Madara Uchiha and Zetsu were discussing Chinya.
With a grim expression, Madara said, "Chinya is ultimately an unpredictable variable. We must prepare in advance. Black Zetsu, keep a close watch on him. If there's an opportunity to kill him, don't hesitate.
However, if you can't be certain of eliminating him, absolutely no action should be taken. Otherwise, having someone who knows our plan turn against us would become extremely problematic.
As for Obito and Nagato, since we currently don't know Chinya's intentions, you must also have replacements ready. If problems arise, abandon Obito and Nagato, reclaim their Mangekyō Sharingan and Rinnegan, and replace them with your chosen candidates.
If it truly comes to that, the plan would have already completely derailed. At that point, as long as the replacement can use the [Samsara of Life Technique], immediately revive me and let me take over."
Black Zetsu nodded in agreement. "I understand. I'll do my best to ensure everything proceeds according to plan."
Madara nodded. "It would be best if things went smoothly. By the way, where is Obito headed next?"
Black Zetsu replied, "Obito's first destination seems to be targeting Kirigakure—the Hidden Mist Village—to look for suitable candidates to join Akatsuki. However, this likely won't begin until after the war ends. The war has entered its final stages and will soon conclude."
"Very well. Then I leave it to you. You may go now. Next, I will be meeting with him."
Zetsu sank into the ground, departed from the Mountain Graveyard, and went in search of Obito Uchiha.
...
The next day.
By now, Chinya had also arrived at the Mountain Graveyard and entered the underground tunnel.
He was about to meet Madara Uchiha, and Chinya felt somewhat excited.
After all, Madara was once one of the two figures standing at the pinnacle of the Ninja World alongside Hashirama.
Since Madara was willing to meet him, as long as their cooperation negotiation didn't fall apart, there was a high chance that Madara might invite him into his grand scheme.
Moreover, as long as the cooperation was agreed upon, Madara would soon be killed by him.
Chinya was curious to see exactly how many **Witness Points** he would gain from defeating one of the greatest powerhouses in ninja history.
Finally, after what felt like an endless tunnel, Chinya stood face to face with Madara Uchiha.
Madara sat on a chair, one hand propped under his chin. Though clearly aged and appearing very weak, he still exuded the aura of a mighty warrior.
Madara opened his eyes and looked at Chinya. "Took you long enough."
Chinya stopped ten steps away from Madara and stared at him. "Yes, I'm here. So, Madara, how would you like to discuss this cooperation between us?"
Madara smiled slightly. "You're giving me the initiative? This time, it's *you* seeking cooperation with *me*. In that case, shouldn't you reveal your bargaining chips first?"
Chinya shrugged helplessly. "I don't have any bargaining chips. There's probably nothing you want from me. What I offer is merely a promise."
Madara remained calm. "You're refreshingly honest. Then tell me—what is this promise of yours?"
Chinya's expression turned serious. "It seems Obito Uchiha will be your proxy in the Shinobi World from now on. I'll help conceal his identity and can assist him as well, though of course there are conditions. After all, this is a cooperation, and I can't possibly help him for free. As long as he can pay my price for intervening.
And regarding matters concerning your revival, I'll help you come back to life within reasonable limits. As for the cost after your revival, it'll be a battle between your prime self and me, the kind where life and death are on the line.
That's the compensation I'm willing to offer."
Madara Uchiha smiled slightly. "What an intangible promise indeed."
Chinya replied naturally. "Of course a promise refers to something that will happen later. You currently have no 'later' left, so it can only manifest through Obito, right? You surely wouldn't want me to voluntarily let you place a seal on me or something like that?"
Madara nodded. "Indeed. If I had demanded placing a seal on you, you would've killed me immediately and dealt with Obito as well, right?"
Chinya gave a slight chuckle. "You're kidding yourself. As for Obito Uchiha, I won't interfere with anything he does, but killing you right away is definitely something I'd do. The current situation, I believe we both understand clearly."
Madara admitted, "Yes, the current situation basically makes me the one being threatened. So this cooperation is inherently unequal from the beginning. Agreeing means I'm gambling—gambling on whether you'll keep your promise. And if I refuse, even the opportunity to gamble disappears completely."
Chinya stared intensely at Madara. "So then, what's your choice? Will you agree to cooperate, or shall our negotiation break down here?"
Madara calmly replied, "I seem to have no reason to refuse. Never thought that in my twilight years, I'd actually be threatened by a junior generation."
A slight curve lifted at the corner of Chinya's mouth. "How could this possibly count as threatening? We're partners—mutually beneficial cooperative partners, each getting what we need."
Madara looked deeply at Chinya. "I hope your promise will materialize. Didn't you say you wanted to kill me with your own hands? Then go ahead."
Chinya pushed the blade of his Ninja Sword out slightly with his thumb. "Alright then. Consider this your initial deposit."
"There'll be someone contacting you afterward. I look forward to our next meeting, Chinya."
As Madara spoke his final words, his head bowed along with them.
Immediately Chinya activated the System. The system prompt voice followed shortly thereafter.
[Witnessed Madara's death. Reward: 500 Witness Points. Chinya personally killed Madara Uchiha. Additional reward: 1000 Witness Points.]
"Tch, that's pretty underwhelming."
Chinya had expected that personally killing Madara would net around ten thousand Witness Points, but to his surprise, the total came out to just 1500.
Guess trying to take the easy way out doesn't pay off.
Currently, Madara was practically at his weakest possible state. Even if Chinya wore White Zetsu and fought him, Madara definitely wouldn't stand a chance against Chinya.
Not to mention Madara had willingly allowed Chinya to execute him.
Chinya felt somewhat disappointed, though not particularly bothered.
All in all, it looked like this shortcut had just failed.
Chinya stepped forward, lifted Madara Uchiha's head, and removed the Sharingan eye. He sealed it inside a scroll and then left the Mountain Graveyard.
Chinya returned to Konoha's base in the Land of Rain and sought out Orochimaru.
Orochimaru said to Chinya, "Chinya, your student has been acting strangely. I let him take a break. Why don't you go check on him?"
Chinya felt a flicker of surprise. Had word traveled so fast? Had Kakashi already found out about Rin Nohara's death?
Chinya left Orochimaru's room and headed toward Kakashi's room.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>