A massive white wave, like a tsunami, swept across the flat desert floor, shaking the earth violently and leaving the battlefield in utter chaos.
But Nagato's Rinnegan remained fixed on the Path-Seeking Orb wrapped around Konan.
Reason told him that the pitch-black shadow carried the most terrifying power in the world. It was an existence even the Six Paths Sage could not destroy.
Since it had entered the Path-Seeking Orb, then Konan should have been safe.
Yet an instinctive fear that transcended reason rose from the depths of his soul and gripped his heart.
The image of Yahiko's death flashed before his eyes. He could not bear the pain of losing Konan again.
"I have to confirm it!"
This thought instantly shattered what remained of Nagato's rationality.
With a thought from Nagato, the Path-Seeking Orb enveloping Konan dissolved like flowing water, revealing the scene within.
The first thing that entered his sight was Konan's left cheek.
Her pale skin, tightly shut eyes, and the familiar face that carried a trace of peaceful sleep made Nagato's tense heart suddenly ease.
Thank goodness. She seemed to be merely unconscious...
But that relief lasted only an instant.
When his gaze shifted to Konan's right cheek, Nagato felt an icy chill seep into his blood.
That half of her face was covered by a layer of writhing, ominous black matter.
The black substance clung to Konan's skin like a living thing and even rose and fell faintly.
Most horrifying of all, the corner of the mouth on that black-covered half of her face curled upward at a strange angle, forming a smile so cold it reached the marrow!
That smile was filled with cruel malice and mocking ridicule, creating a terrifying contrast with Konan's usual clear and resolute features.
"Black Zetsu?!"
Nagato cried out