Nagato had lost.
And his defeat had been utterly crushing.
In a secret chamber within the tower, Obito stood in the shadows, his palm pressed against his right eye.
"Nagato lost."
White Zetsu's face emerged from his shoulder.
"That was quick."
"Shut up."
"I was only stating a fact."
Obito ignored White Zetsu.
Through the sensory link Black Zetsu had left behind, he had seen the dark clouds disperse above Amegakure. He had also seen Nagato's spiritual origin suffer devastating damage.
Uchiha Lieyang had not killed Nagato.
But Nagato had already lost the power to keep Amegakure under his control.
That was more dangerous than death.
"He isn't joining Akatsuki."
Obito's voice was icy.
"He's here to take it over."
White Zetsu tilted his head.
"But all he did just now was defeat Nagato."
"The rings, the Black Rods, Demonic Illusion: Hiding in the Light-he left his spiritual imprint on all of them."
Obito clenched his fist.
"From now on, no member of the Akatsuki Organization can fully trust their ring."
"He has already planted his own power inside the organization."
Black Zetsu slowly emerged from the shadows.
"This isn't planting his power."
"It's a takeover."
Obito turned his head.
"Do you have a way to deal with him?"
Black Zetsu did not answer.
Sunlight streamed through a gap in the window, falling onto the secret chamber's cold floor.
Just then, the door burst open with a crash.
Konan stormed into the chamber, sheets of paper spreading out behind her, their sharp edges aimed at Obito.
"It was you!"
Obito shifted slightly.
Konan stared daggers at him.
"You're the one who brought Lie Yang into Akatsuki!"
"You knew all along that he would keep Pain in check! You deliberately brought this wildcard into the organization!"
Obito remained silent.
Konan's fingers