Chapter 498: Finding the Target is Useless

Compared to Uchiha Madara's grand conspiracy, the tension between the Cloud Ninja Village and the Iwa Ninja Village was insignificant—like a trivial quarrel that could be dismissed at any time.

After eating and drinking, the Third Kazekage and Ōnoki were still processing the gravity of the news regarding Uchiha Madara's schemes. Shinki, having already fulfilled his role as their host, left them at their respective residences and stopped concerning himself with their interactions.

If they decided to quarrel or fight, it wouldn't matter.

The knife hanging over their heads—Uchiha Madara—ensured that neither Ōnoki nor the Third Raikage could afford to waste energy on petty rivalries.

Even during the Fourth Ninja War in the original timeline, the Fourth Raikage had to put aside his father's death at Ōnoki's hands to work with his enemy. The shared threat of Uchiha Madara transcended any personal vendettas.

When Ōnoki arrived at his residence, he immediately noticed the Third Raikage standing casually in the courtyard next door, grinning at him.

"Hmph!"

Ōnoki swallowed the sarcastic remark he was about to hurl and walked straight into his room, refusing to acknowledge the Third Raikage's presence.

The Third Raikage laughed heartily. "Still the same bad temper, Ōnoki!"

For now, both men avoided further conflict, begrudgingly united in their wariness of Uchiha Madara's shadow looming over the ninja world.

Meanwhile, Yagura was still on his way to Konoha, hindered by the logistics of traveling by sea and land. His arrival would take several more days.

Deep underground in a hidden base, Uchiha Madara sat on his throne-like chair with his eyes closed, exuding an air of dread and authority.

Zetsu entered, his usual playful grin giving way to unease.

"Madara-sama."

Madara opened his eyes slowly, his voice dry and raspy from lack of use. "Have you found the target?"

Zetsu hesitated before responding. "Does one child count?"

Madara's gaze sharpened. "Explain."

Zetsu scratched his head, trying to find the right words.

"It's... a peculiar child from the Uchiha clan. Kind-hearted, always willing to help others, and even when mocked or bullied, he never wavers from his good nature. Honestly, it feels like he doesn't belong in the Uchiha clan."

Madara's interest was piqued. He straightened in his chair, his intimidating aura filling the room.

"His name?"

"Uchiha Obito." Zetsu replied. "He's an orphan who lives with his grandmother. His life has been nothing short of tragic, yet he remains cheerful. A rare personality among the Uchiha."

Madara laughed—a deep, unsettling sound that echoed through the cavernous room.

"Perfect."

Obito's seemingly incompatible traits made him the ideal pawn for Madara's grand plan. His kind-heartedness and naivety would provide a stark contrast to the darkness that would eventually consume him.

Madara had mastered the art of manipulating Uchiha emotions, knowing precisely how to shatter their resolve. Family, friendship, and love—he could exploit any bond to turn a loyal ally into a dangerous enemy.

Obito's transformation would be no different.

"Keep an eye on him," Madara commanded, his voice icy.

Zetsu hesitated for a moment. He had meant to report the strange sensations he'd experienced while scouting Konoha—almost as if something was watching him whenever he got too close. But seeing Madara's enthusiasm, he decided against it.

"Understood."

As Zetsu left to continue monitoring Obito, Shinki remained blissfully unaware of Madara's new pawn. Even if he had known, he wouldn't have been overly concerned.

Obito's potential as a tool for Madara depended on his growth and eventual corruption, and Shinki had no intention of giving either the time to happen.

Several days later, Yagura finally arrived in Konoha, completing the assembly of the Five Kage.