"You should rest well first, we will find the answer."
Black Zetsu glanced at Nagato, finally sighing in relief, but he noticed Obito giving him a look.
So he comforted Nagato and then followed Obito to the side.
"Are you telling the truth? That Takemi, is he really…"
After confirming that Nagato couldn't hear, Obito spoke incredulously, and Black Zetsu shook his head.
"Not certain, but highly probable. Since the Uchiha stone tablet mentioned it, perhaps the Senju relics also contain relevant information."
"Senju relics, huh…" Obito sighed, "How's your search coming along?"
"Almost confirmed, but Konoha has been watching closely lately, so I need to be careful."
"Speed it up. Also, this time, Itachi died."
"Hmm?"
Black Zetsu was stunned for a moment.
Itachi actually died?
"He was no match for Sasuke? What about the Seven-Tails?"
"We didn't capture the Seven-Tails, but we collected its Chakra. As for Itachi…"
Speaking of Itachi, Obito's gaze grew somewhat gloomy.
"Who knows about him? Perhaps he wanted to die himself. But it's good that he's dead. When Orochimaru uses Edo Tensei to revive him, it will be even more convenient."
Itachi had other intentions, and Obito was well aware of it.
If it were before, Obito would have regretted losing a capable subordinate, but now…
It was better that he was dead!
"Also, investigate the matter of the Sage of Six Paths's younger brother."
Obito adjusted his mood. Although he had suffered a crushing defeat, he still had some gains.
Compared to his previous complete losses, this time was not bad.
"I'll go pick up the others. Thank you for your hard work."
"I understand."
Black Zetsu nodded helplessly, watching Obito disappear, then glanced at Nagato, who seemed to have regained his confidence, and sighed.
"It seems the Hyuga relics also need to be prepared…"
Black Zetsu had a bit of a headache, while Takemi's expression was somewhat strange at this moment.
"You actually killed him?"
"I lived up to your expectations, senpai."
Sasuke was exceptionally excited now, though there was also a hint of lament amidst his excitement.
"I killed him, but it's a pity…"
"Don't worry, your family would be happy for you if they knew."
Kakashi patted Sasuke's shoulder, and Naruto gave Sasuke a thumbs up.
Naruto could now understand Sasuke's pain of once having everything and then losing it all.
Just imagine, if his parents' Chakra disappeared from his body, could he remain so calm?
Although he felt that fratricide was not a good thing, he was still willing to bless Sasuke, especially since he had killed a rogue ninja and a villain.
"Very good, kid, you've grown up."
Jiraiya also smiled and patted Sasuke's shoulder, but he quickly sighed again.
"Unfortunately, Orochimaru escaped. Although the Seven-Tails is fine, they reportedly obtained its Chakra, and this place…"
Looking back at Takigakure, which was almost completely destroyed, Jiraiya rubedb his temples.
Tobirama's thoughts had come true. Even if they hadn't intended for it to happen, the reality was this, and he didn't know if it was good or bad.
"Takemi, why do you look a bit unhappy?"
Jiraiya didn't want to delve into these problems anymore. He glanced at everyone present and suddenly noticed Takemi seemed lost in thought, so he asked curiously.
Jiraiya's words also drew the attention of the others, who were all curious.
"Sigh, it's a pity he died."
Takemi sighed faintly, which made Sasuke frown.
"Senpai, what do you mean…"
"You were too excited. While his death is no loss, did you forget about Edo Tensei?"
"Uh…"
"He was sickly when he was alive, and his body was on the verge of collapse. His death actually completed him. What a pity."
"…"
"If I were you, I'd cut off his limbs, dig out his eyes, and seal his Chakra. Wouldn't that be better?"
"Hiss…"
"Then bring him back to Konoha. If you're afraid he'll commit suicide, pull out his tongue. That way, he can suffer while alive, and you don't have to worry about Edo Tensei even if he dies, right?"
"…"
"This could also be considered a form of atonement. Sasuke, you're too young."
"…"
Takemi's words silenced everyone present.
They even made Naruto and Sasuke shiver.
At this moment, they seemed to understand why Tobirama would say—
"This kid is even more ruthless than me!"
"Damn it! I really shouldn't have killed him so easily!"
On the way back to Konoha, Sasuke suddenly slammed his hand down, his face full of regret.
His appearance made Naruto, who was beside him, sweat profusely, and even the Takigakure Ninja who were following them to Konoha were startled.
Takigakure had suffered such a heavy blow that, no matter how unwilling they were, they understood that the Seven-Tails could not be kept.
Especially, Takemi's terrifying display of power, which made them understand 'Konoha's resolve' even more.
Therefore, even though Konoha said nothing afterward, they immediately expressed their stance.
Of course, Fū was still a Takigakure Ninja, she was merely 'a guest' in Konoha.
Similarly, since Takigakure had suffered such significant losses, Konoha would provide some aid out of goodwill.
However, they were not at ease throughout the journey, not only terrified by the strength of Takemi and the others, but also by Sasuke's occasional outbursts.
"Alright, Sasuke, don't think about it anymore."
Jiraiya covered his forehead, unwilling to speak, while Takemi looked on with an expression of enjoying the show.
This forced Kakashi to speak helplessly, trying his best to persuade him.
"Don't believe Takemi's words, he's too extreme. Your handling was very good…"
"But letting him die so cheaply, it really doesn't do justice to the clansmen he massacred." Sasuke said, clenching his fists, looking displeased.
"And who knows what kind of slaughter he'll cause if he's brought back by Edo Tensei? He's truly a hateful fellow!"
"Kakashi-sensei, you see, this is all trouble. My plan is the best."
Takemi looked at Sasuke with an expression of 'a teachable child', but Kakashi helplessly spat out a retort.
"Ha, at least not as extreme as you…"
"Tch."
Takemi rolled his eyes and tilted his head to look at Sasuke.
"Instead of saying all this, why not think about Itachi's Edo Tensei?"
"Edo Tensei is fine too!"
Sasuke clenched his fists from the side, his eyes involuntarily turning crimson.
"This time he died too cheaply, and I've changed too."
"This kid…"
Kakashi shook his head helplessly. He and Jiraiya pulled Takemi a few steps forward.
After moving away from Sasuke and Naruto, Jiraiya was the first to ask, "Was he really snatched by Orochimaru?"
"Yes, it's confirmed."
Takemi nodded, speaking seriously, "The Third Hokage's Edo Tensei was so slow. I learned it just by watching once. I just went and tried it on a bandit, and you saw the result."