The Land of Grass, underground.
"I'm gradually getting used to it..."
Uchiha Obito clenched his fists and moved his hands and feet.
A year had passed, and his short hair had already grown to his shoulders.
Half of his body had been filled with White Zetsu's creation. Although one of his cheeks had been flattened, making him look almost disfigured,
Uchiha Obito didn't feel dejected.
On the contrary, he even smiled.
"It won't be long now... I'll be able to see Rin and Kakashi soon... And of course, my sworn brother from different parents, Uchiha Obito~!"
But Uchiha Obito didn't get to enjoy himself for long.
White Zetsu's figure suddenly emerged.
"Oh no~! Obito, I just went outside! The situation with that Rin and the idiot Kakashi you mentioned isn't looking good!"
Uchiha Madara's plan began to unfold.
White Zetsu pretended not to know anything.
He manipulated Uchiha Obito.
He claimed that ninjas from Kirigakure had captured Nohara Rin.
Kakashi had gone to rescue her alone.
Based on the timing,
if Uchiha Obito hurried over, he would probably... happen to encounter Kakashi in Kirigakure, Land of Water.
A moment later.
Tobi White Zetsu wrapped itself around Uchiha Obito, greatly amplifying his strength.
Uchiha Obito smashed the enormous rock blocking the entrance with one punch.
Light... shone in.
As it turned out,
the place where Uchiha Madara stayed wasn't deep underground.
It was beneath the surface of a remote area in the Land of Grass.
"Are you leaving?"
Uchiha Madara's tone was devoid of joy or sorrow.
Just as planned, he said the lines he was supposed to say.
"Thank you for saving me, but I have to leave. I have a reason I absolutely must leave this place..."
"You're in too much of a hurry..."
Uchiha Madara narrowed his eyes.