Isshiki's left eye shifted.
"Sukunahikona."
He spoke a single word.
Several tiny Black Rods, too small to see with the naked eye, pierced Black Zetsu's body. An instant later, they swelled back to their original size.
Dozens of thick Black Rods punched through the right half of Black Zetsu's body and tore it apart, pinning him to the ground as a fist-sized heap of mangled black flesh.
"Next time, think about what your worthless life is worth before you open your mouth."
Isshiki stood. His bones cracked with a sound that set teeth on edge.
"Once I have that Vessel, the first thing I'll do is feed your sorry remains to the Ten-Tails."
A black portal soon split the air.
Isshiki tore off his ragged monk's robe and stepped through.
On the stone floor, Black Zetsu curled into a ball.
His yellow eyes brimmed with venom.
Konoha's New Capital, underground Strategic Command Room.
Minato Namikaze sat in the main chair, his Hokage Haori draped over his shoulders. With his hands clasped beneath his chin, he studied the enormous Sand Table of the Shinobi World before him, his face grave.
A sharp swish sounded as an elite ANBU operative dropped to one knee before the desk.
"Lord Hokage, urgent news from the border!"
Minato took the scroll and scanned it. His already furrowed brow tightened further.
He waved the ANBU operative away.
"Ye, we have a problem. The other Four Kage never intended to back down."
Minato's voice was strained as he pushed the scroll toward his student.
He rose, braced both hands on the edge of the desk, and leaned forward. His expression turned stern.
"The Four Great Ninja Villages signed an Alliance Treaty overnight. They've settled their affairs back home and even evacuated their noncombatants."
"They've made up