Before Uchiha Kaien could even reply, Uchiha Madara went on talking as if he hadn't heard him:
"There are two possible approaches. One—make him willingly use the Rinne Rebirth Technique in the future. Two—force him to use it. I don't care how you do it, as long as you keep control of the situation."
He paused, then added, "That said, appearance is also a ninja's weapon. For now, the first option suits you better."
After finishing his meal, Madara elegantly dabbed at the corners of his mouth, eyes calmly studying Kaien.
He looked even more refined than he had two years ago, when Madara had first brought him back.
If it weren't for his absolute trust in Black Zetsu and White Zetsu's intel, Madara might have thought he'd picked up a female Uchiha heir by mistake.
The very idea of someone—after his death—standing up with a snow-white chest and declaring herself as Uchiha Madara made his skin crawl. No one would believe it. Hell, he wouldn't believe it.
What kind of idiot would buy that a woman was Uchiha Madara?
Fortunately, the child before him—however pretty—was still a boy.
And a gifted one at that. Eight years old, already awakened two tomoe.
Madara remembered that he hadn't awakened even a single tomoe until he was fifteen. No wonder this kid had inherited-bloodline illness early on—it made perfect sense now.
"Just like you did with that child Minato Namikaze—go build a bond with Nagato. Get him to willingly use the Rinne Rebirth Technique when the time comes."
"So basically, bring him into the fold? Got it!"
Kaien immediately understood. This wasn't hard at all—tricking a little kid? He was only three! This was going to be a piece of cake.
"These are the clothes prepared for you."
Madara gestured for White Zetsu to bring them over.
It was a pale blue kimono, covered in intricate, expensive-looking patterns. Clearly not something ordinary.
"???"
Three giant question marks practically popped out over Kaien's head. A kimono—for him?
Something felt wrong.
"I told you before not to waste that face of yours."
Madara's lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile.
This brat had once bought him a set of pink bedding. He hadn't had a chance to get revenge until now—but this mission? The perfect opportunity.
"A female appearance will make it easier to gain a child's affection. You know that, don't you?"
No, actually. I don't know that at all.
"And if you go wearing a Konoha shinobi uniform, even a three-year-old like Nagato won't trust you."
Madara tapped the metal forehead protector Kaien wore, making him yelp and clutch his head.
The old man didn't fight fair—he used Banshō Ten'in to snatch Kaien's headband right off his forehead.
Even though Madara had already transplanted the Rinnegan into Nagato for nurturing, once awakened, those eyes were still his. He couldn't use them offensively now, but for basic conveniences? Still entirely possible.
Even without the Rinnegan, he could still control the Gedo Statue. The base ocular powers of the Rinnegan could be used in limited form by someone with strong enough bloodline, even without the eyes themselves.
Just like Susanoo—once you awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan in both eyes, even if you later lost your sight, as long as you were strong enough, you could still use it.
These powers were rooted in blood, not merely the eyes.
The eyes were just one expression of a bloodline limit. The real core was the inherited strength of the lineage.
The Senju were proof of that. They didn't have any fancy bloodline techniques, yet their chakra was naturally stronger, their stamina and recovery far beyond the average shinobi. Bloodline was just that unreasonable.
Kaien's brain froze for a second before he realized what was happening.
Wait—was Madara trying to make him crossdress!?
No way. Absolutely not! His entire legacy would be ruined!
Kaien immediately turned to White Zetsu.
"White Zetsu—run! Take me to the Land of Rain!"
But before he could even reach him, a sudden pulling force yanked him back.
"Banshō Ten'in."
Madara's voice was calm as ever. At the same time, he formed a one-handed seal. The bracelet Kaien wore flared with chakra—he instantly felt his own chakra sealed off.
"I've sealed your chakra temporarily. Unless you meet another ninja, you're basically just a normal kid now."
Madara wore a satisfied smile.
Brat, let's see if you ever dare give me pink bedding again.
Kaien, meanwhile, had tears of regret welling in his eyes.
This was it. He'd messed up.
He knew he should've gone with normal bedding!
This was revenge. It had to be revenge.
And looking at Madara's smug expression, Kaien had no doubt this was purely for his humiliation.
Despite his protests, Kaien eventually put on the kimono—with tears in his eyes—and was taken to the Land of Rain by White Zetsu.
To be fair, Kaien wasn't totally against the idea.
One of the core rules of a shinobi: use any advantage you have to lower your enemy's guard and strike when they least expect it.
Kaien just told himself it was all part of the mission. That made it easier to accept.
...
Land of RainAmegakure
Despite its steel spires and iron canopy, Amegakure still held pockets of natural scenery around its outskirts.
That's where Nagato's family had ended up—like many war refugees, they lived in the fringes of the city.
One night, little Nagato wandered into the hills behind their home, taking a stroll with his tiny footsteps.
His parents had told him he could play back there. Nagato had been eager to go out, and after some begging, they'd agreed to take him.
But now... he was lost.
A dense fog began to rise along the path. Panic started to build in the small boy's chest. Without his parents to guide him, he began running aimlessly through the mist.
And then—he saw a figure.
A silhouette in the haze. He brightened instantly and ran forward, hoping this person could help him find the way back.
As he drew closer, the figure became clearer: a young person in a pale blue kimono. Mid-length black hair, meticulously groomed. Pouting lips, a dainty nose, and delicate, furrowed brows. Their features were refined, almost too beautiful to be real—like they were annoyed about something, though even that expression was elegant.
Nagato froze. His heart thumped in his chest.
She looked like... an angel.
An angelic big sister from the heavens...
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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