setsuna stripped naked, then put on Madara's clothes and donned a spiral-patterned mask. Afterwards, Setsuna chose a ninja sword to wear on his person. Uchiha Setsuna's eyes were filled with unwavering determination: "Let's go, Black Zetsu! For Lord Madara! I will definitely make Lord Madara's wish come true!" 

Black Zetsu pursed his lips and echoed, "Yes, I believe in you~" 

No good! This guy is too weird! I need to keep my guard up around him from now on! 

Back in the Leaf Village... 

Shindai had been holed up at home for days, completely stumped. He'd brainstormed countless ideas, like building a flying mechanical bird to send messages to Pakura in the Sand Village. But he'd rejected every single one. The uncertainties were too great; he might end up hindering Pakura instead of helping her. Shindai scratched the back of his head forcefully. "This is so annoying!" 

Just as Shindai was agonizing, his front door suddenly burst open. Obito stood at the entrance, shouting, "Shindai, hurry to the Hokage's Office! Lord Hokage is looking for you! It's super good news!" 

Shindai looked puzzled. "Super good news? Did Lord Hokage get remarried?" 

Kakashi almost laughed at Shindai's antics. "Remarried? What's going on in your head?! Lord Hokage's wife is still alive, and they're very much in love! Besides, Lady Biwako is a very strict person; she wouldn't allow Lord Hokage to have two wives. So, the good news Obito's talking about is for you, not Lord Hokage!" 

Shindai was even more confused. "Good news for me? What is it? Is Lord Hokage stepping down and making me Hokage? That wouldn't be good. I haven't been in the Leaf Village that long, and I'm so young. No one would follow me if I became Hokage." 

Rin Nohara looked bewildered. "Shindai, what are you talking about?! First, Lord Hokage getting remarried, then you becoming Hokage! You're needed at the Hokage's Office because Lord Orochimaru is also there. Lord Hokage calling you means it's obvious! He's planning to set you up as his disciple!" 

"Uh..." 

Shindai really wanted to curse. What kind of "super good news" was this?! This was the worst news imaginable, wasn't it?! 

"My stomach... it hurts so bad! I need to go to the bathroom! Please, ask for a leave for me! I probably can't make it!" Shindai clutched his stomach and dashed towards his bedroom. 

Obito and Kakashi, using the Body Flicker Jutsu, blocked him from both sides. Even Rin grabbed Shindai's clothes, preventing him from leaving. The three of them had already conspired: the only person who could fix Shindai's terrible attitude was Orochimaru. So, no matter what, they would drag Shindai to the Hokage's Office today, even if they had to carry him! 

"Shindai, that's one of the Legendary Sannin! How many people would kill to become Lord Orochimaru's disciple, and you're trying to run?! What are you thinking?!" 

"And this time, Lord Hokage himself is setting up this connection between you and Lord Orochimaru! Are you trying to stand up Lord Hokage and Lord Orochimaru?! Do you even want to survive in the Leaf Village?!" 

"Even if you were giving birth right now, you'd have to go to the Hokage's Office to do it!" 

Obito, Kakashi, and Rin forcibly dragged Shindai towards the Hokage's Office. As he was being dragged, two streams of hot tears ran down Shindai's face. If he had Uchiha blood in him, he'd surely awaken his Sharingan right about now! 

Shindai was forcibly brought into the Hokage's Office. Obito was so excited he looked like he was about to become Orochimaru's disciple, enthusiastically telling Hiruzen Sarutobi, "Lord Hokage, Shindai's here! We heard he's going to become Lord Orochimaru's disciple, and Shindai's so moved he's in tears!" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru both looked at Shindai. Indeed, he was in tears, but it didn't quite look like tears of gratitude, did it? 

Kakashi bowed to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru. "Then, Lord Hokage, Lord Orochimaru, we'll take our leave." Rin gave Shindai a thumbs-up. "Good luck, Shindai!" 

Obito, Kakashi, and Rin left the Hokage's Office. Now, only Shindai remained in the office, facing the gazes of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru. Shindai felt a chilling despair. 

I want to escape so badly... but I can't!