Having left Konoha's territory, Black Zetsu's flickering black form finally let out a sigh of relief, carrying a trace of lingering fear.
"Too close..."
If Black Zetsu had an expression, it would have been utterly grim.
"I almost got held back by Sarutobi Hiruzen."
"That bizarre power..."
"It could actually destroy my true body directly!"
Black Zetsu was both surprised and deeply wary.
That strange, pitch-black power clearly did not belong to the Chakra system, nor was it a Sage Art. It was as though...
As though it were a technique from another world!
Black Zetsu immediately realized the severity of the situation.
"The situation is completely out of control!"
"It would have been one thing if Akatsuki had been wiped out,"
"But the most important Rinnegan was taken by Sarutobi Hiruzen."
"That Uchiha Obito..."
Thinking of that grudge-bearing fool, Black Zetsu felt resentment rise within him.
It was all because of Uchiha Obito's idiotic plan. He had completely misjudged the Third Hokage's strength, and Konoha's strength had far exceeded all expectations as well!
"If that guy didn't make it out, then so be it,"
"But if he did, I definitely won't let him off easy!"
Black Zetsu was already considering the next step of the plan. He needed to regain control of the situation.
"First, I have to reclaim the Rinnegan!"
"Otherwise, the Ten-Tails Divine Tree cannot be controlled, and the Eye of the Moon Plan cannot proceed at all."
To summon Otsutsuki Kaguya—or rather, to ascend into an Otsutsuki Four-Star life-form—the Ten-Tails Divine Tree, the Rinnegan, and the direct bloodline of an Otsutsuki descendant were all indispensable.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had the same plan.
"I'll have to activate the backup plan after all."
Black Zetsu made up his mind. Uchiha Madara would have to resolve everything. Uchiha Obito was