IMPORTANT: For every 30 POWER STONES there will be an extra chapter!
The cells of Hashirama were filled with powerful vitality. Once they fully integrated into Ye Zi's body, they coexisted harmoniously with his original cells. Under the influence of Hashirama's cells, Ye Zi's lost arm and leg grew back quickly, though it would take some time to fully adapt to his new limbs.
"It looks like you're recovering well," Zetsu commented, grinning as he examined Ye Zi's newly regrown arm.
Ye Zi slowly raised his pale arm, feeling a noticeable weakness. He flexed his fingers in front of his face, but the discomfort and lack of coordination felt like a thorn lodged in his throat, difficult to ignore.
"Don't worry about it. It will return to its former strength," Zetsu said nonchalantly, trying to reassure Ye Zi after sensing his concern.
Ye Zi glanced at him and asked, "Were you also created?"
Zetsu's eyes flickered for a moment before he replied, "Of course, but I'm not one of those emotionless inferior creations."
"Oh."
Ye Zi responded coldly and continued to slowly move his limbs, trying to regain full control as quickly as possible.
In the sunless darkness of the underground lair, the concept of time didn't exist. Perhaps due to the influence of Hashirama's cells, Ye Zi's hair grew longer, and the white strands slowly regained their vitality, turning black again.
To restore his limbs to their original state, Ye Zi engaged in daily exercises in the underground space—scaling walls, short sprints, balance exercises, and physical training. This monotonous, repetitive rehabilitation continued for a long time. By the time his hair had grown down to his waist, the lack of coordination in his limbs had finally disappeared.
However, while the coordination returned, his strength and physical capabilities were still weak. Further training would be necessary to fully recover.
Ye Zi grasped a handful of his long, black hair and squeezed it. Though he hadn't been counting the days, it was clear that a significant amount of time had passed.
"My death must have spread throughout the village by now. That's fine; there's no more 'Ye Zi of Konoha' in anyone's eyes anymore."
Though he considered the people he knew in Konoha as fleeting acquaintances who didn't matter, his heart couldn't completely let go. He wasn't as cold as he wanted to be, and those lingering ties might become a hindrance one day.
Now, however, with everyone believing that Ye Zi was dead, things had become simpler. There was no longer any concern or restraint in what he could do.
One day, after long ignoring Ye Zi's recovery efforts, Madara suddenly called for him.
Thick tubes extended from the massive shadow behind Madara, connecting to his back as he sat in a stone chair, motionless, like a statue.
"It's time," Madara said.
Ye Zi silently watched him, waiting for what would come next.
"The statue behind me is the Gedo Statue, the empty husk of the Ten-Tails that I summoned when I awakened the Rinnegan. The purpose of collecting the nine tailed beasts is to awaken it..."
Madara proceeded to explain his entire plan to Ye Zi. As he described the Gedo Statue, the collection of tailed beasts, and Nagato's involvement, Ye Zi learned that the Rinnegan—a dojutsu he had greatly coveted—was actually Madara's own eyes, and they were crucial for his resurrection.
A single pair of eyes could make such a vast difference. Naturally, Ye Zi's thoughts wandered, and he wondered if the Rinnegan was Madara's key to opening the portal to his original world.
What if he claimed those eyes for himself...?
Suppressing the greedy thoughts growing in his mind, Ye Zi listened intently to Madara's instructions.
After carefully explaining everything, Madara said calmly, "Your arms and leg have merged with Hashirama's cells, and though your Uchiha bloodline isn't pure, if you work hard enough, you should be able to use Yin-Yang Release and the Six Paths Technique. Starting today, I will teach you both."
For the first time, Madara's usually calm expression wavered. The promise of learning Yin-Yang Release and the Six Paths Technique was a massive surprise for Ye Zi, and he could barely contain his excitement.
"The power of Yin Release originates from mental energy and imagination, capable of creating something from nothing. The power of Yang Release comes from the physical energy of life, granting life to form. Together, they form Yin-Yang Release. Your spirit possession technique, which you've mastered and improved, is a form of Yin Release. And because your life force is strong, you should be able to master Yang Release as well. When combined, they form Yin-Yang Release. As for the Six Paths Technique..."
Madara's expression remained calm as he explained, signaling that the countdown to the end of his life had begun.
The moment he awakened the Rinnegan, his perspective of the world had changed. Death no longer seemed so frightening.
He would pass on Yin-Yang Release and the Six Paths Technique to Ye Zi, and then he would remove the chakra supply lines that kept him alive and embrace death.
Even as he prepared to die, Madara remained unnervingly calm, confident that he would be resurrected one day.
After patiently teaching Ye Zi the Yin-Yang Release and Six Paths Techniques, Madara stood up and gazed into the dark void. "Your body has fused with Hashirama's cells, and you carry the Uchiha bloodline. Even if you can't awaken the Rinnegan, you should be able to control the Gedo Statue easily."
Ye Zi remained as composed as Madara, silently listening to every word, while Zetsu stood quietly by the side.
Madara suddenly placed his hand on Zetsu's right shoulder. In the quiet underground space, a sizzling sound echoed.
A dark, ominous substance began to spread over Zetsu's body, turning half of him pitch black.
With his enhanced vision, Ye Zi could clearly see that Zetsu's body had turned black on one side, creating a stark contrast between black and white.
"I have injected my will into this guy. He is now half of me. In the future, if you need to, you can use Yin-Yang Release to create more of them as pawns. Also..."
Madara made a hand sign, and the artificial White Zetsu bodies attached to the Gedo Statue suddenly extended a black rod resembling an antenna.
Madara pulled out the black rod and said, "This is a Black Receiver, a product of my will. You can use it to perform the Six Paths Technique. And over there, you'll find some weapons. Feel free to choose."
He pointed the black rod toward a specific area where several weapons were hanging. Among them were four giant shuriken, three black cloaks, a scythe, a fan resembling a gourd, a chain, and two long swords.
Ye Zi had noticed these weapons before, so he nodded without speaking.
Madara continued, "Your Uchiha bloodline is impure and scattered. It might even be difficult for you to awaken the Sharingan. However, there is a chance—perhaps one day, you could awaken the Rinnegan."
Madara paused, his tone serious. "I've said everything I need to say. Now, I will await my fate. When I awaken again, the world will change."
"From now on, you can use the name Madara Uchiha to carry out this plan."
For the first time, Ye Zi responded firmly, "Use your name? No. I will collect the tailed beasts and resurrect you, but there's no need for me to use your name."
"You are Madara Uchiha. And I... am Ye Zi."
Madara stared at Ye Zi for a moment, surprised by his determination. After a pause, he said, "Do as you like, as long as you accomplish everything..."
With those words, Madara abruptly tore off the chakra tubes connected to his back...
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Currently on Chapter 211 - Sasori Joining the Akatsuki and his Requirements