"Yes. According to the reports from the White Zetsu at the scene, Hōki ambushed Sōkyū Hatake during his battle with Ōnoki of Iwagakure. Although he ultimately severed Ōnoki's right arm, he was killed by a combined attack from Ōnoki and Hōki."
White Zetsu spoke respectfully. They had witnessed this firsthand, which naturally made the report much more credible.
"He was killed?" Madara Uchiha was somewhat curious. This really was... rather unexpected.
"Yes. Judging by the situation at the scene, Sōkyū Hatake was ultimately reduced to ashes by Ōnoki's Dust Release," White Zetsu answered directly.
"How... unexpected. I thought Sōkyū Hatake would be the greatest obstacle to our future plans. To think..."
Madara Uchiha narrowed his eyes. After their last battle, he had actually gained some understanding of Sōkyū Hatake's strength.
He knew that although Sōkyū Hatake back then would certainly have been no match for him in his prime, if given the chance to grow, he might well reach his level in the future.
Madara Uchiha had originally been considering a plan to eliminate Sōkyū Hatake himself. He had never expected that brat Ōnoki to beat him to it.
"Yes." White Zetsu understood Madara Uchiha's meaning very well.
"But since he was killed, that just means this was all he amounted to." Madara Uchiha sneered.
New geniuses appeared in this world every year, and the appearance of a genius meant someone who might reach the pinnacle.
But how many geniuses could actually reach that pinnacle without incident?
"Indeed, Lord Madara. Shall I go check on Obito Uchiha, then?" White Zetsu asked with a bow.
"I'll go myself." Madara Uchiha rose and walked step by step toward the cave where Obito Uchiha was staying.
"Yes, Lord Madara." With that, White Zetsu left.
In the Hokage Office in Konoha.
"Danzo!"