In the dark underground space, Uchiha Madara sat on his chair, coughing with difficulty.
After a long while, he finally looked up, his face weary, but his eyes were like a hawk's.
"Kakuzu is dead?"
"No, to be precise, he was captured alive. Also captured was a cultivated clone. Konoha will surely be able to research something from it."
Black Zetsu answered.
Madara rubbed his eyes, unable to hide his fatigue. Kakuzu captured alive… For him, this was a heavy blow. After all, among the powerful subordinates he had recruited, there was currently only Kakuzu. As for someone like Kurosuki Raiga, he was at most fit for odd jobs. An elite jounin was top-tier among ordinary ninja groups, but completely insignificant here with Madara.
As for Obito, although he had high potential and might reach a very high level in the future, for now, he relied more on the ability of his Sharingan. Obito's own ability was at most at the jounin level. His strength lay in the peculiarity of his Sharingan ability, which ensured his survival.
Madara thought for a moment in his heart and couldn't help but sigh softly. That brat from Konoha has really grown up. Now he can even capture Kakuzu alive. Even he had to admit that Kakuzu was a tough nut to crack. The ability of the Earth Grudge Fear, even he would find it quite troublesome to deal with. Ryoho Kyohiko's current strength was catching up to that of Senju Hashirama back then.
Madara pondered for a moment.
"Any trace of Nagato?"
"Not at the moment."
Black Zetsu lowered his head, not daring to look up.
Nagato's disappearance meant that if there was a need, the Rinnegan could not be retrieved for the time being. Their strength would be severely suppressed. Even in the future, it was a question whether the original plan could continue to be executed.
Uchiha Madara narrowed his eyes.
"I don't believe they would kill Nagato. They must have hidden him. Kakuzu… hmph, the little fellow's move was quite sharp!"
"You mean to say?"
Black Zetsu naturally understood in his heart. Kyohiko capturing Kakuzu alive was, on one hand, to cut off their arm, and on the other hand, to prevent Yahiko and Konan from being attacked. These two were Nagato's best friends.
No matter what, Nagato could not possibly abandon them. And the reason these two had returned to Amegakure was likely also to hope for Hanzo's protection. So, these two were the key to forcing Nagato out! Originally, Kakuzu had the ability to kill them, but now that Kakuzu was captured, Konoha couldn't possibly release him alive.
And as for Black Zetsu… he could certainly go, but last time, Kyohiko had already proven that he had the ability to sense him. To risk it for this matter was tantamount to putting the cart before the horse.
Uchiha Madara was silent for a few seconds, then chuckled lightly.
"No matter. Let's just consider Kakuzu dead. As for Yahiko and Konan's matter, you inform Onoki of their movements."
Uchiha Madara sneered. With Kakuzu gone, he had indeed suffered a great loss. But Amegakure's movements, Kyohiko's ability, and the change in Takigakure's attitude that would be caused after Kakuzu was captured… all these changes would force Onoki to make a choice. Either be squeezed in the north and slowly be eaten away, or rise up and resist.
Which one Onoki would choose was already without a doubt.
"The key now is actually Iwagakure and Kumogakure. On their side, you go and give them a push, help them a bit."
As Uchiha Madara spoke, he took out several scrolls.
These were some of his summarized ninjutsu experiences, which would surely be of some help to Iwagakure and Kumogakure. In the situation where Kakuzu was captured and Kurosuki Raiga was killed, he could only strengthen these "allies" to disrupt the current situation.
***
Thump!
Thump, thump!
The two quickly exchanged blows. After a few rounds, Hatake Kakashi was covered in cold sweat, gritting his teeth to hold on.
A look of suspicion appeared in Might Gai's eyes, and he quickly stopped.
"Kakashi, that's not right!"
"What's wrong?"
Kakashi took a few breaths.
Might Gai frowned.
"Your strength should be more than this. How has your speed become so slow?"
He felt it was already ridiculous that he had wasted so much time on the ship. As it turned out, back in Konoha, dueling with Kakashi, he simply couldn't hold back. Kakashi's strength had directly regressed eight years, back to when he had just enrolled. Practicing more and more and getting worse, is that even possible!
Kakashi's face was stiff. He forcibly maintained his state, but alas… the current situation really didn't allow him to hold on. Training and real battle, the difference was a bit too big.
Plop!
He sat down and took off the special vest on his body.
Instantly, he felt his whole person come alive!
"Again!"
A sharp light appeared in Kakashi's eyes, and he used a Lightning Release ninjutsu to break the Added-Weight Rock Technique on his body. The next second, he instantly disappeared from his spot.
