Chapter 36 Mastermind
The Konoha Police Force is a prominent feature within Konoha.
It was established during the reign of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and its members are exclusively Uchiha clan ninjas, tasked with maintaining the village's law and order.
This not only acknowledges the Uchiha clan's ninja prowess, but also carries an element of prevention and surveillance.
Due to the fact that Uchiha clan members with activated Sharingan often have unstable emotions, it's crucial to closely monitor this group.
However, irrespective of the circumstances, due to the extensive power of the Police Force and the Uchiha clan's status as an elite bloodline in Konoha, even the Hokage often extends them a degree of deference.
The Police Force headquarters serves as the workplace for its members. Those entering and exiting are primarily Uchiha clan ninjas, with the occasional involvement of ninja or civilians who have committed offenses, brought in for admonishment. These individuals have likely violated certain village rules, but without causing significant harm. These usually involve civil disputes and the most severe outcome is a few days' or weeks' detention.
For more serious cases, individuals may be sent to Konoha Prison for rehabilitation.
As for the workflow, there's generally no need to report to the Hokage. Unless a significant issue arises, the Hokage tends not to get involved in these matters.
Despite this, there have been numerous complaints about the Police Force's overbearing behavior and arbitrary detentions.
Among these complaints, some are genuinely accused due to negligence, while others are simply trying to tarnish the reputation of the Uchiha clan.
Since joining the Police Force, Rui encounters these trivial matters every day. After all, situations like identifying spies in the village or fending off enemy attacks are extremely rare.
Most of the time, the Police Force's tasks involve handling civil disputes. When they handle these well, they often don't receive much recognition. But if they handle things poorly, a slew of complaints follows.
Combined with the Uchiha clan's ninja, who often have direct temperaments, they can't help but occasionally physically reprimand those who are outspoken, which leads to even more criticism.
"Truly boring..." Rui stands within the Police Force headquarters, on the third-floor corridor, looking through the glass at the people coming and going outside. It's clear from here that in front of the Police Force building's courtyard, two Uchiha Police Force ninjas are restraining several people. The situation escalates into a heated argument.
"It's indeed tedious, but this is the daily routine of the Police Force. Especially after stepping down from the frontlines, it's difficult to adapt to this peaceful life." Beside Rui stands an Uchiha jōnin, Uchiha Fugaku.
He knows that Rui was recently transferred from Team Sakumo to the Police Force, making it hard for her to switch to her current role.
Unlike the thrilling life of Team Sakumo, the Police Force's work is undeniably much more routine.
Seeing the dispute outside the Police Force building, Fugaku refrains from making any comments; he's long accustomed to such situations.
"This laborious and thankless duty might be more manageable if other ninja clans were involved. Relying solely on our clan is insufficient to address these rumors and accusations." In contrast to Fugaku, Rui isn't afraid of these baseless rumors. However, hearing them repeatedly and frequently also makes her weary, like being bothered by ceaselessly buzzing flies.
"Just as bothersome as flies," she thinks.
There are too few rational ninja and civilians in Konoha who can truly see things clearly. Those like Sakumo are a rarity within a rarity.
The Uchiha do have friends in Konoha, but those who can be considered true friends are few and far between. Many are neutral, while others are more inclined to complain about the Police Force's high-handedness.
This is also a source of discontent for Rui. If accusations are going to be made, it would be better if all ninja clans were accused together, sharing the burden and lessening the pressure on the Uchiha clan.
Moreover, having ninja from other clans join the Police Force would make handling these civil disputes more convenient.
For example, the Inuzuka, Nara, and Akimichi clans, or even the Hyūga clan with their bloodline limit, could serve in the Police Force as well.
"But this role can only be taken on by our Uchiha clan, as it's a responsibility we alone can shoulder. Moreover, distributing the Police Force's authority to other clans would likely face considerable objections within our own clan."
As the two founding clans of Konoha, the Uchiha clan rightfully deserves this treatment, placing them above other clans.
"Only if one clan maintains absolute power can the division of authority not affect the family's standing in Konoha. Perceptive individuals won't underestimate us. As for those ordinary people, the Uchiha's power isn't there for their entertainment."
