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"Swoosh!"
Suddenly, Sōsuke vanished from his original position!
Saki, witnessing this, narrowed his eyes and quickly looked around.
In a not-so-distant forest, hidden in a secluded corner, a white figure appeared to merge with the trees as if living in symbiosis with them.
"Hmm!? His presence disappeared! It can't be...!!"
The white figure, examining the forest in the distance, muttered to himself. Suddenly, his expression changed, but before he could finish speaking,
"Splut!"
A snow-white blade pierced through his body, pinning him to a thick tree trunk!
While White Zetsu was slightly shocked by this development, he didn't appear overly concerned. He turned his head to look at the imposing figure and mumbled.
"Of course... you've found me again."
Bathing in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the forest, Sōsuke, who had suddenly appeared behind White Zetsu, wore a faint smile and said softly.
"You're not worried about your current situation at all. Another one of your clones, I see."
Hearing Sōsuke's words, White Zetsu, who was impaled by Kyōka Suigetsu, grinned and muttered.
"I have some information about you, after all. I don't dare to let my guard down when facing you."
Sōsuke lowered his gaze, his eyes becoming more serious.
"You are a slippery character, and I'm becoming increasingly interested in your hidden presence."
At this moment, Saki arrived as well.
"Captain Aizen... what is this!?"
Seeing Sōsuke and White Zetsu pinned to a tree trunk, Saki's face showed a puzzled expression as he inquired.
Seeing Saki's arrival, Sōsuke's face bore a gentle smile, and he said softly.
"Just another slippery character, Saki. Examine his body closely and see what it's composed of; I'm quite interested in him."
Following Sōsuke's instructions, Saki respectfully nodded and activated his Byakugan, carefully examining the immobilized White Zetsu.
"Oh? A member of the Hyuga clan... a bit nostalgic, this Dojutsu..."
Unable to move, White Zetsu raised his head to glance at Saki and grinned while saying softly.
After scrutinizing White Zetsu closely, Saki's calm expression suddenly shifted, and he was amazed.
"How... How can he survive in this state!?"
Hearing Saki's words, Sōsuke's lips curled up slightly, and his deep eyes glanced at White Zetsu.
Indeed, you might say this guy doesn't really belong to the human category...
White Zetsu grinned and responded.
"Oh, well, you're not entirely wrong with that statement, but..."
As he was about to continue speaking, Sōsuke approached and pulled out Kyōka Suigetsu from White Zetsu's body, surprising him.
"Eh? Are you planning to let me go?"
He stared at Sōsuke with disbelieving red and yellow eyes.
In response to White Zetsu's question, Sōsuke smiled slightly and said softly.
"I have no intention of doing meaningless things. Even if it takes more time, I doubt there's anything useful I can get from you. However, there's one thing I'm sure of..."
"That is... you didn't appear here by chance. The entity behind you is equally interested in those eyes. The legendary Rinnegan of the Six Paths..."
Sōsuke spoke until that point, then turned to face White Zetsu.
"When you return, remember to convey this... those eyes... I have claimed them."
"If you dare to intervene further..."
Sōsuke didn't finish his sentence and turned away, continuing to walk forward.
The air seemed to undergo a subtle change for a brief moment when he turned his head.
"Crack!"
At that moment, White Zetsu's clone seemed to be overwhelmed by an enormous force. His limbs and body were instantly pinned to the thick tree trunk, and his forehead was covered in sweat.
What... what... is this... power? That terrifying sense of impending death, like a momentary suffocation... How long has it been since I've felt this...
Could it be... that this guy has the same level of strength as Madara...
If...
Seemingly realizing something, White Zetsu struggled on the tree trunk and, with great effort, raised his head, his forehead glistening with sweat, as he looked at Sōsuke and Saki's retreating figures.
"You... you're a Leaf ninja, aren't you? You covet these eyes and haven't returned with your comrades. I presume you have ambitions that are unknown to others..."
Hearing his words, Sōsuke halted for a moment, turned his head, and said softly.
"Hmm..."
White Zetsu, struggling to catch his breath, continued speaking.
"If you have ambitions for this world, the entity behind me might pique your interest. After all, your goals won't necessarily conflict..."
In response, Sōsuke's lips curled up slightly, and his eyes under the lens shone with an unusual gleam as he softly said,
"Wait until your true self appears in front of me to say that. Right now, you secretive folks aren't worth my concern."
With that, Sōsuke continued walking forward.
Soon, the two of them disappeared into the darkness.
Leaving behind the White Zetsu clone panting on the ground, he sneered and looked at his now limp body while muttering to himself.
"What a terrifying guy..."
"Such a person is probably appreciated by Madara... but not necessarily... after all, under those eyes... no one can ignore such a terrifying power..."
"Sigh! Why does the Hidden Leaf always seem to attract these strange individuals! Well, should I disappear to find my main body or look for something substantial to replenish myself..."
Saying this, he slowly began to move his fractured limbs and legs, seemingly searching for prey to mend his body.
"No matter how the world changes... what meaning does it hold for someone like me..."
With a melancholic murmur, his figure disappeared into the darkness.
In the Land of Rain.
Inside a tent at the Hidden Leaf's camp.
"Sister! How do I look in this outfit!?"
Suddenly, Nawaki Senju appeared in front of Tsunade, dressed in a shinobi combat uniform, a brilliant smile on his face.
Observing Nawaki's appearance, Tsunade's beautiful eyes softened, and she smiled softly.
"It's great, Nawaki. You look very spirited in that combat uniform."
As she praised him, Tsunade walked closer and gently adjusted Nawaki's clothing, offering words of advice with concern.
"On your first mission, remember to listen to the team leader, don't wander off, and don't act on your own, alright!?"
Hearing her words, Nawaki grinned and replied.
"I know, I know. You've reminded me three times already! Don't worry anymore, sis. I've got the skills!"
Tsunade chuckled helplessly and nodded.
"Alright, alright, Nawaki. You're the best."
"Before you go, let's make a deal, Nawaki. If you come back safely, I promise I'll find you a beautiful girlfriend. How does that sound?"
Hearing her words, Nawaki made a wry face and retorted.
"Sis, why don't you find a boyfriend for yourself first? You need to act fast; I really admire my brother-in-law, Sōsuke-nii!"
As he said this, he hurriedly ran off to avoid Tsunade's wrath.
As he stood near the tent, he turned back to add.
"Except for Sōsuke-nii, I don't acknowledge anyone else as a potential suitor!"
After speaking, he vanished in a puff of smoke.
Observing this scene, Tsunade smiled helplessly, but her eyes were very gentle.
"Nawaki... you must be careful..."