"Has he left?" In the silent underground chamber, Uchiha Madara opened his eyes from atop his stone chair, an inscrutable emotion surfacing in his blood-red Three Tomoe.
Before him, White Zetsu emerged from the ground and reported, "Lord Madara, Obito has already set out. According to the intelligence relayed by my clone, he should reach the scene in a little over three hours."
"Good," Uchiha Madara said quietly. "You may withdraw."
At his command, White Zetsu slowly sank back underground, and the cavern returned to silence.
Madara had kept the plan concerning Obito extremely secret. Even White Zetsu did not know the truth; he had merely happened to discover that Kakashi was in danger.
The only people who truly knew were Madara and Shin.
Space rippled slightly. Madara looked up as a figure silently appeared before him.
"Looks like Obito has gone to save his dear best friend." After appearing, Shin glanced toward where Obito had been staying. The darkness could not obstruct his vision, and the place was now empty.
Uchiha Madara said in a low voice, "After all these years of waiting, the time has finally drawn near. Our plan can be put into action. When I return to this world, this ugly world will be purified, and a brand-new world will be born in our hands."
"Let's hope so." Shin sighed, then returned to his seat. "Now that the plan is underway, though I don't think we really need Obito as a pawn with me remaining in the living world, I don't object since you insist.
So, after several decades, what does it feel like when your life is nearing its end?"
Uchiha Madara smiled, a truly delighted smile. "It's strange—impossible to describe in words. There is anticipation, relief, and also fear of the unknown. The living