"Not being swayed by power, true strength should involve incorporating power as a part of oneself, rather than merely becoming a puppet controlled by power."
The more one understands the limitless potential of natural energy, the more insignificant human effort seems in the face of this vast world. No matter how powerful a ninja becomes, they can't detach themselves from this world; they rely on it for their existence. People should have awe for the world.
"Ugh, the person you're waiting for has arrived. I won't disturb your date. Let's talk next time."
Fugaku looks in another direction, smiles slightly at Rui, and leaves respectfully.
On the opposite side of the corridor, Rui spots Shiroshi standing there – he has come to see her.
In the eyes of many Uchiha ninjas, Shiroshi is nearly one of the Uchiha clan members due to his role as an adopted husband.
A prodigious adoptive husband, after all.
Though it's hard to fathom why a talented Uchiha girl like her would take interest in an unremarkable man like him, unique tastes abound, and as outsiders, all they can do is wish them well.
They will likely be wed sooner or later.
So, even though access to the usually off-limits Police Force headquarters is restricted, Shiroshi can enter freely, and occasionally Uchiha ninjas will greet him. Shiroshi returns their greetings with a smile.
Some Uchiha ninjas have irascible temperaments and are genuinely arrogant, while others are easier to talk to, at the very least refraining from boasting about being from the Uchiha clan.
On the rooftop of the Police Force headquarters.
A gentle breeze blows as Rui, wearing a tight black ninja outfit, leans lightly on the railing. She leads the conversation: "You've come at this hour, so is it that your money has run out again?"
"Why would you assume it's about money?"
Rui seems a bit exasperated.
"Because every time you suddenly show up, it's usually about money."
She's used to this.
"While funds are a bit tight, they're still sufficient for now. I have something else to discuss with you this time."
"Go ahead, what is it?"
Since it's not about money, it's probably not something too pressing.
"Chudan and the others found some survivors from the Uzumaki clan in the Land of Tea."
Shiroshi delivers this piece of information.
Rui immediately turns her gaze to his face, her relaxed demeanor vanishing.
"The Uzumaki clan?"
She wants to confirm the authenticity of this information.
"Yes, the Uzumaki clan."
Shiroshi affirms it.
"Heh, is that so? This is quite interesting."
Even someone like Rui, who tends to overlook many things, can't help but smile upon hearing this news.
Shiroshi nods, as if confirming her reaction.
Rui's response isn't outside his expectations.
Most of the organization's establishment relied on Rui's efforts. While Shiroshi is the administrator, it can't be denied that Rui holds a significant position within the organization.
In some ways, Rui is the true commander of the organization, though she typically avoids dealing with administrative matters.
The Uzumaki clan, closely associated with the Senju clan, has fallen to the point where they need assistance from her, an Uchiha clan member. This is indeed ironic, considering that the Uchiha and Senju clans were historically hostile, resulting in a naturally strained relationship with the Uzumaki clan.
Who knows what those deceased Uzumaki clan ancestors, who were on good terms with the Senju clan, would think if they were aware from the afterlife?
And what sort of complex expression would the First Hokage display upon learning of this? Witnessing such scenes could be quite enlightening.
Most of Konoha's existing sealing techniques, including the sealing jutsu for tailed beasts, originate from the Uzumaki clan.
To think that the Land of Whirlpools, the homeland of the Uzumaki clan, is a neighboring country to the Land of Fire, and that it has been destroyed while under the nose of the Fire Country, with clan members scattered and living in hiding, is a cruel irony.
The present Land of Whirlpools is littered with destroyed ruins, and its population loss is severe.
"I remember when I was in school, there was a red-haired transfer student in the neighboring class, named Uzumaki Kushina, I think."
After her laughter, Rui's expression returns to normal. She recalls something and speaks.
"That's right. The Uzumaki clan's ninja have incredible vitality, making them excellent candidates for Jinchuriki. They also wield potent sealing techniques. The sealing jutsu used to seal the Nine-Tails was a gift from the Uzumaki clan to Konoha. With their strong vitality and suitability for Jinchuriki, combined with their sealing abilities, this ensures that the tailed beasts won't go berserk again."
