Boom!!!
A massive Chibaku Tensei descended upon the lands of Amegakure - Hidden Rain Village, shaking the earth to its core.
Flash!
From the Flying Thunder God Technique, Naruto Uzumaki appeared amidst the stunned crowd, declaring with a grin, "I brought the Hell Valley from the Land of Lightning here."
Konan, still processing the sudden development, asked, "Why did you decide to bring it here?"
Naruto explained, "Ever since I left Hell Valley, I haven't properly trained in my Purple Lightning Chakra Mode. There's still so much room for improvement, and this is the perfect opportunity to refine it!"
Before departing for Konoha - Hidden Leaf Village, Shikaku Nara had given Naruto a crucial piece of advice.
"Obito has no way out now. Knowing we've identified his weaknesses, he'll undoubtedly seek ways to overcome them. By the time the real battle begins, even shadow techniques might prove ineffective against him. So, Naruto, you mustn't rely on having an escape route. If there's any area where you can further enhance your abilities, do it now."
Taking Shikaku's words to heart, Naruto revisited the Land of Lightning and, using the same method he employed to relocate the Ryūmyaku - Dragon Vein, transported Hell Valley to Amegakure.
Crack! Crack!
The Chibaku Tensei shell peeled away like an eggshell, revealing the Hell Valley as a new addition to the village's infrastructure.
"Nee-san Konan," Naruto said firmly, "unless it's something truly urgent, instruct everyone not to disturb my training."
Whoosh!
With his cloak billowing in the wind, Naruto strode purposefully toward Hell Valley.
"I'm going to pound Obito into a pulp!"
And so, Naruto embarked on a new round of grueling training.
Ryūchi Cave - Dragon Earth Cave, Back Mountain
After a day and night of relentless effort, Madara Uchiha mastered the Sage Transformation Technique of Ryūchi Cave.
Nine ethereal sage serpents coiled around Madara's form, their presence exuding an aura of immense power.
"So this is the extent of Ryūchi Cave's Sage Techniques."
Swish! Swish!
The sage serpents retracted, and the horns that had manifested on Madara's chest and on Hashirama Senju's forehead faded away.
Rustle! Rustle!
From the ground emerged Black Zetsu, his expression unreadable.
"Congratulations, Lord Madara, on yet another victory. Now, only Mount Myōboku's Sage Techniques remain. What are your plans?"
Madara recalled the words spoken by the White Snake Sage before:
"I know a thing or two about your origins. If you're interested, come see me before you leave. If not, that's fine too. Go on your way."
Though Madara maintained a stoic demeanor, he couldn't deny his curiosity.
"I'll go see the White Snake Sage one more time. You wait outside."
Leaving those words behind, Madara leapt from the mountaintop.
Black Zetsu's gaze darkened. "The White Snake Sage… that ancient relic could complicate things. But no matter. Indra's secrets won't jeopardize Mother's plans."
Ryūchi Cave - Temple
Madara once again stood before the White Snake Sage.
"White Snake Sage, let's hear about this so-called origin of mine."
The sage smirked, as though expecting Madara's return. "So you came after all. Hebihime, prepare a seat."
One of the sage's attendants stepped forward, placing a cushion before Madara.
Seated, Madara prepared to listen intently.
The White Snake Sage began, "Madara Uchiha, do you know why you were able to awaken the Rinnegan?"
Madara raised an eyebrow. "You know about my Rinnegan?"
The sage replied, "Though I rarely leave this cave, I am well-versed in worldly matters."
Madara stated, "The interplay of Yin and Yang gives rise to all creation. The power of the Uchiha combined with the power of the Senju enables one to awaken the Six Paths' Rinnegan. This is clearly stated on the Uchiha Stone Tablet. I followed its instructions, and thus, upon my death, I awakened the Rinnegan's power."
The White Snake Sage interrupted, "No! It's not because you're an Uchiha and he's a Senju. It's because you are Indra, and he is Asura. Together, you form the Six Paths."
Madara frowned. "What are you saying? I know Indra is the ancestor of the Uchiha and Asura is the ancestor of the Senju. But what connection do they have to me and Hashirama?"
The sage explained, "Because you are the reincarnation of Indra, and Hashirama Senju is the reincarnation of Asura. To be precise, you two are the previous generation's reincarnations."
Madara was stunned. "What… what is the meaning of this?"
