As Naruto awoke, the black cursed Seal spread from the back of his neck, dyeing the right half of his blond hair black. His left eye was azure, his right pure black, and his presence radiated sinister dominance.
He coldly demanded of Black Zetsu behind him, "Black Zetsu, I order you to explain yourself at once!"
Black Zetsu thought, Madara's consciousness within the black cursed Seal is stronger than I imagined. Naruto slept for an entire month after the ritual ended, yet Madara's consciousness woke first. No, Naruto's consciousness must have been completely suppressed by Madara's, leaving him unable to awaken. No matter. Whether Naruto or Madara ultimately becomes this body's dominant personality, control of the black cursed Seal remains in my hands. For now, I'll placate Madara!
Black Zetsu said, "Lord Madara, I had no choice..."
Clang! Madara jumped off the coffin lid and strode forward, looking down coldly at him. "Kneel. Who gave you permission to stand while speaking to me?"
Damn it... that brat Madara never misses a chance to throw his weight around. I'll put up with him for now!
Black Zetsu sank to his knees, fawning shamelessly.
Madara looked down at Black Zetsu. "Go on, then. How exactly did you have no choice?"
Black Zetsu delivered the explanation he had prepared long ago. "Obito failed to keep Nagato in line, and Nagato learned the truth about what happened back then. Rinne Rebirth is no longer possible!"
Madara said coldly, "Every last one of you is the same. If Rinne Rebirth was impossible, why wasn't Impure World Reincarnation your first choice?"
Black Zetsu said, "Impure World Reincarnation was created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama. Wouldn't reviving you with that technique sully your dignity?"
Madara said coldly, "Hmph. Is that your only reason?"
Black Zetsu said, "To