A Sage's Pursuit of Power

In Konoha's laboratory, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had been studying Black Zetsu's body tissue for several months, yet he had made no progress.

"All I can confirm is that this thing is a product of some highly advanced Yin-Yang Release. But with our current technology, we can't analyze it. It's far too advanced, not even my brother could do it."

It made sense that Hashirama couldn't. As seen in the original storyline, Hashirama was proficient in Wood Release, Sage Mode, and sealing techniques but rarely displayed expertise in Yin Release.

"Can you determine how it controls others?" Aoba asked.

"No, but I can speculate. The human body itself should also be a creation of Yin-Yang Release, albeit with the addition of a substantial amount of flesh, organs, and other components.

Black Zetsu's body, however, is far more extreme. It is pure Yin-Yang Release. Every cell in its body exists in an unstable state, allowing it to mimic the form of any other cell."

Aoba thought for a moment. "Does that mean when it enters someone's body, it can quickly simulate their tissues, even their nervous system, essentially taking over and controlling them?"

"Exactly. That's the theory. This thing is incredibly dangerous. Once it enters a body, it's almost impossible to resist it through sheer willpower. Without specific physical defenses, resisting it is nearly impossible.

From what we know, it can even invade the brain, completely replacing someone and gaining control over all their abilities."

Aoba had already seen this firsthand. Even Obito, under the effects of Kotoamatsukami, had been instantly subdued by Black Zetsu.

In the Land of Rain's prison, Nagato immediately ordered the entire country into a state of alert after realizing Black Zetsu had somehow escaped Obito's body.

During Obito's brief awakening, he had managed to convey this crucial piece of information before being suppressed by the White Zetsu within him.

It seemed Black Zetsu had planned for this well in advance, leaving multiple White Zetsu clones inside Obito's body to maintain control once it left.

However, White Zetsu wasn't as capable as Black Zetsu, allowing Obito to seize a brief opportunity to communicate. The chaotic memories that Nagato's Human Path had encountered earlier were a mix of Obito's and White Zetsu's thoughts.

Konan, realizing something, abruptly left the prison and headed toward Nagato's private chamber.

If Black Zetsu had escaped, what would it do next? A normal ninja would flee, but Black Zetsu was no ordinary opponent. It would undoubtedly seek more, and Nagato's Rinnegan would be its primary target, since that had been the purpose of the assault on the Land of Rain.

Under normal circumstances, Nagato would have nothing to fear from Black Zetsu. However, after his full-power battle with Madara, Nagato had fallen into a weakened state.

If Black Zetsu got close to him now, the consequences would be unimaginable. Konan couldn't even fathom what would happen if Nagato were possessed by Black Zetsu.

Meanwhile, other members of the Akatsuki also received the alert. Despite internal tensions within the organization, as long as Nagato remained in command, they followed his orders.

Konan reached Nagato's chamber first.

In the center of the chamber was a massive chair integrated with numerous life-support devices. Most of the time, Nagato used this chair to control the Six Paths of Pain remotely.

"Nagato, you need to leave this place," Konan urged.

"I know. Help me get out," Nagato replied weakly.

He then struggled to deactivate the life-support devices. At that moment, the ground beneath them rippled, and Black Zetsu silently emerged at Nagato's feet.

"Damn it!" Konan exclaimed, launching dozens of paper shuriken at Black Zetsu.

Black Zetsu ignored the projectiles. While they could injure it, they posed no lethal threat. Its only focus was Nagato.

"Shinra Tensei."

In his weakened state, Nagato's Shinra Tensei lacked precision and was released in an omnidirectional blast.

Konan was also thrown back by the force. However, the blast sent Black Zetsu flying as well, plastering it against a nearby wall like a mass of mud.

Seeing this, Konan breathed a sigh of relief. The situation had been dangerously close—had Nagato reacted even a moment slower, everything would have been over.

"Nagato, are you alright?" Konan hurried over to support the swaying Nagato.

"I can manage. Don't worry about me, focus on restraining Black Zetsu."

Konan quickly recovered and acted. She generated countless sheets of paper, completely enveloping Black Zetsu.

"I've already notified the sealing team. They'll be here soon to seal it."

"Don't let your guard down. This thing is incredibly dangerous. Ordinary seals might not be effective. Contact Aoba Kamikawa. Konoha's sealing techniques are far more reliable."

Nagato had always disliked cooperating with Konoha. Though he was aware of Konan's connections with Aoba, he neither interfered nor supported them.

In Nagato's mind, Konoha had always been the root cause of the ninja world's disasters.

However, the threats posed by Black Zetsu and Madara Uchiha had caused his perspective to shift. At least on the matter of dealing with Black Zetsu and Madara, their goals aligned with Konoha's.

"Alright, I'll contact him immediately," Konan said.

By the time the message reached Konoha, it was already nighttime. Tsunade convened a meeting with Aoba and other key figures to discuss their response.

"As you expected, Black Zetsu managed to exploit an opening. Thankfully, it didn't cause a major catastrophe and has been contained. However, the Land of Rain has requested we send a sealing team to ensure Black Zetsu is securely sealed," Tsunade reported.

"That's necessary. According to my agreement with Konan, Obito's Sharingan is to be handed over to Konoha. This trip can also serve as an opportunity to retrieve it," Aoba replied.

Though Obito was no longer a threat, the dual Kamui Sharingan remained incredibly valuable. Aoba had already provided intelligence and life-restoring medicine to enhance Nagato's combat abilities, with the stipulation that if Black Zetsu was captured, Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan would belong to Konoha.

Although Aoba's own Mangekyō fusion process was still incomplete, he possessed another pair of Mangekyō Sharingan, making him one of Konoha's top combatants.

Thus, Aoba decided to lead the team personally. To ensure maximum safety, Kakashi, Minato Namikaze, and Hiruzen Sarutobi were added to the team, along with two specially selected Anbu members skilled in sealing techniques.

Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, the team transported directly to the outskirts of the Land of Rain. To be cautious, everyone restored their chakra to full capacity before entering the country.

Upon arrival, Aoba glanced up at the sky. For once, the Land of Rain wasn't raining...

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Currently on Chapter 262 - Black Zetsu's Decision