Chapter 171: CH - 167 The Will of Madara's Book.
Ultimately, despite Obito's initial skepticism, he chose to temporarily believe in Akihiko's assessment. The bizarre emergence of Black Zetsu from the book was indeed a perplexing phenomenon that seemed to validate the Grass Village leader's claim.
Contemplating the monumental work in his hands, Obito felt a surge of determination. This time, he resolved not to give up easily on his studies, understanding that Madara-sensei had gone to great lengths to ensure his success.
Regarding Madara's funeral, Black Zetsu's suggestion to keep it simple aligned with the late Uchiha's frugal lifestyle. Obito decided to honor Madara-sensei's wishes and entrusted the arrangements to the will of the book. The plan was to prepare a modest coffin and bury him directly. The idea of scattering the ashes was deferred until the day the Ninja world truly achieved peace, allowing Madara-sensei to witness it at that time.
As for the underground cave, Akihiko entertained the thought of preserving it as Madara's…' home,' even envisioning it as a tourist attraction that charged ticket to behold the legacy of the legendary ninja.
Observing Black Zetsu, Akihiko remarked, "I heard there are supposedly a hundred thousand White Zetsu?"
The sudden revelation left both Black Zetsu and White Zetsu in a state of shock. "How do you know?!" they exclaimed in unison.
Akihiko, unfazed, nonchalantly blinked and replied, "How do I know? Of course, Madara told me."
Confused by this revelation, White Zetsu silently communicated with Black Zetsu through their eyes, inquiring, 'When did Madara say that?' Black Zetsu responded with a similar covert glance, conveying, 'How would I know? Do you..?' White Zetsu continued the non-verbal exchange, expressing, 'No, I don't know either.'
Interrupting their silent communication, Akihiko sighed and disclosed, "Madara informed me at that time. He asked me to arrange those hundred thousand White Zetsu properly. That's how I knew."
With this explanation, Black Zetsu's eyes rolled, and he grinned, "There are indeed a hundred thousand White Zetsu, but they are all in a deep sleep. These are tools prepared by Madara-sama, to be used when the Ninja world achieves true peace in the future."
While it remained uncertain if this accurately reflected Madara's words, Black Zetsu chose to be cautious and added, "So, everyone is still in a deep sleep!"
Unexpectedly, Akihiko shook his head and rebuked instead, "On this, I have to criticize you!"
Black Zetsu, taken aback by Akihiko's sudden admonishment, looked stunned.
"As the will of the book created by Madara, why are you still insisting on this outdated ideology?" Akihiko stared at Black Zetsu like an old cadre, hands behind his back, and emphasized, "After so many years of learning, Madara's thoughts have already changed. He believes that peace is not just a matter for ninjas but for everyone in the Ninja world. He deeply understands that he has been talking about peace in the air uselessly, just like Hashirama for so many years."
His eyes gradually became serious. "Therefore, he thinks that we need to start from reality, and the path to achieve peace must conform to reality. He feels that it has to start from ordinary people, comprehend the pain of the common people, and truly understand the essence of peace."
Saying that, he took the book from Obito's hands, "You see it's written here, '...From the masses…' "
With a skeptical look at Black Zetsu, Akihiko questioned, "Are you really the will of the book created by Madara? How come you don't even know this?"
As Akihiko's words fell, Obito was also taken aback, furrowing his brow as he scrutinized Black Zetsu.
Even White Zetsu and Zetsu wore expressions of doubt, silently questioning whether Black Zetsu truly represented the will of the book created by Madara.
Black Zetsu, though outwardly composed, felt flustered inside. 'Damn it, how would I know? I know nothing.' It seems like Madara really had a problem with his head in recent years. No, it should be said that Uchiha Madara's brain was problematic from the beginning; it just became more serious in recent years. Wasn't the Infinite Tsukuyomi good enough? How did the situation turn into this somehow? It almost made my plans to appear as 'his will' useless.
