A frantic yet bold plan gradually took shape in his mind.
Just as he was fully focused on deducing the modifications for the technique, an extremely faint chakra fluctuation, almost one with the shadows, flickered outside the laboratory for a split second.
Night's finger, tapping on the desk, paused abruptly.
The Mind's Eye of the Kagura expanded silently. Like invisible ripples, his perception meticulously scanned every inch of space outside the lab, penetrating the soil and extending to the adjacent streets and buildings.
Nothing.
Was it an illusion? Or... was the surveillance method so advanced that it completely evaded his perception?
No.
With his current neural strength and sensory precision, the probability of an illusion was negligible.
Then, there was only one conclusion: something was indeed spying on him just now, and its concealment technique was sophisticated enough to bypass the standard scan of his Mind's Eye of the Kagura.
Its existence itself might even merge perfectly with the surroundings. If not for that minuscule, active fluctuation a moment ago, he wouldn't have noticed it at all.
"Able to move freely through earth, rock, and even walls, perfectly evading the Mind's Eye..."
Night's gaze narrowed slightly, and a name surfaced in his mind: "White Zetsu?"
If it were those bizarre creatures cultivated from the Gedo Statue, they were indeed the most likely suspects.
"Have I been targeted by Uchiha Madara?" This thought flashed through his mind as he constantly weighed the pros and cons.
Uchiha Madara, the supremacist who viewed everyone else with equal disdain.
The only reason he would investigate Night was likely due to the awakening of the Uzumaki bloodline.
But currently, only Konoha's higher-ups knew about this, and they were unlikely to publicize it. How did White Zetsu find out and lock onto him?
The only explanation was that his recent activities had attracted attention on some level, leading to intensified scrutiny.
The immense chakra and vitality of the Uzumaki clan were undoubtedly excellent "seedbeds" for Uchiha Madara, who needed to nurture his Rinnegan.
In the original story, Nagato Uzumaki was chosen precisely because of his Uzumaki bloodline's capacity to bear the Rinnegan.
And the bloodline purity and potential Night currently displayed were probably more "valuable" than the young Nagato.
"That old geezer Madara naturally knows how powerful the Mind's Eye of the Kagura is. Uncertain about my situation, he only let White Zetsu observe from afar, daring not to approach..."
Night quickly analyzed the other party's intent. "He's probably just making a casual assessment. In Madara's eyes, Nagato is still likely the more suitable, controllable vessel for the Rinnegan."
Danger was also an opportunity.
Being targeted by Uchiha Madara meant he had officially entered the vision of the ultimate chess player of this ninja world.
"Uchiha Madara... Rinnegan..."
He murmured low, his eyes devoid of fear, instead burning with the flames of challenge. "I didn't provoke you, yet you've set your sights on me. I'd like to see if you dare to measure my capacity."
After all, for the current Night, if Uchiha Madara really dared to use him as a vessel for the Rinnegan, it would be tantamount to throwing a meat bun at a dog—it would be gone forever.
He gathered his thoughts and pulled his attention back to the Impure World Reincarnation technique in front of him.
White Zetsu's prying couldn't be eradicated for now; he could only heighten his vigilance. The priority was solving the problem of Tobirama's body tissue.
"The sacrifice is easy to solve; just find some damn scum. I don't need the Second Hokage to exert much power, just his knowledge and brain."
Night's finger traced the section on "medium" in the scroll. "The difficult part is... does Konoha really still possess Tobirama Senju's body tissue?"
He frowned, pondering the life of Tobirama Senju. The Second Hokage, known for his intellect and ruthlessness, master of the Flying Raijin and various forbidden techniques.
Although his strength didn't dominate the ninja world like the First Hokage, with the enhancement of numerous forbidden techniques, he definitely belonged in the Super Kage tier.
Yet he died fighting alone against the Kinkaku and Ginkaku forces to cover the retreat of his subordinates—the so-called Hokage Guard Platoon.
This event itself reeked of absurdity. As a user of the Flying Raijin, Night couldn't fathom how Tobirama could perish if he was determined to escape.
This mystery might only be revealed by the person involved.
There was a grave for him under the Memorial Stone in Konoha, but whether it was his true burial site, or if any tissue suitable for Edo Tensei remained, was unknown.
"It seems I can't rely on just one plan. I have to try other channels."
Night's eyes flickered as several names and locations flashed through his mind.
Root?
Forget it. You can't shear the same sheep bald. Besides, the last "grand sweep" yielded no results on this front.
Hokage Building?
That was actually possible, but the risk was extremely high. Currently, the only one in Konoha who could pose a threat to him was the "Strongest Hokage of the early period" Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was still in his prime.
Orochimaru?
Maybe he could really consider trying him. After all, Orochimaru was the first person to successfully reanimate the Second Hokage, so he must have a way.
---
Meanwhile, in an underground cave far from Konoha.
The massive body of the Gedo Statue cast a hideous shadow in the dim light. Countless tubes and chakra receivers connected to it like blood vessels.
Uchiha Madara, aged but still upright, sat beneath the statue, eyes closed in concentration.
The cave wall distorted slightly, and the pitcher-plant-like Black and White Zetsu slowly rose from the ground.
"Madara-sama."
White Zetsu's half spoke with its usual flippancy. "There are results from the 'observation' in Konoha.
That kid named Night Namikaze has terrifyingly sharp senses. Tobi just got a little close, and he was almost discovered."
"Oh?"
Uchiha Madara slowly opened his eyes, revealing no emotional fluctuation.
Black Zetsu's half sounded much gloomier. "Based on remote observation and scattered intel, it can be confirmed: Night Namikaze possesses an extremely pure Uzumaki bloodline.
His chakra volume far exceeds his peers, and he should have awakened the Adamantine Sealing Chains. Current intel suggests he has surpassed Nagato."
"Uzumaki bloodline, massive chakra, rapidly growing strength... he indeed has the potential to stir up the wind and clouds."
Uchiha Madara's low voice echoed in the cave. "Compared to that brat in the Rain Country, he is more suitable as a temporary vessel for the Rinnegan. Nagato's growth is a bit too slow."
"Should we bring him back?" White Zetsu asked eagerly.
"No."
Madara vetoed it decisively. "Now is not the time. Since he can detect surveillance, it seems he has already awakened the Mind's Eye of the Kagura. Forcible capture carries too high a risk and could easily attract Konoha's attention.
Continue observing. Record his growth data and evaluate his body's compatibility and bearing potential for the Rinnegan.
Without my order, do not approach, do not interfere."
"Yes, Madara-sama. Your will is my direction." Zetsu slowly sank into the ground.
Silence returned to the cave.
Uchiha Madara's gaze seemed to penetrate layers of rock, looking in the direction of Konoha.