After the meal, the three gathered to discuss future plans.
"Carry your weapons close, bide your time. A hidden dragon lurks in the abyss, destined to soar through the nine heavens when the time comes," Madara murmured, outlining their strategy.
Uchiha Hikari tilted her head. "But shouldn't we be capturing tailed beasts according to the Moon's Eye Plan?"
"Now? Just the two of us attacking Konoha?"
Kamihane gave her a meaningful look. "Let me break it down - Konoha currently holds seven tailed beasts. While it's a perfect opportunity, they also have Hashirama Senju, the Five Kage, and elite ninja from every major village..."
"Will we win?"
"We'll die." His tone carried absolute certainty.
"No need to rush capturing tailed beasts. Without the Gedo Statue, they're useless," Madara interjected. "When I awaken divine power, that will be our moment."
"I agree," Kamihane raised his hand.
"So until Lord Madara awakens his power, we're stuck here?" Hikari hugged her knees, chin resting on them. "Guess we'll lay low during this period."
Noticing her gaze, Kamihane shrugged. "No problem here. Though I can't exact revenge on Tobirama Senju yet, vengeance is a dish best served cold."
Madara's lone eye crinkled with amusement. "You're both in your prime. Confinement in this cramped base isn't ideal. Perhaps we can adjust your departure timeline."
Hikari suddenly held a fan and sickle.
Kamihane found a scroll in his hands.
"Hikari, when you master these weapons completely, that will be your time to leave."
"Kamihane, when you comprehend and master this forbidden technique, your rise to fame begins."
Madara's gaze swept over them, a rare smile flashing across his features before he relaxed into his seat.
Hikari caressed the Blazing Fan and sickle lovingly. "I'll safeguard these until Lord Madara regains his power."
"Keep them," Madara said casually.
"R-really?"
"I've outgrown their need."
Kamihane unrolled his scroll, eyes widening. "Izanagi!?!"
Madara settled back. "My improved version. The clan's original was crude - its activation breeds malicious Yin chakra that distorts the user's mind. My version eliminates that side effect."
Kamihane clutched the scroll like treasure.
"Unless you're foolish enough to activate it with your right eye..." Madara added dryly, making Kamihane's face darken.
"Speaking of time..." Madara suddenly mused. "Hashirama... doesn't have many years left."
Both turned sharply. "Why?"
"Creation Rebirth." Madara's voice turned somber. "His instant-healing technique without hand seals carries a price."
"Cell division has limits, mortality even the Sage of Six Paths couldn't escape. His apparent immortality actually consumes lifespan - even his Wood Style draws from vitality."
Madara gazed at the stone ceiling. "Hashirama stands peerless because none can kill him. Only he can end himself."
"Our battles drained him profoundly. After awakening, he captured seven tailed beasts in one go... using his remaining time for final contributions."
A knowing smile surfaced. "He wants tailed beasts' destructive power to maintain balance between nations through mutual deterrence... I understand him too well."
"But he fails to see tailed beasts aren't him. Their nature makes them eternal weapons. In ambitious hands..." Madara's voice trailed off ominously. "Within eight to ten years... a greater war approaches."
"I have an unconventional proposal." Kamihane leaned forward. "Lord Madara, have you considered forming an organization?"
"Organization?" Madara frowned. "The Moon's Eye Plan is a lonely path. Finding like-minded allies..."
"We don't need shared ideals - just offer desired benefits. People will serve willingly."
"Naïve. Human nature's complexity defies such simplicity. I trust only you two."
Kamihane pressed, "Our strength is unmatched, but handling every task ourselves is inefficient. An organization could manage mundane affairs while we strategize, intervening only when crucial."
After contemplative silence, Madara nodded. "There's wisdom. You'll oversee this."
"Understood!"
Madara warned gravely, "Remember - the Moon's Eye Plan remains our sole truth. Reveal it only as last resort. We three are its sole executors. Others... mere tools."
"I'll ensure he complies," Hikari teased, shooting Kamihane a mischievous smile.
He retorted sourly, "All contingent on us leaving this base first..."
Thus began their era of quiet preparation.
"Control wind direction with Wind Release, fuel with Fire Release, balance with Yin Release. Gradually refine flame control to millimeter precision..."
Hikari's hands flew through seals. Dark flames swirled around her like spirits, coalescing into a three-meter black inferno.
"Mastering my Blaze Release will let you command Amaterasu freely," Kamihane instructed.
"Stop mimicking Lord Madara," the fiery vortex retorted, Hikari's voice softening mid-protest. "Don't disperse it yet - I need more practice."
"Right, right..."
Such became their training routine - solitary practice interspersed with sparring, peppering Madara with questions during meals.
The Uchiha patriarch patiently answered all, his vast knowledge as a ninja legend illuminating their paths. Each lesson brought breakthroughs.
Tailoring guidance to their styles:
For Hikari, Madara emphasized fundamentals - taijutsu, ninjutsu, and obscure but practical techniques Kamihane had learned five years prior.
For Kamihane, he delved into ocular secrets, deepening understanding of Mangekyō Sharingan's workings.
The base's routine unfolded thus: a youth poring over scrolls, a girl training relentlessly, and occasionally - if one peeked into the kitchen - a apron-clad man perfecting braised pork recipes.
Within these dim confines, three coexisted - sharing meals, bantering, savoring rare tranquility.
...
Mountains obscure time's passage; cultivation knows no years.
Six years vanished like morning dew.