Black Zetsu: This is my last chance!

"So this so-called Mount Myoboku really is that old Toad's territory. Hmph, he instigated those two traitors to betray Mother."

"When Mother is resurrected, you will all die!"

Black Zetsu cursed inwardly.

He had always thought the old Toad was dead, and that Mount Myoboku might have been created by its descendants, but he never expected...

Old but not dead!

That guy is still alive to this day!

Black Zetsu quietly crept underground, searching for Nagato's location. Soon, he sensed Nagato's position.

That guy--

???

Why is this kid everywhere?!

Black Zetsu was startled and immediately shrank back several dozen meters, no longer daring to observe his surroundings.

That kid's wicked!

Although he was very confident in his Yin–Yang Release, even ninjas of Madara and Hashirama Senju's caliber could not accurately detect his presence.

But...

What if?

Black Zetsu would rather wait several more decades until this era passes than risk gambling that Kyohiko cannot seal him.

Above.

Nagato is diligently training in Sage Mode, fusing his chakra with Natural Energy at a faster pace.

He is not yet able to accelerate the speed at which he perceives Natural Energy, so...

This is the only option.

Beside him, Kyohiko scrutinized Nagato's body, subtly observing the situation around Nagato with his own senses.

Just then, he sensed a fluctuation of chakra.

Summoning Jutsu?

What happened to Jiraiya- Teacher?

He vanished from the spot in an Body Flicker Technique.

The next second, Kyohiko Body Flicker Technique to the side of the Toad that had returned using the Summoning Jutsu.

The Toad looked somewhat bewildered.

It didn't feel good; for a moment, it felt like it had been touched by something strange.

ghost?

The Toad croaked, its whole body shuddered, and then it looked up and saw Kyohiko Body Flicker Technique, causing it to tremble all over.

"Croak! What are you doing here!"

"Just arrived. Is there some news from Jiraiya- Teacher's side?"

How did you know?

The communication Toad was very surprised, but still obeyed and spat out the scroll hidden in its mouth.

"Jiraiya asked me to give this to you."

"Good."

Kyohiko picked up the scroll.

Once opened, it contains some of Jiraiya's thoughts.

Protect the Land of Grass and the Land of Waterfalls.

That's to be expected.

Even if Jiraiya suggest it, he would still send people to support the Land of Grass and the Land of Waterfalls. Kakashi has already led a combat squad north.

The reason for not using the Flying Raijin Formation is that there are currently very few ninjas who have mastered Flying Raijin Formation.

For emergency purposes, the Flying Raijin Formation Technique cannot be used frequently in the short term.

He put away the scroll, quickly wrote down his transfer on a piece of paper, and had the communication Toad take it back to Jiraiya.

This was originally a perfect opportunity for Black Zetsu to leave.

He already knew the information he wanted to know and had roughly determined the location of Mount Myoboku.

so.

There's no point in staying here any longer.

But.

He dared not show himself.

Kyohiko's perception was too strong, and he always managed to give him some "surprises," forcing Black Zetsu to speculate that Kyohiko was on a higher level.

We must avoid it!

Do everything possible to avoid Kyohiko's detection, and on that premise, maintain control of Nagato, or --

Getting just those eyes is fine too!

Black Zetsu's thoughts raced as he considered possible strategies.

He currently only has his physical form and lacks the help of White Zetsu, so he is severely deficient in terms of actual abilities.

Even if Black Zetsu takes control of Nagato's body, he still needs to ensure that Nagato can escape, or somehow send his eyes away!

It thought quickly and soon came up with a strategy.

Psychic!

The Rinnegan's eyes can summon special kinds of spirit beasts.

This is the power of the Animal Path.

These summoned beasts are very special; through them, one can complete the plan to steal the eyes and escape!

The premise is--

There needs to be sufficient opportunity and time.

Kyohiko Yoshimine is too powerful.

Even though Nagato possessed the Rinnegan, Black Zetsu wasn't confident that he could defeat Kyohiko Yoshimine after taking control of Nagato.

otherwise.

He wouldn't have to be so conflicted.

After much deliberation, Black Zetsu stealthily followed, secretly observing from a great depth underground.

anyway--

During this period, he needs to remain calm.

We've been preparing for both scenarios, and it should be starting soon.

There's still time!

Kyohiko frowned.

The Toad's reaction just now struck him as odd.

I'm neither a rare visitor to Mount Myoboku, nor am I anything to be afraid of, so why is it so agitated?

Could it be the effect of some kind of ninjutsu?

He couldn't be sure.

When the Flying Thunder God arrived, he didn't sense any special aura or chakra influence, ruling out the possibility of genjutsu.

Could it be Black Zetsu?

I don't know.

but.

He didn't hesitate to assume the worst about Black Zetsu.

