Zetsu heard that Uchiha Obito was planning to stop Sora and Namikaze Minato on his own and felt that Obito seemed overconfident.
Even without considering Sora, just facing Namikaze Minato would be difficult enough for Obito to handle.
His Kamui ability wasn't without weaknesses. Sora and Namikaze Minato were two top shinobi who fought in the Third Shinobi World War, both known for their incredible speed.
Obito's recent successes might have caused him to misjudge his own strength.
Black Zetsu said, "Since you've decided, I won't try to change your mind. But you must prepare backup plans. What will you do if you fail to stop Sora and Namikaze Minato? I think you need to find a way to prevent at least one of them from attacking you."
Obito glanced at Zetsu with confusion. "Prevent one of them from taking action against me? I'm posing as Uchiha Madara and planning to invade Konoha. How could either of them possibly stand aside?"
Zetsu suggested, "I think you could make a deal with Sora. He isn't loyal to Konoha and has significant conflicts with Namikaze Minato. He's also motivated by personal gain. If we can offer an appropriate reward, perhaps Sora might choose to simply observe rather than interfere."
Zetsu proposed this to Obito mainly because he worried that Obito would be killed by Namikaze Minato and Sora after entering Konoha.
Although Sora and Uchiha Madara had an agreement that Sora would help conceal Obito's identity and could assist him, who knew whether Sora was being truthful or deceitful?
The agreement between Sora and Uchiha Madara wasn't binding at all.
Zetsu also hoped Obito would learn a lesson and recognize his true capabilities.
Hearing Zetsu's suggestion, Obito fell into deep thought.
Sora had once told him that he saw great potential in Obito's future and believed he would eventually stand at the top of the shinobi world. He also mentioned that regardless of what happened in the future, Obito could come to him for cooperation, though he would require equal compensation.
In Obito's opinion, Sora was indeed not loyal to Konoha as Zetsu said, and had major conflicts with Namikaze Minato, so cooperation was possible.
But...
Obito frowned and said, "It seems we don't have any suitable compensation to offer Sora."
Zetsu shrugged. "No matter what the reward, we first need to know what Sora wants, right? Maybe we already possess something Sora desires?"
Obito considered this for a while.
If Sora could be convinced to stand aside, then the operation to release the Kyuubi to attack Konoha would proceed much more smoothly.
Obito nodded. "Let's go talk to Sora then."
Seeing that Obito agreed, Zetsu asked, "Should we inform Nagato about this?"
Obito thought for a moment before answering, "Yes, it's better to tell Nagato. He doesn't trust us. Informing him will save us trouble later. After that, return to meet me and we'll head to Konoha together. I need to make some arrangements here in Kirigakure first."
Zetsu nodded. "I'll leave now."
After Zetsu departed, he didn't immediately go to Amegakure to find Nagato. Instead, he headed to Konoha to find Yahiko.
It was crucial to confirm Sora's intentions. If Sora honored their agreement, that would be ideal.
If Sora intended to break the contract, then Zetsu would need to stop Obito's plan.
As for safety concerns, Black Zetsu was a manifestation of Kaguya's will, and nothing could truly kill him, so he certainly wasn't afraid of Sora.
...
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office in Konoha.
Sarutobi Hiruzen approached Namikaze Minato and said, "Minato, regarding Miyuki's imminent childbirth, I believe we should hold a meeting to discuss the necessary preparations."
Minato frowned. "Sandaime, that... doesn't seem necessary. I know the sealing technique, and according to Anbu reports, Sora has returned to Konoha. I plan to ask for his assistance in case the Kyuubi breaks free. I can use the sealing technique to reseal the Kyuubi, and even if something unexpected happens, there's still Sora's Mangekyō Sharingan to control the Kyuubi."
Hiruzen's expression grew serious. "Minato, we can't take chances. We must approach this matter with utmost caution, because this isn't just your personal concern—it's a significant event for all of Konoha. We need to make the most secure preparations possible."
Hearing Hiruzen's words, Minato could only agree. "Should the meeting be held now or later?"
Hiruzen replied, "Now. I'll summon the others. Minato, please ask Anbu to inform Sora. Let's continue this discussion in the conference room."
Minato nodded. "I understand."
After Hiruzen left, Minato sighed deeply.
He really didn't want Uzumaki Miyuki to deliver their child with so many people watching over her. She would be anxious enough without additional observers.
But there was no avoiding it—Miyuki's status as a Jinchūriki made these precautions necessary.
At Sora's home.
Sora was wearing an apron, and the hand that usually held kunai now held a kitchen spatula.
"Kushina, dinner will be ready soon. Get ready to eat."
"Okay."
Uzumaki Kushina turned off the TV, and just as she was about to get up from the sofa, there was a sudden knock at the door.
Sora frowned.
Kakashi wouldn't be off duty yet.
Because he needed to take care of Kushina, Sora had no interest in dealing with Konoha Defense Force matters, so he had allowed Kakashi to continue serving as acting captain.
When Orochimaru visited Sora in the afternoon, he had mentioned that Kushina's next medical examination wasn't for another five days.
Neither Kakashi nor Orochimaru would come at this hour, so who could it be?
Sora opened the door and was surprised to find Namikaze Minato standing there.
Hiruzen had asked Minato to send Anbu to request Sora's presence at the meeting, but Minato thought it better to speak with Sora personally, since they would need his assistance later.
Minato saw Sora wearing an apron with a spatula in hand. The stark contrast with his usual appearance almost made Minato wonder if he'd come to the wrong address.
Recovering his composure, Minato smiled. "It's been a while, Sora."
Sora simply nodded and asked directly, "What do you want from me?"
Minato explained, "The Sandaime and the senior council are holding a meeting, so I'm here to invite you to join us. It's about Miyuki."
Sora gave him a questioning look. "Why include me in your meeting? Orochimaru-sensei already briefed me on this when we met earlier today. If you need my help, I'll assist you. Let's skip the meeting and get to the point."
Kushina, overhearing Minato mention Miyuki and Sora's offer of help, immediately guessed what this was about.
Concerned about Miyuki's safety, she said, "Sora, you should go to the meeting. If Miyuki needs our help, we should discuss how to reduce the risks."
With Kushina speaking up, Sora could only agree.
"Fine. I'll serve the food and you eat first."
Ignoring Minato waiting at the door, Sora plated the dishes, placed them on the table, and helped Kushina sit down.
After completing these tasks, Sora removed his apron, walked to the door, and said to the bewildered Minato, "Let's go. Hurry up—the sooner we finish, the better."
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