Preparation

The Shinobi World was only so large, and the balance of power was a process of one side rising as the other fell. Since Akatsuki had failed to capture the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, their opponents naturally gained another powerful ally.

The Eight-Tails was not something that could be captured so easily. If not for the surprise attack that had caught Kumogakure completely off guard, there would basically never be another chance to capture a Jinchuriki as smoothly as they had last time.

They had captured Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, but lost Hidan. All things considered, Uchiha Obito's side had still come out slightly ahead. Trading a subordinate who was already difficult to make use of for a perfect Jinchuriki was certainly worthwhile.

But they could have done better. Because of their carelessness, their biggest prey had slipped away right under their noses. That was truly regrettable.

"This is becoming troublesome. The Five Great Shinobi Villages have already reached an agreement and will soon form an allied army to crusade against us. Once the daimyō of the major countries ratify it, the other small countries will respond in turn. It seems we've become public enemies of the Shinobi World."

White Zetsu's clones, scattered throughout the land to gather intelligence, continuously relayed the latest developments in the Shinobi World back to White Zetsu's main body.

Kakuzu, who could not care less about the organization's future, remained silent and left to attend to his own business. After helping use the Phantom Dragon Nine Seals to seal the Tailed Beast chakra, Kabuto Yakushi also vanished without a word. Only Kisame Hoshigaki let out his trademark grating dry laugh.

"The only good news is that the enemy doesn't yet know where our new base is. Even if they form an allied army, they won't be