Yuuki had anticipated this situation when he decided to teach Nagato a lesson.
His actions would inevitably create a rift in the already trustless, purely exploitative partnership between Yuuki and Black Zetsu.
Of two evils, choose the lesser. One cannot have everything, nor can everything go as planned.
Yuuki had prepared a mental draft for how to deal with Black Zetsu, and was mentally prepared to be in the wrong.
However, Black Zetsu's current aggressive stance made Yuuki change his initial idea.
"Black Zetsu, are you treating me like White Zetsu, thinking I'm your subordinate?"
It's just putting on a sour face; anyone can do that!
Before Black Zetsu could react, Yuuki continued.
"I chose to cooperate with you for the peace of the Ninja World. Without you, I alone can maintain the peace of the Ninja World. At worst, we can go our separate ways. I refuse to believe that the Infinite Tsukuyomi is the only way to achieve peace in the Ninja World. I am still young and have plenty of time to find other methods!"
Going separate ways with Black Zetsu was impossible; Yuuki would not allow such a thing to happen.
But Black Zetsu didn't know any of this!
Yuuki's explanation seemed both logical and in character, momentarily stunning Black Zetsu.
At this moment, Black Zetsu had only one thought: Director, the other side isn't following the script!
Black Zetsu didn't know why things had turned out this way. He was clearly the victim, yet why was Yuuki so confident despite being in the wrong?
All dramatic confrontations can be framed in terms of romantic relationships; when a conflict arises and one party threatens to break up, whoever cares more loses.
Yuuki knew the extent and reasons for Black Zetsu's concern for the Eye of the Moon, while Black Zetsu was completely unaware of Yuuki's true reasons for caring.
The implementation of the Eye of the Moon Plan did not absolutely require Yuuki, but Black Zetsu knew that if Yuuki did not cooperate, the plan could not proceed at all.
Having understood the stakes, Black Zetsu was the first to back down.
"Fifth Hokage, I was a little agitated just now. I don't understand why such a good opportunity should be wasted. Are you really planning to give up the Infinite Tsukuyomi Plan?"
Seeing Black Zetsu start to speak properly, Yuuki also responded with a smile.
"Of course, the Infinite Tsukuyomi will not be abandoned, but the time is not yet ripe."
The time is not ripe?
Black Zetsu looked bewildered. Why wasn't it ripe? All Nine Tailed Beasts were present now; when else would be a better time to start?
He didn't ask directly but looked at Yuuki with a questioning gaze, waiting for an explanation.
Facing Black Zetsu's curious expression, Yuuki knew the initiative had returned to his hands.
Yuuki was not in a hurry to answer, but instead questioned Black Zetsu.
"The purpose of the Infinite Tsukuyomi is to bring true peace to the Ninja World, isn't that right?"
Black Zetsu didn't know what Yuuki was trying to say, but he knew he should answer yes at this moment.
"That's right!"
"The Infinite Tsukuyomi is for peace, but capturing the Tailed Beasts now would lead to war, so now is not the right time."
After Black Zetsu answered, Yuuki immediately expressed his stance: he not only wanted to pursue the correct outcome but also the correct procedure.
This completely stumped Black Zetsu. Don't you know what that is?
Those are Tailed Beasts!
Capturing Tailed Beasts would inevitably cause unrest and very likely lead to war.
How is this any different from directly abandoning the Infinite Tsukuyomi???
And what kind of person are you, Uchiha Tomoki? Don't I know? I saw everything you did to the Sarutobi Clan.
If you're going to make excuses, at least make a better one!
Feeling played, Black Zetsu's eyes became dangerous, most of his gaze focused on Yuuki's chest.
But it was only for a moment, then he shifted his gaze.
There was something wrong with Uchiha Tomoki's body; this was a vague feeling Black Zetsu had.
Given Yuuki's immense Chakra and ocular power, Black Zetsu had considered using his special technique.
But every time he felt such an impulse, Black Zetsu had a very dangerous feeling.
That is, if he were to do that, there was a high probability that he would not only fail but also die!
Yuuki, who was watching Black Zetsu's every move, was equally nervous. Black Zetsu appeared to have no power whatsoever.
He didn't even have a Chakra reaction; in his perception, he was weaker than an ordinary person.
However, Yuuki, knowing Black Zetsu's track record, had never underestimated him.
Yuuki didn't know how Black Zetsu managed his 'heart-gouging' technique, but he had always been on guard.
When Black Zetsu's gaze focused on his chest, the template within Yuuki was poised for action.
Only after Black Zetsu's gaze shifted did Yuuki slightly relax. The Ōtsutsuki family was all incredibly peculiar, and one could easily capsize if not careful.
"Capturing Tailed Beasts is bound to cause war. According to you, the Infinite Tsukuyomi cannot proceed at all, Fifth Hokage!"
Without absolute certainty, Black Zetsu still chose to endure, but he also appropriately showed his attitude.
Baby is unhappy now!
If the child is unhappy, then coax him, Yuuki quickly said.
"That is indeed the case, but as long as we seize the right moment, we can minimize the damage!"
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right nobut who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/TripleCrown
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"