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Resets Weekly! [Monday]
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"It must have been tough for Lord Madara to hide so deep underground. You know, elderly people who don't get enough sunlight are prone to osteoporosis!" Jinghang remarked as he surveyed the underground city, known as the Graveyard of Mountains, secretly impressed by its design.
This place wasn't far from Konoha, yet it was exceptionally remote. Despite being located on a peninsula, it was desolate, with no greenery in sight for miles. The surrounding area was so barren that there was no sign of human habitation for dozens of miles. It was truly the epitome of "hiding in plain sight."
"In such a desolate place, how has he managed to live here for so long? What does he even eat? The nearest village is dozens of miles away," Jinghang mused aloud.
Black Zetsu turned to glance at him. "I recall you weren't much of a talker before."
Jinghang shrugged. "I'm about to meet my idol. A little excitement is normal."
"Lord Madara is your idol?" Black Zetsu asked, surprised.
"Of course! He's the man who once stood at the pinnacle of the shinobi world," Jinghang replied with the enthusiasm of a fan meeting a celebrity.
"Oh? Then why isn't your idol Hashirama Senju? He was slightly superior to Lord Madara, after all."
Jinghang grinned. "I prefer living heroes over the dead ones."
As the two ventured deeper underground, the light grew dimmer. They walked for what felt like an eternity before the path widened, and the visibility improved. Suddenly, the scene ahead opened up. Jinghang looked up and saw a skylight directly above, allowing sunlight to flood the cavern, making it as bright as the outside world.
Moving forward, a colossal, humanoid monstrosity loomed before them. Its hands and feet were bound with shackles, and its face bore nine tightly shut eyes. Its body resembled withered wood, and ten pillar-like protrusions jutted from its back.
On its chest was a humanoid bulge, likely a cultivation chamber for Hashirama's cells that Madara had set up. The entire structure exuded a demonic grandeur, both majestic and grotesque. Three dangling tubes extended from the Gedo Statue's abdomen, connecting to a hunched old man.
The old man wore a tattered black cloak, and his waist-length white hair obscured most of his face. Hearing their footsteps, he slowly raised his head.
"Youth, is it you who seeks me?" His voice was aged and low, yet it carried an irresistibly magnetic allure.
Jinghang widened his eyes, scrutinizing this absolute powerhouse of a bygone era.
His first impression: thin. The man was so emaciated he seemed like a skeleton held together by skin, as if a gust of wind could topple him. His entire body seemed devoid of fat, save for the small pockets under his eyes.
His second impression: old. Jinghang couldn't fathom how a living person could age to such an extent. The man resembled an oversized dried shrimp, his back permanently hunched. Were it not for the movement of his pupils and the faint rise and fall of his chest, one might mistake him for a preserved specimen.
His cheeks were sunken, his pale skin tinged with a bluish hue, and the blood vessels on his forehead were visible beneath a large liver spot. His disheveled white hair covered one eye, while the other was unmistakably a Sharingan—a Mangekyo Sharingan, to be precise! (At this point in the timeline, Madara's Rinnegan had been transplanted into Nagato. I double-checked the anime and manga. Currently, Madara possesses an Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan in one eye, while the other remains obscured by his hair. Whether it's blind or functional is unclear. As for why the transplanted eye reverted to a Mangekyo Sharingan instead of leaving empty sockets, I can't explain it, so I'll stick to the original source.)
"I can't believe it—you're really alive! Would you mind doing me a favor?" Jinghang asked eagerly.
"Hmm?" Madara's expression revealed a trace of confusion.
"Could you give me your autograph?" Jinghang enthusiastically pulled out a pen and notebook, presenting them to Madara.
Madara glanced at Jinghang, then at Black Zetsu, who explained, "He said you're his idol."
"Idol? What is there to admire in a failed, lingering relic like me?" Madara asked, his tone tinged with self-deprecation.
"Clinging to life is better than becoming a pile of dirt. The one who survives to the end is the true victor," Jinghang replied confidently.
Madara closed his eyes in thought, then let a faint smile slip across his lips. Slowly, he took the pen and gracefully signed his name.
"Youth, let's talk," Madara said, sitting down naturally. Despite his withered frame, an overwhelming aura of power emanated from him. The exposed Mangekyo Sharingan in his eye socket radiated a mesmerizing glow.
Jinghang felt a jolt in his chest, his vision momentarily blurring. Just as he was about to lose himself, a cool sensation spread from his chest to his brain, clearing his mind. Jinghang's demeanor shifted, shedding his earlier flattery. He nonchalantly dusted off a nearby stone bench, crossed his legs, and sat down.
"Alright, let's talk."
"This Will Be Your Office From Now On"
"This will be your office from now on," Chiyo said kindly, gesturing toward the boss's chair in the Intelligence Division.
"I wouldn't dare, Lady Chiyo. You should still—" Rasa began to protest, only to be interrupted by Chiyo's wave of dismissal.
"Rasa, I know what you're about to say, and I appreciate your consideration. But stepping down from this position isn't just a gesture of humility—it's because I truly lack the energy for it anymore. I can't afford to hold back the younger generation or jeopardize the village's affairs. Clinging to this role would only make me a laughingstock, and I won't allow that."
Chiyo shook her head with a wry smile. From the days of the First Kazekage to the era of Jinghang, she had devoted her entire life to the village. Now, nearing seventy, she increasingly felt the weight of her age.
Recently, she had even fallen asleep while reviewing intelligence reports late at night, a lapse that alarmed her. Recognizing the potential for disaster if she continued in such a critical role, she resolutely submitted her resignation to Jinghang.
Despite Jinghang's repeated attempts to persuade her otherwise, Chiyo remained firm. Ultimately, he had no choice but to relieve her of her duties as head of the Intelligence Division and leader of the Anbu. However, she retained her position as head of the Medical Division and as a member of the hearing committee. Jinghang also granted her the honorary title of senior advisor, ensuring her benefits and privileges remained unchanged—a dignified transition to a less demanding role.
"Rasa, I've watched both you and Jinghang grow up. Your steady demeanor and meticulous approach put my mind at ease about entrusting the Intelligence Division to you. The current times are turbulent, and Jinghang has worked tirelessly to secure the peace we now enjoy. The burden on his shoulders is immense; you must help lighten it."
"Understood," Rasa replied sincerely.
Chiyo smiled, then turned to leave. Sasori, her grandson, ran into the room and hugged her. Together, they left, leaving the Intelligence Division staff bowing respectfully.