Kabuto looked at Orochimaru's fervent expression, then thought about everything Madara had done since becoming Hokage. He began to understand why Orochimaru obeyed Madara so unquestioningly.
At that moment, even Kabuto felt a flicker of curiosity about a shinobi world with Madara in it. He, too, wanted to know where Madara would lead this world.
Madara spent half a day in the Secret Chamber. When its door opened, everything inside had been burned to ashes by his hand.
"What a shame. I was hoping to see whom you would revive."
When they noticed the Secret Chamber had opened, Orochimaru and Kabuto came to greet Madara. Orochimaru smiled and spoke as soon as he saw him.
"There's no need to lament. One day, you'll learn what I'm planning."
Madara was very pleased that Orochimaru had not tampered with either the sacrifices or the secret chamber. For once, he gave the youngster's teasing a direct answer.
"So these are the spoils of your raid on Orochimaru's base."
In the Meeting Hall at the Former Site of Otogakure in the Land of Rice Fields, Madara Uchiha received Sasuke and Neji after they completed their mission. Beside them, Jūgo looked at Madara in bewilderment, while Suigetsu wore a fearless expression. But with every tenketsu in his body sealed by Neji, he could only stand there like a stick.
"Older Brother, he's not spoils. Jūgo is my friend now."
Noticing Madara's poor choice of words, Sasuke promptly clarified Jūgo's status. Beside him, Suigetsu rolled his eyes.
Why does Jūgo have such good luck? Unlike me—I'm stuck with an ice-cold opponent.
Madara carefully studied Jūgo and Suigetsu. He sensed a faint, familiar fluctuation of energy from Jūgo. As for Suigetsu, his Hydrification Technique sounded interesting, but that was all.
Noticing Madara studying Suigetsu, Neji immediately