Chapter 42: Madara's Will.

"You're really letting me go?" Tsunade stared at Zenkichi, her expression laced with disbelief. She hadn't expected her release to come so easily. "What's wrong? Can't bear to leave me?" Zenkichi offered a playful smirk, voice tinged with amusement. "Pooh! Don't flatter yourself, you smug bastard!" She crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. "I just don't understand why you're letting me go so freely." Zenkichi let the silence stretch, his tone exaggerated. "Because..." When Tsunade leaned forward slightly, curiosity overtaking her frustration, he answered with calm indifference, "Because Konoha is too weak. If I wanted to, I could take you back at any moment." Tsunade: "..." Watching her stunned silence, Zenkichi chuckled lightly. "But don't worry too much—I have no immediate plans to act against Konoha." "The Mizukage asked me not long ago if I wanted to launch an assault on your village. I declined. What you should be concerned about now isn't external enemies." Tsunade exhaled, some tension leaving her shoulders, though her brow furrowed again. "You're hiding something. What exactly should I be worried about?" Zenkichi's smile deepened, his voice low and enigmatic. "You'll understand everything once you return to Konoha." Tsunade scoffed. "Stop pretending you're some kind of prophet." With a swirl of her cloak, she turned and left. Zenkichi watched her retreating form without speaking. Moments later, the Third Mizukage emerged behind him. "Are you certain she'll return to the village? Won't this decision cause us trouble?" "I'm certain," Zenkichi replied with confidence. "Never underestimate Konoha. Its leadership may be fractured, but it's brimming with cunning minds." Sarutobi Hiruzen and his council excel at internal conflict. When it comes to self-destruction, Konoha is in a league of its own. And with the spark I provided, their corruption will burn itself away. Zenkichi's gaze turned distant. "I've heard Konoha's White Fang is under pressure?" The Mizukage nodded. "Akimichi Torifu lacks both the power and the respect White Fang commands. Many within Konoha's ranks are growing restless." Zenkichi chuckled, stretching his arms lazily. "If Torifu truly possessed strength and prestige, he wouldn't be Hokage." "White Fang... what a waste. A Kage-level shinobi brought to ruin." "If he doesn't die in battle, he'll probably be denied even the title of hero after death." The Mizukage waved dismissively. "You've made your moves. Let's follow through. Now—what was that sensitive intel you mentioned earlier?" Zenkichi's tone grew serious. "A few days ago, I detected an anomaly—an unfamiliar chakra signature appeared in the residence on Seventh Street, in the high-security district." His expression darkened. If his suspicions were correct, this was Uchiha Madara's handiwork. In the original timeline, during the Third Great Ninja War, Madara manipulated Obito by orchestrating a tragedy involving Hatake Kakashi and Nohara Rin. That entire incident had been staged using Kirigakure shinobi—and even the Three-Tails was used as a tool. Zenkichi knew the story well. His vigilance over the village never wavered, enhanced by a formidable observation technique—something akin to Kizaru's Haki, refined to the point of nearly glimpsing the future. Among the three Haki-like energies he wielded, his strongest was the power of perception—ideal for an assassin-type shinobi like himself. Under his continuous monitoring, the puppet Madara had planted in Kirigakure finally revealed a weakness. These were no loyal followers. Most were likely controlled—either through cursed seals or Sharingan-induced illusions. Inevitably, someone had to make direct contact with these agents. And that's when Zenkichi noticed the disturbance. The Mizukage frowned. "You believe Seventh Street is compromised?" "I'm not just suspicious," Zenkichi said coolly. "I'm certain." "The next time he meets with that unknown shinobi, I'll make my move." "I'm informing you now to avoid complications or misunderstandings later." The Mizukage was quiet for a moment before exhaling slowly. "Understood. If you're sure, proceed." "But... he's a high-ranking official. He's contributed much to Kirigakure. If possible, avoid disgracing him. Keep it discreet." Zenkichi gave a half-smile. "I'll be as discreet as I can." --- Valley of the End – Subterranean Chamber Far beneath the Valley of the End, an enormous underground hall lay in silence. At its center, seated atop a cold stone throne, was a frail old man. His figure was skeletal, his long white hair covering one eye. The other eye remained half-lidded, yet filled with piercing intent. Before him stood a pale, humanoid being—reporting cheerfully in a sing-song voice. White Zetsu. And the man seated—Uchiha Madara. The ancient Uchiha listened to the report, his expression shifting faintly. "How unexpected..." "With such remarkable power and potential, Zenkichi's temperament is so... nonchalant." Madara opened his eye fully, lips curled in a subtle, amused smile. There was a touch of helplessness, and perhaps a hint of regret. The more animated half of Zetsu—spoke up. "Madara-sama, what should we do? Zenkichi's abilities are extremely valuable." "From what we've gathered, only advanced sealing techniques pose any threat to him—and even those are ineffective because of how quickly he moves." "If we could recruit him, the Moon's Eye Plan would become far easier to realize." Madara clenched his hand slowly, sensing the degradation of his own power. He muttered, "You make a compelling argument." "Time... it is the one enemy even the Sage of Six Paths could not overcome." "My strength is fading. I need a formidable agent to carry out my will." "I had hoped to mold a promising youth from the Uchiha clan... but now, perhaps it's worth considering Zenkichi." --- (☞゚ヮ゚)☞ Support me by sending powerstones. More Powerstones = Bonus Chapters. Win Win.