Chapter 31 : Black Zetsu

In the world of the Hokage, all shinobi found themselves involuntarily speechless. This illusion had shattered their understanding entirely. In essence, what was once known as ninjutsu could no longer be described as such—it transcended into something divine.

Within the shadows, Uchiha Madara appeared to foresee a bright future in his eyes.

"Infite Tsukuyomi!!"

"Hashirama, you were wrong... My path is the correct one!"

"Wood Style · God Tree is emerging!"

Six Path Madara brought his hands together, channeling his power with unparalleled force. Suddenly, a fearsome surge of chakra erupted, causing massive tree vines to burst forth from the ground. Hanging from these vines were ribbon-like appendages that ensnared every living being.

Afterward, except for a handful of Hokages who managed to escape the entanglement, as well as Naruto and his companions concealed within Susanoo, all life in the world was wrapped within cocoons and suspended from the trees. When the wind blew, the suspended forms swayed eerily. The moon's luminance proved transient, eventually fading back to its original state. Simultaneously, Madara descended from the skies, gradually touching down upon the earth. On his face, a contented expression prevailed. His lifelong aspiration had finally been fulfilled. Now, only a few adversaries stood before him.

"And now, as the saviour, allow me to end this!"

Observing Naruto and Sasuke's bewildered gaze, Uchiha Madara began expounding on the significance of his art.

"I've severed all causal ties within this world!"

"Disconnected from human suffering, anguish, and emptiness!"

Uchiha Madara offered a faint smile and continued, "This is what the Infinite Tsukuyomi represents!"

"In a world bereft of conflict, strife, and pain, everyone shall know happiness!"

"I have transformed hell into paradise!"

As these words reached most of the spectators beyond the screen, a shiver ran down their spines, sending goosebumps rippling across their skin. This man, Uchiha Madara, had ensnared all within an illusory dream!

In a sense, Uchiha Madara had become akin to a deity in this moment.

"I've underestimated you, Uchiha Madara!" Aizen conceded, placing Madara on a comparable pedestal.

Within the world of pirates, Sengoku mused deeply.

Meanwhile, Akainu clenched his fists—this technique, he coveted.

In the world of Fate, Seimei shook his head. False beauty frequently begot cruel realities.

In the Hokage's world, confusion reigned among many.

They had anticipated Uchiha Madara's ultimate intention to be the annihilation of the ninja world. Yet, the truth defied their expectations; he aimed to forge a superior world. In this world, violence and suffering held no place, only dreams come true and unending happiness.

But what about reality? Life was undeniably merciless—most shinobi were nothing more than tools.

So... what if this were all a dream?

Why did reality and illusion overlap so seamlessly?

Death remained an impossibility, too.

In this instance, countless shinobi began to anticipate, even resolve to follow this man's lead.

The scene continued.

Gazing upon the still land, Madara experienced, for the first time, the marvel of this world—a world devoid of strife, where all resided within a wondrous dream. "The missteps of Hashirama have been rectified at last!"

Little Sakura, her expression a mix of incredulity and disbelief, exclaimed, "What did the First Hokage ever do wrong?"

A cynical sneer spread across the Six Path Madara's countenance. "The ninjas of Konoha would likely never admit defeat."

"In the beginning, Hashirama and I shared a common goal—to alter an era where even children knew war."

"We succeeded!"

"Yet, it proved a failure."

"In the days that followed, I saw through this world."

"People couldn't trust each other, giving way to fear, hate, doubt, and greed."

"I proposed that Konoha safeguard all the tailed beasts, yet the suggestion was spurned."

"Hence, the world continued down Hashirama's idealistic path."

As he spoke, Madara's gaze fixed on the distant figure of Senju Hashirama.

"But in the end, the cycle of ninja warfare persisted."

"The First Great Ninja War, the Second, the Third."

"Countless lives lost."

Within the Pure Land, Hashirama's gaze dimmed.

The world remained as dire as ever, and even in times of peace, suffering endured—only in varying shades.

"I was profoundly mistaken..."

"You are mistaken, Hashirama."

Uchiha Madara's laughter was light, laced with mockery.

"History has shown my path to be the correct one."

At this juncture, Madara mirrored the archetypal hero, conquering countless trials, nearing the realization of his dreams—a perfect conclusion awaited.

Then, abruptly...

A gasp escaped Sasuke's lips, his eyes widening in disbelief.

A deathly hush fell over the scene.

Beyond the screen, the audience stared in shock at the obsidian hand piercing Uchiha Madara's chest.

"You are wrong as well, Uchiha... Madara."

Black Zetsu, fused with Obito, crept closer to Madara's ear, delivering a heartless mockery.

"You are no savior."

"This is far from over."

Madara trembled, immobilized, his eyes agape in disbelief.

"Why claim Obito as a mere pawn?"

"Is it not ironic that you alone think of yourself as special?"

"Ah, Madara..."

"In truth... you've been ensnared in the dream I wove for you..."

*****

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