"I see. Is it related to targeting the Nine-Tails?"
This information about the Jinchuriki, especially the Nine-Tails, is top-secret within Konoha. The upper echelons of Konoha would never let unrelated parties learn of this.
Although many have speculated about the identity of the previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki in Konoha, this possibility remains the most likely and appropriate candidate.
Uzumaki Mito – the First Hokage's wife.
It's likely that when the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed, her health was already failing, necessitating a young Uzumaki clan member as a new Jinchuriki, a new vessel to seal the Nine-Tails.
"She's highly likely to be the new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. According to information provided by surviving Uzumaki clan members, Konoha indeed took one of their clan members away at that time."
Shiroshi doesn't have a particularly vivid impression of Uzumaki Kushina. He mainly remembers her distinctive red hair.
But by connecting the information he's acquired, a clear picture emerges: from the Land of Whirlpools' fall to the present, where only one young girl was brought back to Konoha.
Aside from being the new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, there's not much likelihood of other possibilities.
"Do you intend to make a move against the Nine-Tails?"
Shiroshi's strong interest in the Uzumaki clan leads Rui to speculate this.
Though Shiroshi did acquire Chakra from Shukaku on the battlefield, gaining crucial information from the tailed beasts' Chakra, and while Rui deems it natural for him to be interested in the other tailed beasts, given his collection of tailed beasts' Chakra, she wonders if he intends to go after the Nine-Tails.
"Though I'm tempted to do so, I haven't lost my rationality to that extent."
Shiroshi is aware of his current abilities. While he has no fear of Konoha right now, that judgment is based on his confidence in his ability to protect himself.
If it came to a confrontation with a large ninja village like Konoha, his only path would be defeat.
There are numerous taboos that he cannot currently cross, and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is one of them.
"I've come to find you, not just to tell you about this matter, but also to inform you about something even more important. You need to be mentally prepared."
"What is it?"
Rui furrows her brow and asks.
"Konoha's upper echelons are researching Wood Release, and it seems they might have achieved substantial progress."
...
Land of Tea, underground base.
Chudan and a member of the Uzumaki clan are in a room discussing. This Uzumaki is the oldest among the eight people he rescued, as well as the spokesperson among them.
At the moment, he has changed into clean clothes, washing off the dirt and smell, and looks much more spirited.
Undoubtedly, he is filled with gratitude towards Chudan, his savior.
For these years, he led his family through the ninja world, wandering everywhere with their meager power. Since the Land of Whirlpools fell, their family hasn't known a day of peace.
Ironically, the life they lived as captive wandering ninjas was actually the most stable time in these past years. Even eating moldy food every day felt like a treat.
Reflecting on the former glory of the Uzumaki clan, their current situation, his gaze can't help but darken.
"Regarding your arrangements, the leader has given detailed instructions. We will help you settle in the Land of Demons, but that requires you to live incognito temporarily and stay out of public view. When the time is right, we can ensure you live openly under the sun."
Given that the identity of the Uzumaki clan is prone to trouble, their organization doesn't intend to engage in anything that draws attention.
Whether it's gathering information or constructing bases, everything is carried out discreetly.
"No problem, we're prepared for incognito living."
The elder Uzumaki doesn't oppose the leader's suggestion. On the contrary, it aligns well with the current state of the Uzumaki clan.
When the Land of Whirlpools was flourishing, they didn't have this feeling. But with what they've witnessed in these years, coupled with their personal experiences, just ensuring the continuation of the Uzumaki bloodline is enough.
"But you need not worry; this won't last too long. Your Uzumaki clan's integration into our organization will help alleviate some pressure. Our organization always welcomes exceptional talents."
"May I ask, what is the organization's purpose?"
The elder Uzumaki can't help but inquire. Since they've decided to accept this mysterious organization's protection, they surely want to understand its purpose.
