In an unknown secret base, Black Zetsu stared at Obito before him.
After a long period of continuous observation and probing, a definitive conclusion had finally formed in his mind.
Obito, this 'pawn' he had meticulously selected, was currently in an extremely abnormal state.
All the abnormalities began after the last incident where the Uchiha Clan was used to launch a disturbance against Konoha.
Since then, Obito seemed to have completely lost interest in destroying Konoha.
Black Zetsu had more than once deliberately mentioned the growing threat of Konoha in front of him, trying to reignite his hatred and desire for destruction.
However, Obito's reaction always sent chills down Black Zetsu's spine.
He would either casually change the subject or brush it off with some insignificant excuses.
This was definitely not the Obito he was familiar with!
That guy who was completely twisted by hatred and pain, walking the world under the name of 'Madara,' unswervingly determined to drag the entire world into the illusion of the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
How could he be so... indifferent toward Konoha, a threat that could destroy all his plans?
"Was he scared by the beating?" Black Zetsu's thoughts raced, but he immediately dismissed the idea.
Those eyes, which symbolize the power of the soul's reflection, find their source of power in the most extreme emotions, whether love or hate.
A person who could be crushed by fear could never possibly possess and master this power.
Then, there was only one answer.
At that time, in some moment he hadn't noticed, something must have happened that was enough to completely shake Obito's will!
A power strong enough to silently rewrite a person's thoughts and will, even blinding the person themselves so they are completely unaware they've been changed...
Like a piercing flash of lightning across the darkness, Black Zetsu's pupils shrank to the size of pinpricks due to extreme shock and realization!
Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan!
In that battle, Shisui had only displayed that green Susanoo, a symbol of destructive power, within their sight.
They, or rather Black Zetsu, had taken it for granted that Shisui had not yet unearthed the ocular technique unique to his Mangekyo.
Looking back now, how foolish and fatal that thought was!
The truth was not that Shisui hadn't used this power, but that he had already secretly activated his ocular technique without anyone noticing!
Instantly, Black Zetsu's heart went cold, and an unprecedented sense of crisis seized him.
If the opponent's ocular technique was powerful enough to completely twist Obito's will, then things would be troublesome!
Although this was still just a conjecture based on phenomena and logic.
Looking at all the bizarre changes happening to Obito, this inference was the one that best explained everything!
Black Zetsu, that existence like a living shadow, was now harboring an unprecedentedly anxious mood.
He cautiously presented the speculation that could shake the very foundation of their entire plan to Obito.
This move was extremely risky.
If Obito insisted on indulging in his distorted perception and remained stubborn, Black Zetsu knew he would have to find another way.
The worst-case scenario would be to painfully discard Obito, a pawn meticulously placed for many years, and instead bet all his chips on another route: Nagato.
However, without the meticulous arrangements paved by Madara during his life, winning the unreserved trust of the Akatsuki leader, Nagato, would be as difficult as climbing to heaven.
But, that would still be better than waiting for another existence who could awaken the Rinnegan like Madara!
It took a thousand years of dormancy and searching to wait for one Madara. If they failed this time, when would the next awakener of the Rinnegan appear?
It could be another unimaginable millennium!
"Impossible!"
Obito's reaction was as intense as expected, a categorical denial blurting out.
A strong doubt instantly ignited in his single exposed eye.
"Whether there's something wrong with me, don't I know it myself?" This was almost his instinctive retort.
However, as soon as the words left his mouth, a very abrupt sense of incongruity silently entwined itself around his nerves.
Why was the will deep inside him that always wanted to destroy Konoha now quiet?
Why was he resisting dealing with such a clear and obvious threat from the bottom of his heart?
Obito tried to grasp this trace of abnormality, but it was in vain.
He couldn't find even one reasonable explanation for his resistance!
This discovery exploded in his mind like a thunderclap, causing the pupil of his pitch-black right eye to suddenly contract. Then, the crimson three-tomoe spun rapidly, and the Mangekyo Sharingan opened instantly!
Violent Ocular Power poured out without reservation, whipping up an invisible wind pressure in the air.
