In just three or four days, news of Ōnoki's death had spread throughout the Shinobi World. After all, he had stood at its pinnacle for more than twenty years.
Ōnoki had taken the Tsuchikage Position after the Second Tsuchikage died in the First Shinobi World War.
For over twenty years, he had remained at the height of both power and strength in the Shinobi World. His influence even surpassed that of the Third Hokage.
In the Underground Cavern, Madara Uchiha fell silent as he listened to Zetsu's account of Iwagakure.
"All Nine Tailed Beasts are gathered in Konoha. Our plan to collect them will likely face more than a few setbacks.
"With Akatsuki's current strength, capturing the Tailed Beasts will be all but impossible. Even if Guangtai and Nagato join forces, they might not succeed.
"They might be driven back by the other Mangekyo Sharingan users before they even see Fugaku Uchiha," Black Zetsu said.
Madara opened his eyes, his face etched with exhaustion. Relying on the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path to keep himself alive had taken a toll on him. His body grew more weary by the day.
He spent most of each day resting with his eyes closed.
"I never expected Ōnoki to die at Fugaku's hands. That was a surprise, especially with so many Mangekyo Sharingan users in Konoha.
"For Akatsuki to capture every Tailed Beast now is a pipe dream. Raising another Mangekyo Sharingan user wouldn't help.
"Stop looking for suitable Uchiha in Konoha. Keep supporting Nagato and Guangtai.
"Let's see how far Nagato can go."
"Yes."
A long silence settled over the Underground Cavern again. The conversation had drained much of Madara's strength. More than ten minutes passed before he spoke again.
"There's no point in my remaining in this world. I'll await