"This!?"
Watching helplessly as Obito kidnapped the small Ten-Tails, both Ranmaru and the recently arrived Yakumo fell into a state of panic.
They knew exactly what the Ten-Tails represented. For such a vital strategic resource to be stolen by Obito, the consequences were unthinkable!
Immediately, Yakumo tried to calm her mind, using the power of the "Red Dragon" to sense the chakra traces left by Obito's Kamui, hoping to use its space-time capabilities to give chase.
However, compared to Obito's Kamui, the Red Dragon's space-time abilities were clearly a tier lower. Furthermore, Obito now possessed the Six-Tomoe Rinnegan, bringing his control over Kamui to an unprecedented level. After several failed attempts, Yakumo could only let out a helpless sigh.
Monitoring Center.
Through several high-definition monitors, everything that had just occurred in the secret fortress was laid bare before Shinji's eyes.
His expression showed neither joy nor sorrow.
Obito managing to reach this stage was somewhat beyond his expectations, but it was too early for sentimentality. Only when Obito successfully sealed the small Ten-Tails and advanced to the Six Paths Level could his "Sacrifice Plan" be declared a success.
At that moment, Amado rushed into the center to report the news of the theft.
Shinji nodded indifferently. "I know."
Amado's gaze sharpened; he seemed to understand something and bowed before withdrawing.
The "Sacrifice Plan" involved the most core secret—the Chakra Fruit. Thus, Shinji had not revealed the full details to any of his subordinates. Even those involved in the operation only knew the parts relevant to them and were unaware of the full picture.
Ultimately, information regarding sacrificing an Otsutsuki to the God Tree and the creation of a Chakra Fruit was too sensitive to be leaked.
The Land of Hot Springs.
After escaping the fortress with the small Ten-Tails, Obito's first stop was back in the Land of Hot Springs to reunite with the waiting White Zetsu.
Seeing the beast, White Zetsu was visibly excited. "You... you really did it?"
"Mm." Obito nodded with a sense of pride, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. He was gradually regaining that old feeling of being the mastermind pulling the strings of the shinobi world from behind the scenes.
White Zetsu urged quickly, "Now that such a treasure is gone, 'A' definitely won't let it go. You must seal the Ten-Tails as soon as possible and become a Jinchuriki like him. Otherwise, if 'A' catches up, everything is lost!"
Obito said confidently, "Don't worry. I cleared all traces before leaving. He won't find us that easily."
White Zetsu advised, " 'A' has many tricks. It's better to be cautious so we don't end up captured like last time. If he catches us again, we're dead!"
Obito looked at the small Ten-Tails beside him, which was already under the control of his Rinnegan. A trace of hesitation appeared in his eyes.
Sealing the Ten-Tails and becoming its Jinchuriki was not as easy as one might imagine. Even Shinji had prepared for a long time, ensuring his condition was at its peak before attempting it.
Obito had only possessed the Six-Tomoe Rinnegan for a short while and had not fully adapted to the eyes yet. He wasn't entirely certain he could seal the beast smoothly. However, he knew White Zetsu's concern was valid; if Shinji caught up now, all his efforts would go up in smoke.
"To the ocean!" Obito made his decision.
White Zetsu looked pleased. "Good. We leave now!"
Sealing the Ten-Tails in the Land of Hot Springs was clearly unsafe. Though remote, it couldn't block Akatsuki's reach. Obito's only choice was to head for the deep ocean, far from the continent, and attempt the seal on a deserted island.
White Zetsu had already prepared a fast boat. From this moment on, Obito needed to adjust his state and adapt to the Six-Tomoe Rinnegan, so he couldn't afford the distraction of travel; they had to go by sea.
On land, the Ten-Tails' massive size would surely cause a commotion. Fortunately, this time they were heading out to sea. Once submerged, the beast's gargantuan form was successfully masked by the waves, merging into the ocean's swell.
One week later.
White Zetsu piloted the boat to a deserted island in the middle of the ocean.
As he stepped onto land once more, Obito's gaze grew profound. After a week of adjustment, his aura had undergone a massive shift. This was only natural; since awakening the Six-Tomoe Rinnegan, Obito had entered a period of rapid growth. Every day brought noticeable changes to his strength.
Rumble...
Suddenly, a titan emerged from the sea and crawled onto the island. It was the small Ten-Tails that had followed them the whole way! The waves it kicked up nearly capsized the boat, causing White Zetsu to cry out in terror.
Roar!
The beast grew restless and let out a roar, startling the sea birds on the island into flight.
Obito cast a casual glance at the Ten-Tails. The restless beast instantly quieted down, crouching obediently at his side like a pet.
White Zetsu jumped down from the boat. While eyeing the beast, he muttered, "Strange, isn't it? 'A' still hasn't found us!"
Obito glared at him. "Do you want him to find us?"
White Zetsu grinned sheepishly. "It seems you really did wipe the trail clean. He must not have found a single clue; by now he's probably running around the world like a headless chicken!"
Hearing this, Obito felt White Zetsu's analysis made sense. If Shinji had a lead, a week would have been more than enough time to track them down. The fact that he hadn't meant he had no clues. Obito's tension eased significantly.
Having cleverly dissolved Obito's anxiety, White Zetsu asked, "Shall we begin? I can't wait to see you seal the Ten-Tails and become its Jinchuriki!"
"Mm." Obito nodded.
At this level of strength, every subsequent step was unknown territory; he could only take it one step at a time. However, a string of victories had restored his confidence. He didn't have many worries about the seal, believing that with destiny on his side, there should be no problem.
Leading the beast to the center of the island, Obito first used the power of his Six-Tomoe Rinnegan to forcibly establish a contract with it. Then, he began to manifest the sealing jutsu, attempting to pull the small Ten-Tails into his body.
Hiding in the distance, White Zetsu watched with anticipation. And through White Zetsu's field of vision, Shinji, a thousand miles away, was also witnessing Obito's grand gamble!