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Under the guidance of Black Zetsu, Uchiha Kiyo arrived near Kannabi Bridge.
As for the situation in Iwagakure, Black Zetsu had no choice but to temporarily set it aside and focus on the matter at hand.
Uchiha Kiyo wasn't particularly anxious—after all, the crucial items were already secured by his clone. It was only a matter of time before he retrieved them.
"So, it's really around here?"
Activating his Earth Release technique, Uchiha Kiyo followed Black Zetsu deeper underground.
Watching Kiyo's seamless transition into the earth, Black Zetsu was both impressed and wary.
"What an impressive Earth Release technique!"
Black Zetsu himself could move effortlessly underground, but that was due to his unique physiology rather than any particular mastery of Earth Release.
Uchiha Kiyo, on the other hand, was purely relying on his Earth Release jutsu, yet he moved just as fluidly.
"This level of proficiency in Earth Release… he's definitely not an ordinary person."
As much as Black Zetsu marveled at Kiyo's abilities, Kiyo was equally intrigued by Black Zetsu.
Although Black Zetsu was weak in terms of direct combat ability, his survival and movement techniques were exceptional. His speed underground was astonishing—likely surpassing even some Kage-level ninjas.
"To think he's been hiding for centuries... even being a master of deception requires skill."
Neither spoke, yet they were constantly analyzing each other, mentally assigning labels.
About 200 meters underground, Kiyo noticed a change in the soil.
It had thickened and hardened significantly.
His usual Earth Release technique could no longer pass through.
"As expected of Madara Uchiha!"
What kind of nature transformation was this? It had solidified the soil to such an extent that it had even altered its structural composition.
Yes, the very nature of the soil had changed.
It could no longer be classified as ordinary earth.
Otherwise, his Earth Release technique wouldn't have been rendered ineffective.
Before Kiyo could investigate further, Black Zetsu led him through a hidden gap in the underground structure.
Who would have thought that such a deep underground chamber existed, excavated with such precision?
Even with torches lit in the four corners, the cavern remained dimly illuminated.
At the deepest part of the cave, an "old man" sat on a stone throne, lost in thought.
Despite his white hair and wrinkled face, his sharp features and overwhelming aura hinted at the powerful figure he had once been.
Though aged, his body was still muscular and imposing. If not for his white hair, one might mistake him for a middle-aged warrior in his forties.
This was Madara Uchiha.
The man who, alongside the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, reshaped the shinobi world and ushered in the era of hidden villages.
Unfortunately, the evolution of the hidden villages had diverged from his original vision.
Madara Uchiha had defected from Konoha, eventually facing Hashirama in battle at the Valley of the End.
The world believed he had perished in that battle.
But the truth was far from it.
Not only had Madara survived, but he had also lived for more than twenty years in hiding.
Until now.
Apart from the enigmatic will-born entity, Black Zetsu, no one knew Madara was still alive.
And this underground chamber was a secret known only to them.
Yet today, an unexpected guest had arrived.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Madara turned his sharp gaze toward the entrance. Two figures approached.
One was Black Zetsu—no surprise there.
The other, however, was unfamiliar.
"Black Zetsu, who is this?"
Though Madara posed the question, he was already analyzing the newcomer.
There was an effortless confidence in Uchiha Kiyo's demeanor—something that intrigued Madara.
In the ruthless shinobi world, very few carried themselves with such composure.
His chakra reserves and control were remarkable, indicating a high level of skill.
And while young, his power was undeniable.
More importantly, Madara felt something… familiar.
Meanwhile, Kiyo was assessing the legendary Uchiha in return.
Unlike the frail and withered form he had in the original timeline when he met Obito, Madara still retained much of his physical strength.
Kiyo estimated that Madara was at least at the peak Kage level—possibly even approaching Super Kage level.
After all, this was a man who could manifest a complete Susanoo with just the three-tomoe Sharingan.
Madara's presence was overwhelming. Even with age taking its toll, his dominance remained intact.
"Lord Madara, this is Uchiha Kiyo."
Black Zetsu's introduction drew Madara's attention.
"Uchiha?"
He murmured the name, recognizing the chakra signature now that it had been pointed out.
Of course—he could sense the familiar presence of Sharingan within Kiyo.
Madara turned back to Black Zetsu, waiting for further explanation.
"Lord Madara, you've heard of Uchiha Kiyo before.
A young genius from the Uchiha clan during the last war, two years ago."
Madara's memory sharpened.
Yes, he had taken note of this young talent before.
So this was him?
As for why he wasn't dead—Madara wasn't particularly concerned.
A true Uchiha, especially a genius, wouldn't die so easily.
He had always believed in the Uchiha's tenacity.
Besides, what did it matter?
His only curiosity was how Kiyo had found his way here.
"Junior, I don't know how you obtained information about me or convinced Black Zetsu to bring you here…
But if you think you can gain anything from me just because we share the Uchiha name, you're gravely mistaken."
Madara's voice was firm and unyielding.
Kiyo smirked. As expected, relying on lineage alone wasn't going to get him anywhere with this ancestor.
Good thing he came prepared.
"Senior, I wouldn't dream of asking for a handout.
I came here for a trade."
Madara raised an eyebrow.
"A trade?"
Without waiting for a response, Kiyo continued.
"I have some knowledge of your grand plan.
And I know that in its execution, you lack a critical component—a powerful combat force."
He stopped talking, watching for Madara's reaction.
For the first time in the conversation, Kiyo felt true killing intent.
When he mentioned knowing the plan, a deadly pressure filled the room.
If not for his instant body flicker technique, he might have instinctively fled.
But Madara quickly regained composure.
He was no fool.
No plan was flawless.
And if someone had discovered a flaw, he needed to assess the situation rather than act rashly.
Madara analyzed Kiyo once more.
"A Mangekyō ability… one that grants knowledge? Interesting."
He had already concluded that Kiyo possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan.
The Uchiha clan truly was full of surprises.
Kiyo pressed forward.
"I know the final stage of your plan will be the most dangerous.
You may have contingencies, but an extra layer of security is never a bad idea.
I promise that when the time comes, I will assist you."
Then, he added with a smirk:
"And I am only seventeen years old now.
By then, I may very well be on your level."
Madara was silent.
A promise alone held little weight.
Yet, he actually considered it.
The final stage of his plan was indeed its most vulnerable moment.
Having additional insurance… might not be a bad idea.
"What do you want in return?"
Kiyo exhaled slightly, sensing that he had gained some ground.
"Nothing much.
Just research data on the Sharingan—up to the Mangekyō level—and Uchiha clan jutsu."
Madara narrowed his eyes.
Strange request.
But not unreasonable.
And for a future Super Kage-level ally?
Acceptable.
Madara agreed.
And then…
His Sharingan spun.
A Genjutsu took hold.
Izanami.
Kiyo barely had time to process it before his consciousness was pulled into an illusion.
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