Chudan gives a wry smile, saying, "In fact, I'm just a somewhat significant cadre myself. The organization's purpose is something I know extremely little about. I can only sense that the leader is involved in a very significant undertaking. As for the specifics, you'll have to ask our leader in person. I'm quite curious about that answer myself."
As he says this, a clear sense of reverence is present in his tone.
The elder Uzumaki falls silent, not pressing further.
Seeing his goal achieved, Chudan doesn't intend to linger here.
"Well then, take some time to rest here. In a few days, we will arrange for you to be escorted to the Land of Demons. It's a peaceful country; I hope its tranquility can dispel the gloom in your hearts."
With these words, Chudan leaves the room.
The four team members outside have been waiting for him to come out.
"How did it go?"
"He's in. Once inside, getting out won't be a simple matter. Repaying the organization's favor isn't that easy, and besides..."
The leader is a research fanatic.
Why let go of a ripe opportunity?
They can read between the lines of Chudan's words, all understanding the underlying meaning.
"But, these people might still be concealing something from us."
Chudan stands still, pondering.
"Concealing what?"
"Among the scattered Uzumaki survivors throughout the ninja world, there might be some form of communication. Through them, we might discover more Uzumaki survivors and bring them into the organization."
"Casting a long line to catch a big fish?"
"That's also the leader's intention. For now, let's appease them. Once they see our sincerity, even if we don't actively mention it, they'll likely come to us on their own, revealing the locations of other Uzumaki survivors. We'll rescue their clan members from their plight."
If it was anyone else, Chudan wouldn't be this focused. However, the Uzumaki survivors are a different matter.
Therefore, mutual trust is key.
Directly asking them about the whereabouts of the remaining Uzumaki clan members might easily arouse their resistance, eroding the fragile trust that had been built up.
…
In a dark and damp cave, the space is incredibly spacious.
The entire area is sealed, without any apparent exits.
An elderly man with a frail body sits on a wooden chair made from trees. His face is covered in wrinkles, and his hair is white. Even while sitting, his body seems hunched.
His long white hair obscures his right eye, leaving only his tightly shut left eye visible, exuding a peaceful countenance as he rests in the chair.
Behind him extends a white, ribbon-like object. At the other end of this white ribbon is an infinite darkness, with faint outlines of massive trees and fruit visible.
Before long, there is a slight movement in the land in front of the old man. Two pale-skinned humanoid figures emerge.
The old man doesn't open his eyes, but it's as if he's aware of their presence. He asks:
"Still no concrete information?"
The old man's voice is extremely aged.
However, when this aged voice sounds, everything seems to freeze, and in the darkness, it's the only thing that rings out clearly.
"No, the one monitoring Nagato, White Zetsu, somehow vanished. The other White Zetsus searched for quite a while, but they couldn't find the whereabouts of that particular White Zetsu."
One of the white humanoid figures responds to the old man.
"Lord Madara, could it be that Nagato discovered the trace of that White Zetsu and eliminated him?"
Another white humanoid figure begins to speculate on its own, reporting to the old man.
"Fool, based on previous information, Nagato's Rinnegan is still very immature. With Nagato's current power, he can't sense White Zetsu's presence."
"But besides Nagato, none of his accomplices can sense ninja either. They couldn't possibly detect White Zetsu's trace."
The white humanoid figure speaks in a puzzled tone.
And even if they were sensory ninja, they might not necessarily detect White Zetsu's presence. Unless it's a special sensory technique.
Or perhaps something akin to the Byakugan's powerful insight ability, which would be more troublesome for them.
"Continue to monitor Nagato. Also, let Guruguru act. Additionally, send a few White Zetsus to Konoha."
The old man's voice sounds again, giving clear instructions.
"Konoha? Lord Madara, do you suspect the people from Konoha?"
"It's not just because of the disappearance of White Zetsu. I don't have much time left, and relying solely on Nagato isn't enough to advance the 'Eye of the Moon' plan. I need someone to act in my stead... Go."
Though the old man's tone remains languid, it carries an unquestionable force.
"Yes, Lord Madara."
Once the two white humanoid figures leave, Madara opens his tightly shut left eye. It's a crimson three-tomoe Sharingan, exceptionally vivid in the dim environment.
