I have a half assed theory.
Say Madara lived long enough to meet Orochimaru. Discreetly they work together to cultivate and make use of Hashirama cells. Maybe even using Obito's cells as well. The end result being Tobi. A combination of both. Could be why Tobi boasts having the "perfect body". Also could be why Orochimaru became interested in Itachi then later Sasuke given what he may have learned from Madara.
After the Valley of the End fight with Naruto and Sasuke the black and white Zetsu appears. Shortly after the Atkatsuki meets for the first time since Orochimaru left the group. Kinda convenient. Also kinda convenient that Orochimaru was present when Nagato, Yahiko and Konan met the Sannin.
Tobi could very likely be part Obito. If Orochimaru used him then he would have left no way for Obito to disobey the plan. When Tobi says he doesn't want to be anyone maybe it is because he can't even be himself. Being an Uchiha he would likely succumb to hatred.
I also don't think that Tobi would have answered to Orochimaru as I think he was made by Orochimaru for Madara.
Orochimaru may have betrayed Madara when he went after Itachi and Sasuke for their bodies and eyes as this would have gone against Madara's plan. Tobi already seemed to have a grudge against the clan. Tobi already made sure the Uzumakis' were gone. The Senju for the most part are gone. The village could wait so why not help Itachi kill the Uchiha.
I already know that there could be many holes in this so if any of ya'll have ideas or connection you can make go for it. I welcome any feedback including de-bunking this theory. I really just don't want to flip through HUNDREDS of pages of manga for the evidence.
Say Madara lived long enough to meet Orochimaru. Discreetly they work together to cultivate and make use of Hashirama cells. Maybe even using Obito's cells as well. The end result being Tobi. A combination of both. Could be why Tobi boasts having the "perfect body". Also could be why Orochimaru became interested in Itachi then later Sasuke given what he may have learned from Madara.
After the Valley of the End fight with Naruto and Sasuke the black and white Zetsu appears. Shortly after the Atkatsuki meets for the first time since Orochimaru left the group. Kinda convenient. Also kinda convenient that Orochimaru was present when Nagato, Yahiko and Konan met the Sannin.
Tobi could very likely be part Obito. If Orochimaru used him then he would have left no way for Obito to disobey the plan. When Tobi says he doesn't want to be anyone maybe it is because he can't even be himself. Being an Uchiha he would likely succumb to hatred.
I also don't think that Tobi would have answered to Orochimaru as I think he was made by Orochimaru for Madara.
Orochimaru may have betrayed Madara when he went after Itachi and Sasuke for their bodies and eyes as this would have gone against Madara's plan. Tobi already seemed to have a grudge against the clan. Tobi already made sure the Uzumakis' were gone. The Senju for the most part are gone. The village could wait so why not help Itachi kill the Uchiha.
I already know that there could be many holes in this so if any of ya'll have ideas or connection you can make go for it. I welcome any feedback including de-bunking this theory. I really just don't want to flip through HUNDREDS of pages of manga for the evidence.