Why Did Madara Survive Obito’s Stab but Not Black Zetsu’s?

The complexities of the Naruto series often hinge on characters' motivations and the intricate manipulation of chakra and ninja abilities. The story of Madara Uchiha and his fates at the hands of Obito and Black Zetsu involve a deeper understanding of the characters' intentions and the nature of their actions. Here, we explore the reasons behind Madara's survival of Obito's stab but his fatal injury caused by Black Zetsu.

Obito's Stabbing

When Obito stabbed Madara, it was part of a larger plan. Despite his betrayal and grave intentions, Obito still harbored a lingering sense of loyalty to Madara. His goal was to fulfill Madara's vision of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, which is the ultimate aim of their joint efforts. The stab was not intended to be fatal; it was a calculated blow that could only hope to weaken Madara enough to continue their plan.

Madara's recovery from this stab is a testament to his formidable power and chakra manipulation. At the time, Madara had already achieved a high level of power, having access to the Rinnegan and his mastery over chakra. This allowed him to recover from the injury and continue their plan. Additionally, Madara's resilience was partly due to his advanced state of power, making him more resistant to such attacks.

Black Zetsu's Betrayal

Black Zetsu's betrayal, however, was driven by a different agenda. As the manifestation of Kaguya Otsutsuki's will, Black Zetsu sought the revival of Kaguya. The stabbing of Madara by Black Zetsu was a calculated move aimed at exploiting Madara's weakened state. This came at a time when Madara had already expended a significant amount of chakra, making him more vulnerable.

The stabbing by Black Zetsu was not simply an assassination; it was symbolic, marking the end of Madara's ambitions and the beginning of Kaguya's resurrection. This act was designed to achieve a more fatal outcome, which was crucial to Black Zetsu's objective.

The Role of Chakra and the Ten-Tailed Beast

The circumstances surrounding Black Zetsu's betrayal were also influenced by the extraction of the Ten-Tailed Beast. After Team 7 sealed Kaguya, the Six Paths Sage took the opportunity to extract all nine tailed beasts from Madara's vessel. This extraction was a massive strain on Madara's body, causing it to die just as Naruto's chakra reserves diminished after Kurama's Yang was extracted and Kurama Yin was sealed back inside.

Madara's body, already weakened from the extraction of the Gedo Mazo (the vessel of the Ten-Tailed Beast) and the Mugen Tree, was pushed to its breaking point. As a result, his body began to die similarly to Naruto's condition post-kurama extraction. This event highlights the critical role of chakra reserves and the physical toll of powerful abilities, making Madara's fate all the more tragic.

In conclusion, Madara's survival of Obito's stab was due to the stab not being intended to be fatal, while Black Zetsu's betrayal was aimed at exploiting Madara's vulnerabilities. These actions reflect the complex and often ruthless nature of the Naruto series, where characters' motives and the manipulation of chakra can lead to profound and tragic outcomes.