As Uchiha Madara's impassioned voice resonated through the room, Obito sat in rapt attention, engrossed in Madara's narrative. Despite his occasional drowsiness during regular lessons, he remained wide awake for the story.
To be honest, Madara-sensei seems to have a knack for storytelling, and true to that, he painted a vivid and captivating picture of the turbulent Warring States era. Obito found himself emotionally invested, fluctuating between amazement, anger, and clenched fists, fully absorbed in the tale as if it had enveloped him.
Meanwhile, Akihiko indulged in the offered snacks and tea, listening attentively as Madara recounted the tumultuous saga of love, hatred, and vendetta between the Uchiha and Senju clans. Although familiar with the story, Madara's narrative invoked vivid imagery in his mind, and he silently listened to the story.
Though, He couldn't help but wonder if Madara was using some form of genjutsu to enhance the storytelling. Yet, Akihiko couldn't help but wonder why Madara chose to share this story at this particular moment.
As time progressed, Madara's narrative neared its conclusion. "During that turbulent era, ninja clans vied for the highest-paying contracts, undertaking assassination and extermination missions. To survive, ninjas concealed even their surnames. Children were thrust into battle, and the average lifespan for both ninjas and civilians was around 30 years. The desire to alter this tragedy, to prevent its recurrence…"
With a weathered countenance and silvered hair, Madara's voice maintained its serenity. "There existed an idealistic figure who dared to step forward, attempting to bridge the enmity between the clans, envisioning a world free from this tragedy. Miraculously, the equally idealistic adversary was moved by this individual's earnestness and agreed to let go of their animosity."
At this juncture, Obito appeared slightly taken aback, a hint of recognition flashing across his face. "Why does this seem familiar?"
Before he could delve deeper, Madara's narration resumed. "Subsequently, to spare children from the horrors of war, these two individuals united their people in establishing a ninja village. Soon after, neighboring clans learned of this and joined, aspiring for collective peace. The vision of that idealistic figure seemed within reach as various countries formed their own ninja villages, hinting at a forthcoming era of tranquility."
As Madara recounted, his gaze seemed distant, as if traversing through vivid memories. "But true peace remained elusive; it was merely postponed. Swiftly, conflict erupted in the neighboring Iwa ninja village, necessitating Konoha's aid. However, one of those two individual refused. Yet, the idealistic individual, believed that intervention was necessary to halt the conflict. Thus, the First Five Kage Summit convened, inviting leaders from multiple ninja villages to ratify a peace treaty. However… during that time, that individual's overwhelming left other villages in dread."
Madara paused, a sigh embodying his recollection of Hashirama's idealism. "Ultimately, in an effort to balance power among the Five Great Ninja Villages, that individual chose to distribute the Eight-Tails among the four major villages and one smaller one, hoping to dispel fear and usher in lasting peace in the ninja world."
"Is this the story of how the First Hokage founded Konoha?!" Obito's revelation brought clarity, and he couldn't contain his surprise. He spoke louder and turned his gaze toward Madara with a puzzled expression. "I've heard this tale in Konoha. Why is Madara-sensei recounting it... alright!" Realizing Madara's disapproving glare, he hastily muffled his own words. "I'll be quiet."
"Hmph!" Madara snorted coldly, then proceeded, "Nevertheless, the war persisted. Assassinations and covert skirmishes continued among the ninja villages. Eventually, the other idealistic individual recognized the flaws in this approach. Seeking a stern resolution, he approached the first idealistic figure, only to face rejection. Eventually, he opted to leave Konoha. However... his return wasn't far off. Subsequently, the two clashed in a fierce battle, leading to the demise of the second individual, or rather, he was betrayed by his closest friend."
"The Battle of the Valley of the End?" Obito interjected once more, his eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at Madara. After a moment, he uttered, "Madara-sensei, could you be... the legendary Uchiha—Uchiha Madara? No, that's not possible. The village claims Uchiha Madara betrayed Konoha, and Uchiha Madara should have perished."
"I did not perish!" Madara shook his head, maintaining a calm tone as he regarded Obito. Following a brief pause, he continued, almost speaking to himself, "Do you comprehend the origins of the Will of Fire?"
Huh? Why bring this up now? Obito was perplexed, pondering for a moment before responding, "The Third Hokage compiled it from the principles and ethos of the First and Second Hokage."
"Hehe, In truth, that 'fire' represents Uchiha's flame. Konoha represented the Senju. The initial 'Will of Fire' simply reflected the two individuals' aspirations for peace in the ninja world, and for children to grow up free from the horrors of war." Uchiha Madara mockingly shook his head. "Yet, true peace never arrived. The ninja world remained unchanged!"
Lifting his gaze to Obito once more, Madara continued, "Do you know what befell that naive individual in the end?"
Without allowing Obito to respond, Madara pressed on, "He did not meet his demise. Instead, he acquired even more formidable power and unraveled the secrets of the ninja world—secrets passed down through generations, secrets that held the key to peace. Yet, he always had a desire to prove to his dear friend that he was correct."