"Hashirama... the future you entrusted holds no place for peace... this time, I've won..."
In the darkness, a sigh of regret comes from Madara.
Yet saying such words can't provide proof to anyone.
Because that man, his opponent and his dearest friend, already no longer exists in this world.
Madara slowly raises his hand, touching his chest.
The wound that man inflicted on him feels as painful as if it happened yesterday, and an aged smile of reminiscence appears on his wrinkled face.
Hashirama...
…
"It's a truly tranquil life.
Having withdrawn from frontline missions and entered the Ninja Academy, Shiroshi felt as if he had embarked on the retired life usually reserved for the elderly.
Each day, except for heading to the Ninja Academy at precisely three in the afternoon, the rest of his time was at his disposal.
Even though he sometimes worked at the hospital, his working hours were never prolonged. One could say that Shiroshi's current life was the envy of many Leaf ninjas.
Research, leisurely walks, work, and punctual returns home.
On occasion, he would go shopping with Rui, but encounters with Ayane were few and far between.
Since they left Team Sakumo, the three of them had their own responsibilities.
Ayane worked in the Security Department, ensuring the village's safety and resolving civil disputes.
Being promoted to a Jounin and having caught the eye of the Hyuga clan's senior members at an early age, Ayane now held a prominent position within the Hyuga clan.
After all, serving as the bodyguard to the future Hyuga clan head was a role that only a Hyuga ninja of considerable strength could take on.
The difference in hierarchy between main and branch families was evident.
Since their departure from Team Sakumo, Shiroshi had only seen Ayane once, and their conversations lasted no more than five minutes.
However, they maintained secret communication to exchange information behind the scenes.
Yet... what Shiroshi was most concerned about was the recent series of covert measures undertaken by Konoha's higher-ups.
The Wood Release research experiment!
…
"What exactly are the higher-ups of Konoha plotting?"
This was the issue troubling Shiroshi.
Outwardly, Shiroshi was not overly anxious about it. Following the usual rhythm of a qualified Leaf ninja living in the village, he remained highly vigilant about the high-level Wood Release research experiment.
Shiroshi had never personally witnessed the power of Wood Release, but he had seen the terrifying power of the Tailed Beasts in action.
Although it was the power unleashed by a single tail, not to mention whether it was in its complete form or not, among the Tailed Beasts, the Nine-Tails was the most powerful.
It had been suppressed by the Wood Release of the First Hokage, which indicated the exceptional nature of Wood Release.
The chakra spheres released by the One-Tail at that time and the devastating power of the explosion were enough to astonish Shiroshi.
It even led him to question the ninja profession for a moment.
Being able to suppress the mightiest Tailed Beast, even if not necessarily on par with the First Hokage, was not something to be taken lightly.
According to Chudan and the group, those peculiar white creatures possessed incredibly potent stealth abilities. Unless someone could sense natural energy, it was challenging to detect these creatures' presence.
If the Konoha higher-ups were genuinely utilizing Wood Release and had developed such unique stealth operatives, their intentions were evident. Whether for gathering intelligence on enemy ninja nations or monitoring the village's internal affairs, their observational prowess surpassed even that of the Anbu, making them formidable opponents.
Shiroshi was not particularly concerned about the research being discovered; the stealth abilities of these strange creatures could be sensed through natural energy.
No matter how troublesome known factors were, with proper preventive measures, they posed no threat.
The issue lay with the unknown.
In the hands of Konoha's higher-ups, how many of these stealth creatures were there?
And where were they being deployed?
What secret plans were they conspiring?
Had the Uchiha clan already been infiltrated?
All these were unknowns.
Shiroshi had absolute confidence in his own safety, given that Konoha's intelligence about him was seriously flawed. No matter what, he held the upper hand in this situation, which was the key to victory.
However, the Konoha higher-ups also held this unknown variable.
When two sets of unknowns clashed suddenly, things would become quite complicated.
"This is giving me a headache..."
How to turn the situation around, or to uncover the Konoha higher-ups' plans, was necessary to prevent Shiroshi from being so passive.
