Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

The resurrected Uchiha Madara attempted to stand but found his body terrifyingly frail. A cough escaped his lips as he looked at his palms—wrinkled and weak, much like when he died.

The Impure World Reincarnation hadn't restored him to his peak state. Instead, it brought him back in his elderly form.

"So, this is what I've been reduced to..." he muttered bitterly.

"Madara-sama, we may need to try a few more times," Black Zetsu offered cautiously.

Madara's cold, piercing stare silenced him, sending a chill down his metaphorical spine. Black Zetsu felt his nonexistent heart race.

"As soon as possible," Madara said, voice sharp and authoritative despite his weakened state.

He clenched his fists, but his decrepit body was incapable of channeling his legendary strength. Even with the Impure World Reincarnation's unlimited chakra and physical endurance, his old body would crumble under any significant exertion.

Let alone engaging in a fierce battle—at this rate, merely walking could break his back.

Madara was furious. He had no interest in waging war in such a humiliating state.

"Yes," Black Zetsu replied, deferential but inwardly seething.

"Release it," Madara ordered flatly.

"Understood, Madara-sama."

With a few hand seals, Black Zetsu ended the Impure World Reincarnation, and Madara's body disintegrated into paper-like fragments, scattering into the air.

Once alone, Black Zetsu's composure shattered. He cursed under his breath, venting his frustration.

"White Zetsu!" Black Zetsu barked.

White Zetsu appeared, looking unbothered as usual.

"Find more sacrifices—immediately. If you fail, I'll use you as one," Black Zetsu snapped.

White Zetsu, fully understanding the threat, nodded obediently and left to complete the task. Once alone again, Black Zetsu resumed his tirade of curses before reluctantly turning his attention back to improving the Impure World Reincarnation.

Reviving Madara in his prime wasn't an easy feat, but leaving him in his elderly state was unacceptable. Not only was it a hindrance, but Madara's pride would never tolerate it.

Black Zetsu grumbled as he delved deeper into the complexities of the Impure World Reincarnation. It was a powerful and terrifying technique but far from perfect.

"I need time," he muttered, though his patience was wearing thin.

In Konoha, the five great Kage were growing restless.

"How much longer are we supposed to wait here? Uchiha Madara hasn't made any moves since the Rinnegan was taken," Ohnoki grumbled. His patience was nearing its limit.

"Are you saying Madara isn't interested in retrieving the Rinnegan?"

The idea seemed absurd. Why would Madara ignore something so pivotal?

Unable to endure the uncertainty any longer, Ohnoki proposed they confront the person responsible for the current situation: Shinki.

Ohnoki, the Third Raikage, the Third Kazekage, and Yagura convened and marched to Shinki's residence.

While Ohnoki and the Third Raikage spearheaded the initiative, the Third Kazekage remained neutral, and Yagura felt like an outsider—still unaccustomed to the camaraderie among the other Kage.

At Shinki's home, the uninvited Kage entered to find him leisurely brewing tea.

Shinki glanced at the four visitors and, setting his coffee aside, began preparing tea for them. His calm demeanor only added to Ohnoki's frustration.

"Shinki, we're not here for tea," Ohnoki said bluntly.

"I know," Shinki replied without looking up, pouring tea with practiced ease. "I always thought you, Tsuchikage, were a stubborn man. I didn't expect you to be the most impatient among the Five Kage."

Ohnoki glared at him, his annoyance palpable.

"That's not impatience—I just don't want to sit idly by while Uchiha Madara plots," Ohnoki retorted.

The Third Raikage chuckled, thoroughly enjoying Ohnoki's flustered state. "He's got a point. You are a bit impatient, Tsuchikage."

Ohnoki's face turned dark. He glared at the Raikage, his expression unreadable but clearly agitated.

Unbothered, the Third Raikage met his stare with a grin.

Shinki sipped his tea, his expression neutral as if he were watching a petty squabble. Finally, he set his cup down.

"Senior, don't be so anxious. If anyone's desperate right now, it's Madara's people," Shinki said, his tone calm.

"Why aren't they doing anything then? They know the Impure World Reincarnation. What's taking them so long?" Ohnoki asked, his confusion evident.

Shinki sighed. "The Impure World Reincarnation is powerful, but it has limitations. When someone is resurrected, they return to the state they were in before death. In Madara's case, that means an old, fragile body. Imagine a warrior who breaks his back just by walking. Could he fight like that?"

The Third Raikage burst into laughter. "So, he's like you, Tsuchikage!"

"You fart!!!" Ohnoki roared, his face flushed with anger.

The Third Raikage's laughter only grew louder as Ohnoki fumed.

Ignoring their spat, the Third Kazekage interjected, "So, Madara wants to return with a young, strong body?"

"Exactly," Shinki confirmed.

Ohnoki crossed his arms and muttered, "We can't just sit here waiting forever."

Shinki leaned back, his eyes glinting with subtle amusement. "Don't worry, Tsuchikage. Madara's resurrection won't go as smoothly as you think. We have time—but I agree, we can't be idle for too long."

The room fell silent as the weight of their predicament settled over the group. The game was far from over, and everyone knew it. For now though, all they could do is wait for the final confrontation.