Just as Takemi was contemplating how to 'deepen his relationship' with Naruto in the future, the figures of Obito and his two companions reappeared within the Land of Rain.
Looking at the pouring rain, Obito shook his head and spoke, "You take this guy to see Pain, I won't go. As for the money I promised you, I won't short you a single bit."
"That's good. And next time, make sure to thoroughly investigate that brat."
Hearing about the 'Gold Release: Super Rich Technique', Kakuzu didn't mind serving Obito.
After all, for him, he listened to whoever paid him more. His only creed was money, everything else was useless to him!
However, he would not forget the matter with Takemi. He had lost three hearts, three!
"I understand."
Obito casually replied, then simply watched Kakuzu leave with Hidan.
Only after they were completely out of sight did he murmur, "A money-grubber, a lunatic, so troublesome..."
"Hehe..."
As soon as he finished speaking, a figure poked its head out from underground, and White Zetsu's upper body laughed.
"But didn't they agree to you? They just have to earn money themselves, it's no big deal."
"Hmph."
Obito snorted, then after a moment of hesitation, he spoke, "You two go gather intelligence, find some valuable individuals. I'm preparing to make a move."
"Oh."
White Zetsu nodded, but then he thought for a moment and asked in confusion, "Then why don't we just find rich people and clear out their homes?"
"..."
Obito paused, feeling that it seemed very logical, but a moment later, his expression stiffened.
Damn it, am I even dumber than this idiot White Zetsu?
"Do as you say."
Though annoyed, he still nodded decisively, then looked at Black Zetsu.
"By the way, you must have seen the previous battle. What exactly is going on with that brat?"
"That brat..."
Black Zetsu paused, then spoke with some hesitation, "He's indeed not simple. You must be extra careful. His abilities... are stronger than before!"
"Tch, I know."
Obito was puzzled hearing this. Why did Black Zetsu seem a bit off today?
However, after thinking about it, he was too lazy to ask. He was currently annoyed about Kakashi's Mangekyo Sharingan.
His own secrets had already been uncovered by that brat Takemi and now Kakashi possessed the same eye as him, which was not a good thing for him.
What annoyed him even more was that he still hadn't figured out what the ability of his other eye was.
'This is a bit troublesome. I must find someone to test it out.'
Obito thought to himself, but he didn't notice that Black Zetsu's gaze beside him seemed to subtly drift towards the sky.
"No way..."
During the great battle in the Land of Hot Water, Black Zetsu had indeed been hiding in the shadows, observing.
Originally, he hadn't taken this battle too seriously, as the outcome, win or lose, wouldn't have a significant impact.
However, one event that occurred during this battle left him utterly bewildered.
"What exactly was that? How did that familiar aura on that brat become stronger and stronger, and..."
As the battle deepened, Kakashi activating his Mangekyo Sharingan was surprising but not strange to him.
The Mangekyo were inherently linked, especially since they were so close at the time, their resonance could trigger changes in the other eye.
Moreover, Kakashi had already experienced significant emotional trauma, so awakening his eye wasn't uncommon.
But what was alarming was that Takemi also unleashed something different during this battle, something that made even him tremble.
He had always sensed a familiar yet strange aura on Takemi, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was.
Today, however, he experienced it more directly and clearly.
Even though it didn't last long, the impact sparked an improbable thought in his mind.
"Why does it feel a bit like... Mom's scent?"
Black Zetsu shivered, finding the thought absurd, yet the aura was inexplicably profound.
Even an old monster like him, who had lived for over a thousand years, felt confused and helpless.
"Hey, what's wrong with you today?"
As Black Zetsu was deep in thought, White Zetsu's voice suddenly rang out, bringing Black Zetsu back to reality.
He immediately looked around and, upon realizing that Obito had disappeared, let out a sigh of relief.
"Just thinking about some things."
Under Black Zetsu's control, it's entire body sank into the ground.
He continued speaking, now calmer, "That brat is off. His power is very strange."
"Strange?"
White Zetsu was puzzled. After a moment of thought, he shook his head.
"Well, it is strange. That brat seems quite strong. Even Obito at his age couldn't compare to him."
"..."
Can you not mention Obito?
Black Zetsu felt annoyed. After a moment of thought, he continued, "Regardless, we need to understand this kid better. Send your other clones to investigate, but be sure not to alert him."
"Oh."
White Zetsu nodded.
As the will of 'Uchiha Madara,' Black Zetsu had higher control over him, but he still asked curiously, "Should I tell Obito? After all, he still wants me to steal things."
"...Don't tell him for now."
Black Zetsu inwardly cursed the White Zetsu for being a blockhead, truly unable to distinguish priorities.
"But perhaps I'm being too sensitive. That brat is indeed special, but he shouldn't be that mysterious." Black Zetsu muttered to himself.
His mother, as the progenitor of Chakra, had left the seeds of Chakra in this world.
And the power of their bloodline was passed down through the 'unfilial sons' Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo and Ōtsutsuki Hamura, which led to the current 'vibrant and thriving' Ninja World.
"Could it be that the brat's ancestors were 'too mixed,' leading to his current situation?"
A thought popped into his head, but Black Zetsu still found it unreliable.
Nevertheless, since it had come to this, he would investigate first. Only then could he rest assured.
"Most likely, it's not what I think..."
.....
"...Kakashi, are you alright?"
Inside the Hokage Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen was contemplating, combining the brief reports from Kakashi and Guy with the intelligence they had sent back earlier.
However, when his gaze caught Kakashi, he couldn't help but ask softly.
Kakashi had seemed very listless ever since entering the office, which made him wonder if it was a side effect of the Mangekyo Sharingan.
He had received the intelligence a few days ago, and he was still very pleased.
The best way to counter the Mangekyo was naturally with another Mangekyo, especially since Kakashi's Mangekyo was Obito's other eye.
They shared the same origin, allowing for better mutual restraint.