"Master Madara..."
Even in its final moments, White Zetsu's thoughts were consumed by its unwavering devotion to its god.
At that moment, Kirito's soul had successfully overwhelmed the White Zetsu's, commencing the process of devouring and assimilating its essence, consequently acquiring its memories.
Within White Zetsu's spiritual realm, Kirito's spiritual form manifested abruptly. As his presence permeated the space, White Zetsu's darkened spiritual world began to disintegrate. Fragments of this shattered realm were drawn into Kirito's being, unveiling a cascade of memories that unfurled before him like an ancient scroll.
Initially, these memories chronicled White Zetsu's recent experiences. However, the narrative came to an abrupt halt upon depicting an oppressive underground cavern. The scroll of memories ceased its progression at this point, where a three-tomoe Sharingan, a mystical eye of crimson radiance, materialized.
Upon encountering this Sharingan, Kirito's spiritual form recoiled in agony. A scream echoed through his being, and his spiritual manifestation fragmented like a shattering mirror.
"Damn. Uchiha Madara is truly meticulous in his work. He embedded such a potent sealing ocular technique within White Zetsu's memories. Had I not severed the soul's connection in time, my soul would have endured substantial damage," Kirito contemplated.
In the corporeal world, White Zetsu opened its eyes, a bewildered expression crossing its features. It spoke with gravitas, "Madara-sama, I hope I'm still useful to you."
Boom.
At this juncture, White Zetsu's soul had vanished entirely.
When the Sharingan's sealing ocular technique was activated, White Zetsu's soul, teetering on the brink of collapse, had undergone a sudden explosion, causing some minor damage to Kirito.
Concurrently, within a vast underground cavern within the ninja world, a three-tomoe Sharingan abruptly flared to life amidst the darkness, emanating an eerie red luminescence. Uchiha Madara, his once-gray hair now disheveled, roused from a deep slumber.
"Master Madara, is something amiss?" In the next moment, a deep, raspy voice echoed, and a black entity with discernible eyes and mouth emerged from the ground. Soon, several white creatures emerged from the surrounding earth, gathering around Madara, awaiting his commands.
Among them, this Black Zetsu bore a distinctive feature—a swirling, vortex-like pattern adorning its entire body.
Uchiha Madara, the Ghost of the Uchiha.
"One of the White Zetsu's that had a sealed pupil's seal was triggered. Black Zetsu, go and see which White Zetsu was killed," Uchiha Madara stated with a measured tone as he focused his gaze on the white object lying on the ground.
Upon hearing Madara's instructions, Black Zetsu's surprise was evident as it inquired, "White Zetsu has been discovered?"
For years, White Zetsu had managed to remain hidden, eluding detection by anyone. However, today marked a turning point as this record was broken with White Zetsu's first casualty, signifying their existence had been exposed.
Although their adversaries might not yet comprehend their origins, they were now aware of the existence of an enigmatic force lurking within the ninja world. White Zetsu's unique body composition set it apart from ordinary individuals, offering potential clues for those who studied its remains.
Fortunately, Madara had meticulously implanted a sealing ocular technique within White Zetsu's memories, preventing the enemy from extracting information through Yin Release ninjutsu and illusions. This measure safeguarded them against revealing more information than necessary.
Black Zetsu trusted Madara's judgment wholeheartedly. Possessing one of White Zetsu's bodies, it promptly employed the Mayfly Technique to traverse the ground at high speeds.
Approximately half an hour later, Black Zetsu returned and conveyed solemnly, "Master Madara, it was White Zetsu who was killed."
Madara responded with a calm demeanor, "You are responsible for monitoring White Zetsu over Konoha."
Madara, as one of the founders of Konoha who possessed extensive knowledge of the village's history and potential, understood the village's background well. He acknowledged that while White Zetsu possessed formidable latent abilities, it was not invincible. Ninjutsu and bloodline limits could still counter it, and mastering such techniques required time and dedication.
Madara remarked casually, "Konoha is currently engaged in simultaneous conflicts with the Rain Ninja and the Sand Ninja. The ninja who discovered White Zetsu will not remain in the village for long. To maximize its effectiveness, it must participate in the battlefield. I believe that both Konoha and their group share this intention."
Madara contemplated the situation and made a decision, "Continue sending White Zetsu to gather information. Do not worry about the exposure of our own information. With my sealing ocular technique, no one in the ninja world can discover our true purpose. At most, they may stumble upon harmless information. However, it is advisable to allow some time to pass before sending White Zetsu again. I will personally inspect the situation later."
Black Zetsu acknowledged the order. understanding the rationale behind Madara's decision.
Madara inquired about recent significant developments within Konoha, to which Black Zetsu responded enthusiastically, "Madara-sama, Uzumaki Mito is on the brink of death. The deceased White Zetsu has returned, bearing critical information. It appears that Danzo..."
Black Zetsu delivered the news with a sense of satisfaction, sharing all the details he had acquired from White Zetsu.
Uzumaki Mito's impending demise brought great joy to Black Zetsu. Her continued survival posed a daily threat, as Kyuubi remained under her control. Even the formidable Madara acknowledged that Uzumaki Mito was a powerful force, and acquiring her was no easy feat. He recognized the woman's mastery of sealing techniques, making her the most proficient in the world.
