The blame lay with Konoha and Senju Hashirama

Once the plan was settled, Uchiha Madara went back to sleep, leaving Black-and-White Zetsu to carry it out.

Uchiha Madara was in a very peculiar state. Old and frail, he clung to life, unwilling to die just yet but equally unwilling to expend any unnecessary vitality. He relied on the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path to sustain him.

He was like a supreme being who had crippled himself and sealed himself within a forbidden zone. Though he had reached the end of his life, he could still emerge at any moment for another fight.

As long as he did not burn everything to reach his ultimate peak, he could even remain active for quite some time and attempt the path to immortality.

Over the next few months, Black-and-White Zetsu repeatedly infiltrated Konoha, trying to select someone from the Uchiha Clan suitable to become Madara's successor.

This was a matter of utmost importance. To ensure that this person and Nagato did not both betray Madara, this person's loyalty had to be guaranteed.

At the very least, he had to remain loyal on the surface, so his personality needed careful observation. Besides, even knowing how to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan did not make awakening it easy.

Throughout history, countless Uchiha had killed their closest loved ones, only to end up empty-handed. They lost their loved ones without awakening their eyes.

That made careful selection essential.

Unfortunately, Uchiha Mai had nothing better to do and spent his days stationed in the Uchiha Compound, activating Consciousness-Only: Sharingan now and then. Black-and-White Zetsu could hardly find a decent opening.

Over those few months, Uchiha Mai discovered Black-and-White Zetsu at least five times and beat him out of Konoha every time.

On the last occasion, Uchiha Mai even contacted Sarutobi Hiruzen in advance to set