For Madara and Black Zetsu, the most important thing right now is to obtain the Rinnegan!

so.

Without giving it any further thought, he immediately used Flying Thunder God to leave and return to Nagato's side.

Nagato Awakening. There were some traces of frog-like transformation on the skin at the corners of his eyes, but they were very slight and almost invisible to the naked eye.

This is very close to Naruto's state.

A near-perfect Sage Mode!

"What's wrong?"

Nagato looked at Kyohiko.

"The Shinobi World is about to descend into chaos. Madara has collected most of the Tailed Beast; his next targets may be the One-Tail and the Nine-Tails."

Kyohiko informed Nagato, who had moved Nagato Mount Myoboku, about the current situation in the Shinobi World.

Nagato listened quietly.

After a few seconds, a look of deep suspicion appeared on his face.

Destroy your eyes?

Even if Yahiko brought it up, he would find it hard to believe it directly, let alone Kyohiko.

Although they had some connection with the other party, they had also helped them a lot over the years.

But.

After all, the two sides are not from the same ninja village.

Nagato harbored considerable resistance and wariness towards Kyohiko.

Even now, this remains true.

so.

When Kyohiko explained everything, he didn't believe her, even thinking that Kyohiko was deceiving him and trying to take his eyes.

This kind of thing is not uncommon.

No matter how kind Kyohiko is, he is still Konoha ninja and needs to consider Konoha.

Nagato remained silent, a hint of subtle hostility emanating from him.

Kyohiko knew this was inevitable.

He was about to speak.

In the distance, a giant Toad leaped rapidly towards them.

Bang!

With a leap, it landed on the open ground in front of it.

Gamabunta lowered his body.

Above, the immortals Sage Fukasaku and Sage Shima quickly jumped down.

"Kyohiko, Nagato, the Great Toad Sage has woken up and wants you to come with him."

"Ah?"

Kyohiko was pondering how to persuade Nagato to go to Konoha with him for a full-body checkup when he suddenly heard the news that "Great Toad Sage" had awakened, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Why is the old Toad yelling at them?

Could it be some kind of prophecy again?

Kyohiko pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Let's go over there first, and we'll talk in detail later. If you don't trust Konoha, you can have a full-body checkup in Amegakure."

Nagato nodded slightly upon hearing this.

He could accept it if it were Amegakure.

after all--

In principle, he was willing to believe Kyohiko's conjectures and judgments.

Konoha's intelligence network is definitely more powerful than that of their Bird Village and Amegakure.

Furthermore, the other party rarely makes mistakes.

only.

No matter what, Nagato couldn't believe that the eyes he had awakened that night might actually belong to someone else.

and.

He might still have control Talisman from Madara on him.

Although it was just a guess, the mere conjecture made him feel suffocated.

If the truth is as Kyohiko said, then...

What is his life worth?

This was one of the reasons Nagato resisted; the second reason was the hatred he felt towards Konoha.

In conclusion

Nagato is currently in a very complicated situation.

Kyohiko didn't want to fall out with Nagato.

Currently, Konoha, Amegakure, and Sunagakure cooperate seamlessly, forming a community of shared interests, and this bond will only grow stronger in the future.

By then, "unification" will be achieved simply by issuing a proclamation, without requiring much warfare.

so.

He needs to find a middle ground between the two.

certainly.

If all else fails...

Acting first and informing later is also permissible.

A sharp glint flashed in Kyohiko's eyes.

He brought Nagato to Mount Myoboku, to the palace where the Great Toad Sage resided.

rear.

Boom!

Gamabunta jumped and quickly followed.

Above, the Sage Fukasaku and Sage Shima down and quickly entered the palace.

"My Great Toad Sage, Kyohiko and Nagato have arrived."

"The Sage Fukasaku said in a low voice."

The giant Toad above Awakening and looked at Kyohiko and Nagato with difficulty.

Obviously.

It hadn't been asleep long enough and was still a bit tired, speaking with difficulty.

"I saw that darkness had enveloped the Shinobi World."

"The terrible end of the world has come!"

"The key lies with the two of you and Minato. I saw you fighting a terrifying enemy..."

As it spoke, its tone gradually turned somber.

The Great Toad Sage has fallen into slumber once more.

Sage Fukasaku paused for a moment, then looked down at Kyohiko and Nagato, as well as Sage Shima and Gamabunta not far away.

Although it was only a brief account, it was clear that the matter was serious!

Kyohiko frowned.

He is not Jiraiya.

If Jiraiya, upon hearing this, he would undoubtedly believe it without hesitation, but he would instead have doubts and reflections.

Is it possible that the Great Toad Sage is just making things up?

but.

He wouldn't be foolish enough to say that here.

The Great Toad Sage's prophecy does hold some significance.

