Once inside his mansion, the atmosphere grew dense, charged with palpable tension. Katahara, sensing a presence, stopped in his tracks and spoke in a firm yet calm voice.
Katahara: (Not turning around) You don't need to hide from me.
From the shadows emerged Laffitte, like a specter that had been waiting in the gloom. With an agile movement, he knelt before Katahara, his gaze lowered in a sign of respect.
Laffitte: My lord.
Katahara: (Turning slowly to face him) If you are here, I assume you have completed your mission. Did you manage to locate him?
Laffitte: (With his head still bowed) Yes, my lord. The target, known as Zetsu Black, is an amorphous, dark mass, a living shadow capable of changing form. It possesses its own consciousness and is extremely dangerous. Its yellow eyes, devoid of pupils or sclera, make it unmistakable.
Katahara: (Frowning) Four years... That bastard has proven more elusive than I expected.
Laffitte: (Nodding) Indeed, my lord. Zetsu Black is a cunning enemy. Its ability to evade us and transform allows it to escape our attempts at capture. However, we have managed to identify its lair.
Katahara: (With growing interest) And where is it hiding?
Laffitte: (Bowing his head cautiously) I have discovered its hideout, but it is heavily guarded. Zetsu has set multiple traps and defenses to avoid being discovered. It does not seem to act alone.
Katahara: (In a grave tone) Madara...
Laffitte: (With a hint of concern) Through my Observation Haki, I detected an immense presence near its lair. The amount of energy it emits is overwhelming. Without a doubt, it is Madara Uchiha.
Katahara: (Reflecting) Then the challenge is greater than I imagined. What about its forces?
Laffitte: (Serious, almost somber) I observed what appear to be inanimate objects, empty human figures. The number is colossal, probably in the hundreds of thousands. If we decide to attack, the forces of Kirigakure would suffer catastrophic losses. We will need reinforcements from Zou, my lord.
Katahara: (Frowning with determination) I am not willing to sacrifice my future warriors in a reckless attack. We must be strategic. It is not yet time to risk everything.
Laffitte: (With a firm posture) As you wish, my lord. I will maintain constant surveillance over its lair until you decide it is time to act.
Katahara: (With a cold and calculating gaze) Do not act recklessly. Madara is more cunning than he appears, and Zetsu has been moving in the shadows for too long. When the time comes, we will make no mistakes.
Laffitte: (Rising slowly) Understood, my lord. I will remain vigilant.
As Laffitte faded back into the shadows, Katahara stood still for a moment, contemplating the emptiness before him. In his mind, the pieces of an ancient and complex game began to fall into place. He was not only preparing for the Chunin Exams; he was preparing for a much larger conflict, one that threatened not only Kirigakure but the entire world.
Katahara: (In a low voice, to himself) Madara... Zetsu... When the time comes, everything will fall. Everything.
Laffitte: My lord…
As he pulled out two reports and handed them to Katahara.
Laffitte: (Drawing out two reports with an elegant gesture) My lord…
Laffitte slightly bowed, extending the documents toward Katahara, who took them with an inquisitive look.
Katahara: (Examining the reports) So, the infiltration of the two clans was a success…
Laffitte: (Nodding) Yes, my lord. My CP0 men successfully infiltrated both clans, although it was more complicated than we expected…
Katahara: (In a reflective tone) Two of the best clans in Konoha… I expected no less. As for the Land of Heaven…
Laffitte: (With a hint of concern) I have two men infiltrated, but they have not yet managed to establish themselves as such, my lord.
Katahara: (With determination) Good, let's see the report from the Land of Heaven.
Katahara began to carefully examine the documents that Laffitte had handed him, meticulously reviewing the details of the infiltrations in the Konoha clans and the Land of Heaven. He knew this information was crucial for his future plans and strategies.
Katahara: (Focusing on a specific point) The Hōzuki Castle.
Laffitte: (In a firm voice) We have taken control of the Castle and captured its owners, but we have not yet found the box, my lord.
Katahara: (In an inquisitive tone) And the priestess… Shion?
Laffitte: (Shaking his head) There is no trace of her, my lord. Regarding the Land of Demons, as you instructed me, it was not founded. A search group is south of the Land of Fire, trying to locate the temple of that priestess.
Katahara: (Reflecting) Good. There are still several decades before that being is resurrected. Keep the dormant cells in the clans until further notice.
Laffitte: (With a determined nod) Of course, my lord. We will not allow them to be discovered and ruin our plans.
Katahara: (In an authoritative voice) Regarding the Land of Heaven, it is understandable that it takes more time to establish properly there. It is a distant place, with its own peculiarities. But I trust in your ability to carry out this task successfully.
Laffitte: (Gratefully) Thank you for your trust, my lord. I will do everything possible to achieve a solid infiltration in the Land of Heaven and obtain valuable information.
Katahara: (With an affirmative gesture) Good work. Continue with your efforts and make sure to keep me informed about any significant developments.
Laffitte: (In a serious tone) One more piece of news, my lord. Kirigakure was not the only village to receive an invitation to the Chunin Exams… Iwagakure has also been invited.
Katahara: (Frowning) Oh, it seems they want to humiliate the other villages with those four geniuses… How unfortunate that my boys are going to participate.
Laffitte: (Nodding) The Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, Ōnoki of the Two Scales, is undecided about whether to participate. However, his daughter, Rotsuchi, is determined to compete. He will most likely send an elite squad along with her to the exams.
Katahara: (Intrigued) Rotsuchi… so she is Ōnoki's daughter. Tell me about her abilities.
Laffitte: (With confidence) Rotsuchi is an exceptional kunoichi. She has demonstrated outstanding skills in using earth jutsu, which is not surprising, considering her lineage and her father's fame as Tsuchikage. Additionally, she possesses impressive physical strength and is known for her tenacity on the battlefield.
Despite her youth, Rotsuchi has already participated in several important B-rank missions for Iwagakure and has shown remarkable mastery of her chakra control, especially in earth-element techniques. She is recognized for her ability to use her chakra efficiently and strategically, making her a formidable adversary.
In addition to her skills as a shinobi, Rotsuchi is known for her loyalty to her village and her determination to protect her loved ones. She has a natural talent for leadership and has proven capable of making tough decisions in times of crisis.
In summary, Rotsuchi is a talented kunoichi, with impressive abilities in earth element jutsu and unwavering determination. She will undoubtedly be a formidable competitor in the Chunin Exams and represents a potential threat to Kirigakure and other participating villages.
Katahara: (With a calculating gaze) What an interesting girl… Have your men approach her. Perhaps, in the future, she will achieve something remarkable that puts her under my command.
Laffitte: (With a firm nod) Understood, my lord. I will have my men approach Rotsuchi discreetly and assess her skills and potential. If she proves to be an outstanding and promising kunoichi, we will keep her under surveillance and report directly to you.