The most impossible part was that he, the very person who had experienced it all firsthand, had no way to refute it.
Even if he spoke up in his defense and deliberately denied it, no one in the entire shinobi world would believe him. Everyone accepted only the truth shown by the Sky Screen.
Such a terrifying power, rewriting perceptions, enveloping the whole world, and reaching through past and future, was absolutely beyond the Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo.
Powerful as Hagoromo was, his strength was ultimately confined to the Six Paths of the shinobi world, nowhere near this world-spanning scale.
Black Zetsu's gaze suddenly darkened as a bold, horrifying suspicion arose in his mind.
"The original plan won't work at all anymore."
"Everyone in the shinobi world has seen through the game. They'll all join forces to stop us. The old approach will lead to certain death."
"Our only hope now... lies with whoever is behind the Sky Screen."
He did not know who had created the Sky Screen, what their purpose was, or whether they were good or evil.
But he knew this was the only remaining variable, the only opportunity that might break the deadlock and help him achieve his ultimate goal.
At that thought, a sharp gleam flashed in Black Zetsu's eyes. Suppressing all his irritation and numbness, he began rapidly working out a new plan, preparing to adapt to the changing situation and arrange his pieces anew.
Light and shadow shifted across the Sky Screen. Leaving the hidden schemes behind, the scene abruptly changed to Konoha's bustling, peaceful streets many years earlier.
Warm sunlight bathed Konoha's lively streets as villagers came and went, painting a tranquil picture of peaceful days.
Two women stood by the roadside, chatting and laughing, their closeness and easy rapport unmistakable.