In the end, Black Zetsu decided to bring the person in. Despite White Zetsu's warnings about this individual potentially causing trouble, it didn't matter much. After all, the one officially in charge was Uchiha Madara. White Zetsu, in the grand scheme of things, was simply a tool for Madara, without significant influence.
As for Black Zetsu, he would born as Madara's will when the time came. Even if this newcomer turned out to be a troublemaker, his actions would only cause issues for Uchiha Madara, not them, as he couldn't possibly be aware of their ultimate goal.
So, as long as this person leaned towards peace, had a darkness in his heart that could be exploited, and possessed decent skills, he was welcome to join. Moreover, this individual seemed quite cunning, much like the rogue Grass Ninja they'd interacted with before. This seemed like a good fit. In the end, even White Zetsu had to concede that Black Zetsu had a point.
Bringing this person in made sense. Even if it was a bit of a gamble, with so many White Zetsu around, there was little harm even if he managed to deceive one or two of them. Besides, this person had already discovered their existence. Not allowing him to join could lead to him probing for their secrets later on.
Soon, White Zetsu guided Akihiko through an underground passage, and they finally arrived in a spacious underground chamber. However, as they entered the cavern, Akihiko fell silent, listening to the sound of someone reading aloud.
He couldn't help but find it oddly familiar. Looking up at the top of the cave, he quickly realized what was happening and couldn't help but smile wryly. They were living beneath the school, which explained the haunting stories that had been circulating. However, the fact that the sound carried so clearly, even though they were deep underground, surprised him.
"Oh, that guy went out of his way to procure Chakra microphones and audio systems developed by the Grass Village for this underground remodeling," White Zetsu's body explained, recognizing Akihiko's curiosity. "That's why the sound quality is remarkably clear."
Akihiko arched an eyebrow, realizing that they were discussing a specific White Zetsu, not all White Zetsu.
Among the White Zetsu inhabiting the underground lair, one stood out from the rest. While the others were creations extracted from the Gedo Statue, ancient humans who had been submerged in the Infinite Tsukuyomi, this unique White Zetsu had been formed by infusing cells from Senju Hashirama himself. Consequently, it possessed a distinctive appearance and a wider range of abilities. Additionally, this unique White Zetsu had a higher level of power and the capability to employ ninjutsu, including mastery of the five nature transformations.
"I never expected to find a White Zetsu who enjoys studying," Akihiko remarked.
White Zetsu fell silent momentarily but then hesitated before saying, "Actually, it's what Lord Madara wanted."
"Hmm?" Akihiko was taken aback and sighed, "Even at his age, he still loves learning. It's a truly admirable dedication to education. This must be documented in the Grass Village's educational materials. We should encourage children to follow Lord Madara's example. I believe it must also be quite a challenge for you to oversee Lord Madara's studies. It seems that you White Zetsu also appreciate the pursuit of knowledge."
But really, what was Madara studying at this point? Hadn't he already retired and moved on from learning? Didn't he want to use the Infinite Tsukuyomi? Didn't he aspire to bring peace to the shinobi world? Didn't he want to demonstrate to his dear friend that he was right?
"Too bad he isn't diligent in his work. I'll have to scold him later," Akihiko thought, shaking his head internally. "I must remind him to get back on track and criticize him for not focusing on his responsibilities."
At this moment, White Zetsu's main body fell into silence once more, unsure of how to respond. This guy, he certainly had a way with words.
However, had he ever mentioned anything about Madara? How did this guy know that Madara had grown old? Well, since he had already brought him here, the rest was up to Madara. After scratching his head, White Zetsu's main body pointed ahead and said, "We're here."
But as Akihiko looked ahead, he noticed an elderly man with white hair, a few tubes sticking out of his back, sitting on a large stone chair. Was that Uchiha Madara? Observing the aged man with wrinkles on his face, he couldn't help but sigh.
Indeed, the mighty, legendary figures from the past were growing old. However, he couldn't help but wonder why there were so many sticks on the ground. They seemed oddly familiar.
But as Akihiko was pondering over it, he noticed that Madara had sensed something and slowly opened his eyes. Their gazes met, and Akihiko just smiled as if to say hello. Yet, instead of a greeting, Madara simply remarked, "You're a bit of a surprise, Grass Ninja Leader."
With that, Madara closed his eyes again. Akihiko couldn't help but feel confused by this abrupt response. He wasn't sure what Madara meant by that one sentence.
This scene left Akihiko puzzled. He couldn't fathom why Madara had uttered just one sentence and then fallen silent. However, at that very moment, a cheerful voice suddenly rang out, "Madara-sama, I'm back. What a fruitful day it was. I'll be able to buy—Oh?"
The voice halted in its tracks and expressed surprise, drawing closer to Akihiko with a warm smile. "Grass Ninja Leader, you're here? That's fantastic, You've finally come!"
Akihiko raised an eyebrow, curious about why this guy appeared even more thrilled to see him than he was to see them. This person also seemed a bit disheveled. Akihiko recalled the rumors about the mysterious sanitation worker from earlier in the morning. Could this guy genuinely be collecting trash?
"Grass Village leader, could you find a job for me? I attempted to work at the factory in secret, but I got caught. Now, I can't find any work, so I have to gather garbage to make a living," Spiral-faced White Zetsu looked at Akihiko with hopeful eyes.
Akihiko was taken aback. What was this? A White Zetsu willingly seeking employment? What an industrious White Zetsu. This White Zetsu deserved compensation.
"No problem, you'll work from 9 to 9, with one day off every week. It may be a bit busy, but I guarantee that you'll have a very fulfilling day every day." Akihiko stated with a serious expression.
However, when Zetsu heard Akihiko's offer, he hesitated. Although he had no facial expressions, it was apparent that he was unsure. He glanced at Madara in the stone chair, scratched his head, and appeared somewhat embarrassed. "So, it's going to be that hectic, huh? Never mind then. I still need to look after Madara-sama. I'll stick with collecting trash. Besides, it doesn't cost much to support Madara-sama just fine."
Madara, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, suddenly snapped them open and, in his deep, weathered voice, uttered, "Silence, you idiot."
His piercing gaze shifted towards Akihiko, punctuated by intermittent moments of contemplative silence and a noticeable furrowing of his brow. Then, that same deep, age-worn voice resonated once more, "Leader of the Grass Ninja, can you do me a favor?"
Akihiko found himself taken aback. Could this be it? Was Madara finally prepared to divulge the details of the Infinite Tsukuyomi's grand plan for peace in the Shinobi world?
Before Akihiko could formulate a response, Madara once again closed his eyes and reclined on his colossal stone throne. He spoke with solemnity, "Can you Accept Uchiha Obito into your village? Allow the young one to enroll in your village's academy and receive proper education."
Akihiko was left utterly bewildered. The words emanating from Madara weren't what he expected.
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