Reconnecting the tube behind Madara, Yukika returned to his side.
Good.
An aging Madara, no matter how strong, didn't frighten Yukika.
Those eyes were not even his own anymore.
Even a mature Susanoo wouldn't scare him, much less a partial one.
Killing Madara wouldn't be difficult.
But if Madara died now?
Without Madara, there would be no Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Without Infinite Tsukuyomi, Otsutsuki Kaguya couldn't reappear.
And Yukika wasn't greedy for Kaguya's power—he wanted to build his own path to the Otsutsuki dimension later.
If he deviated from the script, the Otsutsuki Clan's arrival would become unpredictable.
Without finding the three key individuals, Yukika couldn't track down the true Otsutsuki Clan or predict when others from the Otsutsuki planet would arrive.
If Madara really died, Yukika would lose his greatest advantage in the future.
That's why he didn't kill him.
Madara's role was even bigger than he realized.
Besides, this poor child, lost in his dream of world peace, deserved some sympathy.
Unlike his grandfather Tobirama, who distrusted Madara completely, Yukika actually admired Madara's character.
At least Madara hadn't spoken of understanding while secretly preparing to punch someone.
He genuinely sought a way for true world peace.
From that perspective, Madara was respectable.
But that didn't mean Yukika would indulge him.
Not now, not ever.
If necessary, Yukika would still strike down Infinite Tsukuyomi without hesitation.
No problem—the Senju would be far more reliable than Akatsuki.
Thus Yukika had come.
He needed to warn him.
"Don't covet the Nine-Tails, and don't mess with the Senju."
"Or you really will die."
"And..."
Yukika slowly rose, gazing at his pet with a mischievous smile.
"Weren't you bullied earlier?"
"Go slap him twice."
Goodness!
What's he saying?!
Wait!
What are you doing, Nine-Tails?!
Black Zetsu's flaws cracked open as he watched the Nine-Tails lift a massive paw and slap Madara hard across the face.
Despite its smaller form, the Nine-Tails' absurdly fat body made it clear—he used all his strength.
How dare you!
Madara's eyes turned into Mangekyo Sharingan, spinning wildly to control the Nine-Tails.
But due to the contract, he felt no connection to it.
Absolutely none!
In his endless rage, a glowing blue Susanoo emerged, trying to block the beast's attack.
With his frail body, even raising both arms of Susanoo was difficult.
Susanoo?
Yukika calmly flickered, activating his counterattack mode!
His massive wings devoured Susanoo's arms.
CRACK!
The bright blue armor shattered instantly!
"If it were a full form, maybe I'd be impressed," Yukika said mockingly.
"But this half-baked Susanoo..."
"You should be embarrassed to use it."
Time to bully the old man!
Yukika arrogantly watched as the Nine-Tails smacked Madara across the face again.
SLAP!
Still unsatisfied, the Nine-Tails switched paws.
SLAP!
After a two-punch combo, the Nine-Tails got addicted, spitting on its paw, preparing another.
Unfortunately, Yukika stopped him with a glance.
Play is fine.
But don't go too far.
Although Yukika didn't fear it, the Senju Clan needed order.
He didn't care about Madara's grievances.
Clan strength—his strength—mattered most.
If Madara got desperate and tried to reclaim his eyes or unleash a Rinne Tensei prematurely, it would cause trouble.
Thus, Yukika already had people watching Nagato.
If Madara acted rashly, Nagato would be eliminated first.
No fear.
But the Senju Clan's plans had already begun.
"I'm a reasonable man, Mr. Madara," Yukika said sincerely after stopping the Nine-Tails.
"You do your Infinite Tsukuyomi. I'll build my infrastructure."
"We stay out of each other's way."
"Maybe if I'm in a good mood, I'll borrow the Nine-Tails—but I'll return him afterward."
"Let's call it even."
"You touched my pet, I let him slap you twice. You deserved it."
"That's that."
Yukika stood, cradling the Nine-Tails, and headed for the cave exit.
After a few steps, he turned and smiled at Madara.
"Anyone brave enough to seek peace deserves respect."
"But be careful—don't be fooled."
His footsteps faded into the distance.
Black Zetsu, drenched in cold sweat, watched Madara.
That Senju brat!
He heard that last sentence loud and clear!
He knew.
He knew everything—
Even the true purpose of Infinite Tsukuyomi!
"Madara... Lord Madara..."
Seeing the panting Madara, Black Zetsu tried to say something.
But when he saw Madara's twisted face and the blood dripping from his mouth, he wisely shut up.
"Ahhhh!!!"
In the empty cavern, Madara's furious roar shook the rocks around them.
So angry.
His rage shook the very earth!
"Tsk, pathetic."
Outside the cave, Yukika shook his head in pity.
Then he returned home—
to continue building his infrastructure.