Roshi's disappearance was, of course, Black Zetsu's doing.
Tomoki had finally stopped causing trouble for the time being, and Black Zetsu didn't want Roshi's death to cause the Four-Tails to enter the revival phase, further delaying progress.
Tomoki had briefly mentioned this matter, but it wouldn't have mattered if he hadn't; Black Zetsu treasured the Jinchuriki.
Except for the Nine-Tailed and Three-Tails in Konoha, all other Jinchuriki were under Black Zetsu's surveillance.
However, Tomoki enjoyed doing such favors, so Shikaku's blame wasn't entirely baseless.
Although it differed from what other ninja villages imagined—that Konoha had orchestrated it—if one insisted on connecting them, there wasn't much difference.
After Iwagakure's destruction, Tomoki learned the news immediately.
He naturally also knew that the Four-Tails had fallen into Black Zetsu's hands.
After understanding the essence of Chakra, Tomoki wasn't worried at all.
The previously perceived plot holes were now easily explained: why the Akatsuki Organization had to collect Tailed Beasts one by one, and why they had to use the Genryu Kyu Fuin for three days.
Once they were in Madara's hands, he quickly re-collected the Tailed Beasts.
To put it simply, when the Six Paths Sage divided the Tailed Beasts, he used a sophisticated method to decommission the Ten-Tails' 'account.'
Now, to retrieve it, wouldn't one have to re-fill the information according to the process, receive a verification code, and do it all over again?
After Madara's revival, the Ten-Tails had already revived, which was equivalent to the 'account' being re-established.
Even if the Tailed Beasts were extracted again without the Six Paths Sage's methods, it was merely a crude unplugging of the power, and the 'account' still remained.
Madara just needed to plug it back in and log in again, so Nagato and Obito had actually done quite a lot.
Even if Madara revived now, he would still have to diligently work on each Tailed Beast for three days, and he would have to start from the Ichibi.
Moreover, according to Tomoki's speculation based on the existing information, he might even have to lend Black Zetsu a hand at that time.
Kaguya was indeed an undeniable villainous BOSS, but the Six Paths Sage was not a good person either.
How the final situation would unfold would depend on Tomoki's 'political' skills, but any bad situation was better than following the Six Paths Sage's script.
That would be truly dark and hopeless.
"Dong! Dong! Dong!"
A knock on the door interrupted Tomoki's somewhat wandering thoughts.
Shaking his head, Tomoki composed himself, no longer dwelling on those irrelevant matters.
He hadn't even learned to walk yet; thinking about how to fly was a bit too early.
"Come in!"
As Tomoki's words fell, the office door opened.
"Kabuto, I've told you before, you can just come straight in whenever you want. You know, I'm open and honest; there's nothing I can't say to others!"
Kabuto personally coming here now could only mean one thing: it was time to depart for the Ryuchi Cave.
In his good mood, Tomoki rarely joked with Kabuto.
"It won't happen next time. I was too cautious, Lord Tomoki!"
Kabuto was also in a good mood, playing the perfect straight man at the opportune moment.
What defines a smart person? This is what defines a smart person. It's not enough to just be intelligent; you must know how to use it.
Tomoki looked at Kabuto with satisfaction.
"The preparations are complete?"
Without continuing the pleasantries, Tomoki asked about the main business.
"Yes, Lord Tomoki, we can depart for the Ryuchi Cave at any time!"
Kabuto replied with a shy smile on his face.
This natural acting even made Tomoki wonder if he should consider Kabuto for the Sixth Hokage position.
Keeping it in mind, Tomoki decided to make plans later.
"Tell everyone to get ready. We leave tomorrow—no, the day after tomorrow. I'll lead the team myself!"
As the words left his mouth, Tomoki remembered there was one more thing to resolve, so he changed the departure to the day after tomorrow.
"Yes, Lord Tomoki!"
"Mm, tell them to rest well today and tomorrow, maybe explore Konoha or something."
After Kabuto left, Tomoki took out a blank sheet of paper and began writing down names.
Shisui definitely had to come; Konoha couldn't be left without anyone, so Fugaku would have to make a sacrifice for now.
Thinking this, Tomoki crossed out Fugaku's name.
Kakashi could be brought along; his strength had improved by leaps and bounds after the Turtle Island trip, making him a competent fighter.
Hmm, Might Guy must be brought. True Chakra can permanently strengthen the body, which might bring unexpected surprises.
And so, Tomoki pondered the final team roster alone.
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