Luminous Jellyfish

Around three in the morning, Konoha's three regiments immediately set out.

Just as planned, the troops were composed of equal numbers from both sides. The Sand Hidden Village had a larger base of personnel, so they made up the majority.

Regardless of what they thought inwardly, under the prerequisite of volunteering, Konoha's shinobi had changed their view of them considerably, at the very least treating them as comrades.

The shinobi who joined had likewise noticed this subtle change in attitude.

Mimi watched the unit charge through the night.

"It's begun."

"It's begun."

Deep underground, the gaunt, white-haired Old Man opened his eyes.

At his feet, Zetsu rose from the ground.

"Were you discovered?"

"Of course not," Zetsu said. "Insect Princess would never discover me. I haven't revealed a single flaw all this time."

"Good," Madara said.

Yin Yang Release. Spiritual Possession

In the village, a wooden-faced man watched the last shinobi disappear at the village entrance.

Right behind them, a flying night owl silently followed the rapidly marching shinobi forces.

Spiritual Possession allowed one's will to attach itself to a target. Black Zetsu had recklessly tested it before, and that woman had never noticed.

Zetsu had many such pawns.

"Fight according to the plan. Eliminate that woman first."

"Your side is not allowed to fail."

Madara spoke coldly.

"That Uchiha isn't a man who'll obediently do as he's told," Zetsu said. "It'll be a little troublesome after you die."

"It doesn't matter," Madara said coldly. "This man has pure ambition. He'll obediently carry out the plan."

"Then let's wait and see," Zetsu said. "Speaking of which, Lord Madara, I have a backup plan here, in case your plan capsizes."

Madara paid no attention to the arrogance underlying Zetsu's flippant tone.

As Zetsu's creator, Madara knew perfectly well what kind of