Black Zetsu had only sought out Jigen for this crucial task because no one else in the entire Ninja World could accomplish it.
The reason was simple. Six Paths level chakra could not be faked.
Obito Uchiha possessed the Rinnegan, along with chakra attributes of Water, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Yin-Yang all at once. Without Six Paths level chakra, there would be no way to hide anything from him.
But Jigen was different. He already had access to that level of power, thanks to a Ten-Tails under his control.
And Ten-Tails chakra was, without question, Six Paths level chakra.
On top of that, Isshiki Ōtsutsuki belonged to the same clan as the Sage's mother. In terms of bloodline purity, he even surpassed the Sage himself.
With Six Paths chakra secured, everything else became manageable.
"Jigen, I know you and Mother had your conflicts, maybe even deep resentment," Black Zetsu said slowly. "But her revival benefits you far more than it harms you."
"The God Tree is facing a major issue. Aren't you concerned the Ōtsutsuki main family will discover it and come here?"
"When that happens, do you really plan to face them alone?"
"If Mother returns, she will stand beside you."
"And besides, the only reason she attacked you back then was because you intended to sacrifice her to the Ten-Tails. Now you already possess one, and she has consumed the God Tree fruit. There is no longer any conflict between you."
Jigen fell silent, thinking carefully.
After a long pause, he nodded.
Despite everything that had happened between him and Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the logic was sound. The advantages clearly outweighed the risks.
Her betrayal had nearly killed him, and even now, he had not fully recovered.
If the main family arrived, he would have no way to resist.
"Good. Then let's finalize the details," Black Zetsu said with satisfaction.
After their discussion, he sank back into the ground and returned to the underground base beneath Kannabi Bridge.
---
When Black Zetsu reappeared, he saw Obito still focused on studying the Edo Tensei technique.
But now that the plan had been settled, there was no longer any anxiety. Instead, Black Zetsu joined him, studying alongside him.
Then suddenly, Obito froze.
His eyes widened as he turned sharply.
Someone had appeared inside the hidden cave without any warning.
Floating in midair was a man dressed in a white robe. Two horns extended from his forehead. His eyes were Rinnegan, and above them, a third eye rested, a Sharingan.
A staff rested in his hand, and beneath him floated six black spheres.
Truth Seeking Orbs.
The chakra radiating from him was overwhelming, a fusion of all seven attributes.
For a moment, only one name surfaced in Obito's mind.
The Six Paths Sage.
The figure before him perfectly matched the legends.
"Six Paths Sage… is it really him?"
Obito did not accept it immediately. He activated both his Rinnegan and Sharingan, examining the figure carefully.
But this was no ordinary disguise.
Isshiki had used Yin-Yang Release to transform himself completely. This was not a simple transformation jutsu. It was a higher-level Change Technique, one that altered both form and substance.
Yin created form from nothing. Yang gave life to that form.
Together, Yin-Yang Release represented creation itself.
Everything about the figure was real. The chakra, the presence, the bloodline pressure of the Ōtsutsuki clan.
There was nothing to expose.
After a long inspection, Obito found no flaws.
"This really is the Six Paths Sage…"
Excitement surged within him.
If this were not the Sage, how could he appear here silently? How could he possess such chakra? Such presence?
"Wielder of the Rinnegan, I am the Six Paths Sage."
The figure spoke calmly, his voice deep and steady.
"Thousands of years ago, I spread chakra to bring peace and connection. But instead, it became a weapon."
"The world has fallen into endless conflict."
"This was my mistake."
"To correct it, I have laid out a plan spanning thousands of years."
"And you, Obito Uchiha, will carry it forward."
Obito listened carefully, then spoke.
"The plan you speak of… is it the Infinite Tsukuyomi?"
"It seems the previous wielder already informed you," the Sage replied. "Then tell me, are you prepared to carry it out?"
Obito paused.
"I still have doubts."
"Speak."
Obito's gaze sharpened.
"The stories about you and your son, Indra… becoming enemies. Are they true?"
A trace of regret appeared on the Sage's face.
"They are."
Obito continued immediately.
"Then why entrust this mission to Indra's descendants instead of Asura's? Aren't you worried they might oppose you?"
"There is no alternative," the Sage answered calmly. "Only Indra's lineage can complete the Infinite Tsukuyomi."
"That is why I have come personally to guide you."
Obito fell silent.
The answer was simple.
The plan relied on the evolution of the Sharingan. Naturally, it had to be passed down through Indra's bloodline.
His doubts began to fade.
Then he asked the most important question.
"The stone tablet at Naka Shrine… I examined it with the Rinnegan. It showed signs of Yin-Yang modification. Do you know anything about that?"
"The tablet was damaged during the Warring States period," the Sage replied without hesitation. "I repaired it using Yin-Yang Release. What you saw were the marks left behind."
Obito froze for a moment.
Then he nodded slowly.
"So that's all it was…"
Everything Ryūjin Uchiha had suggested now felt like baseless speculation.
His doubts vanished completely.
From the side, Black Zetsu noticed the shift in his expression and felt satisfied.
The plan had worked.
"Do you have any more questions?" the Sage asked.
"No."
Obito straightened.
"I will carry out this mission. I will reshape the Ninja World."
"Good."
A dark vortex opened beside the Sage. Without another word, he stepped into it and disappeared.
---
"That was the Six Paths Sage! Obito, we're actually working under him now!" Black Zetsu exclaimed dramatically.
Obito remained calm.
"He appeared before Madara too, didn't he?"
"I wouldn't know. I was only created recently," Black Zetsu replied with a grin.
Obito ignored that.
"Forget that. It's time to plan our next move."
He did not even glance at the Edo Tensei scroll.
"I was misled before. That won't happen again."
Black Zetsu nodded.
"Ryūjin from Konoha seems interested in the Tailed Beasts," he added. "Even though he returned the Nine-Tails, we should stay cautious."
Obito's expression darkened slightly.
Ryūjin's strength had left a deep impression on him.
"Agreed. We prepare early."
"And we need more manpower. This plan can't succeed with just us."
Black Zetsu smiled and handed over a file.
"I've already selected some candidates."
Obito opened it.
Inside were profiles of dangerous individuals.
Hiruko, a rogue ninja from Konoha who created the Chimera Technique, allowing him to absorb multiple Kekkei Genkai.
Shinnō, leader of the remnants of the Sky Ninja, posing as a wandering doctor while commanding a hidden force.
Yomi, the creator of the Ghost Army, wielding the power of Mōryō.
Obito's eyes narrowed.
"So many monsters hidden in the world…"
Each of them possessed terrifying power, enough to rival entire nations.
Then, slowly, a grin formed on his face.
With people like this under his command, Konoha would fall easily.
Even Ryūjin would no longer be a threat.
"Good," Obito said, closing the file.
"Let's go meet them."
At that moment, his confidence had fully returned.
===
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