It at least proved that what he said was true: Madara is indeed very dangerous and has already embarked on the path of resurrecting Kaguya.

This is an interpretation direction that is advantageous to oneself.

Intelligence, the key is how you use it!

He looked at Nagato.

"You heard it too, Madara might be orchestrating an apocalypse. Now, what's your answer?"

"It might not necessarily be freckles."

Nagato answered.

Kyohiko sighed and said, "It seems I can't convince you, but Mount Myoboku is in great danger right now."

"Xiao Jingyan, why do you say that Mount Myoboku is in danger right now? Is it because of the prophecy?"

The Sage Fukasaku puzzled.

Kyohiko thought for a moment and then explained his doubts about the Nine Tailed Beasts and the Rinnegan.

Sage Shima was utterly astonished.

"So, you suspect that Madara wants to obtain the Rinnegan, then reassemble the Tailed Beast and gain the power of the Sage of Six Paths?"

"Yes."

Kyohiko nodded.

Sage Shima found it hard to believe.

What kind of insane person could come up with such a plan?

The Nine Tailed Beasts merged into one...

How powerful must that be?

No wonder the Great Toad Sage woke up and prophesied that the Shinobi World was facing an unprecedented disaster.

If Madara were to actually complete the fusion, calling it the end of the world wouldn't be an exaggeration.

after all.

In that situation, who could defeat Madara Uchiha?

No one can do it.

Including Kyohiko.

Sage Fukasaku hesitated, saying, "But, to destroy the Rinnegan for this seems like an exaggeration..."

If used properly, this can also be a powerful asset for them.

They clearly still believed the Great Toad Sage's words.

This is a difficult matter.

Kyohiko sighed.

However, the current situation is exactly as he expected.

Having confirmed that both he and Nagato might be "Child of Prophecy," how could Mount Myoboku easily abandon Nagato?

If they were willing to sacrifice Nagato, they wouldn't have let Nagato go to Mount Myoboku to train in Senjutsu.

not to mention.

Nagato himself would not agree to a sacrifice made without a reason.

He was pondering it.

Outside, Gamabunta suddenly disappeared from Mount Myoboku.

Before leaving, he left with a sentence--

"Jiraiya communicating with me!"

The Sage Fukasaku, Sage Shima, exchanged a glance, their expressions turning serious.

"Is Jiraiya in danger?"

In the past, they wouldn't have been so worried.

After all, this wasn't the first time Jiraiya had used a summoning Gamabunta.

Basically, Gamabunta can easily handle most battles.

But now.

They were both terrified by what the Great Toad Sage and Kyohiko said, thinking that the end of the world was really just around the corner.

The next second.

Bang!

Sage Fukasaku Sage Shima vanished from the spot at the same time.

"The Teacher is in danger!"

Nagato's pupils contracted.

He knew that Jiraiya- Teacher would not easily summon the two sages.

Now that even two immortals have been summoned, they must have encountered unimaginable danger over there and must activate their Sage Mode.

but.

He had heard from the Sage Fukasaku that Jiraiya's Sage Mode had a very serious flaw...

Nagato's expression was grave.

"Now is not the time to argue about those things; we should help the Teacher."

"Perhaps, this is the moment they've been waiting for."

Kyohiko frowned.

Nagato paused for a second, then said, "You mean, they did this to force me out?"

"Yes, but it could also be a backup plan; who knows, that guy might have already followed us!"

Kyohiko's face darkened.

Black Zetsu can possess anyone, and is capable of penetrating any opening.

The Great Toad Sage's sudden awakening might be related to Black Zetsu.

That...

Now, Black Zetsu has most likely arrived at Mount Myoboku!

Kyohiko instantly Hand Seals, unleashing a burst of chakra within him, and two Wood Clone carrying powerful chakra separated from him.

In order to deal with any unforeseen circumstances, he needs to make some special preparations to avoid being suddenly taken to Jiraiya's side by Reverse Summoning Jutsu.

But.

At that very moment.

Black Shadow instantly appeared on Nagato's face.

Following closely behind--

Boom!

A tremendous repulsive force suddenly emerged.

Even Kyohiko couldn't maintain his balance in the face of Shinra Tensei, which was beyond his limits. Moreover, the Great Toad Sage was also in the palace at this moment.

His newly created Wood Clone instantly grabbed the Great Toad Sage and sent him away using Flying Thunder God.

Following closely behind--

Bang!

He was thrown back more than ten steps by the force of the repulsion, but quickly regained his footing.

Black Zetsu was extremely surprised.

Such a strong repulsive force couldn't even make this guy retreat very far.

No!

Distance to Kyohiko...

Completely meaningless!

He instantly controlled his body, biting his finger and Hand Seals.

This is his last chance!

Boom!

A summoned beast appears.