And so, the White Snake Sage recounted the details, leaving nothing out.
Madara muttered in disbelief, "Naruto and Sasuke… are the current reincarnations of Asura and Indra?"
The sage confirmed, "Sasuke was here not long ago. At first, I didn't recognize him. But when he spoke out of turn, I saw traces of an old acquaintance in him."
Madara murmured, "No wonder Sasuke and I both possess straight tomoe in our Mangekyō Sharingan. I always felt a connection beyond blood ties with him. I never imagined it would be this."
The White Snake Sage asked, "Now that you know this, what are your plans?"
Madara stood abruptly, his pride unyielding. "Indra or not, Asura or not—past lives and reincarnations are utterly meaningless! I am Madara Uchiha, and I will always be Madara Uchiha. Indra's reincarnation is irrelevant!"
"But since you've shared this with me, I'll consider it a favor. White Snake Sage, I'll repay this favor at an appropriate time. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
The sage, his tone enigmatic, offered, "If you wish to know more, I can tell you."
Madara clenched his fist. "I'll uncover the answers myself! Including the truth of the Stone Tablet and the reality behind the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Don't bother persuading me. Whether it's me or Naruto Uzumaki, the true savior will be decided through power!"
Whoosh!
Madara vanished in a flash of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
The attendant Hebihime, puzzled, asked, "Grandmother, why did that man answer so strangely? You clearly said you could answer his questions, but he rambled on about unrelated matters."
The sage's slit pupils gleamed with wisdom. "He understands everything. He's simply unwilling to accept it. Indra's competitive nature is inherited across generations. But when it comes to pride, Madara may surpass Indra himself. Madara Uchiha… truly a legend. Both he and Naruto have the potential to be my companions across generations."
Nightfall on the Gobi Desert
Madara and Black Zetsu regrouped.
"Lord Madara, when do you plan to set out for Mount Myōboku?"
Black Zetsu thought to himself, "The Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku is connected to Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki and is said to possess prophetic abilities. If Madara interacts with him, my plans could be exposed."
Madara asked with a smirk, "What do you think would be the best time to go?"
Black Zetsu replied cautiously, "In my opinion, Mount Myōboku will be the most challenging. Katsuyu values relationships, treating those she favors as family and ignoring those she dislikes. The White Snake Sage is impartial, treating anyone who passes her trials equally, though she is vain. Both can be approached strategically. But Mount Myōboku's Great Toad Sage is different. He values relationships but remains unbound by them."
Madara, intrigued, pressed, "Oh? What do you mean?"
Black Zetsu elaborated, "Take Jiraiya, for example. He's arguably the Great Toad Sage's most devoted disciple. Yet the sage foretold Jiraiya's death long ago and did nothing to prevent it, simply watching events unfold. All external affairs are handled by his subordinates, Fukasaku and Shima, while he himself never intervenes. Wouldn't you agree?"
"So threatening his loved ones won't work. He'll let them die without lifting a finger. And since Mount Myōboku doesn't have trials, you have no way to seek an audience with him."
Madara pressed further, "So what do you suggest?"
Black Zetsu, his tone sinister, proposed, "Jiraiya has been resurrected by Naruto. Despite his revival, he still retains his Sage abilities. We could lure Jiraiya to the outskirts of Amegakure and extract the Mount Myōboku Sage energy from him, sparing you the risk of visiting the mountain yourself. What do you think?"
Madara smirked inwardly. "Oh, Black Zetsu, it seems you're quite determined to keep me away from Mount Myōboku. If you don't want me to go, then I absolutely will."
Feigning indifference, Madara replied, "I'll visit Mount Myōboku first. If it doesn't work out, I'll consider your plan."
Black Zetsu panicked, "But… but…"
Madara's gaze sharpened. "What? Are you trying to make decisions for me?"
Black Zetsu quickly backtracked, "No, no, I wouldn't dare. I'm merely your will, offering suggestions. I wouldn't presume to overstep."
Madara's expression softened. "Good. I'll go to Mount Myōboku alone. You don't need to follow. Instead, track down Obito and Kabuto's current whereabouts. Once I master the Self-Reliant Sage Techniques, I'll have further plans."
"I understand, Lord Madara."
Black Zetsu thought grimly, "It seems I'll need to make alternate arrangements. I can't afford to put all my hopes on Madara alone."
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