At the Akatsuki of the Land of Rain's base, Fugaku kept watch on the area out front.
People came and went from the base, looking rather busy. Akatsuki had not existed for long, but its ideals had already won many supporters.
In a country consumed by war, even the smallest hope was worth fighting to protect with one's life.
His Mangekyo Sharingan spun steadily. Nothing within his field of vision could escape his eyes.
He had been lying in wait for seven days, but Fugaku was in no hurry. Nagato was too important to Madara Uchiha, and even more important to Black Zetsu, who had been scheming for over a thousand years.
A huge pitcher plant suddenly emerged from a corner of the open ground ahead. Fugaku snapped to attention.
He vanished with the Body Flicker Technique and reappeared atop a boulder behind the plant, keeping his body hidden from view.
The enormous pitcher plant slowly opened, revealing Black and White Zetsu inside.
Zetsu turned his head and looked around. No one suspicious was in sight.
"Huh? Didn't they say someone was watching for us? That we'd be captured the moment we showed up? Why isn't anyone here this time?"
"Idiot. It's been quite a few days since White Zetsu disappeared. They don't know where we come from. How could they possibly stand guard here every single day?
"Since no one's here, forget it. Let's check on Nagato and report back to Lord Madara," Black Zetsu said.
Zetsu spoke quietly, but Fugaku could make out most of it. He cautiously peered around the side of the boulder and caught sight of Zetsu's back.
He leaped silently onto the boulder, a long blade and a test tube already in his hands. Keeping his eyes on Zetsu, Fugaku counted to three in