For the sake of his own life and the last sliver of hope for his plan to save his mother.
Black Zetsu immediately spoke up, cutting Shinji off.
"Lord Madara! Don't listen to him! He's only stalling for time. I don't know what he's planning, but he's definitely up to no good!"
Black Zetsu grabbed Madara Uchiha's arm, tears nearly spilling from his eyes. "Lord Madara, I'm your will! Would I ever harm you?"
"Please believe me! Hurry! Kill him! Kill him, take the Rinnegan, gather the Tailed Beasts, and we can complete the plan!"
"Then the world will know true peace!"
"..."
Madara stared at Shinji for a long moment, then looked down at Black Zetsu with cold eyes. "No one can deceive me, Zetsu. And you've talked far too much today."
"So much that you're getting on my nerves."
"You never used to be like this."
Black Zetsu stared at him in disbelief. "...Lord Madara!"
He wanted to act as inscrutable as ever, to remain the mastermind behind the scenes and pull the strings from the shadows!
But...
How could he keep up the act now?
That filthy Shinji Uchiha was far too unpredictable! Not only had he thrown his plan into chaos, he had practically stripped him bare!
What else could he do?
Madara gave a cold snort and shook Black Zetsu off.
He turned to Shinji. "Shinji Uchiha... is that right? Tell me what you want. I won't necessarily agree."
"But I'll hear you out."
Shinji smiled faintly. "What do I want? It's simple..."
"Oh?"
"Fight me!"
Surprise flashed through Madara's eyes. He considered it briefly.
"Fine!"
Boom!
Before Madara had even finished speaking, Shinji threw a punch!
A fierce blast of wind surged from his fist!
Madara's pupils contracted. Three Tomoe appeared in his obsidian