Somewhere inside a cave in the Land of Rain…
Black Zetsu and Obito Uchiha were discussing the recent events that had shaken the ninja world.
Yes.
They had been paying close attention to the Uchiha Clan’s mass defection from Konoha.
Even Black Zetsu had never expected the Uchiha Clan to produce such an extraordinary genius.
During Seigen’s battle against Danzō in Konoha, both he and Obito had been secretly observing from the shadows.
Black Zetsu had clearly sensed that the power within Seigen’s eyes was the same as Madara Uchiha’s.
It wasn’t the Mangekyō Sharingan.
It was the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
That was precisely why neither he nor Obito had attempted to interfere with the Uchiha Clan at the time.
Instead, they had simply watched from afar.
The more Black Zetsu investigated this suddenly emerging Uchiha prodigy, the more confused he became.
Logically speaking, the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan could only be awakened by transplanting the eyes of a close blood relative.
Yet after days of investigation, he had discovered that Seigen’s family had all died during the previous Great Ninja War.
He simply didn’t meet the conditions required to awaken the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
With only one Sharingan, Obito wasn’t capable of defeating Seigen.
Not to mention…
Seigen also possessed a mysterious space-time ninjutsu strikingly similar to Obito’s.
Thinking of this, Black Zetsu couldn’t help but worry that Seigen might ruin the plan he had spent a thousand years orchestrating.
He intended to have Obito make contact with Seigen first and see if he could recruit him to their side.
If cooperation proved impossible…
Then, in the worst-case scenario, Obito and the Akatsuki would simply eliminate this unstable variable.
“Obito, what do you think about the Uchiha establishing a new hidden village?”
“They’re nothing more than a bunch of weaklings.
Aside from Seigen, who’s barely worthy of fighting me, the rest aren’t worth worrying about.”
Obito still harbored some caution toward Seigen’s strange space-time ability.
Since they lacked sufficient intelligence, he felt it was best not to make a move against the Hidden Flame Village yet.
“What do you mean they’re not worth worrying about?”
Black Zetsu glared at him.
“The Uchiha Clan is already far too powerful!
Don’t forget that both Itachi Uchiha and Fugaku Uchiha possess the Mangekyō Sharingan!
And then there’s Seigen, who somehow awakened the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan!”
Black Zetsu was utterly speechless.
Obito always underestimated his opponents.
His arrogance was unbelievable.
I’ve spent a thousand years planning everything…
and somehow ended up with a pig for a partner.
“Hurry up and retrieve Kakashi’s eye.
Don’t forget Madara’s—”
“Enough!”
“I know exactly what I’m doing!”
After only a few exchanges, Black Zetsu and Obito had already begun arguing.
“I’ll have White Zetsu monitor the Hidden Flame Village.
We’ll also see whether Seigen can be recruited.”
After calming himself down, Black Zetsu explained his plan.
Obito also thought it was a good idea.
If Seigen could be persuaded to join them, then the Eye of the Moon Plan would become far easier to accomplish.
Rin…
Just wait.
That day is coming soon.
In the end, Obito Uchiha and Black Zetsu decided to approach Seigen first and determine whether cooperation was possible.
Meanwhile, in Konoha…
Kakashi arrived at the village gates and waited for his teammates.
“Senpai!”
“Good morning, Captain Kakashi!”
Two jonin approached from behind.
“My name is Hyuga Shinji.
Please take care of me.”
“I’m Aburame Daichi.”
These two would be Kakashi’s teammates for this mission.
“Our mission is to travel to the Land of Rice Fields and gather intelligence on the Hidden Flame Village.”
“I’ll be leading the team, but the success of this mission will largely depend on the two of you.”
The Aburame Clan’s insect techniques and the Hyūga Clan’s Byakugan were both invaluable for reconnaissance.
As Kakashi explained the mission, he noticed the Caged Bird Seal engraved on Hyuga Shinji’s forehead.
So he’s from the branch family.
It made sense.
There was no way the Hyūga main family would risk sending one of their own on such a dangerous mission.
If something went wrong, the Byakugan could fall into enemy hands.
“Let’s move.”
After making one final check of their equipment, the three of them set off toward the Land of Rice Fields.
At the same time…
The Hidden Sand, Hidden Cloud, and Hidden Stone Villages each dispatched their own jonin squads toward the Land of Rice Fields.
Even White Zetsu had begun moving.
Every one of them shared the same objective—
Investigate the newly established hidden village founded by the Uchiha Clan.
If the Uchiha lacked sufficient strength…
Then this newborn hidden village would inevitably be swallowed by one of the great hidden villages.
” Itachi!”
Uchiha Genka hurried over with an urgent report.
“The outposts we established ten kilometers away have sent word.
Numerous shinobi from other villages have infiltrated the Land of Rice Fields.”
“There are even…”
“…Kakashi Hatake among them.”
“Their destination…”
“…is our village.”
“I understand.”
Itachi’s expression remained calm.
“Have the Guard Unit begin setting traps five kilometers from the village.
The patrol units are to remain inside the village.”
His eyes were filled with unwavering resolve.
If they dared infiltrate the Land of Rice Fields to probe the Hidden Flame Village…
Then they had better be prepared to never leave Uchiha territory alive.
After issuing his orders, Itachi found his father and informed him of the situation.
“I understand.”
Fugaku nodded calmly.
“As long as I’m here, you don’t need to worry about the village.”
“Hurry and join your team.”
“Yes, Father!”
With a Flash Step, Itachi vanished from the meeting room.