"No… what we need to do now is calm down… and find another way to deal with him…" Black Zetsu said in a low tone, as if trying to guide Obito's thoughts.
Find another way to deal with him?
Hearing Black Zetsu's reminder, Obito finally calmed down. Years of planning had long since eroded his past impulsiveness and impatience.
"So, what should we do now?" After slowly regaining his composure, Obito narrowed his Sharingan slightly and asked Black Zetsu.
"Although I don't know Kaoru's ultimate goal, he's taken the Rinnegan…" Black Zetsu carefully analyzed the current situation for Obito. "And with our current abilities, we can't possibly snatch the Rinnegan back…"
"Therefore… we need to find someone to cooperate with… to fight him together…" Black Zetsu continued to speak eloquently, occasionally observing Obito's reaction.
"Someone to cooperate with…" After hearing Black Zetsu's analysis and subtle guidance, Obito nodded thoughtfully, his Sharingan flickering with complex, unreadable emotions.
"However, with Kaoru's current strength, I don't think there's anyone left who can defeat him," Obito said after some thought.
Black Zetsu also fell silent. Although they were looking for a partner, who in the entire ninja world could possibly be Kaoru's opponent…?
"Forget it, we'll discuss the matter of a partner later. First, help me transplant my eyes." Obito shook his head. Behind him, the bookshelf-like stone wall was filled with bottles, and floating eyeballs. "We'll find a way to deal with Uchiha Kaoru later. We must get the Rinnegan back!"
Black Zetsu said nothing, staring intently at Obito before smiling. "Alright!"
"I'll help you transplant your eyes first!"
As they spoke, Black Zetsu approached Obito, removed the grayish-white Sharingans from Obito's left eye socket and right arm, and transplanted new ones for him.
At this moment, the ground beside them shifted, and White Zetsu emerged.
"What is it…?" Obito glanced at White Zetsu and asked casually.
"Someone found one of our hideouts and said they want to see Uchiha Madara," White Zetsu replied.
"Who?" Black Zetsu frowned.
"Yakushi Kabuto," White Zetsu answered.
"Yakushi Kabuto? That guy was Orochimaru's subordinate before. But in my opinion, he's just a useless fellow. What business could he have with us…" Obito showed only disdain upon hearing it was Kabuto.
"Even so, it's better to go and see," Black Zetsu said while transplanting the new Sharingan for Obito. "After all, we're short-handed right now. Even if Kabuto's combat power isn't great, a mosquito's leg is still meat… isn't it?"
Hearing Black Zetsu's words, Obito finally nodded. "In that case, let's go see him after the eye transplant."
...
At this time, Kabuto was in the Land of Waves, in front of an Akatsuki hideout. He wore a deep crimson robe, and scales resembling a snake could be faintly seen on his face. Not only that, but his eyes had also changed, becoming like Orochimaru's… snake eyes!
A moment later, the space in front of him twisted, and Uchiha Obito appeared. Still in his red cloud black robe, orange mask, Obito hid his dejection after being defeated by Kaoru very well.
"Finally, I see you. You've kept me waiting…" Seeing Obito arrive, a smile appeared on Kabuto's lips. "Let's greet each other first… Tobi, no… I hear you call yourself Uchiha Madara now, right…"
"It's impressive you found this place—one of my hideouts," Obito said with a hint of disdain, his expression behind the mask very dismissive.
"I was once a member of the Akatsuki too. Don't underestimate my intelligence network…" Kabuto replied with a smile.
"Now that you mention it, I remember—you were Scorpion's spy, right? And then you left the Akatsuki with Orochimaru. You traitor of the Akatsuki!"
As he spoke, Uchiha Obito moved, lunging to grab Kabuto.
"Don't be in such a hurry…" Kabuto snorted coldly and retreated rapidly, dodging Obito's attack. "I came to find you because I want to cooperate with you…"
"Cooperate with me? You're not qualified!" Obito replied arrogantly. Ever since being defeated by Kaoru, he had been harboring resentment, and now he wanted to vent it on Kabuto.
"Then how about this move!!!" Still smiling, Kabuto clasped his hands together and slammed them onto the ground. Mysterious, esoteric runes instantly spread wildly across the ground.
Rumble…
As the strange runes spread, heavy coffins slowly emerged from the previously calm ground.
"Is this… Edo Tensei…?" Obito exclaimed in surprise, looking at the several coffins before him.
"Only the Second Hokage and Lord Orochimaru could use Edo Tensei. With me, there are three of us," Kabuto said, supporting one of the coffins. "Moreover, I've surpassed them. To make you believe in my strength, this is just a small demonstration, to make you believe in my abilities."
As Kabuto spoke, the coffin lid was opened, revealing the true bodies within.
Deidara, Kakuzu, Uchiha Itachi, Scorpion—these were the four bodies.
"So, what is your purpose in wanting to join forces with me…" Obito was slightly moved by these Edo Tensei reanimated ninja. They were in dire need of combat power right now. Although this Edo Tensei user might not be Kaoru's match, having them was better than nothing.
"I want Uchiha Sasuke," Kabuto replied. "Because Lord Orochimaru has always desired Sasuke's body. I will help Orochimaru fulfill this dream."
"Is that so…" Obito uttered two noncommittal words.
"Actually, I'd prefer Uchiha Kaoru… but even with your abilities, you probably can't accomplish that, can you…" Kabuto continued.
"Damn it…" Hearing Kabuto's words, Obito's body tensed up.
"Then what if I refuse…?"
"You can't refuse," Kabuto snorted coldly, then performed hand seals again. Another coffin rose from the ground. As the lid opened, Obito was immediately too shocked to speak.
Uchiha Madara, the real Uchiha Madara!!!
"Damn it… where did you get him from?" Obito's only exposed eye was filled with extreme shock.
In the next moment, his shocked gaze turned to joy, and he burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!!!"
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