Between the two leaves of the aloe vera-like entity perpetually resided a White Zetsu, whose half body, in turn, hosted Black Zetsu. The millennia-long family ethics drama of the shinobi world, one could argue, was largely orchestrated by these two entities. Truly, the meaning of filial piety was felt.
Black Zetsu, nominally and in his own self-perception, was the son of the Rabbit Goddess, Kaguya Otsutsuki, progenitor of chakra. In reality, he was a severed fragment of Kaguya's consciousness, essentially her "soul shard." Thinking of it this way makes things quite logical… resurrecting oneself, nothing wrong with that.
Consequently, it's unsurprising that Black Zetsu possessed a unique perspective, capable of seeing through certain matters or the essence of certain individuals. After all, with his special origins and having watched the shinobi world since his birth, what hadn't he seen?
All this to say, Black Zetsu could clearly recognize the threat Habara posed at this stage. Therefore, eliminating him was the correct judgment, but it would be far from simple. Nagato's death was inconsequential, but the millennia-long plan absolutely could not tolerate any setbacks.
Even after Habara's squad disappeared from view, the conversation between Black Zetsu and White Zetsu continued.
"That Habara possesses Tailed Beast-level chakra. More importantly, he combines it with excellent combat tactics and awareness. Together, this means his strength is at least equivalent to that of a Perfect Jinchuriki. And considering the specific ninjutsu he employs…" Black Zetsu analyzed the power comparison, concluding that Nagato might hold an advantage, but victory was far from guaranteed.
"It's not just ninjutsu," White Zetsu added. "Based on intel gathered from Orochimaru and his performance on the night of the Uchiha incident, we can determine he is already capable of using Sage Mode."
"A 'Perfect Jinchuriki' with a unique Kekkei Genkai who can also use Sage Mode… Nagato certainly doesn't have a guaranteed win. After all, those eyes in his sockets aren't naturally his." This point raised by Black Zetsu was key. If those Rinnegan truly belonged to Nagato originally, the situation would be simpler.
"You can't necessarily say that," White Zetsu countered. "The secrets of the Rinnegan are beyond ordinary comprehension. In contrast, we've gathered nearly complete intelligence on Habara. With such an intel advantage, Nagato's side should be fine."
Black Zetsu considered this, then stated, "Ultimately, we cannot let him take risks. Let's lend him a hand this time… I will make a move."
White Zetsu chuckled. "Then you'd better be careful not to let him notice anything amiss."
Truly fitting for someone who operated constantly from the shadows; Black Zetsu's lifelong approach was one of utmost caution.
Habara, ultimately, was merely human. He remained unaware of the events unfolding behind him. Although his current strength was considerable, he still couldn't contend with entities like Black and White Zetsu—those things were truly ubiquitous.
White Zetsu could be anywhere, monitoring the entire shinobi world, but Habara couldn't just blast the landscape every few steps; that would make him seem insane. Such threats were virtually impossible to guard against completely.
For Habara, the current task was simply a routine diplomatic mission to Sunagakure. Moreover, the mission's objective wasn't particularly difficult to achieve, so he had no reason to be overly tense.
In his perception, the current period was still Akatsuki's "hibernation phase." Capturing Tailed Beasts from the major hidden villages required speed—achieving their goals before the villages could react and coordinate. Otherwise, things would become exceedingly troublesome. Thus, despite Nagato's immense personal strength, he still needed sufficient manpower to strike everywhere and succeed everywhere.
The ideal outcome would be eighteen top-tier ninja, operating in pairs, launching simultaneous attacks. Three or four days later, each pair returns to Amegakure with a Tailed Beast. They happily complete their missions, spirit away the beasts, and leave behind a thoroughly dumbfounded shinobi world.
Then, a day later, just as the major villages finally react, Nagato would already be in Amegakure, combining the nine Tailed Beasts into a single giant Gundam.
Habara's understanding was generally correct. Therefore, he had no idea he had already become a thorn in Pain's side. All he was doing was diligently building up Konoha Village; how did he end up targeted?
One could only say Nagato wasn't blind. If Habara were allowed to continue his efforts, Konoha would only grow stronger. And once Konoha became that strong, how would Akatsuki manage to snatch the Nine-Tails from them?
In Habara's current squad, he and Tenzo constituted the main combat power. Aoba Yamashiro and Hayate Gekko were essentially liabilities, dead weight.
The team traveled out of the Land of Fire, crossed the Land of Rivers uneventfully, and entered the territory of the Land of Wind. However, before departing, they had received notice: the negotiation location with Sunagakure wouldn't be within Suna village itself, but rather at a designated spot in the desolate desert near the Land of Wind's eastern border.
This clearly indicated that, given the recent events in the Land of Fire, Sunagakure had once again become wary of Konoha. The new Hokage played hardball, her methods ruthless—she could even eliminate her own Daimyo! Who knew what her attitude towards Suna might be? Remember, back when she was active on the battlefield, she was a known adversary of Suna's Elder Chiyo. Under these circumstances, Suna naturally wouldn't allow someone like Habara easy entry into their village again.
It wasn't personal, merely self-preservation.
Habara's group arrived in the Land of Wind ostensibly to negotiate the Chunin Exams, but this easily recalled his first visit to Suna under the pretext of signing a peace treaty. And the result that time? The Fourth Kazekage ended up getting offed.
