The Tailed Beast Hunt Begins: Akatsuki and the Uchiha

The Land of Earth.

Beneath an unnamed cavern, the dark, damp earth was a haven for snakes, rats, and insects. But White Zetsu roamed through the deeper soil, devouring them all, bite by bite.

Obito Uchiha sat where Uchiha Madara had once sat, a spiral-patterned mask covering his face. Beside his chair hung the Gunbai, an artifact passed down through generations of the Uchiha Clan.

Black Zetsu said, "Obito, Nagato wants you to begin hunting Tailed Beasts. He plans to split the plan we made in two. He'll carry out what he calls the Ninja World's Absolute Power Deterrence Plan, while you continue the Tailed Beast Hunting Plan."

Obito Uchiha said grimly, "Since when does he get to decide that on his own? If he wants to carry out his Ninja World's Absolute Power Deterrence Plan, we might as well take the eyes back first. Besides, I don't need anyone's help to hunt Tailed Beasts."

Black Zetsu replied coldly, "I'm only the embodiment of Lord Madara's will, not Lord Madara himself. But before he died, he told me to support you. As long as your orders keep our plan moving forward, I'll obey."

Obito Uchiha nodded. "Then let's take the eyes back."

Black Zetsu's eyes shifted. "I think we should let Nagato keep the Rinnegan for now. He can draw most of the attention in the open. Whether it's the Five Great Ninja Villages, the Ninja World's mercenaries, or other organizations, they'll all focus on Akatsuki's leader and his Rinnegan."

"Meanwhile, we can keep doing what we need to do in the shadows. Whether we're hunting Tailed Beasts or going to war with the Five Great Ninja Villages, we can act as Akatsuki members. If anything goes wrong, Nagato Uzumaki will bear the consequences. We can always take back the