The Akatsuki Hideout.
White Zetsu said, "All the clones are ready to move."
Obito said, "Go... Gather outside Konoha and wait for my signal."
"Understood!"
Rustle, rustle, rustle... The White Zetsu sank into the earth, leaving the hideout empty.
Obito turned toward the chair behind him. Sasuke sat with his head lowered in thought, his gaze dark and brooding. The members of Taka stood around him. Notably, Jugo's previously broken arms had been replaced with White Zetsu arms.
Obito asked, "Are you ready?"
"..." Sasuke remained silent.
"Sasuke..." Karin looked anguished. Deep down, she hoped Sasuke would change his mind and stop sinking any deeper.
Sasuke addressed Karin and the other two. "This is my revenge. As for you three, whether you follow me is your choice!"
Karin's eyes dimmed, but she still declared without hesitation, "I'm going with Sasuke! My abilities will be useful!"
Jugo said, "I'm going too. You're Kimimaro's incarnation. Your actions are his will!"
"Um, can I... sit this one out? Honestly, if you're attacking a major nation's ninja village like Konoha, one more or one fewer person won't make much difference, right?"
Suigetsu had wanted to say that, but when the words reached his lips, he swallowed them. He hoisted the Kubikiribōchō onto his shoulder. "I'll go too. I'll clear out Konoha's small fry and all that, but don't expect me to charge into the thick of battle for you..."
And so, every member of Taka decided to join the attack.
Sasuke slowly rose, savage killing intent in his eyes. "Let's go! Light the fires of the Uchiha's revenge!"
Whoosh!
A space-time vortex swirled, and Obito arrived in the woods outside Konoha with Sasuke and the rest of Taka.
Rustle, rustle, rustle...!
The White Zetsu emerged from underground one after another.
At their head, Black