Chapter 3: The Path to Strength and Wisdom
Madara sat in his study, his sharp eyes scanning the designs of the Uchiha Clan System he had conceptualized. He knew that if he wanted to prevent the Uchiha from suffering the same fate as the Hyūga Clan, where the main family controlled the branch members like slaves, the system had to be passed down through genes rather than relying on individuals to maintain it.
"If the future depends on the whims of a single leader, it's doomed to fail. The system must be self-sustaining, passed down naturally from parent to child."
But he couldn't just make a system and expect it to work—he had to think ahead. If power fell into the wrong hands, someone like Fugaku could become leader, someone who had strength but lacked political sense and decisiveness. He needed a way to ensure that only the most capable would lead.
"A virtual trial... that's it. Anyone aiming for a high-ranking position in the clan must go through simulations—tests where they lead a tribe in different scenarios. AI will supervise it, ensuring only the best make it to the top. No more weak leaders, no more reckless decisions."
But before he could put any of this into action, there was a bigger problem to deal with—Black Zetsu.
If that thing found out about the system implemented in Uchiha clan, the Uchiha would be doomed. The entire world would turn against them before Konoha even existed. That meant the first step was capturing Black Zetsu, which required something even the original Madara and Hashirama had never mastered—soul perception and advanced sealing techniques.
"That thing isn't a normal being—it's part of Kaguya's will. Even if we destroy its body, it can just merge into the shadows and escape. The only way to stop it is to understand the principles of the soul to find him and develop seals that can trap it completely."
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Battle Royale – Facing Himself
After hours of studying, Madara closed his notes and stood up.
"Enough theory. Time for action. Now we are able to walk let's see battle royal function"
Opening the system, he navigated to the Battle Royale Function.
[Select Opponent.]
A list of options appeared. His eyes landed on one:
[10-year-old Uchiha Madara.]
"Let's see how strong I was at that age."
[Do you wish to begin?]
[Yes]
His vision blurred, and the next moment, he found himself standing in an open training ground. A strong breeze blew past him, rustling his clothes. In front of him stood his 10-year-old self, eyes sharp, body tense, completely silent.
There was no talking, no hesitation—just instant battle.
The young Madara dashed forward, his movements swift and precise, his Sharingan locked onto every detail.
Madara barely dodged the first strike, shifting his weight back as a kunai flashed past his cheek. The younger version didn't stop—he twisted mid-air, following up with a spinning kick aimed at Madara's ribs.
Madara raised his arm to block, but the impact sent a shockwave through his bones.
"Tch. Even at ten, my strength was no joke."
He was forced back, skidding across the ground as his younger self vanished and reappeared behind him, a kunai aiming straight for his throat.
Madara tilted his head at the last second, feeling the blade graze his skin. He retaliated instantly—grabbing his younger self's wrist, twisting it, and driving a knee into his stomach.
The 10-year-old coughed, but his Sharingan spun wildly, catching Madara's movements even through the pain.
They clashed again—fists, kunai, and pure battle instincts colliding. Every attack felt real—the pain, the exhaustion, the pressure. This wasn't just a system simulation; his body was truly adapting, growing stronger, sharpening its instincts.
The battle stretched on until, finally, Madara saw an opening. His younger self moved in for a final strike, but Madara ducked under it, driving a powerful punch straight into his ribs, sending him flying.
[Congratulations! You have defeated your 10-year-old self.]
[Rewards: +1 to Sharingan evolution, Enhanced Yin Chakra control.]
Madara opened his eyes back in his study, his breath steady but his muscles aching. He clenched his fist—his body felt different.
"This isn't just training—it's evolution. I can push myself beyond normal limits."
Excited by the results, he selected another opponent: 5-year-old Hashirama.
The next fight was completely different. Hashirama's insane vitality made him harder to wear down, forcing Madara to adjust his fighting style. After barely winning, he felt his body become healthier, his stamina increasing significantly.
"So, the stronger the opponent, the better the rewards."
He had a long way to go, but he could already see the path forward.
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The Birth of a Novel
After hours of training, Madara sat at his desk, dipping his brush into ink.
It was time to begin his first novel—one that would plant ideas in the minds of young shinobi.
The story followed a powerful family that ruled a vast empire. Instead of taking commissions like common mercenaries, they focused on territory, economy, and governance.
The novel introduced the imperial system—noble rankings like Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron. It showed how strong families didn't need to be dogs for the nobles. —they could build their own influence.
Additionally, the civilian population would start to believe, without even realizing it, that powerful leaders are the key to peace. This subliminal messaging would promote the belief that powerful clans could deliver stability through governance. Therefore, when Uchiha Madara ultimately dismantles the current power structure, eliminating the nobles, and establish his imperial system, he would face diminished opposition, enabling him to consolidate his power.
It wasn't outright rebellion. Nowhere did it say, "overthrow the nobles." But it planted the seed. Over time, young ninja from different clans would subconsciously start questioning the current system.
Satisfied, he titled the novel: "The Rise of the Dragon King."
Now, he just had to find a way to spread it among young ninja without raising suspicion.
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Night Talk with Tajima
At dinner, Madara sat across from his father, Uchiha Tajima, who silently observed his son. At only one year old, Madara was already as intelligent as an adult—something that both amazed and distressed as a parent.
"Father," Madara began, "I wish to study perception and sealing techniques in depth."
Tajima raised an eyebrow. "Why do you wish to learn?"
Madara had anticipated this question and spoke casually.
"I haven't even started chakra extraction yet, and even when I do, my reserves won't be large. Before I learn ninjutsu and genjutsu, I want to study skills that don't require much chakra. Sealing and perception techniques could be helpful in battle."
Uchiha Tajima looked at his son with pride. "You're very thoughtful, son. Alright. After dinner, come to my study room, and I'll give you the scrolls."
Later that night, Madara followed his father to the study, where Tajima handed him several scrolls—all below A-rank.
"If you don't understand anything, come to me. I will explain," Tajima said.
Madara nodded, taking the scrolls back to his room.
Since last month, he had been sleeping in his own quarters, and tonight, he would spend it immersed in learning, preparing for the next phase of his plan.