[NTU] [ARC-26] Chapter : 335

As war preparations proceeded methodically across the continent, the long-awaited spark finally ignited.

The Fourth Great Ninja War—a conflict that would determine the fate of the world—had officially begun.

“Zetsu, how’s the White Zetsu army coming along?”

In a secluded cave nestled between a mountain and a misty lake at the border of the Land of Rain, Nagato stepped forward, casting a sharp glance at Black Zetsu.

He had once underestimated this shadowy figure who clung to Obito’s side like a parasite. But clearly, that had been a mistake.

Without anyone noticing, Zetsu had quietly assembled an army of disposable soldiers large enough to rival entire villages.

“Everything’s ready,” Black Zetsu replied calmly.

“What about the Five Nations' coalition? How far have they moved?”

Although Nagato had the home-field advantage, he wasn’t foolish enough to draw the enemy into the heart of the Hidden Rain Village. Instead, he had deliberately chosen this remote, desolate location for the inevitable confrontation.

“They’ve gathered intel on our operations and are steadily advancing in this direction,” Zetsu continued, his eyes drifting toward Konan, who stood silently beside Nagato.

She remained expressionless, but her presence was cold—unwelcoming.

Black Zetsu didn’t say it out loud, but it was obvious: Konan had leaked information. Whether intentional or not, she’d created an opening for their enemies. Her discreet communication with Jiraiya hadn't gone unnoticed.

Nagato knew it too—but he had chosen to remain silent.

“We have new allies,” he said instead, changing the subject.

Konan’s expression shifted slightly. New allies? At this point, with Akatsuki despised across all nations, who in their right mind would willingly join them?

Her eyes followed Nagato’s gaze to the entrance of the cave.

A lone figure emerged, silhouetted against the light pouring in from outside. The backlight obscured his features, but the familiar chakra signature triggered a wave of unease among those present.

“You’re... Kabuto? One of Orochimaru’s subordinates?” Konan narrowed her eyes, studying him.

His appearance had changed—sharper, more serpentine. His chakra was twisted, altered, almost indistinguishable from Orochimaru's own. If not for the unmistakable glint of those peculiar glasses on the bridge of his nose, even she wouldn’t have recognized him.

“He has a technique we need,” Nagato stated, eyes fixed on Kabuto. “Zetsu, you’ll be working with him closely. Coordinate your efforts.”

Nagato had no intention of expanding the Akatsuki roster—until Kabuto showed up, uninvited, offering something too valuable to refuse.

A forbidden technique.

A new way to leverage Zetsu’s expendable army.

A strategic edge.

“Long time no see, everyone,” Kabuto drawled, a twisted smile curling across his lips as he licked them with a disturbingly long tongue. “Looks like we’re comrades again.”

Silence.

No one returned the greeting. Instead, they stared him down, their expressions a mix of suspicion and disdain.

Kabuto didn’t mind.

Unbothered by their cold reception, he strolled deeper into the cave like he belonged there—as if they were the ones who needed to prove themselves.

Back when Orochimaru was still part of the Akatsuki, Kabuto had served as a double agent—juggling loyalties between Orochimaru and Sasori. He had crossed paths with nearly every member of the organization.

The only one unfamiliar with him was Nagato, who had kept his true body hidden from even his closest allies.

“Obito, your mobility is unmatched. Coordinate with the White Zetsu and eliminate the top fighters in the Allied Shinobi Forces.”

Nagato’s tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation. He would soon be occupied with controlling the Gedo Statue, and couldn’t afford to divert his attention to the battlefield.

“Understood,” Obito replied curtly.

But there was something unspoken in his voice. His gaze lingered on Black Zetsu and Kabuto. Beneath his mask, a scowl began to form.

His role had diminished.

Ever since his true identity and abilities had been exposed, Nagato no longer feared him—and slowly but surely, Obito was being sidelined.

Worse, his influence in the war effort had become almost meaningless. Once a key player, he was now relegated to supporting cannon fodder troops.

Once Obito, Zetsu, and Kabuto had left the cave, only Nagato and Konan remained in the dim light.

Nagato turned to her, his expression heavy with emotion.

“Konan, stay out of this. I have another mission for you—something secret.”

His voice was soft, but his eyes betrayed the weight of his decision. He didn’t want her involved in the chaos to come. It was too dangerous.

“No,” Konan replied instantly, her voice unwavering. “Whatever happens, I’ll stay by your side.”

They had been through too much—too many battles, too many sacrifices. To part ways now, at the end, was something she couldn't accept.

Even if this secret mission was really a way out—a last gift from Nagato to protect her—Konan wasn’t willing to take it.

She understood why Nagato had turned a blind eye to her quiet information-sharing with Jiraiya.

It wasn’t weakness. It was strategy.

Nagato wasn’t fully confident in their plan. The overwhelming strength of the Fifth Hokage had shaken him, and this backdoor route—this connection with Jiraiya—was a potential safeguard for his own life.

Konan knew it. So did Obito and Black Zetsu. But none of them said a word.

“My decision is final,” Nagato said firmly.

“Then I don’t agree,” Konan shot back, just as resolute.

A brief silence hung in the air before Nagato’s expression darkened.

With a sudden movement, Bang!—he vanished.

In the next instant, he reappeared behind Konan, his hand raised.

“…Nagato? Y-You… actually…”

Konan’s voice trembled as pain bloomed at the base of her neck. Her limbs grew heavy, her vision blurred.

She couldn’t believe it. Nagato had attacked her.

“…I’m sorry, Konan.”

Catching her gently as she collapsed, Nagato brushed away the crease in her brow and whispered softly.

“We’re going to war with the world… I can’t let you follow me into that.”

He paused, then added with a faint smile, “Besides, I’ve prepared a gift for you. You’ll like it.”

With a single palm strike, the wall of the cave shifted, and a large stone platform rose from the ground.

“You can rest here.”

He cradled her carefully, placing her on the platform, and retrieved a light blanket to cover her. His touch was gentle, reverent.

“When you wake up... it’ll be like nothing ever changed.”

With practiced ease, he formed a series of hand seals. Intricate black seals spread out across the platform, wrapping it in layers of protective jutsu.

“Even the Tsuki no Me won’t be able to reach this place.”

The strain was evident—Nagato’s Rinnegan eyes drooped slightly, burdened by exhaustion.

He exhaled slowly.

“Goodbye.”

As the platform sank back into the earth, sealed from the world, Nagato turned away.

He stepped out of the cave, into the harsh light of day. His figure blurred in the sunlight—and then, like a shadow in the wind, he vanished.