On Konoha's side, after a series of outrageous maneuvers by Uchiha Rokuro, Tsunade finally opened the forbidden box and began researching the cells of her grandfather, Senju Hashirama.
Elsewhere, after reclaiming his left eye, Uchiha Obito devoted himself to mastering the abilities of both Mangekyō Sharingan. Only now had he finally emerged from seclusion.
And the moment he did, he learned that his identity had already been exposed.
What sent his blood pressure through the roof even more was uncovering the truth behind Nohara Rin's death—that he himself had been nothing more than a disposable pawn.
"Zetsu… is all of this true?"
"Were you all acting me back then?"
Obito had already removed his mask. Along with it, his intelligence seemed to plummet in a straight line.
Black Zetsu, expressionless as ever—largely because he couldn't make expressions—responded calmly.
"Obito, does it matter anymore? Madara is dead. I am merely a vessel of his memories. Even if you killed me, you wouldn't be avenging anything."
"And tell me—was revenge really the will driving you to change the world? If revenge were all you wanted, you would've achieved it long ago."
"Even reviving that girl, Nohara Rin… with your abilities, you could have done it easily. So why didn't you?"
Obito stared coldly at Black Zetsu. He desperately wanted to shatter Zetsu's head with a single punch—but in the end, he restrained himself.
"You're right. I already avenged the past."
"What drives me now… isn't revenge anymore."
"However, Zetsu—since we're being honest, I'll be clear. I will not revive Madara. If you're still clinging to that idea, I suggest you give it up."
Black Zetsu's tone didn't waver in the slightest.
"Then I'll be honest as well. Reviving Madara is the reason for my existence. I will do it myself."
"Until then, we are still allies. I'll continue to assist you as best I can. You have my word."
"Good," Obito said flatly. "Now tell me what's happening in the Land of Rain."
They had differences—but they shared enemies. For now, they remained allies.
Even in the original timeline, Obito never truly trusted Black Zetsu. During the Fourth Great Ninja War, he had even planned to eliminate him using the Five Great Nations.
The mission where Black Zetsu was sent to assassinate the daimyōs was blatantly a suicide assignment.
And reality proved it.
Despite possessing Wood Release and decent combat ability, Black Zetsu was quickly cleaved in two when facing Fifth Mizukage Terumī Mei and a group of elite jōnin.
If he weren't a being created from Yin–Yang Release—practically an unkillable cockroach—he would've died right there.
And truth be told, the daimyōs' lives meant little to the Allied Shinobi Forces. Even if Black Zetsu succeeded in taking them hostage, surrender was never an option. In fact, it would've only ignited their fighting spirit further.
Which meant that mission was meaningless from the start.
Obito had already intended to get rid of Black Zetsu before learning the truth about Rin's death. Now that he knew everything, the thought was even stronger.
Still, history had never lacked examples of enemies working together. As long as Konoha remained standing, Obito needed Black Zetsu's intelligence network—and couldn't kill him yet.
"During your seclusion, many things happened in the Land of Rain," Black Zetsu continued.
"First, one of the Three Legendary Sannin—Jiraiya—infiltrated the region to gather intelligence. He was discovered by Nagato, and a fierce battle broke out."
"The result: Jiraiya escaped gravely injured, losing an arm. However, some secrets of the Six Paths of Pain were exposed."
"After that, Konoha's Uchiha used their influence to impose a total blockade on the Land of Rain. All trade with the outside world has been cut off."
"At most, they'll run out of food in two months. Nagato will have to act soon."
Obito frowned.
"Konoha hasn't launched a direct attack?"
"No. Even if they wanted to, it wouldn't be easy."
"Konoha is currently in turmoil. The Uchiha clan controls over half of the merchants and nobles in both the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth. You could say those nations' economic lifelines are firmly in Uchiha hands."
"With that foundation, the Uchiha have begun aggressively increasing their population—preparing to eventually take over the entire shinobi world."
Obito sneered.
"That cursed clan should've been wiped out. And now they're multiplying instead?"
"Obito," Black Zetsu said calmly,
"Although Uchiha Setsuna holds formal power, all major policies are decided by Uchiha Rokuro."
"He's young—but terrifyingly perceptive. Not like those foolish Uchiha of the past."
"Under his leadership, the clan will only grow stronger. He is the greatest obstacle on your path to success."
Obito's Sharingan spun violently, transforming into Mangekyō. Killing intent erupted from his body.
"Because of the Uchiha's rapid rise, every clan in Konoha feels threatened—especially Tsunade."
"That's why she hasn't moved against the Land of Rain. Otherwise, the war would've started the moment Jiraiya fled."
Obito cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"Have you figured out Rokuro's Mangekyō abilities?"
"Most likely space-based," Black Zetsu replied.
"That blade of his appears capable of severing space itself."
"As for his other eye—we don't know yet. But it's highly likely to also be space-type."
"Obito… your Kamui probably won't have the advantage against him."
Obito's expression darkened.
Kamui being called the strongest Mangekyō was, frankly, narrative inflation.
At its core, Kamui was nothing more than opening and closing a private space.
And the simplest way to counter that?
Space cutting.
Which wasn't even rare.
Summoning techniques were essentially a form of teleportation—opening spatial tunnels.
Flying Thunder God operated on the same principle, only with stricter conditions.
If spatial movement already existed, how hard could it be to create a technique that cut space itself?
In fact, physically teleporting one's body was far more complex.
Yet somehow, Kamui remained absurdly overpowered—even capable of injuring Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
Absurd.
Kaguya possessed Yomotsu Hirasaka, a far faster spatial ability. Why could Double Kamui Kakashi hurt her, yet she couldn't open a portal inside Naruto and end it instantly?
