"I won't kill her," Isshiki said calmly. "I'll let her live and watch with her own eyes as I rule this world and finish what she failed to accomplish.
"That will hurt her more than killing her."
"How... cruel..." Black Zetsu laughed, the sound like dry leaves scraping together. "But... I agree... to cooperate..."
"Your terms?"
"First... after Lady Kaguya is revived... you must not hurt her... at least... you must not kill her..."
"Agreed."
"Second... you must help me... eliminate every obstacle... including Uchiha Ryūha... including those Soul Reapers and Arrancars..."
"They were already my targets."
"Third..." Black Zetsu paused. "I want... a body... a real body... not this... pathetic form..."
Isshiki fell silent for a moment. "Agreed. Once I revive, I'll use Ōtsutsuki technology to create a perfect body for you."
"Then... here's to... our partnership..." Black Zetsu said. "I'll... create an opportunity for you... to implant Karma successfully... As for Mei Terumi... in three days... she'll travel to the Land of Iron... to attend the allied forces' conference... That will be... the best opportunity..."
"Excellent," Isshiki said, satisfied. "Then I'll see you in the Land of Iron in three days."
The connection cut off.
In the darkness, Isshiki's consciousness slowly contracted, gathering strength for the operation three days away.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the planet, deep underground within the ruins of a God Tree, Black Zetsu slowly pulled his body free of the roots. A mouthlike slit opened across his featureless face.
"Isshiki... do you think... I'd believe you..."
He laughed softly as his body gradually melted into the shadows.
"Mother... wait just a little longer... Soon... very soon, I'll bring you back..."
"As for Isshiki... Uchiha Ryūha... and this world..."
"Everyone... is a pawn..."
"And I... am the true player..."
Darkness swallowed everything.
[Kumogakure