Neither Black Zetsu nor Tobi bothered asking how they would make the Land of Fire's princess comply.
Was that even a real obstacle?
Any of the three could slip in and out of the Daimyo's Mansion at will. A simple genjutsu would be enough to bend her will.
"What if someone tags along with him?" Tobi asked.
Obito shook his head. "Uchiha Gen is just a Police Force squad leader. He's not the Chief of the Police Force, not an elder, and certainly not the Clan Head. He doesn't have the status to bring attendants when summoned by the Daimyo."
"Besides," he added, "with the strength and techniques he's shown, there's no reason for him to bring an escort. We couldn't even hold him last time."
"But what if?" Tobi pressed.
"What if we send someone to lure any escort away? Is that really so hard to think of?" Black Zetsu cut in, his tone sharp.
Then, turning, he mocked: "Tobi, you should understand, among White Zetsu you may be considered clever, but compared to us? You're far behind."
"That's true," Tobi admitted flatly.
"Then let me continue," Obito said, seizing back the lead. "The second step is to lure Uchiha Fugaku out of the village."
He leaned forward, voice lower. "The Hagoromo Clan of the Mist has ties with the Uchiha. We'll send an invitation in their name. With Yagura's cooperation, arranging this won't be difficult." [T/L: If ya forgot, remember Hagoromo Clan were these who can use beast companions, and becoming sorta werebeasts.]
Obito paused when he noticed the black half of Zetsu's face twist strangely. "What's with that expression?"
"I'm… just surprised," Black Zetsu replied slowly.
"Really? Doesn't look like surprise to me. Looks more like anger."
Damn those ungrateful sons, Hagoromo and Hamura, daring to seal Mother! Black Zetsu cursed silently.
Aloud, he answered evenly, "I'm not human. Is it so strange that I express emotions differently?"
Obito nodded. "Fair enough. I'll continue."
"Given Fugaku's position, he'll travel with guards. We kill the attendants, but leave one alive, crippled, badly wounded, and without a fully matured Sharingan. That survivor will 'witness' me and a White Zetsu, disguised as Uchiha Gen, meeting in secret. Then we quietly help him crawl back to Konoha. When he tells the story, what other option will Uchiha Gen have but betrayal?"
Obito smirked, clearly satisfied with himself. "This way we get more Sharingan and push Gen into our camp. Two birds with one stone. What do you think?"
"Good!" Tobi clapped.
Black Zetsu tilted his head. "What's Gen's motive supposed to be?"
"I've heard he's the clan's strongest right now," Obito explained. "And yet, despite his power, he's only a squad leader. Not even a vice-chief, let alone an elder or the Clan Head. His ambition is obvious, climb higher. But high positions are limited, if no one steps down, how does a young man with too few years behind him advance?"
Black Zetsu nodded. "A reasonable motive. And your plan is sound. But remember this, Fugaku won't travel alone. He'll have a guard force, and he's strong himself. Don't underestimate him, or you may suffer for it."
Obito chuckled. "That's it? I thought you were going to warn me about something important. Don't worry. I won't get careless."
He gestured toward Tobi. "The two of us will strike together. First we eliminate his escorts, then we show ourselves and settle it decisively."
The cockiness he once flaunted had been tempered. After being scarred by Minato Namikaze and humbled by Uchiha Gen, Obito's arrogance cooled. Nearly two years of schemes had been balanced with training, mastering countless techniques from Madara's legacy.
Black Zetsu asked, "When will you act?"
"At the start of next year," Obito said without hesitation. "This year's nearly over. Not the right time for the Hagoromo Clan to send invitations. We'll prepare, then strike."
"In that case, I look forward to your success," Black Zetsu said.
Obito's voice was firm. "I will succeed."
Meanwhile, far away in Konoha, Uchiha Gen had no idea Obito was plotting against him once again. His life continued at its steady pace.
Each day he found excuses to slack during work hours, using the time instead to train or research, Genjutsu, Lightning Release nature transformation, and even Sealing jutsu.
Outside of work, he split his time visiting Kushina or Mikoto's households, dining or shopping with Kurenai, or simply staying home to read. Occasionally, he used Flying Thunder God to check on Shuryu and Kyouki's progress.
His instincts had proven correct, both were steadily growing stronger.
He hadn't forgotten Pakura either. They exchanged letters regularly, but she had no time for visits. As Chiyo's right hand, she was tied up in the Hidden Sand's fierce war against the Mist.
Her Scorch Release, a fusion of Fire and Wind, burned even Water Release users, making her invaluable on the front lines. With her power and survival against countless foes, she was no longer an unknown.
Of course, compared to Uchiha Gen's rising fame across the ninja world, hers was still modest. Gen's exploits in battle had made him a name whispered even outside Fire Country, though true legends like Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Minato Namikaze still stood above him.
Time, as always, slipped quickly by.
Before long, it was already Konoha Year 54.
On January 10th, Orochimaru came to Gen, requesting a sample of his chakra for research. It wasn't the first time, he'd even asked for blood and flesh before, so Gen agreed without suspicion, handing over a portion.
But this 'Orochimaru' was a White Zetsu in disguise. His transformation technique was flawless; even with Mangekyō Sharingan active, Gen detected nothing. Only a soul-perception jutsu like Spirit Transformation could have pierced the illusion.
Two days later, on January 12th, Gen was dozing through another easy shift when he was summoned to the Police Force headquarters by Fugaku's men.
After knocking, he entered calmly. His attitude was unhurried, as though he had nothing to fear. If Fugaku intended to scold him for slacking, he would have done so long ago.
"Lord Clan Head," Gen said with a slight bow. "What do you need from me?"
"Nothing urgent," Fugaku replied. "Princess Shirakawa, daughter of the Daimyo of Fire, has heard of you. Out of curiosity, she wishes to meet."
"Huh?" Gen blinked.
"As far as I know," Fugaku went on, "the princess is said to be exceptionally beautiful, with great grace. You should seize this opportunity."
"Oh… we'll see," Gen said perfunctorily, regaining his composure.
Inwardly, he was skeptical. Everyone knew daughters often resembled their fathers. Considering the Daimyo's pudgy, homely face, he had doubts about this so-called beauty.
Fugaku frowned faintly at his lack of enthusiasm. Why was this kid so dense? If he married the Daimyo's daughter, half a lifetime of climbing could be skipped in an instant.
"Fine. Go arrange your squad affair. Depart tomorrow."
"Yes, Lord Clan Head," Gen answered smoothly. In his mind, he was already treating the trip like a vacation. The last time he'd gone to the Daimyo's Mansion, he had only visited the prison. Perhaps this time he could look around more.
The next morning, Uchiha Gen set out alone.