"Alright!"
Gai let out a strange cry and immediately blocked Kakashi's kick with a punch.
But in an instant, Kakashi had already kicked several times, and then… with a flicker, he was behind him, directly kicking him up. What? Might Gai was extremely surprised.
Eight Gates Release!
Swish.
The two landed one after another. Kakashi stood up and put on his armor.
"I win!"
"How did you do it?"
Might Gai was no fool.
Kakashi had never known the Eight Gates Release before—even if it was just the "Gate of Opening," it also required a long period of hard training, constantly surpassing one's own limits, to possibly break through the obstacle and open it. And Kakashi, ever since joining the Anbu, had had less and less time for training. How did he do it?
Kakashi pointed to the clothes on his body.
"With this."
"What is this?"
Might Gai moved closer.
Clothes? He lifted it. Not heavy at all! Gai's expression was strange.
"How heavy is this of yours? Let me show you my arm and leg guards!"
As he spoke, he took off his arm guard. Bang! A cloud of dust filled the air.
Kakashi's mouth twitched slightly. Gai… is really going all out! He couldn't help but cough lightly.
"Gai, your arm and leg guards are a bit exaggerated. But this of mine is different from yours."
Kakashi took off his clothes and handed them to Might Gai. He tried to form the hand seals. After a series of complicated seals, he tried to clap his hands. Very good! The jutsu failed.
Again!
After more than ten attempts at forming seals and summarizing, Kakashi finally succeeded, his head covered in sweat.
Earth Style: Added-Weight Rock Technique!
Instantly, Might Gai sank, almost falling to the ground.
Kakashi's mouth twitched slightly.
"Sorry, I'm new to this jutsu and not very proficient yet."
The Added-Weight Rock Technique was indeed difficult. Kakashi considered himself quite talented in ninjutsu, and with Kyohiko's personal guidance, he still hadn't mastered it quickly. Now he had finally gotten the hang of it. But his application of the jutsu was very crude, either unstable or failing to cast successfully. Like this time, uh… he probably added too much weight! Fortunately, Might Gai gritted his teeth and held on, sweating all over, but was still slowly moving his steps, trying to stand up. But his hands were too heavy!
"Kakashi, help me release it! I haven't taken off my weights yet!"
***
In Konoha, at the Hokage's Office.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke looked at the ninjutsu scroll in his hand, starting to speak several times, then stopping.
Tsunade cleared her throat.
"Shinnosuke, if you have any needs, you can just ask. I'll help you solve whatever I can."
"Uh, not really."
Sarutobi Shinnosuke didn't know how to comment. He just felt that the research work he and his father, Hiruzen, had on hand seemed to have never stopped.
Although it was a good thing, this was arranged too full! Sarutobi Shinnosuke cleared his throat.
"Hokage-sama, you see, my father's side, should he take a break for a while?"
"O-Of course!"
Tsunade looked at the blueprint in her hand, a rare blush on her old face.
In her hand was the blueprint for a new Chakra Armor researched by Sarutobi Hiruzen, which could effectively enhance the cutting characteristic of Wind Style ninjutsu. Obviously, this was specially researched by the Third. Although there was a little bit of selfishness, the characteristic of Wind Style itself was sharpness. Most Wind Style ninjutsu could be enhanced by it. So, this design was undoubtedly a success.
It was just that, exploiting an old man like this was indeed a bit excessive.
Seeing Shinnosuke's resentful face, Tsunade immediately took out an item.
"Take this."
"What?"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke looked up.
Tsunade said.
"An Earth Style Chakra Armor. Try it out and see the effect. Then you can think about how to improve it."
"Alright."
Sarutobi Shinnosuke took it without refusing.
Before the other left, Tsunade gave another order—for him to go to the north and assist Jiraiya. Shinnosuke, who was good at Earth and Fire Style, knew the Iwa-nin's fighting style better. It was more appropriate for him to go to the north to defend against them.
***
[Under your leadership, the Chakra Armor technology has been further promoted, having a great impact on Konoha.]
[Reward: Bloodline has been enhanced]
Is this the result of the gravity suit? Or have there been some breakthroughs in other areas.
Ryoho Kyohiko pondered for a moment, then looked at the reward. Bloodline again. I wonder if this time's bloodline can help me achieve the effect of closing the "Sharingan." The bloodline needed several days to fuse. He planned to use this mechanism. So, Ryoho Kyohiko decided to go into seclusion for the time being! As for the outside affairs, it was just right for his clone to deal with them.
