Rinne Rebirth Technique

The next day, in a forest somewhere in the Land of Fire...

"The Fifth Hokage, Madara Uchiha, is indeed in your hands. I never imagined that while you Konoha spout such righteous pronouncements about the Will of Fire, you would secretly commit such a despicable act of blaspheming your ancestors. Konoha is truly two-faced."

Looking at the Impure World Reincarnation Madara Uchiha behind Tsunade, Black Zetsu finally felt relieved. Once he saw Madara Uchiha, half of his plan would be complete.

"Hmph, although Madara Uchiha is one of the founders of Konoha, as a missing-nin of Konoha, I don't think resurrecting a missing-nin is a desecration of the souls of our ancestors. You summoned me here today just to discuss this matter? If that's all, Konoha has a lot of political affairs waiting for me, so I'll take my leave."

Why does Black Zetsu talk like an old man? Do all long-lived people like to ramble on before getting to the point?

"Konoha's numerous political affairs? I suppose that's all that's left. I must say, Lady Tsunade, you've really had a frustrating time as the Fifth Hokage. Even Namikaze Minato's situation back then wasn't as dire as yours now. I believe Yamanaka Arashi has already conveyed the purpose of our meeting to you through Hiruzen Sarutobi. We now share a common enemy. Regardless of the past, at least until we eliminate Uchiha Gen, our cooperation is still trustworthy."

What's with that look in Madara's eyes? Is he dissatisfied with the current situation? That makes sense. According to the original plan, he should have been resurrected using Nagato's Rinne Rebirth Technique, but now he's not only been manipulated into being Impure World Reincarnation Tensei, but he's also been recruited by the enemy.

This situation is indeed quite different from what I had envisioned, so it's no wonder that Madara was staring at them with that kind of look.

"Enough with the nonsense. What kind of cooperation are you planning? Uchiha Gen. You guys... well, only this kid with the Rinnegan has anything going for him. The rest of you are probably no match for him."

The Space-Time Sealing Barrier that Xiangzi and Kushina set up should be almost finished, right? If it weren't for Uchiha Obito's Dōjutsu, I wouldn't bother talking to you for so long.

"Indeed, Nagato is quite capable, but our cooperation relies on more than just Nagato; Madara Uchiha behind you is our true asset."

As Black Zetsu spoke, he seemingly casually patted Nagato's shoulder, gesturing towards Madara Uchiha.

"Hmm? Madara Uchiha? Just him? I admit that Madara's strength was enough to suppress the Ninja World during the Warring States period... no, even before the Third Great Ninja War, but he's clearly not up to par now. If that's your plan, then I think our cooperation is pointless. After all, this level of strength can't withstand Uchiha Gen's wrath."

Just how large Space-Time Sealing Barrier did Xiangzi and Kushina set up? Why isn't it finished yet?

"The current Madara is certainly not enough to make a decisive difference, but the next Madara Uchiha is no weaker than someone like Uchiha Gen. Yin-Yang Release: Will Possession!"

While chatting, Black Zetsu kept an eye on Nagato. Seeing that Nagato was completely unprepared for his approach, Black Zetsu instantly unleashed his signature move from the hand that had been on Nagato's shoulder.

"Huh? Black Zetsu! What do you want to do? Shinra Tensei ~" Faced with the sudden possession of Black Zetsu, Nagato hurriedly mobilized the Chakra within his body to counterattack.

"Hmph, give up, Nagato. You didn't actually think I left you a backup plan when I transplanted Wood Release for you, did you? Yin-Yang Release: Body-Guarding Restriction!"

A restriction similar to the one Madara Uchiha left on Obito's heart appeared on Nagato's body, instantly restricting Nagato's control over his own Chakra.

"Black Zetsu, I can't pretend I didn't see what you're doing. As a member of Akatsuki, I, Sasori of the Red Sands, absolutely cannot stand by and watch you do such a thing to my beloved leader."

Yin-Yang Release? Black Zetsu has a lot of good stuff up his sleeve. Maybe he can add it to the puppet, Uchiha Obito can be strengthened even further.

"Huh? Sasori? Someone like you would care about this?" Sasori isn't usually that loyal to Nagato; in fact, because of Obito's body, he should be more on Nagato's side. Why is he suddenly turning against him now?

"No, no, no, Black Zetsu, you've misunderstood. Leader Nagato is my spiritual leader and mentor! Besides, if something happens to him, I won't be able to explain it to Konan when I get back."

With Nagato no longer blocking his way, could he take this opportunity to blackmail Black Zetsu and demand any scraps of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path? This trip was definitely worthwhile.

"So, you mean... you want to be my enemy?" Damn it, of all times! Luckily, I had a backup plan. I'll have Tobi block him first, and then settle accounts with Madara Uchiha after he's resurrected.

"No, no, no, Black Zetsu, you've misunderstood again. My request has always been very simple: give me the Golem Fragment, and I'll do your bidding."

There are more and more strong ninjas in the Ninja World. If Obito isn't strengthened, his puppets will probably fall behind the times.

"Hmm? A fragment of the Gedo Mazo? Sasori, you're still up to your old tricks! Keep an eye on those people from Konoha for me, I can give you the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path later."

Hmph, you dare threaten me, Sasori of the Red Sands? You've already met your end, yet you still dare to covet the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path? Once Madara is resurrected, you'll be the first one I deal with.

"Understood. I'll handle those guys from Konoha. As for what you did to Nagato... I'm not familiar with her, and I wasn't here today."

Seeing that the Konoha members were just watching the show and had no intention of taking advantage of the situation, Sasori of the Red Sands readily agreed to Black Zetsu's conditions.

"Scorpion, you bastard~ Stop Black Zetsu right now, I can give you the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path too."

Damn it! I knew Black Zetsu and Obito had ill intentions, but I never expected Black Zetsu to turn against me at a time like this. The Nine-Tails and the One-Tail are still in Konoha's hands. How can Black Zetsu complete his plan if he loses one of his major fighting forces?

Wait a minute, if this guy is just controlling me, then I don't need to lose this combat power. But that doesn't make sense either. Even if Black Zetsu is risking not controlling me, I'm still acting according to the plan. What's the point of Black Zetsu doing this?

"Ah? I'm sorry, Chief. I, Sasori of the Red Sands, am a man of my word. Since I promised Black Zetsu, I won't sell to two different people. You've said it too late."

Haha, I begged you so many times before, and you acted like a miser. Now you've changed your tune? Too late.

"Give up the struggle, Nagato! It's all for the greater cause! Dōjutsu - Rinne Rebirth Technique!"