Though this power had no specific target, it was like a layer of cold armor, bringing a sense of security.
Obito began to fully examine the depths of his heart.
He reviewed every thought and every emotion over and over again...
Yet, bizarrely, no matter how he probed, that instinctive resistance that "it is not suitable to deal with Konoha right now" remained stubbornly entrenched, perfectly clear yet like water without a source or a tree without roots, lacking any logical support.
He clearly perceived the abnormality, yet he could not change this absurd "original intent"!
The air fell into a deathly silence.
Obito went silent. Just what kind of terrifying ocular technique was this?
To think it could make someone like him, who also possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan, unable to break free from its shackles even while clearly realizing there was a problem with his state, willingly maintaining a distorted will?
"Black Zetsu..."
After a long time, the oppressive silence was broken by Obito's raspy, low voice.
"From now on, you will be fully responsible for all matters involving Konoha.
How to respond, how to handle them... just report the results of all action plans to me once the dust has settled."
This command was the only arrangement he could think of right now. Since he himself could not deal with Konoha, he would hand the matter over completely.
"Yes!"
Black Zetsu's voice rang out in response, carrying a relieved steadiness.
Although Obito still seemed unable to extricate himself from the shadow of Shisui's Mangekyo ocular technique.
But at least his consciousness was still clear enough that he wouldn't turn on him on the spot, and he hadn't completely escaped control.
That was enough. As long as he was still on the chessboard, even if he was a pawn that temporarily couldn't act according to the original plan.
...
Takuno knew nothing about the matters regarding Orochimaru and Obito.
He only knew that the Mini Ten-Tails had finally finished absorbing the energy from the Vein of Gelel.
Takuno's gaze fell upon the now-transformed Mini Ten-Tails before him, a trace of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
Several months had quietly slipped away, and the staggering energy contained in this land harboring the vast Vein of Gelel—except for the portion he had specifically partitioned off—had finally been completely absorbed by the Mini Ten-Tails.
The current Mini Ten-Tails was completely different in appearance than before.
Its size had expanded by more than twofold, and the once "immature" silhouette now exuded a stronger sense of pressure and presence.
Takuno silently confirmed his previous deduction in his heart. After completely devouring the power of the Vein of Gelel, the Mini Ten-Tails' volume had stabilized at roughly twenty percent of the world-destroying form of the complete Ten-Tails.
This result could be considered to have reached above the minimum expectations he could accept.
For Takuno, this was undoubtedly a clear bottom line.
Of course, the accumulation of power is endless. If he could obtain more, it would naturally be an even better situation.
Therefore, he would set out for that legendary Ancient Kingdom of Rōran.
The secrets buried there, the 'infinite energy' flowing deep within the earth known as the 'Ryuyaku,' was exactly his next key target.
However, before embarking on the journey to Rōran, Takuno knew there was still one thing to do.
In Konoha, a strange atmosphere permeated the Hokage Office.
Minato, who was buried in scrolls, suddenly raised his head in shock at the words coming from across him, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Senpai, you said... you want to retire?"
Minato's voice involuntarily rose a few pitches as he looked at the calm Takuno with obvious shock.
This proposal came too suddenly, completely out of his expectation.
A gentle yet firm smile appeared on Takuno's face, as if he had already given it much thought.
"Minato, there's no need to be so surprised."
"This isn't a whim, but something I've considered for a long time. The reason I didn't mention it earlier was only out of concern that there was no successor, making it difficult to find a suitable replacement for the Village."
"Now, your disciple Kakashi is no longer the youth of the past. His strength, wisdom, and responsibility are enough for him to stand on his own. He is the perfect candidate to take over my position."
"But Senpai..." Minato hurriedly spoke.
He indeed valued Kakashi's potential greatly and had long seen him as an important pillar for the future, and he had indeed considered letting him take over Takuno's position.
But that was for later when Takuno grew old. Now was definitely not the best time for the other party to retire.
He tried to find all sorts of reasons, from the stable transition of the Village to Takuno's own experiential value, speaking earnestly in an attempt to keep him.
