While Akiyama Uchiha was treating the wounded in Iwagakure with Tsunade, Madara Uchiha had already taken his place on a high peak outside Kumogakure.
Because of the terrain, Kumogakure had been built among towering mountains. Strong mountain winds swept through the area, making Madara Uchiha's hair and robes flutter.
"Madara, what are you doing? Shouldn't we be going into Kumogakure to capture the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki?"
Madara Uchiha and White Zetsu had been there for a little while. What puzzled White Zetsu was that, just as they arrived, Madara Uchiha seemed to sense something and turned his head toward the south.
At White Zetsu's reminder, Madara Uchiha came back to his senses. A faint smile curled his lips as he said arrogantly:
"The little rat in hiding has given himself away. I just sensed the location of the Rinnegan.
I simply don't know whether Nagato revealed it deliberately or by accident."
At that, Madara Uchiha turned his gaze toward Kumogakure nearby and continued:
"But none of that matters. Once I've captured this Eight-Tails, I'll drag that little rat out of hiding. Even if he's laid a trap, it'll be nothing more than a joke to me."
The moment he sensed that trace of the Rinnegan's presence, Madara Uchiha considered the possibility that it was a trap meant for him.
But to Madara Uchiha, all of this was nothing more than child's play.
As he spoke, Madara Uchiha's smile slowly faded. His Rinnegan fixed on Kumogakure nearby, and he continued:
"I've already sensed the Eight-Tails' presence. In that case, let me drag him out."
Of all the tailed beasts, Madara Uchiha only held the Nine-Tails in somewhat higher regard and had left a few measures in place on him.
As for the other tailed beasts, he saw them as utterly worthless opponents,