Naruto: The Clanless Prince

Uchiha Madara and Zetsu were discussing Sora in the dim cave of the Mountain Graveyard.

Madara spoke solemnly, "Sora remains an unpredictable variable, so you must take precautions and be prepared. Black Zetsu, keep watch over him. If you're certain you can kill him, don't hesitate."

Madara's voice grew stern. "But if you're not absolutely sure you can eliminate him, then you must not attempt it. If someone who knows our plan stands against us, it will become extremely troublesome."

He continued, "Regarding Obito and Nagato, since we're uncertain of Sora's true intentions, you need to find alternatives. If something goes wrong, discard Obito and Nagato, retrieve their Mangekyō Sharingan and Rinnegan, and replace them with others."

Madara's fingers tightened on the armrest of his seat. "If that time comes, our plan will certainly face major complications. In such a situation, as long as the replacement can use the Rinne Tensei technique, have them resurrect me directly so I can take control of everything."

Black Zetsu nodded. "I understand. I'll do everything possible to ensure things progress according to our plan."

"It would be best if the plan proceeds smoothly," Madara replied. "By the way, where will Obito go next?"

"Obito's first target seems to be Kirigakure, to find suitable recruits for Akatsuki," Black Zetsu answered. "But this should begin after the war ends. The war has entered its final phase and will conclude soon."

"Very well," Madara said. "The rest is up to you. You may leave now. It's time for me to meet him."

Black Zetsu sank into the ground, departed from the Mountain Graveyard, and went to find Uchiha Obito.

...

The next day, Sora arrived at the Mountain Graveyard and entered the underground tunnel.

He felt a surge of excitement about meeting Uchiha Madara—a legendary figure who once stood at the pinnacle of the ninja world alongside Hashirama Senju.

Since Madara had agreed to meet him, as long as their cooperation didn't fall apart, there was a high possibility that Madara would allow him to join the plan.

Moreover, once their cooperation was negotiated, Sora intended to kill Madara himself.

He was curious to see how many witness points he would earn by killing someone who was once considered the strongest ninja in the world.

After traversing the lengthy tunnel, Sora finally came face to face with Uchiha Madara.

Madara sat with one hand resting on his chin. Though obviously old and weakened, he still emanated the aura of a powerful warrior.

Madara opened his eyes and looked at Sora. "You've finally arrived."

Sora stopped ten paces from Madara and asked, "Yes, I'm here. So, Madara, how shall we discuss our cooperation?"

Madara smiled faintly. "You're leaving the initiative to me? Since you wish to cooperate with me, shouldn't you show your hand first?"

Sora spread his hands. "I don't have much to offer. I probably don't possess anything you particularly want. The only chips I can place on the table are my promises."

"You're quite honest," Madara said calmly. "Very well, tell me about these promises of yours."

Sora's expression turned serious. "It seems Uchiha Obito will be your representative in the ninja world from now on. I will help conceal his identity and assist him."

He paused before continuing, "Of course, this is conditional. It is, after all, cooperation. I can't help him for free. As long as he can afford my price, I'll take action."

"Regarding your resurrection," Sora added, "I'll help facilitate it within reasonable boundaries. My price after your resurrection is simple—you must fight me at your full strength, a battle with no holds barred. This is what I offer."

Madara's lips curved into a half-smile. "Such an illusory promise."

"Since it is a promise, it naturally concerns future actions," Sora replied naturally. "You have no future at present, so my commitment can only be reflected through Uchiha Obito, correct? I can't expect you to give me something tangible merely to gain your trust. Would you prefer I place a seal on your body or something similar?"

Madara nodded. "That's true. If I suggested placing a seal on you, you would kill me immediately and eliminate Obito, wouldn't you?"

Sora smiled lightly. "You jest. Regarding Uchiha Obito, I won't hinder his actions, but I would certainly kill you without hesitation. I believe we both understand the current situation."

"Indeed," Madara admitted. "The current situation is that I'm the one under threat, making this cooperation inherently unequal. If I agree, I'm essentially gambling on whether you'll honor your promise. If I refuse, I lose even the chance to gamble."

Sora fixed Madara with an intense gaze. "So, what's your choice? Agree to cooperate, or end this discussion?"

"I seem to have no reason to refuse," Madara said calmly. "I never imagined that in my twilight years, I would be cornered by someone so young."

The corner of Sora's mouth turned upward. "How can this be considered a threat? We are collaborators—partners cooperating for mutual benefit. We each get what we need."

Madara regarded Sora deeply. "I hope your promises will be fulfilled. Didn't you intend to kill me with your own hands? Feel free to proceed."

Sora pushed his thumb against the hilt of his ninja sword, raising it slightly. "Very well. Consider this the deposit you've paid."

"Someone will contact you later. I look forward to our next meeting, Sora."

As Madara's final words fell, so did his head.

Sora immediately accessed his system, and the notifications appeared.

[Witnessing the death of Uchiha Madara: 500 witness points awarded. Host kills Uchiha Madara with own hands: additional 1,000 witness points awarded]

"Hmm, that's surprisingly little," Sora muttered.

He had expected that killing Uchiha Madara with his own hands would earn him around 10,000 witness points, but the total only amounted to 1,500 points.

It seemed that opportunism wasn't particularly rewarding in this case.

The current Uchiha Madara was extremely weak. Even if he wore White Zetsu and fought Sora, Madara would never stand a chance.

What's more, Madara had essentially volunteered to be killed.

Sora felt disappointed but didn't dwell on it. His opportunistic approach had simply failed to yield the expected results.

He stepped forward, lifted Madara's head, carefully extracted the Sharingan eyes, sealed them into a scroll, and departed from the Mountain Graveyard.

Sora returned to Konoha's outpost in the Land of Rain and sought out Orochimaru.

"Sora," Orochimaru said, "your student's condition is concerning. I've given him leave. You should go check on him."

Sora was slightly surprised. The news had spread so quickly. Had Kakashi already learned about Nohara Rin's death?

He left Orochimaru's room and made his way toward Kakashi's quarters.

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