Land of Rain, Akatsuki base.

"Kumogakure, fallen?"

Nagato and Obito's eyes widened instantly upon hearing this news. Not only them, but Orochimaru, who was handling the Edo Tensei nearby, also raised an eyebrow.

However, Orochimaru never spoke, after all, he had once made a fool of himself in front of Black Zetsu.

He never dreamed that someone else would use Edo Tensei on the First Hokage and Second Hokage before him.

But there was nothing he could do about it. Thinking carefully, it was normal for Konoha's people to make some necessary preparations after seeing him use Edo Tensei on Danzo.

Yet, the thought of having two fewer trump cards in his hand made him feel somewhat dejected.

"Fortunately, Black Zetsu promised to help me find Madara's materials. This might be a better option…"

He had always been investigating Madara's secrets, and perhaps it wouldn't be long before he could figure out everything.

However, this matter was also a secret between him and Black Zetsu, and he felt that Black Zetsu seemed to have other intentions.

"How could it be so fast? It doesn't seem like we received any information about Konoha's attack." Konan frowned and said in a low voice.

Currently, she was responsible for almost all affairs in Amegakure, including intelligence.

She knew that all the major villages were gathering and preparing, but none of them seemed to be attacking.

"Are you sure your intel is correct?"

Obito asked, and Black Zetsu nodded gravely.

"There's no mistake. The attackers… were actually only three people."

"Three? Are you kidding?! Even if Takemi was among them, he couldn't achieve this. Could it be…" Obito scoffed.

Takemi was indeed strong, but his methods were limited to small-scale battles, at least in his memory.

But soon, he suddenly thought of something, and his gaze turned towards Orochimaru.

"Maybe the First Hokage."

Orochimaru immediately understood Obito's meaning.

He shook his head and spoke calmly, "The Edo Tensei jutsu wasn't completed. Even if they summoned them, it would be impossible to use too much power."

"It's indeed not the First Hokage, but Takemi…"

Black Zetsu took a deep breath from the side, then spoke faintly.

"Don't be surprised, that's the truth. And he has had an incredible improvement this time."

"Improvement? Could it be…"

"Yes, it's Wood Release. He used Wood Release to defeat those two Jinchuriki, shattering the entire Kumogakure."

"How is that possible?!"

Everyone present gasped upon hearing this. Takemi actually knew Wood Release?

What was going on with this guy?

Hadn't he already learned Dust Release? How could he learn Wood Release too?

It was a pity that Black Zetsu didn't answer, and now Black Zetsu himself seemed somewhat numb.

He hadn't even told everyone the more outrageous news he had received: Takemi had used True Several Thousand Hands!

That jutsu truly possessed the power to destroy the heavens and earth.

"Alright, enough of this."

But in the end, Black Zetsu still shook his head. While True Several Thousand Hands was powerful, in his opinion, it was too far inferior compared to his mother.

The entire Ninja World was nothing more than a pasture, and the only threats were just those few people.

Now, the most important thing was to deal with Kumogakure's affairs, which would also facilitate his mother's future return.

"I think we should go to Kumogakure now. They are at their most broken moment."

"Go now?"

Nagato raised an eyebrow, asking somewhat confusedly, "Isn't it a bit early? Although they have fallen, the troops from the other three Ninja Villages haven't arrived yet. If we go at this time…"

"It's just right. They won't agree to us the first time."

Before Nagato could finish, Black Zetsu had already shaken his head and interrupted.

"Going at this time is just to plant a seed for them, to let them know that now they can only rely on us."

"Once they are forcibly divided by the three great Ninja Villages, and their pride is torn apart, this seed will sprout and grow vigorously."

"At that time, they will turn to us and rely on us to deal with the entire Ninja World."

Black Zetsu wasn't strong in terms of combat, but he was absolutely good at playing mind games.

However, his words made Nagato, Konan, and even Obito raise an eyebrow.

This sense of déjà vu was a bit strong…

"Perhaps we can try."

Nagato nodded, but he also felt a slight pity.

"But right now, I don't seem very suitable for action."

"You should rest well. This time, not many people are needed."

Black Zetsu nodded, but looking at Nagato, he felt a bit frustrated.

After being severely beaten by Ōtsutsuki Takeshiki, Nagato was basically half-crippled, but his conviction made Black Zetsu feel he could still be used.

Therefore, he could only adopt the riskiest method—transplanting White Zetsu's cells to allow Nagato to truly master power.

Before this, he had only used the White Zetsu outer shell to provide Nagato with more energy. But facts proved that this was simply not effective.

But he felt that even transplanting White Zetsu cells to Nagato wouldn't make much difference.

After all, an Ōtsutsuki was beyond normal comprehension, but doing so could still slightly enhance him.

Looking at Nagato, who had already shown signs of recovering from his emaciated state, he sighed inwardly.

Fortunately, he had already made preparations for Madara's return, and everything was still under control.

"This time, Obito, I, and Orochimaru will act together. The others should stay here to recover and rest."

"Hmm, that's for the best."

Obito also nodded in agreement. The Akatsuki had been devastated by Ōtsutsuki Takeshiki. Very few people were capable of action now.

"Orochimaru has at least cooperated with the Raikage, so I think he can add some persuasiveness."

"Then let's do that. We'll move out."

Black Zetsu spoke, his gaze turning to Obito.

"Perhaps Konoha will accelerate their actions once they get the news. We must resolve this quickly to avoid problems."

"Alright."

Obito nodded, and Orochimaru had no objection to this.

After the discussion, the three of them immediately began to act. With Obito's Kamui, they could reach Kumogakure instantly.

Accompanying the spatial distortion, the three instantly vanished from their original spot, leaving only Nagato and Konan behind.

"Nagato, are you alright?"

After seeing the three leave, Konan asked.

"You are now…"

"I'm fine, better than ever."

Nagato lightly clenched his fist, feeling his body constantly recovering. He nodded gently.

"Of course, they will probably play some tricks, but that's not important."

Various events had somewhat eased the relationship between Nagato, Black Zetsu, and Obito.

Mistrust, however, remained mistrust. This could not be changed. They all clearly understood that they were merely using each other.

"The most important thing is that I can recover. I can walk the Sage of Six Paths's path again. I will surely bring peace to the world."

"Nagato…"

Konan looked at Nagato before her, and in the end, could only sigh. She only hoped that everything would be alright.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Obito, carrying Black Zetsu and Orochimaru, landed steadily.

"We've arrived."

The convenience brought by Kamui was simply too great. They didn't even need much time to achieve this.

"It really is over the top…"

Looking at the collapsed mountain in the distance and feeling the Chakra still lingering in the air, even Black Zetsu couldn't help but sigh.

Obito and Orochimaru nodded lightly, everything before them was truly terrifying.

"Hmm?"

However, before they could move, they sensed something. The three of them simultaneously looked up at the sky.

At some point, a man in white clothing and a mask was looking at them from the sky, seemingly puzzled.

The three of them stared at each other, wide-eyed, and for a moment, the air seemed to solidify.

"Why is it you again?"

After a while, the figure in the sky spoke with a hint of playfulness.

"Inferior beings, and…"

"Kaguya's Chakra?"

"!!!"