In the dim underground cavern, the Gedo Statue's enormous eyes glowed faintly in the gloom.
Uchiha Madara sat atop the Gedo Statue, his withered figure resembling a thousand-year-old dead tree.
His eyes were closed, his breathing long and slow, as though he had become one with the cavern.
The ground rose slightly, and a white humanoid plant emerged from the soil.
White Zetsu unfurled his petal-like head and spoke in that eerie voice that always seemed to carry a smile:
"Lord Madara, I have some earth-shattering news!"
Madara did not open his eyes. "Speak."
"On the Hidden Cloud Village front, Hyuga Tianyi used a bizarre jutsu to blow up the Third Raikage and capture the A-B Combo.
The entire Hidden Cloud Village army retreated. They've withdrawn to the Land of Lightning."
Madara's brow twitched slightly.
White Zetsu continued, "But the best part came afterward.
While Hyuga Tianyi was escorting the prisoners back to the Leaf Village, Danzo sent Root elites to intercept and kill him.
They were wiped out! Hyuga Tianyi not only killed them all, but brought their heads back to the Leaf Village, stormed the Root Base, and destroyed Danzo's stronghold.
Now the Third Hokage has thrown Danzo in prison."
Madara slowly opened his eyes, a faint gleam flashing through his Rinnegan. "Heh heh heh... I never imagined Hyuga Tianyi's strength had reached such heights."
He paused, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "And he took advantage of the situation to deal with Danzo outright.
It's been a long time since I encountered such an interesting youngster."
White Zetsu tilted his head, his eyes curving into crescents. "Lord Madara, what should we do next to feel the urge to poop?"
Madara did not answer. He fell silent for a moment, his gaze deepening as he ignored White