Chapter 227: Madara Uchiha
Somewhere in the ninja world, within an unknown cave.
In the dim light, an old man with a withered face sat on a stone platform. Beside him rested a massive scythe, exuding an ominous presence.
"Lord Madara, Nagato has left for Konoha," said a voice as a figure emerged from the ground. Its face was split into black and white halves—Zetsu, the enigmatic entity of the ninja world.
Zetsu had been secretly observing Nagato ever since he was taken to Konoha. This time, he had seized the opportunity to follow Nagato and the others to their ship, finally reporting back to Madara with precise information.
"Where did he go? Who are the people around him?" Madara's aged voice was sharp, his exposed Three Tomoe Sharingan fixed intently on Zetsu.
"The Land of Water. There aren't many experts around him," Zetsu replied.
To Zetsu, neither Minato nor Nawaki qualified as true threats. If it weren't for his own limitations in openly showing his strength, he felt confident he could defeat Nagato himself.
Madara's Sharingan glinted as his lips curled into a faint smile. "The Land of Water... You've chosen your location well. That land is mine."
"Lord Madara, the Rinnegan has not fully matured yet. What will you do about it?" Zetsu asked, his tone cautious. The Rinnegan was more precious to him than anything, even Madara.
"Find a quiet place for him to grow. When the time comes, I will die and leave it to you," Madara said calmly, as if death were merely another step in his plan. For him, this prolonged existence was torture. He was Madara Uchiha, the one destined to rule the ninja world. Death was not an end—it was the key to his ultimate strategy.
"Yes, Lord Madara," Zetsu replied.