The five members of Shuen were gone without a trace. Seeing the confusion on Mikoto's face, Fugaku said, "Mercenary ninja who often operate in remote small nations.
"They think their strange methods put them above other ninja, but they're just full of themselves. Come on, let's spend a couple of days resting in the capital of the Land of That."
Mikoto nodded, took Fugaku's arm, and walked on with him.
In an unnamed underground cavern somewhere in the Shinobi World, Black and White Zetsu emerged from the ground.
"Lord Madara, the ninja of Amegakure in the Land of Rain have been acting strangely. They may be preparing to move against Akatsuki," White Zetsu said.
Madara slowly opened his eyes. "It seems Jiraiya's appearance has strengthened Hanzō's resolve to destroy Akatsuki.
"Guangtai, it's time for you to step in. You know our plan inside and out. You can appear as me and use the Six Paths Technique to persuade Nagato.
"But it would be best to wait until Hanzō has killed Yahiko. White Zetsu can continue covering your body. You don't have the Mangekyo Sharingan, but he can give you Wood Release power second only to Hashirama Senju's."
Guangtai nodded, excitement stirring in his heart. After studying under Madara for so long, it was finally time to put what he had learned to the test.
White Zetsu took Obito toward the Land of Rain, and silence settled over the underground cavern once more.
"Lord Madara, what do you think of Guangtai? Can he carry out our plan?" Black Zetsu asked.
Madara closed his eyes again. "He's better than nothing. Guangtai has never felt the pain of losing someone closest to him. It will be hard for him to truly connect with Nagato.
"Nagato may cooperate with him at first, after Yahiko