In a hidden, deep cave somewhere in the Ninja World, Uchiha Madara sat quietly in a dark corner. His body was so frail that he was barely clinging to life.
The Demonic Statue of the Outer Path behind him continually fed him chakra through thick tubes, sustaining his life like a candle flickering in the wind.
Obsession gleamed in Uchiha Madara's eyes. Though old and infirm, his heart remained unyielding.
His plan had long since taken root in his very being, becoming his sole reason to keep living.
Several years earlier, Madara had realized his life was nearing its end. To carry on his will, he had transplanted his precious Rinnegan into Nagato Uzumaki, a member of the Uzumaki Clan who possessed a Sage Body.
Uchiha Madara knew that the Uzumaki Clan's Sage Body had immense vitality, enough to nourish the Rinnegan and bring it to its optimal state.
Madara's plan was for Nagato to revive him with Rinne Rebirth at the proper time. To ensure the plan went smoothly, he had already planted multiple contingencies in Nagato.
However, during the long wait for his resurrection, Uchiha Madara needed someone to act as his representative and carry out his "Eye of the Moon Plan."
He monitored the entire Ninja World through Black Zetsu, a manifestation of his own will created with Yin-Yang Release, and the intelligence network formed by White Zetsu.
White Zetsu's Mayfly technique granted him exceptional abilities in covert surveillance, allowing Uchiha Madara to keep track of the movements of the Ninja World's major powers.
After observing the situation for some time, White Zetsu delivered detailed information about the Uchiha Clan's members to Uchiha Madara.
Uchiha Madara carefully examined the files, searching for suitable pawns to carry out his plan.
Just as Uchiha Madara was preparing to take