For every 30 POWER STONES there will be an extra chapter!
21 Power stones left!!
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As they heard White Zetsu's comments, Nanako and Sakana realized that Ye Zi was using ninjutsu to build a base. Feeling the strong tremors from underground and seeing the ground rise and the mountain shake, they wondered if something like this was really possible.
"How much has happened that I don't know about?" Nanako thought quietly as she watched Ye Zi, who was deeply focused.
For Sakana, this moment gave her a direct sense of Ye Zi's overwhelming strength. The vast amount of chakra he wielded seemed almost tangible, and she realized how foolish her previous decisions had been. She had seriously underestimated him.
Using Wood Release, Ye Zi forced the underground space to take shape, roughly designing a functional structure. An outline of the underground base was now mostly complete.
"All that's left is to condense the material of the tree trunks."
Ye Zi controlled the underground wood, compacting the matter into hollow spaces and reinforcing the edges. He also added pillars and hidden ventilation shafts to ensure the wood could support the structure's weight.
"That should do it."
Stopping his chakra flow, Ye Zi looked around at the disordered environment. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't prevent the surface from being affected by the construction.
"I'll fix this later," he thought, then turned to the still-shocked Nanako and Sakana. "Follow me inside."
He led them toward the base of the mountain, where a dark entrance had opened in the rock.
As they entered the cave, they felt the wood beneath their feet. Using Wood Release and Fire Release, Ye Zi crafted a few torches to light their way as they explored. Nanako and Sakana were left in awe. In a short amount of time, Ye Zi had created a vast underground space.
"This is just the basic structure. Is the space enough?" Ye Zi asked, examining the largest room.
He had only laid out the general framework; refining the details would require professional workers.
Still stunned, Nanako replied, "Yes, it's more than enough."
"Good. Wait here for a moment. Zetsu, come with me. We need to clean up the traces outside," Ye Zi said as he headed for the exit.
The construction had left visible changes on the surface, so to maintain the base's secrecy, Ye Zi needed to erase the evidence. He would also use Wood Release to make the surrounding forest denser, concealing the entrance. He couldn't rely on just one exit either—he needed multiple escape routes.
White Zetsu followed Ye Zi, full of admiration.
Nanako and Sakana had only seen the surface of his impressive power, but Zetsu recognized the deeper mastery. In such a short time, Ye Zi had gained remarkable control over Wood Release. His increasing synchronization with Hashirama's cells meant that full integration was likely only a matter of time.
"Madara certainly had his reasons for choosing you," Zetsu thought as he silently followed Ye Zi.
Once outside, Ye Zi used Wood Release to restore the chaotic environment to its original state, enhancing the density of the surrounding trees. Then they returned to the underground base.
"Research will require a large supply of Hashirama's cells and equipment. You'll assist Nanako," Ye Zi instructed Zetsu.
Zetsu glanced at Nanako, somewhat discontented. "Fine."
While he recognized the usefulness of the serum, the person who developed it, Nanako, didn't earn his favor.
Nanako looked at Zetsu, suspecting that his body was somehow related to Hashirama's cells.
"I'm going to the Land of Fire to secure funds. Sakana will handle acquiring the equipment, and Zetsu will take care of transportation," Ye Zi said, assigning the tasks.
Once the base was complete and the funds were secured, the first step of the plan would be achieved. With money, they could buy the necessary equipment, and Zetsu could use storage scrolls to transport everything to the base.
Ye Zi left the base alone and headed for the Land of Fire, arriving in the prosperous capital of the Fire Country.
It seemed the war hadn't touched this flourishing capital. Before the war, after the war—it didn't matter. The people lived comfortably, unaffected by the chaos elsewhere.
Walking through the bustling streets, Ye Zi arrived at the Kumokawa family estate, familiar with his surroundings. He quietly slipped into Moko's room.
It was evening, but Moko wasn't in her room. After searching the estate, he didn't find her.
"She's not here," Ye Zi thought, deciding to wait in Moko's room.
After two days and nights, Moko returned, exhausted, late one night. As usual, the bath was already prepared with hot water.
After closing the door, she quickly began undressing.
Just then, Ye Zi dropped down from the rafters, the sound startling Moko. Her body froze, and she instinctively prepared to scream, but Ye Zi covered her mouth in time.
Recognizing who it was, Moko's racing heart gradually calmed, though her expression was filled with annoyance and frustration.
Ye Zi released her and took two steps back.
Moko glanced at the distance he'd put between them, her eyes still full of resentment. "Can't you appear normally for once?" she asked with a hint of anger.
Ye Zi remained calm and nodded. "I can."
He wasn't going to explain that his sudden appearance was because she was undressing too quickly.
"These useless guards... I might as well be raising them for nothing," Moko muttered, frowning. If Ye Zi could sneak in so easily, it meant the guards she had placed weren't doing their jobs. After his last intrusion, she had invested a lot in security, but it clearly wasn't enough.
Ye Zi didn't comment, though he agreed that the estate's ninjas were subpar.
"The famous rogue ninja from Konoha, here for money again?" Moko asked coldly.
Ye Zi nodded, unconcerned with her title for him.
Moko's irritation grew, though she didn't show it. Was money really the only reason this man came to her?
"I gave you ten billion last time, and all I got was a few people killed. Do you think I'll make such an unreasonable deal again? Aren't you afraid I'll reveal your location to Konoha?" she said, her eyes cold.
"If you truly wanted to reveal my location to Konoha, you wouldn't be saying that now," Ye Zi replied calmly. "As for the return on your investment, you didn't ask me to kill enough people."
Moko laughed angrily. She hadn't considered betraying Ye Zi, she didn't want to deal with his revenge. Moving past the subject, she said, "If you want money, kill someone for me."
"Fine," Ye Zi agreed immediately.
A hint of mockery flashed in Moko's eyes. "Kill the Fire Daimyo."
Ye Zi's expression didn't change as he asked, "Are you sure?"
If it had been anyone else, Ye Zi wouldn't have confirmed the request. The fact that this was the Fire Daimyo wasn't what made him double-check; it was because the Daimyo was also Moko's husband.
Seeing Ye Zi's serious expression, Moko frowned slightly and muttered, "You're insane."
Ye Zi remained silent.
"How much do you want this time?" she asked.
"One billion."
Relieved, Moko agreed. She had feared he would demand an exorbitant amount again. The last time she had given him ten billion, it had caused considerable dissent within her family, although she had managed to suppress it. Another large sum would have been too much.
This time, one billion was still manageable. The Kumokawa family's business empire generated steady revenue, and while a billion would take time to recover, it wouldn't be crippling. The problem was that this was the second time, and she knew there would likely be a third.
"If I give you this billion, what will you give me in return? Don't talk to me about killing—right now, the person I want to kill most is you!" Moko glared at him.
"Your guards are too weak. Give me some time, and I'll provide you with a group of competent ones," Ye Zi replied, hitting her weak spot.
"Hmph."
She snorted but said, "Finally, something worthwhile for the money."
Ye Zi smiled faintly, not specifying how long it would take. It could be a few months or a few years.
Moko believed that "a bit of time" really meant just that, not realizing she was being misled.
After a few days in the capital, Ye Zi collected the one billion and left.
During this time, Nagato hadn't assigned any new missions, and once the funds were secured, Ye Zi, along with Zetsu and Sakana, quickly transported the necessary materials to the base.
With that, the foundation was set.
Potential combat power and his desire for the Rinnegan—these were Ye Zi's hidden trump cards, and part of his broader plan.
A few days later, Sasori contacted Ye Zi, reporting that he had suffered a setback in the Land of Water.
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Currently on Chapter 278 - A Hostage Situation