Chapter 122: Inverting the Heavenly Order
After Black Zetsu reported to Madara Uchiha, Madara said, "Is that so?" and then fell silent.
Black Zetsu thought Madara was deep in thought. It wasn't until he heard soft snores that Black Zetsu realized Madara had actually fallen asleep.
"Ahem!"
Black Zetsu pretended to cough. Madara opened his eyes and sighed, "I've been getting sleepier lately. My time is running out."
He used to be the king of The Battle, but now he's old and weak, just lingering in this gloomy place. It really pisses Madara off.
Black Zetsu asked confusingly, "Madara, you transplanted the Rinnegan to Nagato. Why not keep training Nagato and instead look for a substitute? Isn't that just making things more complicated?
If you're worried that Nagato might go astray in the future, I can keep an eye on him. However, finding a substitute now means more people will know about The Plan, which will surely double the risk."
Madara Uchiha said hoarsely, "You're just a product of my will and have no real power. If a Problem occurs with Nagato later, you won't be able to control him with the Rinnegan.
So I need double insurance. Although having more people know about it means more chances of things going wrong, The Plan is to be carried out after my death, and then I'll lose control over Nagato.
The Plan can't be completed in a short time. It'll take at least 15 years. Too many things can happen in 15 years. So I need a substitute to balance things with Nagato. If one betrays, the other can carry on with The Plan on my behalf."
Black Zetsu sneered inwardly.
He might not have much power, but he is pulling the strings of the entire ninja world. Controlling Nagato would be a piece of cake.
But if Madara wanted to be cautious, having a double - insurance wasn't a bad thing. If a Problem really occurred with Nagato as Madara said, the substitute could step in.
Black Zetsu asked suspiciously, "But Madara, why those three people, especially that kid? He's stupid and weak. He's completely useless."
Madara Uchiha raised his eyes and glanced at Black Zetsu. "As a product of my will, why haven't you inherited any of my wisdom?"
Thank goodness Black Zetsu's face was already black. If it were Haku, he'd definitely turn livid.
He was practically guiding and controlling the fate of the entire ninja world. No wisdom?
Inherit Madara Uchiha's wisdom? It should be Madara inheriting his wisdom!
He was just a pawn, and this was simply Inverting the Heavenly Order!
It's just that Madara is too stupid to understand because he's too set in his own ways!
Madara Uchiha explained to Black Zetsu, "The stupid and weak kid you mentioned is actually my top-choice substitute. I choose Obito because he's different from other Uchihas. Obito is kind-hearted. Only a kind enough person can unleash more hatred after experiencing the pain of losing loved ones and truly transform.
The other two are just alternative substitutes for Obito. If there is no Problem with Obito, I won't select these two substitutes.
Setsuna Uchiha inherited my will. He's a sneaky and treacherous guy. He's quite dissatisfied with Tobirama Senju's policies for governing the Uchiha Clan and has always been eager to regain sovereignty from the Senju clan. But he's a bit stupid. The turmoil he stirred up by inciting the Uchiha Clan to rebel was detected by Tobirama Senju, and he has been imprisoned ever since.
If Setsuna Uchiha becomes my substitute, at least I don't have to worry about his loyalty. He'll surely do whatever it takes to complete the mission I give him. However, his hatred is not enough, so I'm not optimistic about his strength.
As for the third one, she's from the same era as me. Back then, my Father, Tajima Uchiha, was leading the Uchiha Clan as the clan head. She possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan, and its techniques are quite remarkable. She even had two other techniques transplanted into her. But she was sealed by the Senju clan and the Sarutobi clan working together.
Since no one knows her name, the clan members call her 'Nameless'. She hates the Uchiha, hates the ninjas, and hates the ninja world. If we use this hatred, we can control her.
But her hatred is full of uncertainties. After all, it's not the hatred I instilled in her. So, unless it's absolutely necessary, I won't choose her. That's why I'm just asking you to find the place where she's sealed. Even if you find the sealing location, I'm not planning to lift the seal and release her right away."
Black Zetsu asked, "Apart from these three, aren't there any other suitable candidates?"
Madara Uchiha replied coldly, "I have limited energy. I can't observe everyone. That's why I created you to carry out investigations and surveillance on my behalf. If you find a suitable candidate later, you can recommend them to me."
Black Zetsu promised, "I understand. I'll keep an eye out for other suitable candidates for you."
Madara Uchiha emphasized, "But don't get your priorities wrong. Your main task now is to observe Obito. Wait for the right moment to act, and then bring Obito to see me.
Also, find the sealing location of 'Nameless'. It should be within the territory of The Land of Fire. Look more carefully. Even if she cannot become my substitute, she can still serve as a secret weapon that we can utilize in the future.
Alright, I've explained everything to you. Don't ask such stupid questions next time. Now go and get to work."
Black Zetsu nearly blew his top. Stop pretending!
He doesn't know about this. What's the big deal in asking?
Black Zetsu's body sank into the ground and left the Mountain Graveyard to work for Boss Madara.
...
Two days later.
Kushina Uzumaki brought Kamishiro to the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a bit ill - at - ease when he saw Kamishiro.
After all, the flattering words Kamishiro said last time left a deep impression on Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Even if he tried to forget it deliberately, he'd remember it once he saw Kamishiro.
Hiruzen Sarutobi tried hard to keep a kind expression and said with a smile, "It seems that you've finally finished researching your puppet, Kamishiro. Congratulations!"
"Come on, Hokage, you're being too formal. Next time when I'm back, I'll customize one for you. I guarantee you'll be satisfied, but you have to keep it from Lady Biwako Sarutobi."
Kamishiro gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a lecherous look and wiggled his eyebrows.
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't quite understand what Kamishiro meant. Customize one? Keep it from his wife, Biwako Sarutobi? Why?
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's confused expression, Kamishiro gave a sneaky grin and said slyly, "Lord Jiraiya is very satisfied!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes suddenly lit up. Now he instantly understood what Kamishiro meant.