The more Black Zetsu thought about it, the more he realized that Byakuya's plan was more feasible.
For a long time, he had relied on the conflict between Indra and Asura, using it to manipulate Indra's reincarnations to execute the Moon's Eye Plan.
However, for various reasons, his attempts to manipulate Indra's reincarnations have always failed.
Indra's reincarnations would either be defeated by Asura's reincarnations allied with their companions or be directly overwhelmed by Asura's reincarnations' indisputable strength. Each time, Indra's reincarnations would lose to Asura's reincarnations.
Since manipulating Indra's reincarnations was destined to fail, was there a possibility that he could use Asura's reincarnations instead of limiting himself to Indra's reincarnations? After all, Asura's reincarnations always won.
However, now that Indra's reincarnation Uchiha Madara is still alive, it is impossible for the two of them to reincarnate.
In the short term, Black Zetsu couldn't manipulate Asura's descendants. He might as well continue using Byakuya, employing a method similar to Asura's, instead of spending decades trying.
This way, the plan to revive the Ten-Tails and save his mother would have two approaches.
Whether the Moon's Eye Plan or the world domination plan succeeded, his mother could be revived!
With this realization, Black Zetsu looked at Byakuya with a growing sense of approval.
"I do have a plan for world domination, but you don't need to know it yet. When you become the leader of the Akatsuki, I will naturally tell you the next steps. As for benefits..."
Black Zetsu thought for a moment and then said, "One of your Anbu is actually my clone. He possesses the ability to use Wood Release. You can call him Shiro."
"Is that the only benefit?" Byakuya showed a disappointed expression, clearly dissatisfied.
Shiro was already under his command, and now he was just transferring control temporarily. How was this different from before?
Seeing that he had nothing else to offer, Black Zetsu paused before saying, "With your current contributions, this is all you can get. When you become the leader of the Akatsuki, I will reward you with more benefits."
Byakuya sneered inwardly at Black Zetsu's empty promises.
It wasn't that he didn't believe Black Zetsu; it was just that he used the same tactic with his subordinates. Promises of benefits might be made, but whether they would be delivered or how they would be distributed was another matter.
At this point, Byakuya seemed to remember something and said, "By the way, Lord Black Zetsu, how will we contact each other in the future?"
"Just inform Shiro. If there's something urgent, I will find you myself."
"What if someone else discovers you? Yahiko and the others will be suspicious. Our plan might fall into jeopardy."
Byakuya showed a worried expression, as if genuinely concerned that exposure would affect his path to becoming the leader of the Akatsuki.
Black Zetsu waved his hand dismissively, "Then you tell me, what should we do to ensure Yahiko doesn't suspect you?"
Byakuya nodded and pondered for a moment before saying:
"Why not join my Anbu, Lord Black Zetsu? Once registered, you'll be a member of the Akatsuki. It's perfectly normal for members of the Akatsuki to meet each other."
"Suit yourself, but don't forget our plan."
As for whether to join the Akatsuki, Black Zetsu naturally didn't care. Even if he joined the Akatsuki, it didn't mean he was a member of the Akatsuki.
Over the millennia, even Black Zetsu himself had no idea how many organizations he had joined to manipulate Indra's reincarnations.
Just as Black Zetsu was about to leave, Byakuya continued to ask.
"Lord Black Zetsu, what should I do in response to the betrayal by Danzo? Should I turn the tables on him, or wait for an opportunity to eliminate him?"
Upon hearing Byakuya's question, Black Zetsu's seemed to have stung by a hornet.
He really didn't know how to answer Byakuya. If he answered incorrectly, wouldn't it expose the fact that he was incompetent? If that were the case, he would lose all authority.
Thinking about this, Black Zetsu directly used the Mayfly Technique to burrow deep into the ground and escape.
Shortly after Black Zetsu left, a mysterious smile appeared on Byakuya's face because he heard a familiar electronic sound—it was a reward from the system.
[Black Zetsu has joined the Akatsuki. You have been rewarded with Transformation Technique, Spore Technique, Wood Release Basics, Yin-Yang Release Basics.]
Looking at the system panel filled with various rewards, a subtle curve appeared at the corner of Byakuya's mouth.
The system rewards were so rich that it was not in vain for him to accompany Black Zetsu in this act.
Whether Danzo was using him to provoke conflict between Amegakure and the Akatsuki, whether Black Zetsu was the next Danzo, or whether the plan for world domination was a deception—none of these mattered to Byakuya. As long as Black Zetsu was willing to join the Akatsuki, that was enough.
After putting away his arrogant smile, Byakuya began to count the benefits he had gained this time.
The Transformation Technique was White Zetsu's ability, allowing him to mimic the appearance and even chakra fluctuations of others. Even the Mangekyō Sharingan and Byakugan would find it difficult to see through, making it a powerful transformation technique.
Similarly, the Spore Technique was also native to White Zetsu, allowing him to attach clones to others.
As for the basics of Wood Release and Yin-Yang Release, they were exactly as described—they provided Byakuya with basic versions of these abilities.
Wood Release came from Black Zetsu, while Yin-Yang Release came from White Zetsu.
After confirming the receipt of the rewards, Byakuya immediately felt the transformation effects of Wood Release and Yin-Yang Release on his body, making his physical qualities stronger than before.
As for how strong these rewards were specifically, he would need to find a place without anyone around to test them.
---
After leaving the Akatsuki's base, Black Zetsu returned to the underground space where Madara was.
Hiding within the torso of the Gedo Statue, Black Zetsu did not intervene in the interaction between Indra's reincarnation and Obito this time. Instead, he quietly observed them.
Having recruited White Zetsu as a pawn and developed new strategies,
Indra's reincarnation was no longer the only piece he could use. Indra's attitude towards Black Zetsu also annoyed him somewhat. He was not Indra's will, but the noble son of Kaguya Otsutsuki.
However, he wouldn't show his displeasure, just a bit of sentimentality.
At this moment, Madara also noticed Black Zetsu. After dismissing Obito, he walked over and asked, "How are things with Nagato and the Akatsuki?"
Black Zetsu calmly replied, "Same as before. Although Nagato and others seem to have caught the attention of the so-called demi-god of the Land of Rain."
"Demi-god of the Land of Rain, you mean that kid Hanzo of the Salamander? He's not a match for Nagato, so there's no need to pay much attention."
Having lurked underground for these years, Madara had also heard of Hanzo's reputation.
But in Madara's eyes, the title of demi-god was just an empty name; Hanzo was no match for Hashirama Senju.
"Yes, Lord Madara," Black Zetsu nodded.
At this point, Madara seemed to remember something and asked, "By the way, how are things in Kirigakure? Obito has almost finished his training. It's time for him to undergo… a metamorphosis."
"Everything is prepared in Kirigakure, ready for your plan at any time!"
"Good to hear. I'm also looking forward to seeing what kind of Mangekyo Sharingan ability Obito will awaken. Let's see if he's qualified to inherit my name."
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