Gods.
This term is somewhat broad.
But in the eyes of the Great Toad Sage, the Ōtsutsuki Clan could absolutely be considered gods in the broadest sense of the word.
"Gods?"
Fukasaku couldn't quite grasp the Great Toad Sage's perspective, but he understood the gravity of the situation.
"Are they really that terrifying, this Ōtsutsuki Minamoto-shiki?"
"It's not Minamoto-shiki who's terrifying; it's the entire clan that's terrifying."
The Great Toad Sage shook his head, his demeanor far more lucid than usual.
"You can't comprehend a race that has transcended the current level of life, possessing boundless power while harboring insatiable ambition.
"To humans, and even to most forms of life, they are gods."
"Does this mean the shinobi world is in grave danger this time?"
Fukasaku's expression darkened. The Great Toad Sage was always cryptic, but he knew the sage wouldn't speak this way unless the danger was unprecedented.
"I don't know."
The Great Toad Sage's answer was both unexpected and frustrating, leaving Fukasaku momentarily stunned.
What did he mean by "I don't know"?
"My dreams have always been vague, but at least they used to point in a direction."
The Great Toad Sage seemed both contemplative and perplexed as he continued.
"But now I'm confused. I'm not sure if my prophecies are being interfered with by some force, but I haven't seen anything related to this."
"...Great Sage, when was the last time you had a prophetic dream?"
Fukasaku cautiously inquired. The Great Toad Sage thought for a moment before responding.
"Not too long ago, I think?"
"And how long is 'not too long ago'?"
"Maybe half a year ago? Or perhaps a year ago."
"..."
Was this even useful?
Fukasaku's headache didn't change anything. The Great Toad Sage remained as enigmatic as ever.
"It doesn't matter how long it's been. The issue lies in whether the visions are clear or not.
"So, I truly suspect that my prophecies are being tampered with."
"Then... what should we do now?"
Fukasaku took a deep breath, his tone heavy with concern.
"I don't know either."
The Great Toad Sage's usually hazy eyes seemed clearer than ever as he spoke in a calm tone.
"But a thousand years ago, I did something. Perhaps I can still do something now."
With that, the Great Toad Sage closed his eyes, seemingly falling back into slumber.
"The calamities from the dream, the foreign Ōtsutsuki..."
"The tides of this era are shifting too quickly."
"Mount Myōboku must always be prepared. If necessary, even an old toad like me..."
"...must take action!"
"Ōtsutsuki Minamoto-shiki? The Nine-Tails' Chakra?"
In the Rain Country, at the Akatsuki's base, Nagato and Konan stood before Obito Uchiha and Black Zetsu.
They knew these two were looking for suitable allies, but they hadn't expected them to bring such alarming news.
"That's right, an incredibly troublesome individual. And his goal seems to align with ours."
Obito Uchiha didn't want to be here at all, but after both he and Itachi Uchiha had been injured, he felt compelled to deliver this message.
"Moreover, his abilities are somewhat similar to yours. Even though his eyes are different, I felt it necessary to warn you to speed things up."
"I'm already accelerating the process."
Nagato frowned, his tone cold as he responded.
"But the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path isn't so easily restored. And don't speak to me in that tone!"
"Hmph."
Obito snorted, clearly unwilling to engage further with Nagato. To him, Nagato was just an overconfident fool.
"Alright, everyone, let's not argue."
Seeing the tension between the two, Black Zetsu quickly stepped in to mediate.
"Our goal is the same—to create a peaceful world. Even if there are some conflicts, we should tolerate them.
"Besides, the enemy we're facing this time is truly formidable. We need to unite; otherwise, we'll struggle to deal with him."
"Do you have any more information on him?"
Nagato's attitude toward Black Zetsu was slightly better. After all, Black Zetsu had brought Yahiko's body back to him.
"We've shared all the information we know. Unfortunately, we don't have anything more."
Black Zetsu shook his head helplessly. He truly didn't know much more.
But he was certain that Ōtsutsuki Minamoto-shiki hadn't revealed all his cards. Otherwise, the outcome would have been far worse.
"However, I do have an idea—something we might be able to do."
"Go on."
Nagato nodded, knowing that these two wouldn't have come to him without a purpose.
"A year from now, Konohagakure will host the Joint Chūnin Exams."
Black Zetsu paused before continuing in a low voice.
"At that time, shinobi from all the major villages will gather there. I think we should infiltrate as well."
"Konohagakure?"
Nagato frowned, while Konan looked surprised. Black Zetsu nodded affirmatively.
"Yes, Konohagakure. We don't know where he is, but we know his goal. So, we should take the initiative."
"The Nine-Tails?"
"Exactly. He appeared in the Land of Fire for the Nine-Tails' Chakra. If the Nine-Tails' Chakra flares up in Konohagakure, he's likely to show up. This way..."
"I see what you're getting at."
Nagato quickly pieced together Black Zetsu's plan.
Using the power of Konohagakure to lure out the mysterious individual, they could gauge his strength and ideally cause mutual destruction.
At the very least, it would eliminate some obstacles, benefiting everyone involved.
"And besides, Danzō is in Konohagakure."
Seeing Nagato's interest, Black Zetsu pressed further.
"Danzō has hidden himself well. If we act rashly, we won't be able to catch him. But the Joint Chūnin Exams present a perfect opportunity.
"Once we're inside, we can locate him. I've heard that Danzō is a master of Wind Release Chakra techniques."
Wind Release Chakra...
Hearing this, Nagato glanced at Black Zetsu.
Both Kakuzu and Sasori had a need for Wind Release users. While it might lead to conflict between the two, they would undoubtedly agree to this operation.
And Nagato himself had a score to settle with Danzō. He wanted nothing more than to kill him personally.
This guy had clearly done his homework!
"I've also heard that the Fourth Raikage plans to visit Konohagakure. He has a long-standing grudge against them."
Black Zetsu continued, his tone calm.
"And don't worry about the Nine-Tails. We've orchestrated similar events over a decade ago, so..."
"But isn't this plan too risky?"
Konan voiced her concerns, noticing Nagato's growing interest. But Nagato shook his head.
"I understand. Inform the others and have them prepare."
"Nagato..."
"Even if it's risky, it's worth it."
Nagato interrupted Konan, his tone resolute.
"I'm also curious about who this person is, someone competing with us for the Tailed Beasts' Chakra, someone with abilities similar to mine.
"After all..."
He trailed off, but Konan understood his unspoken words.
After all, he was the wielder of the Rinnegan, the one who walked the earth as a god!
"And this is also for Yahiko—to avenge him. This is something we must do."
"I understand."
Konan sighed, ultimately choosing not to oppose him.
Yahiko's death was a debt they had to repay.
"It seems we're all in agreement. Then we'll take our leave for now."
Black Zetsu nodded, satisfied that his plan had been accepted.
After all, he had skillfully exploited Nagato's weaknesses to push his agenda forward.
(End of Chapter)
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