Chapter 157 - 157 (2/2)

”I want you to promise me two things: Do not disclose about me to anyone. The second, I want you to protect the lives of two people, and not let anyone, including yourself, threaten their lives.”

Madara conditions were rather attractive. Ryo had no intention of telling anyone about him.

As for the second condition, it shouldn't prove to be so difficult, but Ryo wasn't about to agree just yet.

Instead, he cautiously asked: ”Who are these two people?”

”One is a boy in the Rain Country, an orphan who goes by the name of Nagato. The other is one you should already know. His name is Obito Uchiha.”

Hearing Obito's name, Ryo was shocked, and did not expect Madara to have noticed him just yet.

”May I ask you why I should?” Ryo was really intrigued.

”No. Then, Ryo Yamanaka, do you agree to these terms?”

”Hold on, I want to confirm one thing. If either of them provokes me, I cannot kill them?”

Madara seemed to have expected this question. He did not hesitate to say: ”Yes, you cannot do anything to threaten their lives.”

”Isn't that too risky for me? If the two become my enemies, I would not be able to even protect myself or avenge my loved ones. I refuse this deal!”

”Then my terms will change. As long as they don't threaten your life or the lives of your loved ones, you cannot threaten theirs, and you must insure their safety.” Madara immediately answered, ”And yes, there's one thing: when it's me or white Zetsu that's dealing with them, you don't need to interfere.” Madara added one term.

It took Ryo a while to nod and agree. He did not intend to change their fate that much. Without Madara's interference, he did know how long it would take Obito and Kakashi to activate his Sharingan.

(T/N: I know, this was shocking to me as well, and what was even more shocking to me was how things developed afterwards.)

These terms were basically in line with Ryo's intentions; it would be foolish to refuse them. With that, the two finally made their deal.

With that, Madara took out a scroll and handed it with a Zetsu arm to Ryo, who immediately opened the scroll to find the summary of Madara's research on Hashirama's cells.

Madara's method to perfectly integrate Hashirama's cells into one's body consisted of reducing said cell's vitality and activity.

Ryo opened his Sharingan and observed Zetsu's arm. He found that the activity of the cells within it was far less than that of the ones in Zetsu. What surprised him however, was that their vitality and Chakra was unaffected.

Ryo had his doubts, but he noticed that this arm was far more concentrated in Hashirama's cells than the Zetsu's body, and he finally had a general understanding of Madara method. He had to admit, Madara was a true genius, far beyond his expectation!

Madara used his Sharingan to suppress the activity of Hashirama's cells, what lead to a significant reduction in their vitality and Chakra. Then he cultivated the cells to increase their concentration, allowing for the overall vitality and Chakra to be maintained.

Ryo sealed the arm and the scroll, and Madara returned to his chair and closed his eyes ignoring him.

”Madara dono, you're giving me all of this, and are not afraid of my betrayal?” Ryo couldn't just understand how Madara seemed to be so unbothered.

”I believe my eyes young man; you don't seem like the wrong person.” Madara said, opening his eyes faintly.

”Worthy of your reputation, Uchiha Madara!” Ryo had more admiration for the old man in front of him.

”The deal is done. Zetsu, lead him out.”

”Wait!” Ryo didn't want to leave just yet, not while leaving behind another thing he wanted!