Madara Uchiha had little patience for explanations, so after hearing Black Zetsu's words, he immediately snapped:
"Idiot, of course I know how strong you are. Why would I send you to Konoha to fight Shin Uchiha head-on?"
At that, Madara Uchiha turned his gaze toward Amegakure nearby and continued:
"You've already told me about Shin Uchiha. He excels at space-time techniques, and even the Dōjutsu he awakened is related to space-time.
"Moreover, anyone of importance, whether his subordinates in Konoha or members of the Uchiha Clan, carries his space-time mark. Whenever their lives are threatened, he can rush to their rescue."
At this point, Madara Uchiha's expression grew knowing.
"Tell me, does that Jiraiya have Shin Uchiha's space-time mark on him?"
His words made the others catch on. White Zetsu even shouted excitedly:
"As expected of Lord Madara! All we have to do is seize the opening when Shin Uchiha goes to rescue Jiraiya and retrieve the Rinnegan from Konoha.
"By then, no matter how skilled he is with space-time techniques, he won't be able to get back to Konoha in time."
Knowing they would not have to fight Shin Uchiha head-on lifted the spirits of both Black and White Zetsu and Obito Uchiha. They believed that, with their abilities, they could still come and go freely in Konoha as long as they were careful.
A glint of satisfaction flashed in Madara Uchiha's eyes at their reactions. He casually formed a hand seal, splitting a wooden clone off from his body, then waved his hand and said:
"In that case, accompany my Wood Clone to Konoha. He can clearly sense the Rinnegan's location. You must bring the Rinnegan back intact."
The others exchanged glances at Madara Uchiha's words, then answered in unison before setting off for Konoha with his Wood