.....
"How do you feel, Nagato?"
"Although with your help my body has recovered to normal, and I've even used the corpses of the other five jinchūriki as vessels for the remaining five Paths, it is indeed a huge improvement compared to before.
Even so, whenever I recall the scene from that day, I find it hard to have any confidence in defeating her. After all, she was already that strong at such a young age. Over all this time, she surely would not have stood still in place. You know this as well."
At the highest point of the Village Hidden in the Rain, Obito and Nagato—whose body had now recovered—stood side by side, feeling the light drizzle around them. Whenever this topic came up, neither of their moods was particularly good.
Facing Nagato's less-than-positive response, although Obito had already anticipated it, he still could not help feeling somewhat helpless.
Ever since that battle, after realizing Furina seemed far beyond what they could currently defeat, Obito had begun doing everything possible to increase their combat power.
This included but was not limited to intensifying his own training, providing Nagato with White Zetsu cells to help restore his physical disabilities, and continuing to recruit potential allies in the ninja world.
However, the more he did these things, the harder it became for Obito to find a way to win. The ideal world he envisioned also seemed increasingly distant.
On this point, Nagato and Obito—who originally had a very poor relationship—surprisingly held quite consistent views. Otherwise, Obito would not have made this somewhat risky choice of raising a tiger that could turn against them.
It was simply because he saw no hope relying solely on himself. It was merely a desperate measure.
"But this is only speculation after all. Perhaps all this time she has been complacent with her own strength and thus given up on further diligent improvement.
Moreover, because of our period of dormancy, the internal contradictions within their side have become increasingly obvious. Perhaps this is our opportunity. What do you think?"
"Of course. But if we are to act, you still need to rally those guys. Although they may not necessarily be useful, having them is better than not."
While they were chatting idly, both of them almost simultaneously sensed something wrong. They immediately looked up into the sky together. With just one glance, waves surged in both their hearts.
The other side also had Rinnegan—and not just one pair.
Noticing their gaze, one of the figures in the air above spoke in a frivolous—or rather, utterly indifferent—manner about his purpose.
"Oh, you noticed? Although I don't know how you natives managed to get Rinnegan, in the end you are still a bit stronger than those inferior creatures. I hope you can be sensible as well.
The aggregates of chakra—that is, what you call tailed beasts—I can sense there are many here. Hand them over, then submit to me. I can reluctantly allow you to become my servant."
Although these words sounded extremely insulting, the two companions beside him both wore expressions as if this was only natural. Clearly, their thoughts aligned with the speaker's.
And the insult in those words was indeed very strong. Nagato's face instantly darkened upon hearing them. Previously, even Furina at most teased him. This one acted as if taking him in as a dog would be a favor. How could Nagato possibly accept that?
Similarly to Nagato, the face beneath Obito's mask did not look good either. Although he was not the direct target of the mockery, being treated like one of those "inferior creatures" mentioned—being completely disregarded—was itself an even greater humiliation.