After the Kannabi Bridge was destroyed, Kakashi's squad completed their mission.
Shindai could finally relax.
That's because Shindai had just asked Minato Namikaze whether, after the bridge was destroyed, they could return to Konoha.
Without the Kannabi Bridge, the Rock ninja unit lost its supply lines. This meant they had lost their combat effectiveness and couldn't function normally anymore.
Logistics support was crucial for a unit's normal operation and sustained combat capabilities.
It wouldn't take long before the Rock ninja withdrew on their own, so now all they needed to do was return to Konoha and report completion of their mission.
With Minato Namikaze by his side, Shindai didn't have anything to fear.
If Black Zetsu dared to show up again, Minato definitely wouldn't be playing around with him.
Although Black Zetsu had an Immortal Body, he could still be sealed!
Under Kushina Uzumaki's training, Minato's mastery of Sealing Techniques had become exceptional.
Now, they only needed to stall until Madara Uchiha died—then Obito would be completely safe.
However… When exactly would Madara die? He must be ancient by now, yet the Demonic Statue kept him alive—who knew how much longer he could endure?
If only they could know where Madara was now and what condition he was in.
If Shindai could find out where Madara was, he'd yank that lifeline right out!
...
Mountain Tomb
Black Zetsu appeared before Madara Uchiha, currently inhabiting White Zetsu's body.
Madara Uchiha opened his wrinkled eyelids. Seeing only Black Zetsu returning, he said indifferently, "So it failed after all."
Black Zetsu replied awkwardly: "It was almost successful, but something went wrong…"
A trace of disgust flickered across Madara Uchiha's eyes: "I told you, I only care about results. You didn't bring back Obito, nor did you find that seal. Nothing you attempt succeeds. I'm increasingly convinced your existence is unnecessary. Choosing an Agent indeed proved correct."
Wanting to explain himself, Black Zetsu tried to speak, but Madara Uchiha interrupted directly: "Be quiet. I don't want to hear your excuses. Though you're utterly useless, you are my will's creation. Your only redeeming quality is loyalty."
"There's no time left for you to try again. Then I'll activate the backup plan. Your future task is surveillance—ensure events develop exactly as I intend."
Black Zetsu burned with anger inside. He really wanted to scream at Madara Uchiha—tell him he wasn't loyal at all, nor was he truly created from Madara Uchiha's will! And he wasn't useless either—he used his brain, unlike those dumb muscle-head ninjas who just charged in blindly!
Then he'd rip Madara Uchiha's lifeline right out, watching Madara Uchiha stare at him with shocked and desperate eyes as he died.
That feeling would be absolutely glorious.
Unfortunately, he couldn't do that. If he did, all the plans he had made over such a long time would go to waste.
Black Zetsu took a deep breath before speaking, "I understand. Then, next step is to go to Konoha and retrieve Setsuna Uchiha, right?"
Madara Uchiha nodded slightly, "Exactly. Setsuna Uchiha has inherited my will; his loyalty won't be an issue. However, his power level is concerning. With just a Spinning Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he can't stand up to Nagato. We need to find a way to force Setsuna Uchiha to awaken his Mangekyo Sharingan."
Black Zetsu asked, "How do you plan on doing this?"
Madara Uchiha raised his left hand, covering it over his left eye, "Luckily, I still have a Spinning Three-Tomoe Sharingan. Let's use the genjutsu *Izanami* to stimulate him."
Black Zetsu responded with some surprise, "*Izanami*... will that work?"
Madara Uchiha removed his left hand and explained, "*Izanami* can record a scene where actions occur between oneself and another person, and then replay that exact same scene again."
"The target caught under this genjutsu will be trapped within the time period between the first and second playback of that scene inside their own mind, entering an infinite cycle of repetition. To break free from *Izanami*, the target must accept their fate."
"Everyone has a certain scenario they fear deeply and wish never to face. If we use the genjutsu *Naraka: Viewing of Hell* on Setsuna Uchiha, manifesting his greatest fear and making him believe it's reality, then follow up by using *Izanami* to repeat this fearful experience, we can shock and stimulate him into awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan."
"If even that doesn't trigger the Mangekyo Sharingan," Madara continued, "then he wouldn't be suitable for any major role anyway."
Black Zetsu asked hesitantly, "Madara, isn't there already someone in the Uchiha clan who has the Mangekyo Sharingan? That person being Shisui Uchiha. Why not choose him instead?"
Madara Uchiha lifted his gaze toward Black Zetsu, his eyes filled with disdain. "To accept my philosophy and carry out my plan, I need someone whose thinking hasn't solidified yet—someone moldable. I observed Shisui Uchiha briefly, but quickly abandoned the idea. He is a man of firm will and strong beliefs; he would never accept my philosophy."
Seeing the complete look of contempt in Madara Uchiha's eyes, Black Zetsu wanted to slap himself for asking such a stupid question.
Black Zetsu could clearly see it now—Madara truly held him in contempt.
Madara Uchiha gave Black Zetsu a final ultimatum, "Bring Setsuna Uchiha before me. If you fail this time, kill yourself."
Black Zetsu's already dark face grew even darker with frustration.
Black Zetsu grumbled under his breath, "Understood!"
As Black Zetsu exited the Mountain Tomb, he angrily muttered within his mind, "Just how much do you despise me?! Thinking I can't even retrieve someone locked up in prison! Just because you're a pawn, what are you so smug about?"
"Nothing but a fool whose life was played like a puppet!"
...
A few days later.
Shindai and his team had already returned to Konoha.
Minato Namikaze's squad was now reporting mission details to Hiruzen Sarutobi in the Hokage's office.
It was obvious that Hiruzen was in a great mood, cheerfully saying, "I already knew about this. The ninja beast reported the frontline situation to me a day earlier. Due to losing their supply lines, the Rock ninja at the frontline are collapsing due to lack of follow-up resources and have begun retreating.
Once the Rock ninja finish their retreat, this battle should nearly come to an end, and then it'll be time for post-war clean-up work."
A Ninja Hawk flew into the room through the window.
"It seems there's another update coming from the frontline."
Hiruzen said joyfully as he unrolled the Scroll attached to the hawk. However, his smile instantly vanished completely, replaced by a look of displeasure, as if he'd bitten into something bitter expecting it to be mild.
Hiruzen spoke solemnly, "Originally I wanted you to rest for a few days, but looks like that won't be possible. This is a request for aid—the combined forces of Kumogakure and Sunagakure have invaded the Land of Fire, and are now advancing toward Mount Hakuto.
All Konoha ninja currently away from the village will proceed to Mount Hakuto for battle. Therefore, Minato Namikaze's squad—proceed to Mount Hakuto immediately for battle!
This should be the real final battle!"
"Yes sir!"
After responding promptly, Minato Namikaze didn't even return home—he immediately led Shindai and the others toward Mount Hakuto for battle!
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>