In Obito's view, even if Uchiha Shōji had obtained the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, there was no way his strength could truly have reached the peak level of Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju back then. At most, he was infinitely close!
Obito understood more or less how powerful the Six Paths of Pain created by Nagato were. He certainly did not believe they could definitely defeat Shōji, let alone be Shōji's match—that would be sheer fantasy. But they were still qualified to test him, and even if they were likely to lose, be defeated, and killed in the end, the Six Paths of Pain were merely puppets.
As long as Nagato himself was unharmed, there was nothing to worry about!
Moreover, from Nagato's clash with Shōji, as well as the results of the Impure World Reincarnation bodies of the First Hokage, Second Hokage, and others that Danzo had obtained clashing with Shōji, Obito believed he could make a clear judgment: should he continue carrying out missions alone until all the Tailed Beasts were collected, or should he immediately use the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu to summon Uchiha Madara?
The difference lay in whether Shōji would brutally and easily crush them, or whether he would need a prolonged fight to claim victory!
The developments in this life had already diverged drastically from the Original Work, so Obito's judgments had naturally changed greatly as well.
To create his ideal world.
Every step Obito took was incomparably cautious and careful!
Konoha, Akatsuki!
He had placed his bets on both sides and advanced on both fronts. Obito would never allow anyone to destroy—or even slightly interfere with—the Eye of the Moon Plan!
Watching Obito depart into the distance.
Orochimaru, who remained where he was, revealed an attractive curve at the corner of his lips.
Eternal