As Evil Spirit suffered a brutal beating from Nagato, a White Zetsu quietly poked half its head out from the ground in a hidden spot outside the cave. It shook its head with apparent pity, though it looked thoroughly delighted by the misfortune.
As the owner of the Shinobi World's largest intelligence network, White Zetsu had naturally kept Evil Spirit's actions under surveillance, especially near Nagato.
However, unlike Ancient Gods such as Evil Spirit, who remained immersed in their former glory and could not see how the world had changed, Zetsu clearly understood Nagato's—or rather, the Rinnegan's—power.
Evil Spirit's powers were indeed bizarre and difficult for ordinary shinobi to handle, but Nagato, who possessed the power of the Sage Eye, was no ordinary shinobi.
Just because someone bore the title of a god did not mean they truly stood above all mortals.
Watching Evil Spirit flee in disgrace, Zetsu sneered. "Trying to steal my prize? Keep dreaming!"
Then he looked south. "Now, it's time to watch Obito's performance."
Land of Fire, Northern Fortress.
After a great battle, the place had been completely occupied by Kumogakure and turned into their temporary base.
Inside the fortress command center.
"B, I'll leave this place to you for now. You don't need to keep attacking—just hold it. Once I return and inherit the position of Raikage, I'll send someone to replace you."
A patted his younger brother's shoulder and gave his instructions.
Having captured Konoha's former Northern Fortress, Kumogakure was already largely satisfied with the gains from this war. Using this place as their center, they could easily extend their influence into the Land of the Moon, the Land of Rice Fields, and even the more distant Land of Snow and Land of Frost.
Those had all originally been within Konoha's sphere