Facing the direct gazes from everyone, Black Zetsu's mouth subtly twitched. He chuckled, saying with a smile, "Of course, I knew about it. It's just that Lord Madara said not to use these tools easily. So, I was preparing to see what Leader Akihiko thinks. I didn't expect that Leader Akihiko had already understood the true essence of peace that Lord Madara pursued. Truly worthy of being someone valued by Lord Madara."
"Very well, you really are the will of the book created by Madara." Akihiko smiled and nodded at Black Zetsu as if affirming his identity.
However, Inwardly fuming, Black Zetsu couldn't comprehend how Akihiko had such detailed knowledge about Madara's book. Did Madara really disclose everything to him?
Despite his internal turmoil, Black Zetsu realized it was no longer crucial. He had 'officially' come to life as 'Madara's will', and to safeguard his true secret, he had to play along as the will of the book created by Madara, even if it meant suppressing his frustration.
Clutching his fists discreetly, Black Zetsu thought, 'As long as Mother is free, everything will be fine. Once Mother returns…'
For thousands of years, he, Black Zetsu, had patiently waited for this chance. He was his mother's beloved son and wouldn't give up easily. With this determination, he forced a smile, addressing Akihiko, "So, Leader Akihiko, how do you plan to deal with these tools?"
Despite wanting to find a reason to object, ultimately, after pondering, he decided to let it go. 'Forget it, Anyway, they're just tools. Even if something unexpected happens, it doesn't matter. After all, losing all one hundred thousand White Zetsu is unlikely… right?'
"How to deal with it?" Akihiko's expression turned serious upon hearing Black Zetsu's inquiry. "Of course, we'll follow Lord Madara's will!"
Once again, Black Zetsu found himself perplexed. How does this guy know about Madara's will? What's going on?
"You, even though you are the will of Madara's book, you still don't understand. You haven't grasped Madara's true sentiments." Akihiko shook his head with a hint of disappointment. "Madara's thoughts lean towards the lives of ordinary people, understanding their pain. And what better way to comprehend that pain than... working in a factory, just like an ordinary person?"
Work in a factory… like an ordinary person? Is this Uchiha Madara's philosophy? The three Zetsus and even Obito exchanged puzzled glances. However, Black Zetsu, considering the alternative of participating in peculiar activities, concluded that going to work might be a better way to avoid exposing their identities.
After a brief moment of contemplation, as if embracing Akihiko's interpretation of Madara's sentiments, Black Zetsu sighed with a feigned sense of understanding. He put on a smile and remarked, "Indeed, Leader Akihiko, who is highly esteemed by Madara, truly comprehends Lord Madara's thoughts." Nodding sagely, he continued, "Certainly, we should integrate ourselves among ordinary people, grasp the true essence of Madara's thoughts, and uphold his will. But about the wages..." However, before he could finish his sentence, Akihiko Interjected.
"Very well, I acknowledge you as the will of Madara's book. It's remarkable how you understood it all so quickly. No wonder Madara sent you to assist Obito with his studies." Akihiko smiled, nodded, and gave Black Zetsu's shoulder a friendly pat. "It's getting late. Now that we have you as the will of Madara's book, I'll entrust Madara's funeral arrangements to you."
Afterward, he turned to Obito, let out a sigh, and advised, "Upon returning, study diligently, comprehend Madara's thoughts, and don't disappoint him. You should realize that Madara holds you in high regard."
"I will!" Obito responded with unwavering determination.
"It's getting late. We should depart. Come on, Don't Forget, You have to go to School too." Akihiko addressed Obito and gestured towards the other Zetsu, signaling that it was time to leave.
In the blink of an eye, the two wrapped up their conversation. Then, thanks to Obito's teleportation, the two figures distorted and vanished in an instant.
Left bewildered, Black Zetsu wanted to finish his sentence and ask, "...How do we settle that?"
Yet, before he could voice his inquiry, they were already gone. Black Zetsu fell silent for a moment, then turned his gaze, or rather, darkened his visage as he looked at White Zetsu. "Now, I believe what you said was right. This guy... is indeed a scammer."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Kaiszer
Kaiszer 1422 words. 'Happy Holidays'
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