[Ajamu POV]
"Now, let's see what the strongest person in this world after the First Hokage is truly like," I said aloud. Activating my eyes, I channeled my power to revive Madara. It took only a few seconds before his eyes snapped open, instantly shifting into their Mangekyō form. He rose from the coffin, immediately on guard, his battle instincts kicking in as he noticed Obito standing behind me. Confusion flickered across his face at Obito's healed state and the presence of two fully awakened Mangekyō Sharingan staring back at him.
Being the seasoned warrior that he was, Madara's mind raced through possibilities within milliseconds. The absence of war, the Ten-Tails, and Black Zetsu—all pointed to something having gone awry with his grand plan. All of this processed in less than three seconds.
Madara turned his gaze toward me, clearly recognizing me as the leader here. His piercing stare locked onto my eyes before he finally spoke: "Since you've revived me and Obito stands behind you, I assume you know who I am. But I must admit, I don't recognize the one standing before me."
Ajamu: "Ah, yes—an introduction is necessary, of course. I am Ajamu Alger Uchiha Ōtsutsuki, current head of the Uchiha clan and your future king."
Madara's expression shifted between confusion and curiosity. As a veteran of countless battles, it wasn't difficult for him to sense the immense power radiating from me. However, my declaration ignited his infamous Uchiha pride and ego.
Madara: "Watch your words, boy, and consider whom you're addressing. If not for the fact that you bear the Uchiha name and those eyes, I would have killed you already. Now, Obito—explain yourself. You appear healed, and there are children among us. What exactly is going on here?"
Obito glanced at me, seeking permission to speak. I gave a subtle nod, and he stepped forward.
Obito: "I was ordered by His Majesty to retrieve your corpse and bring it to him. He has revived you. As for the plan and the peace you sought—it was all a lie. We were merely pawns in Black Zetsu's scheme to resurrect his mother."
Before I could interject, Madara reacted explosively. In an instant, he lunged at Obito, but I effortlessly caught his wrist mid-swing.
Ajamu: "Now, now—no need to start so soon. Or are you this eager to serve?" My taunt only fueled his anger further, prompting him to engage me in full-blown hand-to-hand combat.
// Note: Ajamu isn't in Sage Mode; he's relying solely on his physical prowess and the power of his two active eyes. //
As we exchanged blows, I couldn't help but admire Madara's skill. 'He truly lives up to his reputation—the strongest shinobi I've encountered in this world. Had it not been for the overwhelming gap in our abilities—and the fact that he's currently in a mortal body rather than the immortal Edo Tensei form—this might have been a tougher challenge. Still, he's no World Eater.'
Deciding to demonstrate the disparity in our strength, I utilized my superior speed and power to shatter both of his arms. He retreated, clutching his broken limbs, realization dawning in his eyes—I had been holding back until now. Drawing upon Hashirama's cells, he began healing himself while summoning his Susanoo to buy time.
Madara: "You're strong—I'll acknowledge that much. To think such a prodigy has risen from my clan after my death… But I will not lose. I will achieve my peace!"
His refusal to yield, even in the face of overwhelming odds, earned my respect. I found myself liking him more with each passing moment. 'This man will make an excellent shadow.'
Ajamu: "And I like you. Your skills and experience will make you a valuable addition to my ranks."
I allowed him the time to heal because I wanted to witness the full extent of his capabilities. My words, however, only served to infuriate him further—he believed I was underestimating him.
Madara: "You're not taking me seriously? Fine then! Let me show you my true power!" With that, he formed hand seals, and his Susanoo split apart, revealing the Rinnegan hidden within his eye sockets. 'So, he awakened it naturally without my intervention,' I noted.
Suddenly, my senses screamed danger—a meteor was hurtling toward us. 'To think he'd resort to such a move despite being in his fragile human body rather than the invincible Edo Tensei form. He truly sees me as a significant threat.' While this would pose a problem for most others, it was nothing to me.
Calmly raising a hand, I declared: "Universal Push." The meteor reversed course, soaring back into space. The expressions of those around me—Itachi and Sasuke—were ones of pure shock and terror. As for Madara, his eyes burned with unrelenting battle hunger.
Abandoning subtlety, he unleashed Deep Forest Bloom , conjuring a dense forest from the ground. Trees and vines surged toward me, attempting to crush or ensnare me. Without hesitation, I countered with another Universal Push , obliterating everything in the vicinity.
Seeing his attacks rendered ineffective sent Madara into a frenzy. "Why?! Why do you exist?! Why must you stand in my way?! Why can't you see the beauty of my peace?!"
Ajamu: "This has been entertaining, Madara. Truly, it has. But you were nothing more than a pawn for Black Zetsu, and your so-called 'peace' is nothing but wishful thinking—naïve and foolish. Let's end this."
In an instant, I teleported directly in front of him, driving my Sage Staff—transformed into a spear—straight through his heart. The strike neutralized his regenerative abilities before he could react. Though he attempted to dodge, my speed far surpassed his. Even as he tried to retaliate with Universal Push , my attack had already pierced him.
Madara collapsed lifelessly to the ground as I retracted my spear.
Ajamu: "Now, join my ranks, Madara."
Pointing my staff skyward, I commanded: "RISE."