Naruto: Puppet Master Undercover in Konoha

After Black Zetsu reported to Madara, Madara simply said, "Is that so?" and then fell silent.

Black Zetsu had originally thought Madara was contemplating until he heard light snoring. Only then did he realize Madara had actually fallen asleep.

"Cough! Cough!"

Black Zetsu faked a cough. Madara opened his eyes and sighed, "Lately I've been getting more sleepy. My time is limited."

Once the unrivaled warrior on the battlefield, now an old man growing frail who could only survive in these dark places—it frustrated Madara to no end.

Black Zetsu asked dubiously, "Madara, since you transplanted the Rinnegan into Nagato, why didn't you continue cultivating Nagato, but instead want to find a proxy? Isn't this unnecessary trouble?

If you're worried Nagato might turn corrupt later on, I can monitor him. Wanting to find a proxy now means one more person will know your plan. Isn't it doubling the risk?"

Madara spoke in a hoarse voice, "You are just a product of my will, without any real power. If something happens with Nagato later, you won't be able to control someone wielding the Rinnegan.

Therefore, I need two layers of protection. Although having one more person aware of the plan increases uncertainty, my plan will only execute after my death. Afterward, I will have completely lost control over Nagato.

Completing this plan won't be quick—it will take years, at least fifteen or more. Fifteen years is plenty for countless unexpected events to occur. That's why I need a proxy who can balance against Nagato. If one side betrays, the other can still replace me and continue executing the plan."

Black Zetsu sneered inwardly.

He may not have much strength, but he is manipulating the entire ninja world's development. Handling someone like Nagato is effortless.

Still, if Madara wanted to play it safe and establish double precautions, that was fine too. Just in case Nagato really does betray your trust, as Madara predicted, then his proxy could step up.

Black Zetsu asked in confusion, "But Madara, why did you choose those three people, especially that brat—slow-witted and weak? He's utterly useless."

Madara lifted his gaze toward Black Zetsu, "You, as my will-born creation, how come you haven't inherited even a bit of my wisdom?"

Fortunately, Black Zetsu's face was already black; otherwise, he would definitely have frowned angrily.

Almost the entire ninja world's fate was being guided and manipulated by him, yet he lacked wisdom?

Inherit Madara's intelligence? Perhaps Madara inheriting some of his intellect would be more accurate!

Merely a pawn daring to claim control over the world's fate!

It was clearly because Madara was too foolish, while he himself was just too clever to understand!

Madara Uchiha explained to Black Zetsu, "That stupid and weak brat you mentioned is actually my top choice to serve as my agent. I chose Obito because he's different from other Uchiha—Obito is kind-hearted. Only someone truly kind can unleash great hatred after experiencing the pain of losing loved ones and undergo true transformation.

The other two are merely alternatives in case Obito fails. If it weren't for issues with Obito, I wouldn't even consider these next two candidates.

Setsuna Uchiha inherited my will, and he's a cunning schemer. He's deeply dissatisfied with how Tobirama Senju controlled the Uchiha clan and has long craved reclaiming sovereignty from the Senju. However, he's a bit foolish—he stirred up trouble among the Uchiha clan trying to incite rebellion, which Tobirama Senju noticed. After being arrested, he's been locked away in prison ever since.

If Setsuna becomes my agent, at least his loyalty won't be an issue. He'll stop at nothing to accomplish the mission I entrust him with. But his hatred isn't strong enough, so I doubt his capabilities.

As for the third one, she existed in the same era as me—back when my father, Tajima Uchiha, was leading the Uchiha clan. She possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan, and her dojutsu is quite impressive. She even had two additional eye techniques transplanted into her. However, those abilities were Sealed by the Senju and Sarutobi clans working together.

Since nobody knows her real name, the clan members simply refer to her as 'Nameless.' She hates the Uchiha, hates ninja, and despises the entire shinobi world. If properly manipulated, that hatred could be used to control her.

However, her hatred carries too much uncertainty, since it wasn't hatred I instilled within her. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, I have no intention of choosing her. For now, I'm only asking you to locate where she was sealed. Even if we find the seal location, I don't plan to release her immediately."

Black Zetsu asked cautiously, "Besides these three, are there really no other suitable candidates?"

Madara Uchiha replied coldly, "My energy is limited—I can't possibly observe every single individual. That's precisely why I created you: to investigate and monitor in my place. If you come across another suitable candidate in the future, feel free to recommend them to me."

Black Zetsu nodded, saying, "I understand. I'll keep an eye out for other potential candidates."

Madara emphasized again, "But don't lose focus. Your main task right now is to observe Obito, wait for the right moment to act, then bring him to me.

Additionally, continue searching carefully for 'Nameless' sealing location—it should be somewhere within the Land of Fire. Even if she never becomes my agent, she could still serve as a secret weapon we might utilize in the future.

Alright, I've already explained everything necessary to you. Next time, don't ask such idiotic questions again. Now go—get to work."

Black Zetsu nearly lost control of himself.

Pretending what?

He didn't know any of that. What's the problem with asking?

Black Zetsu's body sank into the ground, leaving the Mountain Tomb behind to go work for Master Madara.

...

Two days later.

Kushina Uzumaki brought Shindai to the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen felt a bit uneasy the moment he saw Shindai.

After all, Shindai's flattery during their last meeting had really stuck with him.

Even though he had tried hard to forget, seeing Shindai again brought it all back.

Hiruzen did his best to keep a friendly expression as he smiled and said, "Looks like Shindai finally finished your puppet research. Congratulations."

"Oh come on, Hokage-sama, why so formal? Next time I'm back, I'll make one especially for you—guaranteed satisfaction—as long as Biwako doesn't get wind of it."

Shindai wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Hiruzen.

At first, Hiruzen couldn't quite understand what Shindai meant. Make a special one for him? Avoid his wife Biwako? Why?

Seeing Hiruzen's confused look, Shindai grinned mischievously. "Lord Jiraiya was very satisfied~"

Suddenly it clicked for Hiruzen, and he instantly got exactly what Shindai meant.

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