Suna didn't dare let Habara into the village, but they still dared to talk. In this dilapidated town, half-buried by sand on the Land of Wind's border, Habara met Suna's current de facto leader, Chiyo. Accompanying her was only a single squad of ninja.
Chiyo held the power of the Kazekage without the title, so appearing here was, in itself, risking personal danger. But she didn't fear death. Sunagakure was currently led by a council of elders, an oligarchy, and the situation was stable. Her absence wouldn't cause major problems.
Upon meeting Chiyo, Habara stated, "Elder Chiyo, Sunagakure is Konoha's ally. According to the treaty previously signed between our nations, the joint Chunin Exam system must be continued. Suna must cooperate in this matter; otherwise, it constitutes a violation of our alliance."
He got straight to the point; there was no need for pleasantries with Suna.
"The responsibility does not lie with Suna," Chiyo retorted coolly. "The sudden political upheaval in the Land of Fire, the Hokage abruptly becoming the Daimyo—this breaks the commonly accepted political framework of the shinobi world. The Hokage has incurred widespread anger, and the Land of Fire faces intense scrutiny… This is your own problem. Sunagakure also does not approve of such actions. The Hokage is merely the Hokage. A ninja wanting to become the ruler of a nation—what kind of absurdity is this?"
Chiyo had no intention of being blamed by Habara. On this matter, the one deserving blame was clearly the Hokage.
Habara smiled faintly. "Konoha and Suna are close allies. In such times, we should support each other even more. The shinobi world currently holds some criticisms against the Land of Fire and the Hokage, it's true. Therefore, Konoha may undertake a strategic withdrawal in the near future. Under these circumstances, we need Sunagakure to help alleviate some pressure on the western front."
His words clearly held hidden meaning. Chiyo didn't immediately understand. "Continue. How specifically should we alleviate pressure?"
This wasn't about alleviating pressure at all; it was clearly Konoha preparing to concede some benefits to secure Suna's support.
"Regarding the Land of Rivers," Habara elaborated, "Konoha lacks the spare capacity to ensure the stability of that nation. Therefore, we are preparing to withdraw our influence to the east of the midline. As for the western side, perhaps Sunagakure could assist in maintaining order, ensuring local grain production and regional stability… provided, of course, that Sunagakure proves to be a reliable ally to Konoha."
This was no longer hinting. As long as Chiyo wasn't senile, she naturally understood what Habara was saying. Grain-producing regions—this was something Suna had coveted for decades without success.
"The Hokage's position as State Lord is indisputable; it is the collective wish of the Land of Fire's citizens," Habara continued, applying pressure. "If this cannot even be acknowledged by other nations, then for the sake of the Hokage's honor, Konoha's ninja may seek violent means to break the deadlock. Regardless, as Konoha's ally, Sunagakure should prioritize recognizing the Hokage's status. And even if Suna were not Konoha's ally, as the major power closest to the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind and Sunagakure still have priority in acknowledging this fact."
Benefits on one hand, threats on the other—Habara's words struck from both sides.
After a moment of silence, Chiyo asked, "West of the Land of Rivers… Can you guarantee this will be acknowledged by the Hokage?"
"Naturally. However, the prerequisite is that you must guarantee the unity of the Land of Rivers. Konoha will absolutely not engage in selling out the territory of a neighboring country."
Meaning, nominally, the Land of Rivers must remain the Land of Rivers.
Certain things were desperately desired by the Land of Wind. Faced with such terms, Chiyo had no room to bargain. Almost immediately after clarifying Konoha's conditions, Chiyo stated decisively, "We will persuade the Daimyo. There won't be significant resistance."
"Then the joint Chunin Exams?"
"Will proceed as scheduled."
The negotiation was almost too smooth. Habara said, "My offer," and Chiyo replied, "Deal." Everyone was happy.
With this agreement in principle reached, the specific details of the exchange would require further discussion between Konoha and Suna, involving not just the villages but also the two national governments. However, that wasn't Habara's task.
But establishing this intent meant the political isolation faced by the Land of Fire in the shinobi world was effectively broken.
Habara's squad had spent over two days traveling to the Land of Wind. They then spent less than an hour communicating and reaching consensus with Chiyo. Now, they could turn around and head back.
On the way there, the squad carried a political mission, so the members were relatively quiet. On the return journey, with the mission accomplished, their moods lightened considerably.
"I never expected Elder Chiyo of Suna to be so agreeable," Aoba Yamashiro remarked.
By now, the squad had been traveling through the Land of Rivers for some time. Soon, they would be back in the Land of Fire.
Responding to Aoba's comment, Tenzo offered the most accurate explanation, "It depends on who's talking to her. When facing certain individuals, she tends to be quite straightforward."
If you have strength, and have demonstrated it effectively, some things become much easier to discuss.
But just then, Habara, leading the way, abruptly stopped. Almost simultaneously, he issued an order in the sternest possible tone, "Follow orders! Return immediately! Don't worry about me!"
What happened? …No one voiced the question. Because the next instant, the entire earth seemed to jump. Habara, at the front, absorbed most of the impact's force, but the others were still inevitably blasted away.
Habara stared at the forest ahead, which had been suddenly obliterated, leaving only bare, yellow earth exposed. He looked at the figure standing there amidst the devastation. Taking a deep breath, he softly uttered two syllables:
"Pain."