To convince Madara that his interest in the Tailed Beasts was genuine, Allen deliberately revealed some specific characteristics regarding the nature of Tailed Beast Chakra.
Since the nine Tailed Beasts had historically belonged to different hidden villages, no one had ever conducted comprehensive comparative research in this field. Among his insights, many of Allen's viewpoints struck Madara as genuinely brilliant.
While Madara himself wasn't particularly interested in the finer details of research, he began to believe that the young man before him was truly obsessed with the Tailed Beasts. Otherwise, why would anyone take the monumental risk of sealing so many of them into their own body all at once?
However, driven by his obsession with the Eye of the Moon Plan, the man, whose ego reached the heavens, finally spoke after a brief two or three-minute silence: "When do you plan to seal the Tailed Beasts within you into the Gedo Mazo?"
"Soon. A few weeks at the minimum, a few months at the most."
Allen performed a quick mental calculation of the absorption rate for the remaining Tailed Beasts and immediately provided a final deadline. He understood that the only reason Madara had sought him out immediately after being reincarnated via Reanimation Jutsu was to ensure the plan to resurrect the Ten-Tails wouldn't hit a snag. As long as that goal was guaranteed, Madara didn't care about anything else.
"Fine. As a reward for the chaos you've sown among the Five Great Nations, I shall grant you that time."
Just as expected, Madara nodded and agreed straightforwardly.
"Much appreciated," Allen said, feigning humility as he bowed slightly to the legend of the shinobi world.
Madara laughed and shook his head. "No, do not thank me. You have earned this. Furthermore... are you not even curious about the Akatsuki's ultimate goal in gathering the Tailed Beasts?"
"Not in the slightest," Allen replied without a second's hesitation. "I am focused solely on my own field of study and have zero interest in external affairs. Whatever you or the Akatsuki intend to do is your business; it has nothing to do with me."
"Hahahaha! Interesting! Truly interesting! I have never met anyone quite like you. Also, I heard you possess the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
As he mentioned this, Madara's eyes instantly shifted into the shape of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Correct."
Allen followed suit, activating his own unique Mangekyō Sharingan. After a brief clash of visual prowess, a look of surprise surfaced on Madara's face. "The rumors were true! Are you certain you do not possess Uchiha blood?"
"Quite certain. This is my Hatsu, an ability of the mind, not a biological inheritance."
Allen rubbed his eyes, intentionally putting on a display of slight physical strain. When dealing with an arrogant man like Madara, the best approach was to position oneself as the "weaker" party. That way, no matter what Allen did, Madara would view him as a negligible threat. After all, if such a perfect vessel for Kaguya's resurrection ran away, Madara wouldn't be able to find a suitable replacement on short notice.
"An ability? Ah, I remember now! That power called Nen. If you don't mind, could you demonstrate it for me?"
Though phrased as a request, the expression on Madara's face made it clear it was an order.
"Of course. However, this space is a bit cramped. Why don't we find a better spot?"
The moment the words left his mouth, Allen vanished from his spot. Madara followed immediately, moving at a speed almost imperceptible to the naked eye. In just a few minutes, the two arrived one after the other at a grassy clearing near a river.
Because he was in the state of Reanimation, Madara had not only been restored to his youth but also possessed near-infinite Chakra and a literal immortal body. Consequently, he didn't hesitate for a second and commanded: "Attack me. Use your strongest strike. I want to see exactly what is so special about this power called Nen."
"As you wish."
Without another word, Allen gathered a massive amount of Aura into his right fist, forming an indestructible Ko.
The next second…
BOOM!
The instant his fist connected, half of Madara's torso disintegrated. The smug confidence that had been etched onto his face was frozen in shock.
While a body brought back by Reanimation didn't possess the high defensive durability of a living, physical body, a single punch capable of shattering half a torso was something no ordinary Ninjutsu could achieve. Even Hashirama's punches hadn't been this terrifying back in the day.
Fortunately, within seconds, the destroyed body began to reconstruct itself.
Savoring the memory of the incredible destructive power behind that strike, Madara looked thoughtful. "So this is Nen? Invisible to the eye, yet tangible to the senses. No wonder ordinary people can corner shinobi in such a short time after learning this."
"That was merely a basic application of Nen. Depending on one's personality, life experiences, and deepest desires, one can develop all sorts of unique abilities. Unfortunately, since you are currently a Reanimation, you cannot undergo the necessary physical conditioning, nor can you learn or use Nen," Allen sighed with a touch of genuine regret.
Truthfully, he was quite curious to see what kind of fascinating abilities men like Madara Uchiha or Hashirama Senju would develop.
Madara, however, dismissed the comment. "It is no matter. While this power is interesting, it is no longer important to me. Remember: seal those Tailed Beasts into the Gedo Mazo as quickly as possible. If you dare deceive me, my attitude will not be so civil the next time we meet."
With that, he vanished into thin air using the Body Flicker Technique.
Barely seconds after Madara left, Black Zetsu emerged from the ground, asking urgently, "Are you finished talking?"
"Yes, we're finished. I never imagined the true master behind the Akatsuki was actually Madara Uchiha. If you don't mind, could you tell me what you plan to do next? As far as I know, Pain is still completely in the dark," Allen probed meaningfully.
"Hmph! That is none of your concern. Madara-sama will handle it personally. I hope Pain is as sensible as you are; otherwise, his end will be most unpleasant," Black Zetsu replied, putting on his best act as a loyal subordinate.
"How terrifying! My heart is practically jumping out of my chest. It seems the Leader will just have to pray for good luck; no one else can help him now."
Allen feigned a nervous pat on his chest while simultaneously having his Red Dragon companion scan Black Zetsu's biological status.
Just moments ago, Allen had cycled through every single Tracking skill available to a Hunter. To his shock, not a single one could identify what this black, oil-like substance in front of him actually was.
It wasn't a Humanoid, it wasn't an Elemental, and it certainly wasn't a Dragon, Beast, or Giant. Strictly speaking, it seemed to be like the Tailed Beasts, an unknown lifeform born from the fusion of pure consciousness and energy.
As for that black liquid... it looked somewhat like a melted Truth-Seeking Ball.