Through the Second Tsuchikage, Fugaku saw it clearly: the Black Substance had seeped underground.
It seemed Dust Release could not completely destroy Black Zetsu, though White Zetsu had vanished entirely.
This was his best chance to test them: attack before the Akatsuki could propose the cooperation they wanted.
If they asked, he could simply say he suspected they were working with the black monster that had attacked him.
The Akatsuki clearly wanted to work with him and make use of his Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu. Even if he agreed, he would be the one holding the initiative.
The Second Tsuchikage slowly descended to the ground. The ninja whom Dust Release had reduced to dust had already recovered completely.
Fugaku had withdrawn from the Second Tsuchikage's body. He gave the group another order, and they continued toward the Land of Rain.
Underground in the Land of Rivers, Black Zetsu's body slowly took shape. As the embodiment of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's will, Black Zetsu was an amalgamation of the Seven Chakra Types.
Dust Release was powerful, but it could only injure him. Killing him was all but impossible.
He figured they had mistaken him for Kakuzu's companion. Suddenly, Pain's voice came through the ring.
"Zetsu, how did it go?"
"Pain, this is trickier than we expected. I need to report to you in person."
"All right."
At the Akatsuki's base in the Land of Rain, Black Zetsu emerged from the ground and went inside.
Pain looked at Black Zetsu in surprise. "Why are you alone? I heard the Second Tsuchikage was leading them. Did you clash with them?"
Black Zetsu said, "Kakuzu tried to ambush them with his clones. Dust Release destroyed two of them, and they took White Zetsu and me for Kakuzu's companions.
"White Zetsu died to Dust Release. If they