After the three reached an agreement, Asuka decided to accelerate the progress of the Third Great Ninja War.
At this point, the battlefield of the Ninja World was already engulfed in flames, and the situation across various fronts was shifting rapidly.
---
The first to suffer was Iwagakure.
The destruction of the Kannabi Bridge had effectively severed their lifeline.
Without supplies reaching the front lines, heavy ninja tools could no longer be replenished, and medical resources were critically scarce. Wounded ninja were left to endure their injuries, with infections and festering wounds becoming increasingly common.
At this rate, Iwagakure would not last much longer before being forced to withdraw completely.
---
Meanwhile, Kumogakure remained locked in fierce combat with Konohagakure.
The A and Killer B—the A-B Brothers—acted like twin blades, repeatedly launching assaults on Konoha's borders alongside Kumogakure's elite forces. The thunderous roar of Lightning Release techniques echoed constantly across the battlefield.
---
However, everything changed once Orochimaru took command of Konoha's forces on that front.
Unlike others, Orochimaru avoided direct confrontation. Instead, he relied on cunning strategies—using terrain, traps, and poisonous mist to gradually wear down Kumogakure's forces.
The battlefield soon fell into a stalemate.
Despite multiple attempts, the A-B Brothers failed to break through his defenses. Worse still, they suffered heavy losses, and fear of Orochimaru began to spread among Kumogakure's troops.
That psychological pressure proved even more devastating than direct combat.
---
As for Kirigakure, under the command of Asuka's clone, the results were impressive.
The Mist forces had already pushed deep into the Land of Fire.
However, the combined leadership of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze proved formidable.
Minato's speed and mobility, combined with Hiruzen's experience, prevented the Mist from advancing too far despite the clone's relentless offense.
The Mist battlefield had now become the largest meat grinder of the war, with brutal fighting occurring every single day.
---
Of course, this was only because Asuka's clone had been holding back.
But now, Asuka decided it was time to reveal more of his strength—to further compress Konoha's defenses and push them toward peace negotiations.
He relayed his instructions to the clone: begin gradually increasing pressure.
---
Meanwhile…
Uchiha Madara, before his death, successfully helped Obito Uchiha fully master the fusion of his Mangekyō Sharingan and Wood Release.
With that, Obito no longer had to fear blindness.
---
On this day, under Asuka's watchful eye, Madara summoned a White Zetsu.
Placing his hand on its head, a black substance began to spread from his palm, gradually covering half of its body.
"This is Black Zetsu," Madara said.
"I created it using Yin-Yang Release. You may think of it as the embodiment of my will."
---
He paused, his breathing weakening.
"I have infused my will into it… you can consider it as another version of me. Though imperfect, it will guide you after my death."
---
Obito remained silent, nodding slightly.
He understood—he still needed Madara's legacy.
There was no room for conflict now.
---
With his final arrangements complete, Madara removed the life-sustaining tubes connected to his body.
Slowly… he closed his eyes.
---
From that moment on—
Obito inherited everything.
He would walk the Ninja World as Uchiha Madara.
---
He put on his mask, donned a black robe, and pulled up his hood.
---
"The Rinnegan is currently in the possession of a member of the Uzumaki Clan," Black Zetsu said coldly.
"You must go meet him. His name is Nagato."
---
At the mention of that name, a faint glint passed through Asuka's eyes.
He stepped forward.
"Since we're meeting the Rinnegan's holder… I'll come along."
---
Black Zetsu immediately grew wary.
This mysterious man—who knew too much and possessed terrifying strength—was an unpredictable variable.
But it had no way to refuse.
---
Before it could react—
Obito had already agreed.
---
The two disappeared instantly.
Black Zetsu could only sink into the ground and follow.
---
Soon, they arrived in the Amegakure.
By now, the name Akatsuki had spread throughout the Land of Rain.
With the support of Asuka's techniques, the organization had grown far stronger than in the original timeline. Their rapid rise had drawn the attention of Hanzo, who had begun relentlessly hunting them down.
---
When Asuka and Obito found them—
The Akatsuki members were hiding in a cave, sheltering from the rain.
---
Suddenly—
Two figures appeared in the center of the cave.
---
The calm was shattered instantly.
---
Yahiko reacted first.
He stepped forward, shielding his companions, his grip tightening around his Kunai.
Recognition flashed in his eyes… followed by caution.
---
"We meet again, Mr. Wu," Yahiko said hoarsely.
"Why have you come?"
---
Obito glanced at Asuka, confused.
Asuka gave him a reassuring look and stepped forward.
"I'm here to introduce someone."
---
He shifted slightly, revealing Obito.
---
"Allow me to introduce you."
---
"This is… Uchiha Madara."
---
The cave fell silent.
Then—
Gasps echoed throughout.
---
The name alone carried overwhelming weight.
---
Obito stepped forward, lowering his hood.
Behind his mask, the Mangekyō Sharingan spun slowly.
---
"I am Uchiha Madara," he said in a deep voice.
"I came to meet the wielder of the Rinnegan."
---
As he spoke—
He pointed directly at Nagato.