Deep within the Mountains' Graveyard, Madara Uchiha and Zetsu were discussing Qianyu.
Madara's expression was dark. "Qianyu is, after all, an unpredictable wild card. We must prepare early. Black Zetsu, keep an eye on him. Once you can confirm you can kill him, do not hesitate.
"But if you are not certain, then you absolutely must not act. Otherwise, having someone who knows our plans standing in opposition would be… troublesome.
"As for Obito and Nagato… since Qianyu's goals are unclear, you must also have replacements ready. If problems arise, discard Obito and Nagato. Retrieve their Mangekyō Sharingan and Rinnegan. Push the replacements forward.
"If it truly comes to that, the plan has already encountered a major problem. At that point, as long as the replacement can use the Rinne Rebirth technique, revive me immediately. I will take control."
Black Zetsu nodded. "Understood. I will do my utmost to ensure things proceed according to plan."
Madara inclined his head slightly. "It would be best if the plan proceeded smoothly. By the way, where is Obito headed next?"
"His first stop appears to be Kirigakure," Black Zetsu replied. "To find suitable recruits for the Akatsuki. Though that will likely begin after the war concludes. The war is in its final stages. It will end soon."
"Good. I leave the rest to you. You may go. Next… is my meeting with him."
Black Zetsu sank into the ground, leaving the Mountains' Graveyard to seek out Obito Uchiha.
The next day.
Qianyu arrived at the Mountains' Graveyard and entered the underground tunnels.
He was about to meet Madara Uchiha. A flicker of excitement stirred in his chest.
After all, Madara was a figure who had once stood at the pinnacle of the shinobi world alongside Hashirama Senju.
And since Madara was willing to see him, as long as their upcoming cooperation didn't collapse, there was a high probability Madara would let him join his plan.
Moreover, once the cooperation was settled, Madara would die by his hand.
Qianyu was very curious. How many Witness Points would he get for killing a former peak of the shinobi world?
He passed through a long, winding tunnel and finally saw Madara Uchiha.
Madara sat on a stone seat, one hand propping up his chin. He was clearly aged, appearing extremely frail. Yet, an aura of sheer strength still clung to him.
Madara opened his eyes and looked at Qianyu. "You've finally arrived."
Qianyu stopped about ten paces away. "That's right. I'm here. So, Madara. How do you want to discuss our… cooperation?"
Madara smiled faintly. "Passing the initiative to me? This time, you are the one seeking cooperation. In that case, shouldn't you first lay your chips on the table?"
Qianyu spread his hands. "I have no chips. There's likely nothing here that you want. What I can offer is merely a promise."
Madara remained composed. "You're honest, at least. Then, speak your promise."
Qianyu's expression turned serious. "It seems Obito Uchiha will be your proxy in the world. I will help conceal his identity and can assist him. Of course, there are conditions. This is cooperation, after all. I won't help for free, as long as he can pay the price for my intervention.
"Furthermore, regarding your resurrection… I will assist within reasonable bounds. The price, after you revive, is a fight with me at your full strength. A fight to the death.
"That is what I can offer."
Madara's smile held a trace of mockery. "Truly a vague promise."
"It's a promise, naturally something to be done later," Qianyu said matter-of-factly. "You have no 'later' for the time being. So, it can only be reflected through Obito Uchiha, can it not? Surely you don't expect me to gain your trust by voluntarily letting you place some seal on me?"
Madara nodded. "Indeed. If I suggested placing a seal on you, you would immediately kill me and then deal with Obito, correct?"
Qianyu gave a light smile. "You jest. Regarding Obito Uchiha, I will not hinder anything he does. But killing you immediately? That's a certainty. I think both of us understand the current… situation."
"I do," Madara admitted. "Yes. The current situation essentially puts me in the threatened position. So, this cooperation is unequal from the start. Agreeing is a gamble—betting on whether you will honor your promise. Refusing means not even getting the chance to gamble."
Qianyu's gaze burned into Madara. "So, what is your choice? Agree to cooperate, or let this talk break down here."
Madara met his gaze frankly. "It seems I have no reason to refuse. To think that in my twilight years, I would be threatened by a junior."
The corner of Qianyu's mouth lifted. "How can this be called a threat? We are partners. Cooperating for mutual benefit. Each taking what we need."
Madara looked deeply at Qianyu. "I hope your promise is honored. Weren't you going to kill me with your own hands? You may proceed."
Qianyu's thumb nudged his sword hilt. A sliver of steel gleamed. "Fine. Consider this your down payment."
"Someone will contact you later. I look forward to our next meeting, Qianyu."
Madara's final words hung in the air. The blade fell. His head followed.
Qianyu immediately opened his system. The prompt sounded.
[Witnessed the death of Madara Uchiha. Reward: 500 Witness Points.]
[Host personally killed Madara Uchiha. Additional Reward: 1000 Witness Points.]
"Tsk. A bit low."
Qianyu had thought killing Madara himself might net him around ten thousand points. He hadn't expected a mere fifteen hundred total.
Seems cutting corners isn't very useful.
The current Madara was weak to the extreme. Even wearing a White Zetsu, he would be no match for Qianyu.
And this was Madara letting himself be killed.
A flicker of disappointment, but Qianyu didn't dwell on it.
Just a failed attempt at a shortcut.
He stepped forward, picked up Madara's head, extracted the Sharingan, sealed it into a scroll, and left the Mountains' Graveyard.
Returning to the Leaf camp in the Land of Rain, Qianyu found Orochimaru.
"Qianyu," Orochimaru said, his voice a low hiss. "Your student's condition is… not right. I gave him leave. You should check on him."
Qianyu was slightly surprised. Word traveled fast. Had Kakashi already learned of Rin's death?
He left Orochimaru's room and headed for Kakashi's.
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