However, no matter how Minato tried to persuade him, Takuno's mind remained unshaken.
He was about to set out for the mysterious Ancient Kingdom of Rōran.
If this trip succeeded, he would cross time and space to return to the past.
At that time, once the Shadow Clone left here dissipated or showed abnormalities, it would inevitably cause unnecessary suspicion and turmoil.
Instead of mysteriously disappearing under everyone's gaze and leaving behind an unsolved case, it was better to proactively step down from his post and then use a reason like "the world is so big, I want to go see it" to temporarily bid farewell to Konoha.
The power and position of Anbu Captain General had long lost meaning for the goal he pursued. He didn't need the infamy of desertion, nor did he need the regret of an unannounced departure. Such a dignified farewell was the most appropriate choice for everyone.
After this, he might be like Jiraiya, becoming a traveler outside the Village's regular system.
Although his status and prestige wouldn't match that legendary Sannin, this was enough for him.
He didn't crave illustrious power; he only sought that when he returned to Konoha one day, he wouldn't be viewed as a threat and put under guard.
Being able to freely approach Naruto or Sasuke to facilitate his necessary observations was enough; that was his true purpose.
Looking at the unshakable calm and resolution in Takuno's eyes, Minato finally understood that any words to keep him were in vain.
He sighed softly and accepted this established fact.
The Fourth Hokage nodded and said solemnly: "I understand, Senpai. Since your mind is made up... then the Village will properly arrange the matters of your retirement."
Time quietly slipped by for several days, during which the handover of the highest power in the Konoha Anbu was completed.
In the room temporarily serving as an office, Kakashi's heart was far less calm than his surface suggested.
He held the heavy appointment letter for Anbu Captain General in his hand, and a glimmer of disbelief still remained in the single eye under his silver hair.
Anbu Captain General? He knew the weight of this position all too well.
He knew his predecessor Takuno's strength was unfathomable, and he understood even more how much his teacher Minato relied on and trusted this senior.
Kakashi had actually been prepared to serve as Deputy Commander for a long time.
This was not only because Takuno's position was as stable as a mountain but also because of a subtle tacit understanding between the two.
Takuno had always disliked tedious daily management; therefore, the actual power held by Kakashi as Deputy Commander in many aspects of the Anbu's internal operations might have even exceeded that of the nominal Commander.
This was not an overstepping of boundaries but the result of Takuno's intentional design combined with Kakashi's exceptional ability.
Both of them viewed power itself very lightly; one was happy to be at leisure, while the other focused on execution. This peculiar harmony had quietly been maintained for a long time.
However, this balance was eventually broken.
Kakashi had tried to persuade him to stay, just as his teacher Minato had done before.
But unfortunately, even the Fourth Hokage's earnest pleas failed to move Takuno in the slightest. How could Kakashi's persuasion be effective?
"Alright, Kakashi." Takuno's voice interrupted Kakashi's thoughts.
He walked up to the new Commander and reached out to pat him twice on the shoulder. "Since you've taken this position, do a good job. Don't learn from me."
"Remember, help your teacher share more of the burden."
Minato, who had been standing to the side, now took a step forward, his expression more serious than ever before.
"Senpai, please don't say that." He looked directly at Takuno, his tone sincere. "The help you've given me is far more than I can express."
He wasn't just being polite; this seemingly lazy senior had always stood by his side at critical moments.
Moreover, during Takuno's tenure, the Anbu's operations had never had a single slip-up. This airtight control made Minato incredibly at ease.
If there was any regret, it was that this senior of Beyonder power was never willing to take on more responsibility; otherwise, the heavy burden on his shoulders as Hokage would surely have been lightened significantly.
Takuno laughed upon hearing this.
"Minato," he shook his head, "no matter how much you praise me, I won't stay to keep working. I'll come back to see you when I'm free. I'm off."
Before his voice had even faded, he had already turned around decisively, without the slightest hesitation.
The sunlight streamed through the window, outlining a long shadow from his departing figure.
He casually raised his arm and waved to the two of them with his back turned. His relaxed posture and receding back left Minato and Kakashi looking at each other in silence.