Chapter 76: Madara Strikes Again

In an unnamed underground cavern near the border of the Land of Earth...

"Multiple Mind Labyrinth Technique!"

The aged Madara Uchiha widened his eyes abruptly, the long tomoe and horizontal bars of his Mangekyō Sharingan spinning rapidly. A surge of powerful chakra poured into Zetsu's eyes.

"Alright, it's done."

Madara slumped back into the stone chair, his face pale and drenched in sweat. He breathed heavily, as if all his strength had been drained.

"Are you alright?"

"Are you alright?"

Black Zetsu and White Zetsu asked in unison, their voices full of concern.

"I won't die just yet."

Madara struggled to sit upright in the chair, attempting several times before managing to sit properly.

"You really shouldn't push yourself like this. Using this technique consumes an enormous amount of chakra and ocular power. It's extremely taxing on your body and even shortens your lifespan," Black Zetsu said cautiously, handing him a handkerchief.

Madara took the handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He spoke slowly:

"I've always had a good habit—never dwelling on my successful battles, but obsessing over my failures. I must analyze them thoroughly."

A faint smile appeared on Madara's lips.

"That really is a good habit," White Zetsu chimed in, eager to please.

"Ever since the genjutsu I used on the Third Mizukage was dispelled, I've realized there are still a few exceptional talents in the world today. They managed to come up with such a clever way to break it.

Heh, this time, I've layered the genjutsu sevenfold. Even if they use another genjutsu to overwrite one layer, they'll fall into another."

"And what if they keep overwriting it?" Black Zetsu asked.

"Then the overwritten layer will extend to the outer edges of the labyrinth, creating an endless cycle. Without a vast amount of chakra and profound knowledge of genjutsu, breaking this technique is nothing but a pipe dream."

"You're truly going to great lengths for the Fourth Tsuchikage," Black Zetsu flattered.

"I have no choice. We're not just trapping one person; it's one person plus a tailed beast. It's worth putting in the extra effort," Madara replied.

"I don't think you need to be so anxious. The ninja alliance established by the Third Kazekage is still quite fragile," Black Zetsu reassured.

"I'm well aware of that. But as long as this alliance exists, the chances of conflict and war decrease significantly. This is a huge obstacle to my plans and ambitions. The failure in Kirigakure has already cost me a lot of time. That's why I have to take risks with Iwagakure this time. After all... I don't have many years left to live."

Madara closed his eyes, his expression filled with sorrow.

"Hey, Dad! Time to eat! Today's menu is great—we've got grilled eel!"

A blonde-haired boy with a topknot shouted loudly, carrying a food box.

"Danal, don't shout so loud. This mine isn't very stable. You might bring it down with your voice, haha," came the laughter of Ōnoki from the prison cell. He seemed to have a good attitude toward Danal.

"This mine is so deep that shouting won't collapse it. It'd take an explosion to do that," Danal retorted, opening the food slot and passing the box inside.

For the past six years that Ōnoki had been sealed, the task of delivering food and clothing had been entrusted to this boy named Danal.

Strangely enough, Ōnoki, who had a poor attitude toward almost everyone in Iwagakure, seemed to treat Danal differently. While he had driven away several guards with his sharp tongue, he had nothing but kindness for this child.

Over the years, the two had become close, using meal deliveries as an opportunity to chat about anything and everything. Ōnoki grew fond of the clever and talented boy, who showed a natural aptitude for Earth Release techniques and an almost obsessive interest in explosive clay techniques.

This reminded Ōnoki of his late disciple, Shirō, who had died in Kumogakure. In his memory, Ōnoki decided to pass on Iwagakure's secret technique—Jingzhang'e—to Danal.

This technique was extraordinary. By mastering it, a ninja could grow three additional mouths on their body, capable of consuming clay, chewing it into various shapes, and controlling the clay to execute commands. When combined with explosive clay bombs, it became an incredibly destructive jutsu.

However, mastering this technique required sacrifices. After all, not everyone was willing to become a four-mouthed "monster." Shirō himself had refused, preferring to mold clay bombs by hand, which slowed down his jutsu execution. This limitation played a significant role in his death.

But Danal, with his obsession for explosions, embraced the technique wholeheartedly. In no time, he had become proficient in using the explosive clay technique, much to Ōnoki's delight.

"Even in captivity, I managed to find such a promising talent for the village. In time, this boy will undoubtedly become a pillar of Iwagakure," Ōnoki thought.

"Hey, Dad, guess what? Yesterday, I developed a bird-shaped clay bomb that can fly! I call it the 'Crane.' It can be used for riding or as a bomb to attack enemies. It's really powerful!"

Danal gestured with his hands, even though Ōnoki inside the cell couldn't see him.

"Haha, not a bad idea. This way, you can maintain distance from your enemies and use the clay's flight advantage for sustained long-range bombardment. Meanwhile, your enemies won't be able to reach you," Ōnoki said, immediately recognizing the technique's potential.

"Dad, you totally get me! I want to participate in next year's Chūnin Exams in Sunagakure. Haha, with this technique, I'm sure to win. A 10-year-old Chūnin—sounds pretty cool, huh?"

But the cell fell silent. Ōnoki knew that Iwagakure wouldn't be sending anyone to the Chūnin Exams. The mysterious benefactor who had offered to help him escape had one condition: Iwagakure must withdraw from the ninja alliance.

Still, it didn't matter. Once he regained his position, he could organize an internal Chūnin Exam for Iwagakure. Danal would undoubtedly pass. It could serve as compensation for the boy.

"Dad, one more thing. Lord Kitsuchi asked me to pass on a message to you," Danal said, fiddling with the clay in his hands.

Ōnoki suddenly stopped chewing his food.

"What did he say?"

"He said the key has been found and will be delivered within half a month," Danal replied.

"Clatter!"

The sound of chopsticks dropping echoed from within the cell.

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