Chapter 504: Uchiha Madara: If You Mess with Me, You Will Regret It

The bond forged between Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato since their youth was unshakable. Their love and loyalty to one another had grown so deep that they wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice everything for each other.

If one life could save Nagato, they would willingly give their own without a second thought.

"I'm not interested in your lives," Shinki said coldly. "Just prepare yourselves."

After glancing briefly at Konan and Yahiko, Shinki squatted beside Nagato. A soft green glow radiated from his right hand, spreading onto Nagato's body.

Nagato trembled violently as the light enveloped him. Then, just as suddenly, the trembling stopped. His heart was all but destroyed, leaving behind only a cluster of green light in its place.

Rising to his feet, Shinki left the cave without another word.

Jiraiya quickly retrieved a raincoat to wrap Nagato's body. As he did, he tentatively reached out to check for signs of life.

As Shinki had warned, Nagato no longer had a heartbeat or breath. His life was being forcibly sustained by the power of the Tenseigan, leaving him in a state of suspended animation.

First step done. Now, figure out how to save him.

Jiraiya carried Nagato out of the cave, Konan and Yahiko following nervously.

"Thank you," Yahiko said softly.

"There's no need to thank me," Shinki replied flatly. "Instead, focus on convincing Orochimaru to create a new heart and eyes for Nagato."

"Uh…"

Jiraiya's face flushed with embarrassment.

Convince Orochimaru?

He could already feel his toes curling at the thought.

After all, Jiraiya had once written a satirical novel about Orochimaru as payback for an old grudge. It was supposed to be harmless fun, but now… now he had to beg that same man for help.

Face doesn't matter anymore.

Jiraiya clenched his fists in determination. If saving Nagato means groveling to Orochimaru, so be it. I'll hold onto his leg if I have to! No one can stop me!

"Let's move. I'm sure it won't take long before Uchiha Madara responds," Shinki said calmly.

"Agreed," Onoki and the Third Raikage replied. None of the Kage wished to linger in the Land of Rain. Their mission was complete, and every moment spent here increased the risk of retaliation.

Meanwhile, in a hidden underground base, White Zetsu scrambled in through the walls, his voice sharp with panic.

"Madara-sama, something terrible has happened! Nagato's been attacked!"

Seated on his chair like a stone statue, Uchiha Madara slowly opened his eyes, cold and piercing. His gaze alone silenced White Zetsu, conveying a single message:

Rephrase that. Carefully.

Behind Madara, Black Zetsu's shadowy form emerged.

Something happened to Nagato?

Black Zetsu's heart raced. If something happened to Nagato, it meant the Rinnegan was in jeopardy. Without the Rinnegan, the Infinite Tsukuyomi Plan was doomed.

Could Madara fix this himself? Yes. No. Maybe—who am I kidding, it's a disaster!

Black Zetsu forced himself to remain calm. As Madara's manifestation of will, he couldn't afford to show panic.

"Ahem."

White Zetsu coughed nervously, taking several steps back under Madara's icy glare.

"Someone infiltrated the Akatsuki base. They attacked Nagato, took the Rinnegan… and captured Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato."

"..."

For a long moment, Madara didn't move. His entire body stiffened, as if frozen in time.

After what felt like an eternity, he slowly exhaled. The effort to suppress his anger was evident.

At his age, his body barely functioned, kept alive only by the energy of the Gedo Mazo. Anger wasn't just dangerous—it could kill him.

"Who was it?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

"Hyuuga Shinki of Konoha," White Zetsu replied cautiously.

"Hyuuga Shinki?"

The name was unfamiliar to Madara.

He vaguely recalled hearing about a Hyuuga prodigy—an ally of Senju Tsunade, known for his proficiency in puppetry. To Madara, puppetry was little more than a parlor trick, insignificant compared to the Six Paths' power.

But this "insignificant" ninja had stolen the Rinnegan.

"How… interesting," Madara mused, his lips curling into a grim smile.

Had his plan been leaked? Or was this a coincidence?

He turned his gaze to White Zetsu, who flinched under the scrutiny.

Does Lord Madara suspect me?

White Zetsu wanted to scream his innocence. It wasn't me! It must've been someone else!

Closing his eyes, Madara's thoughts churned.

The Rinnegan's importance was undeniable. With it gone, his resurrection and the Infinite Tsukuyomi Plan were impossible.

No resurrection. No plan. Nothing.

For decades, Madara had hidden in the shadows, orchestrating events to perfection. All that effort had now been undone.

"It seems I can't stay hidden any longer," Madara said finally.

The thought was almost liberating. For years, he'd concealed himself, first to obtain the Rinnegan, then to execute his plan. But now, with his plan disrupted, there was no reason to remain in the dark.

If they want to fight me, so be it.

"Black Zetsu," Madara called, his tone calm but firm. "How is your mastery of that technique?"

Black Zetsu bowed slightly. "Madara-sama, I have mastered it."

"Good."

Madara exhaled heavily, raising a frail hand to disconnect the tubes connecting him to the Gedo Mazo.

"Although I am unwilling… they will regret this."

Despite his decayed body, Uchiha Madara's will burned brighter than ever.