"Lord Madara... Here's what happened."
Taking a deep breath, Black Zetsu recounted everything that had transpired in recent days to Madara, including his interactions with Byakuya. However, he made slight modifications at critical points.
When Madara heard that Akatsuki had caught Hanzo's attention, he wasn't particularly interested. In his view, it was inevitable that Akatsuki would attract Hanzo's attention sooner or later. Perhaps Hanzo had been idealistic and full of passion in his youth, but ideals changed over time.
Someone once claimed to have founded a village for the sake of comrades. Yet they could still betray their most important comrades behind their backs in order to protect the village.
Therefore, Hanzo was no longer the same as he once was. It all made perfect sense.
And that little devil Byakuya dared to believe the enemy's words. If he got betrayed, it was his own fault. After experiencing such events, Nagato should understand the cruelty of the shinobi world.
Next, it would be Nagato sinking for the sake of his comrades and using the Rinnegan to turn the tide.
Madara thought confidently, but what Black Zetsu said next was completely different, causing a ripple in Madara's heart. Unable to hold back, he said, "Are you saying that Byakuya used your advice to deceive Hanzo and Danzo, ultimately gaining control of Amegakure and reversing the unfavorable situation?"
"That's exactly what happened!" Black Zetsu nodded.
After hearing this, Madara fell silent. He had thought he was only inferior to Byakuya in teaching abilities, but now he realized he was also lacking in strategy.
Back then, he had managed to escape by feigning death with the help of Izanagi, successfully outlasting Hashirama.
Although he regretted not defeating Hashirama himself, a win was still a win. Even now, if he were to wreak havoc on Konoha and Iwa, no one could stop him.
The shinobi world was indeed formidable, but he wasn't at his peak right now.
With a playful grin, White Zetsu on Black Zetsu's body said, "Lord Madara, we haven't disappointed you this time, have we? Now the Eye of the Moon Plan has a new ally."
A new ally?
Madara snorted coldly, tacitly agreeing.
Although he wanted Obito to execute the Eye of the Moon Plan, having more allies wouldn't hurt. Besides, Byakuya also possessed Uzumaki bloodline, and transplanting cells from Hashirama would allow him to become a vessel for the Rinnegan.
From this perspective, Black Zetsu had done well. He was truly a reflection of his will.
However, the most important thing now was to make Obito feel the malice from the entire world, birthing eyes capable of executing the Eye of the Moon Plan.
At this moment, Black Zetsu glanced around and, not seeing Obito, asked in confusion, "Lord Madara, where did Obito go? Has the plan already begun?"
Madara nodded lightly and said calmly, "Yes, the plan has already begun. I'm about to depart for the afterlife, but before I die, there are a few things I need to explain to you.
First, after my death, you must monitor Obito's every move and assist him in weakening the Five Great Shinobi Nations. Collect the nine Tailed-Beasts. Second, prepare a suitable body for me. I intend to revive in my prime state. Third, at the right moment, inform Obito that his fate was my plot. Even if he hates me, he must complete the Eye of the Moon Plan!"
"Yes, Lord Madara."
After listening to Madara's instructions, Black Zetsu nodded solemnly.
He desired the Infinite Tsukuyomi more than anyone else, but whether or not to revive Madara in his prime was uncertain. Since obtaining Asura's chakra from Madara, and giving birth to the Rinnegan in that moment, Madara had lost his value. Black Zetsu also disliked Madara's commanding behavior.
Finally, Madara glanced at Black Zetsu and decisively severed the nutrient tube. As life energy ceased to flow, he closed his eyes forever.
The Indra who once overlooked the shinobi world ultimately died in the dark corner.
Watching Madara's soul depart for the Pure Land, Black Zetsu looked towards the exit. Before long, his other pawn, Obito, would return.
---
Near the coastline of the Land of Fire, a one-sided massacre was taking place.
Wearing the White Zetsu battle armor, Obito, in the form of a demigod, was massacring the Anbu of Kirigakure. Before the Wood Style and Mangekyo Sharingan, none of the Kirigakure Anbu were a match.
After losing most of their teammates, the remaining Kirigakure Anbu lost their will to fight and began to flee in all directions.
They didn't understand why they encountered such a monster when their mission was to escort the Three Tails Jinchuriki and unleash its rampage in the heart of Konoha.
Moreover, hasn't the Wood Style disappeared for decades? Why does it appear in an Uchiha now?
Why didn't Konoha showcase such terrifying combat power earlier, choosing instead to wait until now? Could this be a conspiracy, a plot by Konoha to weaken Kirigakure?
Thinking this through, the Kirigakure Anbu suddenly found the logic clear.
Konoha deliberately feigned weakness to lure and eliminate the elite forces of Kirigakure, similar to the previous incident with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
How could an ordinary lower-level ninja possibly defeat four members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?
Now another mysterious Uchiha had appeared, massacring dozens of Kirigakure Anbu members. He had to survive to pass on this message to the Third Hokage.
However, in the next moment, Obito appeared in front of the Kirigakure ANBU Black Ops.
After a wooden thorn was inserted into the body, the chakra-absorbing seeds of the Wood Release grew rapidly and became a towering tree in a few seconds.
After killing all the enemies, Obito sat on the ground, breathing heavily.
After restoring some chakra using the Byakuya armor, Obito arrived next to Obito and Rin Nohara, extending his fingers.
Obito was only unconscious and still breathing.
But Rin, pierced through the chest, had already turned into a cold corpse and couldn't die again.
Obito forced himself to stay calm, but his tone still trembled: "Tobi, do you have a way to revive Rin? Should I kill Obito? He killed Rin."
Tobi, who was usually talkative, fell silent, then said:
"We White Zetsu are not so easy to die, but humans are unpredictable. As for Obito, if you want to kill him, kill him quickly and then return. Otherwise, if Lord Madara finds out, he will punish us."
"It doesn't matter what kind of punishment I might have to face. The point is Rin is dead."
Obito could no longer control his emotions and shouted loudly at Tobi, but Tobi did not respond further, just as he could not understand human emotions.
Several minutes later, Obito picked up Rin's body and looked at Obito lying on the ground.
"No matter what reason, I couldn't forgive your actions that killed Rin. Killing you would be too easy for you. You should carry this guilt and feel the pain."
After that, Obito headed towards the direction of Madara. He still held a glimmer of hope in his heart, hoping that Madara could revive Rin.
If Old Madara was as strong as the God of Shinobi, he would surely find a way.