After Black Zetsu slowly recounted the course of the battle with Konoha, Uchiha Madara's expression gradually darkened.
"Is that so..."
Uchiha Madara looked somewhat surprised.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen..."
"That mediocre Hokage, who could originally do nothing more than maintain the status quo, seemed to have undergone some change after my death."
"His strength actually reached a level capable of rivaling the Rinnegan."
By Uchiha Madara's estimation, in an era without himself and Senju Hashirama, Uzumaki Nagato combined with the power of the Rinnegan should have been enough to suppress all opposition.
That was also why Uchiha Madara could die without concern and quietly wait for his resurrection.
Even incomplete, the power of the Rinnegan was not something any non-Otsutsuki could contend against.
And that was indeed the case. The moment Nagato appeared in the original story, he directly raised the upper limit of power in Naruto. He slew gods in his path and killed Buddhas who stood against him.
Neither Sage Mode Jiraiya nor Sage Mode Naruto had been his match.
Had Naruto not suddenly received a power-up, Nagato might even have succeeded in capturing the Nine-Tails.
Black Zetsu then went on to describe Sarutobi Hiruzen's actions after Uchiha Madara's death, earning quite a bit of Madara's appreciation.
"He has become decisive and ruthless. It seems he has no small ambitions as well."
"I just wonder where that strength of his came from."
A smile of interest curved Uchiha Madara's lips.
It had been a long time since he had encountered an evenly matched opponent, especially after Senju Hashirama's death.
"Perhaps the Third Hokage transplanted Senju Hashirama's power and yours,"
"Which is why he became so strong—stronger even than the Rinnegan."
Black Zetsu voiced his speculation.
But deep down, he had reached a terrifying conclusion. The Otsutsuki aura he sensed within