83 Chapter 83: Uchiha Naraku?

It was discovered, and two clones of White Zetsu were captured.

Almost immediately after the capture of the two White Zetsu clones, the White Zetsu beside Black Zetsu quickly received the news.

He promptly reported all the information he gathered from White Zetsu's clone and his own encounters to Uchiha Obito: "The theft of Konoha's cemetery has indeed taken place, and the bodies of numerous powerful individuals have vanished."

"Furthermore, it seems as though Kei was anticipating our investigation. He deliberately retained the bodies of the Third Hokage and Fourth Hokage, luring us into a trap and capturing my two White Zetsu clones."

"In addition to the Fourth Hokage, the Third Hokage is also capable of using the Flying Thunder God Technique. It's highly likely that both of these Hokages are clones of Kei."

Upon hearing White Zetsu's report, Uchiha Obito fell into a contemplative silence.

In a deep voice, Black Zetsu chimed in: "The Second Tsuchikage, Second Hokage, Third Hokage, and Fourth Hokage – in terms of clones, that individual possesses four clones of the most powerful figures."

"If this individual can truly harness the original strength akin to the original bodies, the combined combat prowess of their four clones is not to be underestimated."

In fact, it's more than just not underestimating; it's a downright terrifying existence.

Were it not for his own Kamui ability, Uchiha Obito would likely be engulfed in panic.

The combination of Dustless Bewildering Cover (invisibility), Lightweight Rock Technique (flight), Lightweight Rock Technique · Dust Release (instant death), Flying Thunder God Technique (space-time teleportation), and Rasengan (close-quarters combat)...

Such a convergence of techniques surpasses even the capabilities of Pain's Six Paths.

Uchiha Obito's head throbs at the thought of such a character emerging within the ninja world, and the ominous prospect that may also have its sights set on Nagato.

".....I've located a 'suspect'!"

Before Uchiha Obito could break the silence, White Zetsu seemed to have intercepted a piece of information, turning his attention to Uchiha Obito and saying, "There's an individual named Kei in the Land of Ghosts. I'm uncertain whether this person is one of Kei's clones or Kei himself."

"Exercise caution, I will apprehend him myself," Uchiha Obito responded promptly.

Kei, a foreign piece on their chessboard, has evolved into the most unpredictable variable in their "Project Tsuki no Me."

Particularly unsettling is that Kei holds the knowledge of Uchiha Obito, while Uchiha Obito remains in the dark about Kei.

This powerlessness gnaws at Uchiha Obito, urging him to glean as much as he can about Kei.

Captive or free, the information Kei possesses must be acquired.

The reach for Kei's data is more pressing than the search for Kei's true form. Once Nagato employs his Rinnegan to extract Kei's soul and memories, the full scope of Kei's history will be unveiled.

Only then can they wrest the upper hand against this enigmatic adversary.

Thus, Uchiha Obito primes himself to intervene personally, determined not to let Kei slip through his grasp.

Between the reconnaissance prowess of White Zetsu's clone and Uchiha Obito's spacetime mastery, the unfortunate "Kei" succumbs to Uchiha Obito's control within a day.

Uchiha Obito, having subdued and confined his target, presents "Kei" before Nagato, entreating him to utilize Rinnegan's human path to delve into the captive's memories.

As Nagato commands the earthly realm to extract the soul of "Kei" and decipher his recollections, anticipation fills the air.

However, Nagato's expression shifts from expectancy to disappointment.

He shakes his head at Uchiha Obito and conveys, "This isn't him. This is merely a survivor from the ghost army of the past. A fortuitous one at that."

"Even the name was a fabrication. What a cunning individual."

Though not overly expectant, Uchiha Obito's disappointment is palpable.

Nagato and Konan exchange knowing glances, thinking, "You're not much different from him."

Yet, amid this divergence from the actual "Kei," Nagato's mood remains surprisingly uplifted.

Merely a day after the assembly's conclusion, he's already ensnared a target.

This bodes ill for "Madara."

Kei represents an uncontrollable element.

Nagato delights in this display of two mighty titans clashing.

It would be quite the spectacle if these two enigmatic beings were to fall simultaneously.

Unaware of Nagato's musings, Uchiha Obito turns to him and utters, "Help me establish contact with that individual. I wish to meet him."

"Are you ready to negotiate with him?"

Uchiha Obito, momentarily adopting the mantle of 'Uchiha Madara,' responds with a deep, measured voice: "I lost an eye in my battle with Hashirama, leaving only one pair of Sharingan for its full potential."

"So, I'm intrigued by the possessor of the 'second pair of Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan' mentioned by this individual. Additionally, securing an extra pair of eyes for myself wouldn't hurt."

...Understood, but I have a condition."

Nagato, though only partially convinced by Uchiha Obito's words, stipulates: "I'll observe your transaction from the sidelines."

Curiosity about the possessor of the second pair of Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan courses through Nagato's veins.

He craves this powerful figure's insight.

"Agreed." Uchiha Obito acquiesces without hesitation.

Should a second pair of Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan truly exist, Uchiha Obito's power could, at best, secure a draw. Victory, however, would depend on Nagato's Rinnegan.

Thus, Nagato initiates contact with Kei through the ring.

And Kei, who had been channeling chakra during his idle moments, promptly responds to Nagato's beckoning.

Ten minutes later, within a cavern in the Land of Rain, Tendō Pain strides in alongside Konan. The two regard Kei, who awaits them silently.

Silence envelops the trio.

Then, without warning, a spatial ripple manifests, distorting reality and forming a Sharingan symbol.

From this ripple emerges a figure, appearing as a distorted shadow emanating from Sharingan.

"Well...well... An incredibly rare space-time technique, resembling the Sharingan. Those are exceptional eyes you possess," Kei remarks, a hint of intrigue playing upon his features.

"I'm quite curious—why the Uchiha gunbai?"

Uchiha Obito, opting not to adopt the Madara persona, confronts Kei directly: "Do you still possess the Mangekyō Sharingan? Or is there a Uchiha clan clone under your command?"

"Alternatively, could the 'second pair of Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan' you mentioned belong to one of your clones?"

"Trade one for another," Kei remarks, pointing at the gunbai on Uchiha Obito's back. A wry smile accompanies his words: "Hand over the gunbai, and you'll receive all the answers you seek. Don't worry; I assure you, it's an invaluable exchange."

"Very well."

Uchiha Obito swiftly removes the gunbai and tosses it to Kei.

Given that it's not his possession, relinquishing it doesn't faze him.

However, as he observes Kei cradling the gunbain with childlike fascination, Uchiha Obito muses: "Considering your strength and arsenal, the gunbai shouldn't hold significant value to you. Why attach such importance to it?"

"Nonsense! This fan holds connections to profound destinies."

Kei's response sends a shiver down Uchiha Obito's spine.

"This gunbai holds the key you're seeking."

"Who is it?" Uchiha Obito inquires.

Black White Zetsu, concealed within the mountain wall, watches intently, awaiting Kei's revelation.

"His name is... Uchiha Naraku."

Seated on the damp ground, Kei begins to unveil details of his enigmatic past, his words devoid of sentiment or affection.