Chapter 99: Nagato and Black Zetsu

Land of Rain, Amegakure.

"There's news from Konoha. Madara-sama has been spotted in the Hyūga Clan's territory…" White Zetsu emerged halfway from the ground, reporting the latest intelligence respectfully.

White Zetsu's stealth abilities were unparalleled in the current ninja world, making it virtually impossible for anyone to detect him. As a result, they were able to gather most of the ninja world's information, serving as the best intelligence operatives.

Nagato's face was filled with doubt as he questioned, "Madara appeared in the Hyūga Clan? And he tried to abduct Hyūga Hiashi's daughter?"

White Zetsu's words left Nagato momentarily stunned. But something about it felt off.

"That's correct. The White Zetsu stationed in Konoha confirmed it," White Zetsu nodded.

Nagato muttered to himself, "Strange… Could it really be the real Madara?"

He turned to White Zetsu and asked, "Do you have any intel on the other group that was there at the Hyūga Clan?"

"We don't know," White Zetsu replied, shaking his head.

Nagato fell silent, pondering for a moment before instructing, "Keep a close watch on the Five Great Shinobi Villages. Locate the Jinchūriki as soon as possible, and report any unusual activity immediately."

After White Zetsu left, the pitcher plant-like figure of Black Zetsu appeared before Nagato.

Nagato glanced at him and asked, "You're just in time, Zetsu. White Zetsu brought news that Madara appeared in Konoha and attempted to abduct the Hyūga Clan heiress. This also exposed our plan to capture the Tailed Beasts. What do you make of this?"

"It's fake," Black Zetsu replied decisively. "We haven't sensed Madara's chakra. It must be an imposter. Madara's eyes were taken by the person who assassinated him, and this individual is intentionally exposing our plans."

"Be cautious, Nagato. Our plans are already compromised. The enemy likely knows our objectives from Madara's memories. We cannot afford to be careless," Black Zetsu warned gravely.

In the ninja world, even the dead's minds weren't safe, as various methods existed to extract information from them.

Nagato had hoped Madara would have destroyed his memories before death, but judging by the situation, Akatsuki's ultimate goal had been leaked.

"I understand. I'll proceed with greater caution from now on," Nagato nodded solemnly.

"You should prepare for the worst. The enemy may have obtained not just our information but also Madara's Yin-Yang Release and Six Paths techniques, along with full knowledge of the Rinnegan's abilities. This must not be underestimated," Black Zetsu said earnestly.

Nagato nodded. "I understand. But even if the Rinnegan's secrets are exposed, it doesn't matter. As my strength grows, no amount of information will help them. I'm already ascending toward godhood, beyond human comprehension."

"Don't get overconfident. While you're powerful now, you're still far from the heights of Madara or Hashirama in their prime. Until then, any vulnerability in the Rinnegan could be dangerous," Black Zetsu cautioned.

Nagato looked at him and asked, "In your opinion, how far am I from Madara and Hashirama at their peak?"

Black Zetsu chuckled. "Nagato, you're too impatient. At your current age, both Madara and Hashirama were only starting to make names for themselves. Your strength now isn't far from their peak, you just lack polish."

With certainty, Black Zetsu added, "At this pace, you'll reach Madara's level in two to three years."

"Oh? Does that mean Hashirama was stronger than Madara?" Nagato asked, sensing a deeper implication.

Black Zetsu nodded. "Indeed. Hashirama surpassed Madara because of his Sage Mode."

"Sage Mode?" Nagato recalled the state Jiraiya and Minato displayed when they had released the Nine-Tails.

"Exactly, as you've guessed," Black Zetsu said knowingly. "Jiraiya's version of Sage Mode requires the help of Mount Myōboku's sages, but Hashirama's was different. He could enter Sage Mode at will, unaided."

Nagato nodded, his thoughts lingering on the immense power Jiraiya displayed that night. A sudden idea struck him.

"Zetsu, do you know of any way to learn Sage Mode?"

Sage Mode was undeniably a powerful technique.

Black Zetsu shook his head. "Aside from the Three Great Sage Regions, there's no other place to learn it."

"Is that so? A shame." Nagato's expression revealed his disappointment.

The Three Great Sage Regions weren't ordinary places. Even Madara had avoided them, as his legacy expressed great caution regarding those sanctuaries.

It seemed unlikely that Madara himself had mastered Sage Mode, as his teachings contained no such techniques.

At this moment, Black Zetsu said, "Still, if one's talent is exceptional, it's possible to develop Sage Mode independently, just as Hashirama did. Such self-developed techniques are often the most compatible and powerful."

"Develop it myself…" Nagato muttered, understanding the difficulty of such a feat.

Even Madara couldn't achieve this, leaving Nagato with little confidence.

Sensing his hesitation, Black Zetsu offered encouragement. "Don't force it. Sage Mode requires the right opportunity. If the time comes, perhaps even the Three Great Sage Regions could share their secrets."

Nagato nodded, dropping the topic. He turned to another matter from White Zetsu's report.

"Zetsu, with your extensive knowledge, do you know the identity of the individual who appeared at the Hyūga Clan?"

White Zetsu's report suggested the involvement of a third party—someone with flight capabilities and a chakra signature of considerable strength.

Nagato regarded this unknown entity with some caution.

Black Zetsu exchanged information with White Zetsu, quickly analyzing the details.

"Hmmm…" Black Zetsu mused, then said, "They are likely descendants of the Sage of Six Paths' younger brother, residing on the moon."

Nagato's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Descendants of the Sage's brother? The Sage of Six Paths had a sibling?"

This revelation was a blind spot in Nagato's knowledge. His understanding had always centered on the Sage of Six Paths, with no mention of a younger brother.

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