Black Zetsu could clearly see that Obito Uchiha's mental state was on the verge of collapse.
Unexpectedly, he found himself somewhat able to understand Obito's feelings.
After all, even his own composure was starting to crack.
"Ōtsutsuki..."
Of course, he knew how terrifying an Ōtsutsuki could be. But looking at the current mess, how could they possibly salvage the situation?
It might have been better if the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path had just stayed sealed. At least then, things wouldn't have spiraled into such chaos.
"Do you know who he is?"
As Black Zetsu fell silent, Obito suddenly raised his head, staring at him with a piercing gaze.
"Tell me, who exactly is that guy? Who is he?!"
"He..."
Black Zetsu opened his mouth slightly, but before he could finish, he suddenly sensed something unusual.
Boom—
Turning his head, he saw the head of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path breaking through the ground!
Its grotesque and massive head, with nine tightly shut eyes, was riddled with countless cracks and scars, a testament to the horrors it had endured.
The most shocking sight was the gaping hole on one side of its head, which made Black Zetsu's scalp tingle with unease.
Fortunately, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path was capable of regeneration. Otherwise, Black Zetsu might have completely despaired.
Creak, creak, creak—
The Demonic Statue's mouth slowly opened, emitting a grating sound that pierced the ears. Moments later, a frail figure tumbled out of its mouth and collapsed heavily onto the ground.
"Nagato?"
Obito stared in disbelief, his eyes lighting up with hope.
Although Nagato appeared to have lost almost half his body—if not for the White Zetsu enveloping him, he would undoubtedly have been dead—the Rinnegan was still intact in his eyes. And that was all that mattered to Obito.
"Go and call Konan over."
Black Zetsu acted quickly, instructing White Zetsu to transfer chakra to Nagato while addressing Obito.
"Don't... don't call Konan."
Even in his severely injured state, Nagato remained conscious enough to speak weakly.
He had sensed the danger of this mission and had gone to great lengths to leave Konan behind in the Land of Rain.
And rightly so—he didn't want Konan to see him in such a miserable state.
"I'm fine. I just need some time to rest..."
"Now, let's talk about that so-called Ōtsutsuki Minamoto."
Relieved, Obito immediately turned to Black Zetsu and asked in a low voice.
"How much do you actually know?"
"I don't know much, but..."
Black Zetsu gritted his teeth, finally deciding to reveal something.
"You've probably heard the story of the Sage of Six Paths sealing the Rabbit Goddess."
"The Rabbit Goddess?"
Obito looked puzzled, but Nagato's eyes lit up. Despite his weakness, he urgently asked,
"What about the Rabbit Goddess? Tell me, is there a connection?"
"According to legend..."
Black Zetsu hesitated. He didn't want to bring this up, as it involved his mother, but he had no choice.
"The Rabbit Goddess actually had a surname, and that surname was... Ōtsutsuki."
"What?!"
Nagato and Obito were both stunned, their faces filled with shock. They had never imagined such a secret. Nagato, in particular, grew even more excited and pressed on.
"Are you sure? Is this true?"
"I can't confirm it completely, but I've seen it mentioned in some ancient texts."
Black Zetsu had no other choice but to respond vaguely.
Inwardly, he wanted to scream in frustration. He was merely pretending to be Madara Uchiha's will—how could he possibly know everything? Even Madara didn't know this, so how could he make things up?
But given the circumstances, he could only attribute it to lost ancient records.
He was also immensely relieved that much information had been lost over time. After all, no one in this world knew the "true names" of his two elder brothers.
"This isn't the main point, so I didn't pay much attention to it. But seeing that guy's performance now, I'm afraid..."
"Yes, that must be it!"
Nagato was visibly agitated, as if he had just confirmed something monumental.
The Rabbit Goddess of old was an Ōtsutsuki, and now the "new god" he faced was also an Ōtsutsuki!
He didn't know if there was a deeper connection, but he was now certain that he was walking the path of the Sage of Six Paths.
"If the Ōtsutsuki Sage of Six Paths could do it, so can I. As long as I defeat him... I can be like the Sage of Six Paths and bring peace to this world!"
Nagato clenched his fist, his determination burning brightly.
His declaration left Obito bewildered and Black Zetsu silent.
"Well, I suppose this is fine..."
Black Zetsu shook his head. Though he was annoyed, having the will to fight was better than nothing.
"Perhaps it's time to make some decisions..."
Looking at Nagato, he muttered to himself.
He wasn't sure if Nagato could handle Ōtsutsuki Minamoto, but he didn't have many other options.
Moreover, given the current situation, he had to start planning for the revival of Madara Uchiha.
However, he didn't intend to use the Rinnegan directly. He wanted to maximize his gains.
And Orochimaru's Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation seemed to present an opportunity.
"Nagato needs to grow stronger. The Rinnegan will remain with him for now, as long as I can control him. Besides..."
The Demonic Statue of the Outer Path still required repairs and replenishment, which only Nagato could manage.
He decided to strengthen Nagato while having Orochimaru use the Impure World Reincarnation to revive Madara Uchiha.
If Nagato truly fell, he could forcibly take control and use the Rinnegan to fully revive Madara. At the same time, Nagato could serve as a test against Ōtsutsuki Minamoto.
"But this isn't enough. I need more people."
With that thought, Black Zetsu turned to Obito.
"Did you bring the others back?"
"Yes, even the dead ones."
Obito nodded.
"Orochimaru's technique left a deep impression on me, but that guy managed to escape."
"I'll find him."
Obito shared the same thought, prompting Black Zetsu to nod.
Even in death, people could still be useful!
"Additionally, I want you to investigate everything about this so-called Ōtsutsuki."
Obito's voice was filled with malice.
"That guy isn't just after the Tailed Beasts' chakra—he's targeting the Rinnegan as well. He'll undoubtedly become our greatest obstacle!"
"I understand. I'll handle this."
Black Zetsu nodded. He was nearing his limit but knew he had no choice.
Suddenly, he felt something was off. Wasn't there something he had forgotten to do?
"Wait a minute. Did only you and Nagato make it back? Where are the others?"
"They're in Kamui's Dimension."
"??? Then why haven't you brought them out yet?"
"..."
"Hurry up! Otherwise, they'll actually die in there!"
On the streets of Konohagakure, Kitagawa Minamoto, Deidara, and Mei Terumī strolled leisurely.
The Chūnin Exams had ended, and the village was busy cleaning up the aftermath of the battles. Even Iwagakure and Kirigakure shinobi had been assigned to help.
(End of Chapter)
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