Cooperation Proposal
Uchiha Madara stared at Chi Yu, his voice low and sharp.
"You knew I was alive. Why didn't you report it to Konoha?"
Chi Yu let out a quiet chuckle. "Why would I? In my view, Konoha gives me a roof and a role—nothing more. I serve them as one would serve an employer. Reporting every little thing? That's not in the contract."
Madara snorted. "So your loyalty to Konoha is just a façade."
"I'm no dog of Konoha, and they're no master of mine. Loyalty doesn't even enter the equation." Chi Yu's gaze shifted past Madara to the looming presence behind him. "What I am curious about is that Gedo Statue. Nagato summoned something like it once. You saved Obito… You must have had your reasons."
Through the serpent he'd sent to spy, Chi Yu's slitted eyes studied the Gedo Statue.
Madara's voice darkened. "And you expect me to reveal those reasons?"
Chi Yu smiled coolly. "I'm intrigued by this idea of 'severing karma'—a world with only victors, peace, and love. An eternal dream. It's a beautiful lie, but one I'd like to hear more about."
Madara raised an eyebrow, tone now tinged with interest. "You, too, long for such a world?"
"Let's not pretend," Chi Yu replied easily. "You know exactly what this world is. War, betrayal, clans devouring each other, villages clinging to the illusion of peace. Who wouldn't want to remake it?"
Madara scoffed. "Then perhaps we share more than I thought."
Chi Yu's voice sharpened. "So, Uchiha Madara—tell me your plan. If I find it viable, perhaps I'll lend my strength."
But Madara's eyes narrowed. "And yet, you skulk in shadows. I don't trust men like that."
Chi Yu smirked. "Coming from you, that's rich. The once-mighty Uchiha Madara now hides in the dark like a phantom. And now that I know you're alive… I can also guess your next move. You're using Obito. A puppet for your grand vision."
Madara's tone was indifferent. "So what do you want?"
Chi Yu's reply was calm, calculated. "Cooperation. I'll help conceal Obito's survival—and I'll assist him."
Madara's gaze hardened. "And what's your price?"
Chi Yu didn't hesitate. "I want to kill you. With my own hands."
A flicker of cold light flashed in Madara's eyes.
Chi Yu gave a faint smile. "Don't look so grim. Once Obito commits to your cause, your role ends. You're going to die anyway. Whether it's by your hand or mine—what difference does it make?"
Madara eyed the serpent coldly. "If it makes no difference, why do it?"
Chi Yu shrugged. "Call it my twisted sense of satisfaction. To kill the legend of the old era with my own hands—that thrill is irresistible."
Madara was silent for a moment, then said, "You understand I'll be gone when my work is done. I'll have no control over you. So tell me—why should I trust you?"
Chi Yu's voice lowered, deliberate. "You intend to be resurrected, don't you, Uchiha Madara?"
Madara's decaying body tensed, and for a brief instant, a powerful aura burst forth, chilling even through the remote link.
"What exactly do you know?" he demanded, voice full of restrained killing intent.
Chi Yu chuckled. "Isn't it obvious? You've kept yourself alive this long by clinging to that statue. You've entrusted tasks to Obito, but knowing your obsession with control, you'd never leave the future to a mere successor. You're planning your own return."
He continued, voice calm and calculating.
"The world of shinobi is full of strange jutsu. Tobirama Senju invented the Edo Tensei—a jutsu capable of dragging souls back from the Pure Land. So a resurrection technique isn't out of the question. And given how close you were to Hashirama, it's reasonable to think you'd exploit something tied to his cells—or that statue."
Chi Yu's voice took on a twisted enthusiasm. "And I want you to return. Because only then can we face each other as true warriors. I want to see who stands taller—the ghost of the old era… or me."
For a moment, Madara stared silently. Then, unexpectedly, he began to laugh—a cold, thunderous laugh that echoed through the cave.
"Chi Yu… you truly are interesting. That thirst for battle, that desire to test yourself against the strong… You're like me. Among all those bearing the Uchiha name, you're the most like me."
Chi Yu scoffed. "I'm not an Uchiha. Your clan doesn't recognize me, and I have no need for their approval."
Madara's tone became coldly proud. "When I left the clan, the Uchiha became something hollow. Where I am, that is the Uchiha. Still... I like you, Chi Yu. But liking you doesn't mean I trust you."
Chi Yu narrowed his eyes. "Then what will it take?"
Madara shook his head. "That's just it. Because we are alike, I cannot trust you. But I do believe you won't interfere with Obito. You're not one to follow rules. That makes you unpredictable… but also useful. When Obito returns, and the preparations are complete, find me at the Mountain Graveyard."
Chi Yu nodded. "Very well. I look forward to it."
With a poof, the snake vanished.
Far away, in the Konoha Garrison deep within the Land of Rain, Chi Yu sat in silence, his expression grave.
Being discovered by Madara was not part of the plan. This premature exposure could've ended fatally—but Chi Yu saw an opportunity in it.
His decision was clear: align with Madara for now.
The benefit? He'd gain insight into Obito's and Zetsu's movements—inside knowledge of their entire operation.
The risk? He'd also be visible to them.
But Chi Yu had something neither Madara nor Zetsu could anticipate: future knowledge—of events, of timelines, of outcomes. That gave him the edge.
And so, Chi Yu concluded—cooperating with Uchiha Madara was not only viable.
It was necessary.
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