Madara's Death
Deep in the Mountain Graveyard, Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu were discussing a matter of growing concern—Chi Yu.
Madara's expression was grim.
"Chi Yu is an unpredictable variable," he said. "We must address it early and prepare accordingly. Black Zetsu, monitor him closely. If you're ever in a position where you can confirm his death beyond doubt—kill him without hesitation.
"But if there's even the slightest uncertainty, do not act. If someone aware of our plan ends up working against us, the consequences would be severe.
"And about Obito and Nagato—since Chi Yu's motives are unclear, identify suitable replacements for both. If anything goes awry, retrieve Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan and Nagato's Rinnegan, then push the alternatives forward.
"If it comes to that, the Eye of the Moon Plan will have fundamentally failed. In that scenario, as long as the replacement can perform the Rinne Rebirth Jutsu, they must use it to revive me. I'll take command myself."
Black Zetsu nodded. "Understood. I will ensure everything stays on track."
Madara gave a small nod. "Good. Hopefully, the plan proceeds without complications. Now—where is Obito headed next?"
"His first stop appears to be Kirigakure," Black Zetsu replied. "He plans to begin recruiting for the Akatsuki. But that will start after the war ends. The Third Shinobi War is nearing its conclusion."
Madara waved him off. "Very well. You're dismissed. My next meeting is with him."
Black Zetsu sank into the earth, leaving the cave in silence.
---
The Following Day
Chi Yu arrived at the Mountain Graveyard, descending into the ancient tunnels beneath it. He was about to meet Uchiha Madara.
He couldn't help but feel a ripple of excitement.
This was Uchiha Madara—once the equal of Senju Hashirama, a man who stood atop the shinobi world.
If Madara was willing to meet him, that meant their cooperation was possible. And if the partnership succeeded...
Madara would die by his hand.
Chi Yu was curious—how many Witness Points would the system award for killing a legend?
After navigating the winding tunnel, he entered the chamber.
Uchiha Madara sat slouched on his throne, resting his chin on one hand. Though old and physically withered, he radiated strength. His aura was undeniable.
"You've finally arrived," Madara said, opening his eyes.
Chi Yu stopped ten paces away. "I have. So, how shall we begin this cooperation, Madara?"
Madara smirked. "You're offering me the initiative? You're the one who came to seek cooperation. Shouldn't you lay out your cards first?"
Chi Yu raised his hands casually. "I don't have any cards. Nothing you want, at least. What I do have to offer are promises."
Madara's tone remained even. "You're honest. Fine—let's hear these promises."
Chi Yu's gaze sharpened. "Obito will be your agent in the shinobi world. I can help maintain his cover and assist him—conditionally. After all, this is a partnership. My help comes at a price.
"As for your resurrection, I'll ensure it happens—within reason. But the cost? Once you're revived, you'll face me in a one-on-one, life-or-death battle. At your peak."
Madara gave a cold smile. "That's quite the vague deal."
Chi Yu shrugged. "Promises, by nature, concern the future. And right now, you don't have a future—not unless I ensure it. You're in no position to demand guarantees. I'm not about to let you slap a Tsukuyomi seal on me to prove my sincerity."
Madara nodded. "Indeed. If I tried that, you'd likely kill me on the spot—and Obito too, for good measure."
Chi Yu smiled faintly. "You're half right. I won't interfere with Obito—for now. But yes, killing you would be certain. I think we both understand the dynamics here."
Madara let out a sigh. "So, I'm the one under threat. This cooperation is unequal from the start. If I accept, I'm gambling on your word. If I refuse, I lose the opportunity entirely."
Chi Yu's eyes didn't waver. "Then what's your choice? Do we proceed, or end this now?"
Madara spoke plainly. "I see no reason to refuse. Never thought I'd be cornered like this in my twilight years—by a brat."
Chi Yu's lips curved slightly. "Let's not call it a threat. We're partners, after all—taking what we need from each other."
Madara stared deeply at him. "I hope your word means something. Weren't you planning to kill me? Go on—do it."
Chi Yu rested his thumb against the guard of his sword, pushing it upward slightly. "Consider this your down payment."
Madara's final words came calmly: "Someone will come looking for you later. I look forward to our next meeting, Chi Yu."
And then, with a swift motion, Madara's head rolled to the ground.
---
Chi Yu immediately accessed the system.
> [Witnessed Uchiha Madara's death: +500 Witness Points]
[Personally killed Uchiha Madara: +1000 Witness Points]
"Tch. That's it?" he muttered.
He had expected at least 10,000 points for personally killing the former pinnacle of the shinobi world. But only 1,500?
It seems shortcuts had their limits.
Madara had been at his weakest—frail, immobile, surviving only through the life support of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. Even if Chi Yu had fought him with a White Zetsu prosthetic, Madara would have lost.
In truth, Madara had allowed himself to be killed.
Chi Yu felt a twinge of disappointment, but it passed quickly. His attempt at shortcutting the process had failed.
He stepped forward, picked up Madara's severed head, and extracted the Sharingan. With care, he sealed it into a scroll and exited the Mountain Graveyard.
---
Back in the Land of Rain, Chi Yu returned to the Konoha Garrison and sought out Orochimaru.
Orochimaru greeted him with an unsettling grin.
"Chi Yu, your disciple seems... off. I've granted him leave. You should go see him."
Chi Yu raised an eyebrow. That fast?
Has Kakashi already learned about Rin Nohara's death?
Without another word, Chi Yu turned and headed toward Kakashi's quarters.
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