Following a brief pause, he added, "He perpetually believed he was right. However, as he neared the end of his life, he realized... perhaps even his approach might not be right." Letting out a heavy sigh, he mused, "Peace... is not as straightforward as it seems. If it were, the ninja world would have embraced peace long ago. Could it be even the Sage of the Six Paths failed? Through his enlightenment, he also grasped that the times are evolving!"
His once cloudy eyes seemed to clear gradually. "What was effective in the past might not necessarily hold true now. Was the Ninja Village system flawed? Perhaps that individual wasn't wrong at that time. Maybe that individual's choices were fitting for their time. Yet, is the Ninja Village system still right? Perhaps they were no longer suitable now." He paused as he asked softly to himself, "So, Was he mistaken? Or was I? Or maybe... we both were?"
As these words echoed, Akihiko, standing on the side, was dumbfounded, and the snacks in his hands slipped to the ground. What had happened to Uchiha Madara? What was unfolding here? How had he transformed into a peace philosopher? What about the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan? What about the Plan of weakening Konoha? The gathering of tailed beasts plan? What in the world was happening here? However, before Akihiko could process it all, Madara pressed on.
"In the end, he came to realize... perhaps his plan was flawed. As those youngsters pointed out, he acknowledged it was a mere escape from reality. Peace isn't solely the concern of ninjas but also of ordinary people. It involves everyone. It's not like inviting someone over for dinner." Madara, shaking and unsteady, rose to his feet and fetched a thick book from the side. "Ultimately, he felt the weight of age, so he documented his insights amassed throughout his life, aspiring for someone to carry forth his ideals."
With a self-mocking smile, he shook his head, saying, "In the end... I still lack understanding after all."
As Obito stood there, still in a state of bewilderment, the face marked with the passage of time revealed a faint smile. "Uchiha Obito, would you... be willing to inherit my will?"
Obito, still grappling with confusion, felt a spark of understanding within. He stammered, "Madara-sensei..."
"Yes, it's my time to depart," Madara calmly declared, showing no fear in the face of imminent death.
"I...," Obito began, uncertain of how to react to the sudden news of Madara's impending demise.
"I don't know if I was right or wrong, But my quest for peace has never wavered," Madara paused, glancing at Akihiko, who remained silent in the background. "It seems you may know more than I do. Have you already deduced it? Well, it doesn't matter anymore."
Smiling to himself, he continued, "I don't know if I'll still be able to see whether I was right or wrong now. I don't know if I'll have the chance to share another laugh with that guy in person. What I do know is... I lost. But... he didn't win either."
With a profound gaze at Obito, he spoke earnestly, "So, Uchiha Obito, can you prove my will for me?"
"Madara-sensei..." As his words hung in the air, Obito, still in a state of shock, gazed at Madara's expectant face, particularly those eyes—distinct from Madara-sensei's usual seriousness.
At that moment, Obito felt a slight tremor in his heart. Wiping away tears, he spoke earnestly, "I will dedicate myself to serious study from now on," accepting the book passed on by Madara. He promised, "I will inherit your will, Madara-sensei!"
"Very well. I don't know if I'll return," Madara said, casting one more profound look at Akihiko. As his body trembled, the connection between him and the Gedo Statue automatically severed. Turning his attention back to Obito, he continued, "Don't grieve, this is enough."
Observing the book now in Obito's hands, he continued, "Next, my will shall guide you on your path, Obito!"
With those words, he relaxed, his body collapsing onto the chair. Obito, sensing the weight of the moment, cried out, "Madara-sensei!"
Yet, no matter how Obito called out, Madara had already succumbed to the toll of years. He Depended on the Gedo Statue for so long to extend his life, and with even that connection severed, he had reached the inevitable end.
Akihiko observed Madara silently, having already deduced Madara's intention—entrusting him with the care of this inexperienced young foolish Uchiha. Perhaps, Madara had even surmised that Akihiko was aware of the secret behind his Rinnegan.
Yet, Madara remained unaware that the so-called tool, the purported Infinite Tsukuyomi, was nothing but a sham from the start. Akihiko pondered whether, had Madara discovered his awareness of this deception, the elder Uchiha would have departed in peace or sought retribution.
As Obito quivered, touching Madara with tears streaming down his face, clutching Madara's hand that rested on the book, the giant stone chair served as a solemn backdrop to this poignant moment—a moment frozen in time as Madara closed his eyes, departing from the world forever. Inwardly sighing deeply, Akihiko mused, 'We can discuss it later.'
Madara's evident value placed on the written book, a testament to an old man's lifelong pursuit of peace, left Akihiko intrigued. Perhaps, he considered, it could find a place in the academy for scholarly exploration.
"Madara-sama" In the wake of Madara's departure, the White Zetsu, Zetsu, and Obito gazed somberly at Madara, whose eyes were now closed in eternal repose.
Yet, Akihiko couldn't shake off a lingering sense that something was amiss, as if a crucial element was absent. The realization struck him when he noticed White Zetsu – the absence of Black Zetsu.
'Oh, Madara, you forgot to pass on your will. Now, how is Black Zetsu supposed to emerge as your will?' A wry smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he lowered his gaze, catching a glimpse of Madara's shadow. It almost seemed as though the shadow quivered with agitation, silently echoing, 'Why did you have to leave so suddenly? I haven't made my appearance yet!'