Chapter 162: Obito Abandoned by All Sides
Boom! Boom!
Seeing the two people who had fallen directly to the ground, Ishihara was stunned for a moment. He then looked at Sasuke's hand. As expected, their Yin-Yang power had been stripped away! No need to guess—this was definitely the handiwork of the Sage of Six Paths!
Sighing helplessly, Ishihara knew he had no choice but to tackle the Sage of Six Paths' sealing techniques head-on. However, the question was: how exactly could such a seal be broken? For a moment, Ishihara had no clue.
At this time, Orochimaru arrived with other members of the Immortal Organization.
"Let's proceed with the research on sealing techniques, and along the way, study how to quickly locate where the Tailed Beasts are being reborn," Ishihara said, setting their next objectives.
After Ishihara and his group departed, Jiraiya finally discovered Naruto, who was unconscious on the ground.
"Naruto! Naruto, what's wrong? Sasuke, this...!" Looking at Naruto and Sasuke, Jiraiya quickly carried both of them on his back. He had to get them out of here—no one could guarantee this place was still safe.
As Jiraiya carried Naruto and Sasuke away, the sky suddenly began to pour with rain. At this moment, Black Zetsu emerged from the ground.
"It seems everyone has forgotten about us."
"Heh, indeed. It looks like achieving the Infinite Tsukuyomi will be an uphill battle," Obito said irritably. He had been so close to success. Uchiha Madara had already become the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki, yet instead of using the Infinite Tsukuyomi, the fool had started fighting others instead. Madara was far too reckless. In hindsight, Obito regretted using Edo Tensei to revive him—he should have become the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki himself.
That said, even if Obito had managed to become the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki, it wouldn't have mattered. The Sage of Six Paths wouldn't have allowed Kaguya Ōtsutsuki to appear so soon. At least not before he fully ascended into his role as the god of death. Now, with the added goal of preventing Ishihara from becoming stronger, the Sage's interference was inevitable.
"Let's go. We need to check on the remaining alive members," Obito said, unaware that Konan and the rest of the Akatsuki were already waiting for him.
Meanwhile, Black Zetsu took advantage of Obito's absence to retrieve Uchiha Madara, who had been sealed inside a stone.
"Although I'd love to help you, it's clear that Uchiha Madara is far more suitable," Black Zetsu said sinisterly before disappearing with Madara.
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Hidden Rain Village
The Hidden Rain Village had been under constant downpour for years because Nagato had continuously used his jutsu. But now that Nagato was dead, the rain had finally stopped. The village's countless shinobi cheered, celebrating as though a heavy burden had been lifted. After all, living in a village where it rained endlessly could weigh heavily on one's spirit.
Inside the tallest building of the Hidden Rain Village, Konan, Kisame, Kakuzu, and the others stood together.
"Well, well. Looks like everyone's here," Obito suddenly appeared, and Konan's suspicions grew stronger. She had been gathering information and had one lingering question: why had none of their other comrades come to aid Yahiko during the incident? And later, after the Akatsuki was rebuilt, why had they never seen those people again?
For so long, Konan had been consumed by the goal of making the world experience pain and achieving peace through Infinite Tsukuyomi. But now, with her mind clear, she realized that something was deeply amiss.
"So, it was you who blocked the comrades who tried to aid Yahiko and Nagato back then, wasn't it?" Konan stared straight at Obito and questioned him.
Obito paused momentarily, realizing there was no point in pretending any longer. He removed his mask, looking at the five shinobi in front of him. All of them possessed Kage-level strength, but Obito wasn't worried. His Kamui was invincible—no matter how strong they were, they were no match for him. Especially now that he had reclaimed the other Sharingan eye from Kakashi, giving him dual Kamui powers. Kakashi, naturally, had been left trapped in the Kamui dimension.
"So what if I did? Do you intend to avenge them?" Obito sneered at Konan, then glanced at the others. Their strength was impressive, and they could prove to be useful. But with Nagato dead, too many secrets had been brought to light. If that was the case, then it was time for him to take center stage.
"Now that Nagato is gone, I'll be the leader from here on. Who agrees? Who objects?" Obito declared. If anyone dared object, he'd simply throw them into the Kamui dimension and deal with them personally.
The members of the Akatsuki glanced at each other, then collectively turned their malicious gazes toward Obito. This guy was far too scheming—always hiding in the shadows while they did the dirty work. The Akatsuki had originally been formed to escape the politics and backstabbing of the shinobi villages, but now they had a manipulative snake right among them. There was no way they would tolerate this any longer.
"I object!"
Just as Konan was about to speak, a man's voice suddenly rang out from outside!