His father, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, warned him to be cautious of Ayane's motives in assisting Hidden Rock, yet Ayane's abrupt termination of cooperation with Hidden Rock seemed too sudden.
What exactly does she want?
Could it be that her goal in cooperating with Hidden Rock has already been achieved?
Feeling puzzled, Kitsuchi realized that without the powerful ninja Ayane, what could Hidden Rock's forces in the Land of Grass use to restrain the Yellow Flash?
Even if his father, Onoki, came personally, he might not be able to restrain the Yellow Flash.
"Relay the order that encountering Namikaze Minato allows them to abandon the mission without punishment, so they don't make needless sacrifices."
Kitsuchi reluctantly gave this order to the Hidden Rock Jonin beside him.
Although unwilling to admit it, Hidden Rock couldn't defend against that magical Flying Thunder God Jutsu.
This reminded Kitsuchi of the Konoha White Fang, but the Yellow Flash Namikaze Minato, who masterfully used the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, was even more terrifying.
Lately, the Hidden Rock Ninja on his side had been rendered restless by the Yellow Flash alone.
Often encountering the Yellow Flash on the battlefield, they didn't even have time to react before meeting a swift death.
This deterrent was even more threatening than the Konoha White Fang.
"Yes."
The Hidden Rock Jonin stepped back to carry out Kitsuchi's order.
◎
After leaving the Hidden Rock Camp, Ayane didn't immediately return to the Land of Demons.
Because the Flying Thunder God Mark imprinted on her hand had a very precise locating capability.
Once she returned to the Land of Demons, Minato would surely notice.
She walked to an abandoned cave in the Land of Grass, where a man and a woman were waiting.
The man, in his twenties, wore a white lab coat and looked quite handsome, with a lingering scent of chemicals on him.
The woman appeared much younger, clad in a jet-black ninja suit, carrying a Flame Circle Fan on her back, with a cold expression.
This man and woman were Hakushi and Ruri.
They had been waiting here for Ayane for some time.
"The mission is complete, but Madara's exact plans are still unclear."
After arriving here, Ayane spoke these words.
"It's okay, as long as we eliminate the White Zetsu by Obito's side. Compared to the Five Great Nations, Madara's threat is greater. Based on existing data, his goal might be to become the Ten-tailed Jinchuriki and unleash Infinite Tsukuyomi on the Ninja Realm. Enveloping everyone in a void illusion technique. Just like Otsutsuki Kaguya did before."
Hakushi exhaled, feeling heavy-hearted.
"Escaping reality? Those old-timers in the old era were truly obsessed with peace."
"Therefore, we must deliver a fatal blow while he's weakened, not allowing him any reprieve."
"But he's already an old man now, becoming the Ten-tailed Jinchuriki… something seems off about all this."
"Who knows. Maybe becoming the Ten-tailed Jinchuriki will bring some unforeseen changes. Setting up a hand here with Obito is just a precaution, and it depends on how Madara will choose then. This is the only way to approach him again."
Ayane ignored Hakushi's rambling and rolled up her sleeve, revealing a fair arm to show the Flying Thunder God Mark on her wrist.
"We'll deal with Madara later, remove this mark quickly, I don't want to live in constant fear."
"No need to be so nervous. In terms of normally exiting the Hidden Rock battlefield, it's actually a good excuse. Plus, ultimately, this mark is just like the Bird Cage Seal, a Juinjutsu based on Chakra. As long as it's Jutsu developed from Chakra, it becomes very easy to crack."
Hakushi smiled slightly, confident in his ability to crack the Flying Thunder God Mark.
◎
In the dark cavern of an unknown location.
White Zetsu was reporting to Madara.
"Lord Madara, they're starting to clear out the White Zetsu by Obito's side."
"Have all those special White Zetsu been dealt with?"
Sitting in a chair, Madara was already old and drowsy, opening his red Sharingan eyes, his white withered long hair hanging messily down.
His vitality diminishing, as if he might die at any moment.
"Yes."
"These young ninjas of this era cannot be underestimated."
"Yes. They cooperate with Hidden Rock, likely to eliminate the White Zetsu by Obito's side."
"There's that meaning, but it shouldn't be just for that purpose. If it was simply to eliminate the White Zetsu by Obito's side, they could have acted long ago. They're probing my reaction, and against Konoha."
Madara's voice, though ancient, had an air of undeniable authority.
"What should we do next?"
White Zetsu couldn't fathom Madara's intentions.
"The net is cast, this time let's have a true conclusion with these brats. My days are numbered, I cannot wait any longer."
In the dark, the Sharingan gleamed with eerie blood-red light.
Madara's lips curled into a terrifying grin that chilled the heart of those who saw it.
"Finally, in this world where the cycle of love and hatred cannot be severed… dance once more…"