Nagato finally detached himself from the machine that had accompanied him for so many years. It had been keeping him alive—though, in truth, it was also a device designed to control the Six Paths of Pain.
He put on a black Akatsuki cloak and lay down on the paper bed that Konan had crafted for him.
"Kamui!"
Space distorted. Everyone was pulled into Obito's Kamui dimension—everyone except Kisame Hoshigaki.
Left alone in the now-empty cave, Kisame sighed. He hoisted Samehada onto his shoulder and walked away. From here, he would return to Kirigakure—back to his home.
...
Konoha – Hokage's Office
Obito transported everyone straight into the office.
Shizune jumped in surprise, but when she saw Kiyosuke, she relaxed.
Tsunade frowned. "What happened?"
Kiyosuke began to explain. He glossed over the battle itself, focusing instead on how Black Zetsu had stolen the Rinnegan—and that Uchiha Madara might very well be resurrected.
Tsunade's face darkened. She knew all too well how terrifying Madara was—a man even her grandfather had to fight with everything he had. His power was monstrous. The memory of him attacking Konoha alongside the Nine-Tails still burned vividly in her mind.
"Uchiha Madara... that bastard!"
Tsunade slammed her fist on the desk. She already knew about Obito's previous encounter with Madara; otherwise, she'd never have accepted him back into Konoha. Precisely because she understood that connection, she knew just how dire the situation was.
That man—even in death—was a threat not only to Konoha, but to the entire shinobi world.
"In a short while, the Five Kage Summit will begin. I'll bring this up to the other Kage then," Tsunade said, rubbing her temples in frustration.
"We'd be deeply grateful."
She rose from her chair and walked over to Nagato. Seeing his deformed legs, she began examining them carefully, calling Shizune and Sakura over to assist with the medical check.
A while later, she said, "These are old injuries. His legs healed, but the damage left him unable to walk. His whole body's a mess too—he needs long-term treatment. Jiraiya, take him to Konoha Hospital and have Rin look after him."
"Got it!"
Jiraiya and Konan helped Nagato up and left for the hospital.
Tsunade turned toward Itachi, cleared her throat, and said,
"Uchiha Itachi, your S-rank mission is officially complete. Thank you for all you've done for Konoha. As of this moment, your name is cleared—go home and spend time with your family."
"Yes!"
Itachi dropped to one knee, removing his rogue forehead protector. Tsunade took it and replaced it with a new Konoha one.
"Uchiha Shisui, your mission is also complete. Your identity is restored."
"Yes!"
The two exchanged smiles, a weight visibly lifted from their shoulders.
It was finally over.
That mission had lasted years, but now—at last—it had come to an end.
Itachi wanted nothing more than to return home immediately. Shisui, meanwhile, was eager to take off his mask and stroll through the village.
"Wait a moment—you two, especially Itachi and Sasuke," Kiyosuke called out. "Before you go, I'd like to upgrade your power a bit."
"Huh?"
The brothers looked at him, puzzled. "Upgrade our power?"
Kiyosuke smiled faintly. "Yes. But I'll need the Hokage's help for this one. I want her to replace your Sharingan."
Tsunade frowned. "Don't joke around with me, Kiyosuke. Their Sharingan are perfectly fine—why on earth would we replace them?"
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly. "You mean... the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan?"
"Exactly. You're brothers, and both of you have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. By transplanting one's eyes to the other, you can obtain the Eternal Mangekyō. Of course, there's also a chance one of you might lose the Mangekyō entirely."
The Eternal Mangekyō could only be awakened through the transplantation of another Mangekyō Sharingan—preferably between close blood relatives to ensure success. Once awakened, blindness would never again be an issue, and the physical strain would lessen greatly.
It was a tremendous boost in power.
"I don't want my brother's eyes!" Sasuke said firmly. He didn't quite understand everything, but he wanted no part of taking something from his brother.
Kiyosuke replied patiently, "Sasuke, this is for both your sakes. The Mangekyō puts a heavy burden on the body. The Eternal version has far fewer side effects. Itachi's already suffering from the strain, and your eyesight's probably been getting worse too, hasn't it?"
Sasuke fell silent.
After that battle, he had indeed noticed his vision deteriorating. Nearsightedness—something that had never happened to him before.
Itachi placed a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Sasuke, it's alright. The Mangekyō is powerful, but its toll is harsh. Use it as little as possible—or your body won't hold out."
"…Okay."
"So, you're asking me to transplant their Sharingan?" Tsunade asked. For her, it was a minor operation—not difficult at all. The only question was whether they'd agree.
"That's right," Kiyosuke confirmed. "It'll benefit both of you. Sasuke, especially."
Sasuke clenched his fists, then slowly nodded.
Itachi didn't object. Whether he lost the Mangekyō or not didn't matter to him—if it meant his brother would be safe, that was all that mattered.
He bowed slightly. "Please, Hokage-sama."
"Alright, then. We'll begin the surgery right away. Shizune, notify Konoha Hospital to prepare an operating room."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Shizune hurried off.
Tsunade turned to the brothers.
"You two, head to the hospital and get ready. Shisui, inform their family. Their parents deserve to know what's happening."
"Understood!"
Shisui left at once.
Kiyosuke stretched his arms and sighed. "I'm exhausted. Obito, let's grab something to eat."
"Sure thing."
Obito removed his mask as well. From here on, all they could do was watch and wait.
...
Meanwhile, in a remote corner of the Land of Grass—
Black Zetsu emerged from the ground, merging once more with White Zetsu.
"That man is far too dangerous. A single Rinnegan isn't enough to execute the plan," Black Zetsu muttered.
"Then we just find someone else! Starting over from scratch—what could be better? Struggling is the most fun thing in the world!" White Zetsu said cheerfully.
"We'll have to choose a new pawn."
Black Zetsu sighed. His grand plan had to be rewritten once again. He needed a new vessel to bring Uchiha Madara back to life.
Fortunately, he already had a candidate in mind. All that remained was to manipulate him—something that came easily to one as experienced as Black Zetsu.
"This time, I'll make my move."
White Zetsu eagerly sank back into the earth, followed by Black Zetsu.
"I must find a way to resurrect Uchiha Madara... otherwise, Mother will never be freed."
Black Zetsu's heart for saving his mother—had never faded.
For that goal, it lived.