Same category of abilities—yet one kills, the other only runs?
Blatant plot armor.
In short, Kamui wasn't that impressive.
And against Uchiha Rokuro, it was completely countered.
Still, Obito clung to his belief in invincibility.
"We'll see who's stronger once we fight."
"I'll take this chance to test him personally."
With that, Obito activated Kamui and vanished.
Land of Rain
Konan approached Deva Path Pain, who sat atop a tower watching the endless rain.
"Madara is here. He wants to discuss a counterattack against Konoha."
Pain turned his head, his expression unchanged, but his tone faintly disdainful.
"Madara? You mean Uchiha Obito."
Konan smiled faintly.
"He's still wearing a mask. Clearly, he's not ready to drop the act."
"Then let's see what schemes this 'Uchiha Madara' has prepared."
They entered the conference room together.
Obito—mask back on—was already waiting.
Black Zetsu stood silently nearby.
"Nagato," Obito began,
"the Land of Rain's situation isn't looking good. What's your plan?"
"Call me Pain," Nagato replied coldly.
"That is my secret. I respect yours—so I expect the same."
Obito raised his hands.
"Alright, alright—mutual respect."
"Pain, I had Zetsu scout the area. Konoha hasn't launched a full invasion, but they've stationed ninja at all major routes."
"With Lightning and Earth defeated, and Wind and Water unwilling to act, Konoha can focus all its forces on you."
"Even if you break the blockade personally, once you leave, it'll resume. In a war of national strength, the Land of Rain can't match the Land of Fire."
Pain wasn't just the leader of Amegakure—he was effectively the daimyō of the entire nation.
The weight on his shoulders was immense.
"So," Pain asked, "what's your solution?"
"Stop defending. Strike first."
"Hit Konoha hard—hit them until they're afraid."
"I also heard the two advisors, Homura and Koharu, were recently killed—by Uchiha ocular power."
"The blame was pushed onto you. But anyone with eyes knows it was Rokuro."
"Konoha's leadership knows this too—but they swallowed it out of fear."
"That alone proves how fierce their internal power struggle has become."
"Let's add fuel to the fire—ignite Konoha's civil chaos."
"Once they're tearing each other apart, they won't have time for the Land of Rain."
Obito laid out his plan in full.
Pain and Konan exchanged a glance.
"The plan is solid," Pain said slowly.
"But can you really do it? That's Uchiha Rokuro."
"Even if I personally intervened, victory wouldn't be guaranteed."
Obito stood and pointed to his new mask—the same one from the Fourth War.
Both eyes were exposed.
Both Mangekyō were active.
"With both eyes restored, I'm no longer who I was."
"Leave it to me."
Pain rose as well.
"Very well. As long as Rokuro doesn't intervene, I'm confident I can devastate Konoha."
"Let the world feel pain."
"Should we notify Sasori and the others?" Konan asked.
Pain shook his head.
"When they joined Akatsuki, their task was tailed beast capture."
"This time, just the four of us."
Black Zetsu sighed.
"I don't have much combat ability. I'll provide intelligence."
"That's enough," Pain said. "Prepare yourselves."
Meanwhile — Konoha
Tsunade found Jiraiya and told him her decision.
"What?! You're going to research First Hokage cells too?!"
"Have you lost your mind, Tsunade?! That's your own grandfather!"
Jiraiya dropped his monocular telescope in shock.
"There's no other choice."
She glanced at his empty left sleeve.
Jiraiya instantly understood.
"If it's for my sake—don't bother. Even with one arm, I'm still the Toad Sage!"
"Don't pretend to be strong in front of me."
"With the situation as it is, you must return to peak condition."
"You know that."
Jiraiya sighed.
"So… I don't really have a choice, do I?"
"You can refuse."
"I reviewed Orochimaru's research. The risk is enormous."
"Many with Senju blood failed. Out of all test subjects—only one succeeded."
Jiraiya's face went pale.
"Then I—"
"Don't worry. I won't experiment on you without certainty."
"Current data suggests those with vast chakra reserves have higher success rates."
"You can use Sage Mode. You qualify."
Jiraiya finally exhaled in relief.
Though not from a ninja clan, he never believed his chakra reserves inferior to anyone's.
Even compared to his most brilliant student—Namikaze Minato—Jiraiya felt his own reserves were greater.
"If you've planned this thoroughly, I'll support you."
"But does it really have to come to this?"
"What if we talked to Rokuro—"
Tsunade shook her head.
"The deaths of Homura and Koharu are his answer."
"He's already made his move."
"If I don't respond, I might as well step down."
Jiraiya sighed again.
"Alright… I'm with you. Go all out."
He bent down to retrieve his telescope—then glanced toward the outdoor bath.
Tsunade punched him without hesitation.
"You're resting. No funny business."
"If I hear even one disturbance near the women's bath, I'll break your legs and keep you bedridden for two months!"
"I'm a patient!" Jiraiya protested.
"This is good for mental health—it aids recovery!"
Tsunade locked him in a chokehold, squeezing until he could barely breathe.
"Enough nonsense. One more stunt and I'll lock you up."
"Now move."
She hoisted him like a chicken and dragged him away.
Two days passed.
At noon, as Konoha villagers enjoyed lunch, the sensory division suddenly detected something plunging from the sky—smashing straight into the barrier.
Before a warning could be issued, the intruder landed and formed seals.
"Summoning Jutsu."
BOOM—BOOM—BOOM—BOOM—BOOM
Five pillars of white smoke erupted.
The Six Paths of Pain appeared in the middle of Konoha's bustling streets.
"Feel pain."
END OF CHAPTER
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