Board Thread:Naruto Discussions/@comment-26069566-20140421193739/@comment-24514198-20140421205603

I could have sworn Kishi said that the final phase of the manga would comprise of Madara, then the Juubi, then Sasuke; in that order. I honestly think that Madara is just a stepping stone towards the true main villain that is Kaguya. Because of chapter 673, with the Shinju seemingly demanding Madara to absorb it, Kaguya some have some connection with it: as seen in a panel showcasing a pair of byakugan eyes with a "sharinnegan" implanted above.