Madara expressed indifference toward Danzo's actions and the lives of insignificant individuals, focusing solely on Mito's situation. Emotions of nostalgia and hatred flickered within his eyes.
"Time is the most powerful weapon. Mito, I never expected you to leave this world before me. That's alright; Hashirama must be eagerly awaiting your reunion."
Black Zetsu, eager to advance their cause, inquired, "Madara-sama, should we discreetly inform other ninja villages of this news?"
Utilizing the power of other ninja villages to expedite Uzumaki Mito's demise and further weaken Konoha's influence while provoking a larger conflict in the ninja world aligned with Black Zetsu's interests.
Madara concurred, "Of course, since her demise is imminent, I shall grant her the company of an old friend."
Black Zetsu immediately proceeded to execute Madara's orders.
However, before Black Zetsu could employ the Mayfly Technique to descend into the ground, Madara interjected, "Wait a moment, update me on Nagato's situation."
Madara was presently more concerned with Nagato's growth as his Rinnegan was currently entrusted to Nagato. The slightest misstep could result in unforeseen consequences.
Black Zetsu offered a comprehensive account of Nagato's recent activities, reassuring Madara, "Nagato has forged a deep bond with Yahiko and Konan, two orphans. They are currently seeking the whereabouts of Konoha's Sannin, intending to become their disciples. Rest assured, I have dispatched several formidable White Zetsu to shadow and protect them. They remain safe."
Madara considered Nagato's development to be of utmost importance, given the critical nature of the Samsara Eye now residing within him.
"Oh, have you found a partner? That's a good start. Let the Zetsu and the others protect the other two children. They will become an important force for Nagato to perceive the world clearly," Madara commented with a sneer upon learning that Nagato had made a friendly acquaintance.
A great way to wake Nagato to the reality of the world.
Black Zetsu, understanding Madara's sentiment, affirmed, "Understood."
Madara continued to discuss the situation concerning the Sannin. "As for locating the Sannin, there's no need to worry. Jiraiya, in particular, is associated with those troublesome toads from Mount Myoboku. The one in the middle, the so-called 'Child of Prophecy,' is quite naïve and unlikely to influence Nagato."
Madara dismissed the notion that Jiraiya's ideals or prophecy would have any significant impact on Nagato. He believed that the world's harsh realities would eventually disillusion and embitter his pawn.
After issuing his orders, Madara closed his eyes, returning to a deep slumber. His body was deteriorating rapidly, and he relied on the Golem to sustain his life. Were it not for this external lifeline, the accumulated injuries from years of warfare would have long claimed his life.
The same happened to Hashirama. Born with a freak sage body, he burned his life force fighting all those wars, taking the blunt of all the biggest damage to himself. If not for the wars and those hidden injuries, someone like Hashirama could have lived far unto his second century. His life force was truly monstrous, more similar to a bijuu than a human being.
Nobody would think that while Hashirama is dead, he, Uchiha Madara is still alive today.
Madara's current situation left him neither fearful nor indifferent to death. While he accepted the inevitability of his demise, he needed to prolong his life until everything was in place.
With a sense of anticipation, Madara whispered, "I hope the next time I awaken, I'll receive favorable news."
Black Zetsu promptly utilized the Mayfly Technique to burrow into the ground, broadcasting the news of Uzumaki Mito's imminent death, as per Madara's instructions.
Before long, all the major ninja villages received information about Uzumaki Mito through their spies within Konoha or secret channels. The news of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's impending death sent shockwaves throughout the ninja world.
For the most part, Konoha remained oblivious to the news, as their villagers were unaware of the removal of Danzo's authority and the clandestine disruption of the Senju seal barrier formation. The third Hokage's reputation and goodwill helped maintain order among the influential ninja clans within the village.
Momoka's election as the new Hokage's consultant garnered support from all the high-level ninja clans, except the Uchiha clan, and the village remained unchanged on the surface. Nevertheless, shifts in power at the top level created subtle undercurrents within Konoha.
The most notable change was the renewed activity within the Senju Clan, which had been dormant since the end of the First Great Ninja War. Numerous small ninja clans that had lost contact with the Senju clan for years sent representatives to visit. Ninja children from various clans interacted joyfully with their Senju counterparts, forging bonds through playful competitions.
Kirito, too, became involved, sending a shadow clone to become Nawaki's deputy, leveraging his devilish abilities to earn the children's adoration. Despite his active participation, Kirito maintained a low profile after Danzo's removal. He diligently attended sealing and medical classes, clocked in and out on time, and continued his studies and work. His shadow clones diligently carried out their usual tasks.
However, beneath this façade, Kirito's activities extended beyond the confines of Konoha Village.
After successfully capturing a White Zetsu and using his Soul Clone to occupy it, Kirito acquired a Zetsu clone. It took him several days to fully master the White Zetsu clone and its natural ninja abilities, including the Mayfly Technique, Disguise Technique, and Spore Technique. With these newfound abilities, he began exploring the outside world while maintaining a low profile.
Kirito limited his activities to within a few hundred kilometers of Konoha, occasionally venturing into nearby cities and villages to observe and gather information about the broader world.
Time to have some fun.
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corrected some things, changed the Chinese names :p
anyway, comment and drop stones!