After releasing the Strength of a Hundred Healings, he had created a clone with a considerable amount of chakra, and with the help of a wood clone, he had transplanted the Sharingan. Perfect—these few days, I'll handle affairs in the Anbu and won't go out. The Anbu's side was his world.
***
In Iwagakure, Onoki was dealing with intelligence from various places, his brows tightly knitted, his mood becoming more and more irritable.
Bang!
He slammed the table fiercely.
"Chichi-ue…"
"It's nothing, don't come in!"
Onoki sent Kitsuchi out in a huff.
He was fine. Just too angry! The Third Raikage had actually gone to visit Konoha at this juncture. And—according to intelligence, the Third Raikage should have fought with Konoha's Namikaze Minato in the bay, and in the end, it was suspected that the Third Raikage had lost. Konoha's Namikaze Minato has become stronger again! How can he tolerate this?
"Phew!"
Can't get angry!
Onoki's gaze was fixed on the map. He could understand the Raikage. Anyone whose Jinchuriki was taken away would find it hard to sleep. Unless it was like the leader of Takigakure, then there was indeed no need to worry.
But Konoha's move was too clever. It had directly put their three-village alliance in a position of being defeated one by one.
"Konoha, Konoha!"
Just as Onoki was muttering to himself, a voice suddenly sounded.
"Is Tsuchikage-sama worrying about Konoha?"
"Who?"
Onoki suddenly turned his head.
Seeing the half-black, half-white strange person, he immediately understood and frowned.
"It's you again. What is it this time?"
"Tsuchikage-sama, don't be so distant. I come with goodwill."
Zetsu chuckled and took out a scroll. "This is a gift from my lord!"
Onoki took it with suspicion. Opening it to look, he was immediately a little surprised and quickly put down the scroll. Earth Style ninjutsu! On it were various Earth Style ninjutsu, and also some Fire Style ninjutsu suitable for them to learn. This… is indeed a great gift!
He looked at Zetsu gravely. Usually, the more you give, the more you want to get. What does Madara mean? Onoki quickly thought.
Zetsu chuckled.
"No need to think. We just hope that you can become a little stronger, so our four-family alliance won't be overshadowed by Konoha in the end."
"Four families? If you only have Madara, Uchiha Obito, and Kakuzu, I'm afraid that doesn't count as a family, right?"
"Wrong!"
Zetsu chuckled. "Kakuzu has already been captured, captured alive."
"What?"
Onoki was extremely surprised.
Kakuzu captured? This, how is that possible! Kakuzu's strength, even he didn't dare to say he could win, let alone "capture alive." The difficulty was not the same at all. Ryoho Kyohiko… is that strong? He took a deep breath, feeling a deep sense of despair. Immediately, he no longer hid his attitude.
"Zetsu-san, I think Madara must stand up to deal with him. Otherwise, none of us can defeat Ryoho Kyohiko!"
"Yes, we are very clear on this point. But before that, you also have to become strong enough. Otherwise, it will still be difficult to deal with them."
Zetsu was naturally just painting a big picture.
The current Madara, once he came out from there, it was hard to say if he could even survive. His non-appearance was the strongest deterrent! Once he appeared… that would not be far from death.
But Onoki was no fool. He looked at the scroll in his hand, feeling it was extremely hot.
"If Madara can't stand up, then I think, it's better to just surrender like back then. Anyway, we've done this kind of thing once, we're not afraid to do it a second time."
Onoki was very direct.
Zetsu narrowed his eyes. A few seconds later, he smiled.
"We of course also have our own strength."
"Oh?"
Onoki's gaze carried a trace of suspicion.
Zetsu formed a hand seal, splitting off another White Zetsu, and then said.
"As you can see, ninjas like this, we have a hundred thousand!"
"A h-hundred thousand?"
Onoki's first reaction was "absurd."
But Zetsu's face was serious and confident.
"If you don't believe me, I can take you on a tour."
"In addition, Madara-sama can also help you control the Tailed Beasts more easily!"
Zetsu continued to raise the stakes.
Onoki's eyes were filled with excitement.
"Alright, if you really have such strong power, our four families will join forces. We have six Tailed Beasts in our hands now. We won't be weak no matter what!"
He slammed the table.
"Konoha has high-end combat power to destroy us, but we can also kill everyone except Ryoho Kyohiko and Namikaze Minato!"
He was very clear. High-end combat power was certainly important. A powerful ninja could directly turn the tide of a battle. The past Kyohiko and Minato had done just that. But when the number of ninjas reached a certain level, high-end combat power was certainly not enough. What's more, they also had six Tailed Beast Jinchuriki… At worst, we'll perish together!