Facing a massive military organization like the village head-on didn't yield much chance of success.
As Shiroshi was pondering this issue, Rui had already descended through the underground laboratory's corridor.
"When did you come back?"
"Just now."
"Is it already this time?"
Shiroshi was caught off guard by how time had flown.
Rui's working hours in the Security Department were from nine in the morning to seven in the evening.
There were two days off each week that could be utilized for personal activities, pursuing things they enjoyed.
"Are you here worrying about the upper echelons' plans all this time?"
"Yes, after all, it's connected to Wood Release and could potentially uncover aspects similar to the Tailed Beasts. I can't afford to be complacent... Why do you seem so unconcerned?"
Only now did Shiroshi realize the complete lack of worry on Rui's face, finding it slightly surprising.
He was well aware of the extremely tense relationship between certain high-ranking figures and the Uchiha clan, particularly with the radical faction's leader, Danzo Shimura."
"If it weren't for the Third Hokage mediating, Root wouldn't have been so obedient and inactive these past few years."
"Why should I worry about such matters? As long as there's power to suppress all schemes and plots, strategizing is just a waste of time and energy. Rather than devising countermeasures, it's much more worthwhile to invest that time and energy into enhancing one's strength."
"... "
A consistent belief in the philosophy of power.
Considering this, Shiroshi felt as if he had needlessly worried about Rui.
"You're excessively obsessed with this so-called truth. You've always been like this, believing that you must thoroughly understand the so-called truth."
"Exploring the truth is my job."
Shiroshi offered his answer.
"You're clearly lacking a sense of security."
Rui's expression was one that said 'don't try to fool me,' her eyes seemed to see the essence of everything.
"Since you're aware of that, why mention it? It's quite hurtful."
Shiroshi gave a helpless smile.
Just as he understood everything about Rui, she also knew everything about him.
This kind of trickery couldn't deceive the other.
"Because I rarely see you in such a tangled state; it's amusing."
Rui laughed in this way.
"You... you're not Ayane using Transformation Jutsu, are you?"
Shiroshi hesitated for a moment, asking a somewhat impolite question.
Indeed, after hearing Shiroshi's words, Rui's jet-black pupils suddenly locked onto Shiroshi. She didn't answer, but the chilled air that had gathered around her slowly began to move.
It seems she's the real deal.
Ayane doesn't possess such a formidable and intimidating aura.
"How's the progress with Sage Arts?"
Rui asked about the topic she cared about the most.
"In the latest experiment, the success rate of synthesizing chakra for Sage Arts has stabilized at over 80%. Give me another half a year to a year, and it can be officially put into use."
Shiroshi gave a relatively conservative time estimate.
Rui nodded; half a year to a year was more than reasonable.
After all, she had plenty of free time now. As one of the team leaders in the Security Department, most of the time she left the work to her subordinates, only stepping in herself when facing particularly challenging problems.
After Rui left, Shiroshi fell into contemplation.
Indeed, just as Rui said, rather than speculating about what the Konoha higher-ups were up to, focusing on enhancing his strength would never result in a loss.
"But no matter how much I improve myself in combat, I won't surpass Rui. Her growth rate is incredibly abnormal. My 'strength' doesn't lie in battle..."
Abandoning all his training time, apart from work and rest, dedicating all his time to research. This was the strategy Shiroshi could think of.
Not only Rui, but Ayane's rate of improvement in strength was slightly faster than his too.
Though his innate talent for training was not poor, compared to Rui and Ayane, the difference could be easily overlooked.
But the two of them had the advantage of bloodline abilities – Sharingan and Byakugan, two of the most prestigious bloodline limits in the ninja world.
This was an advantage Shiroshi didn't possess.
And the power of these bloodline limits, with their continued development by the users, became increasingly formidable.
Not to mention, both of them were prodigies.
By giving up training time and focusing all his energy on research, he was indeed improving his 'strength.'
Creating 'weapons' was his job, while using those 'weapons' in battle was Rui and Ayane's job.
Suddenly, Shiroshi felt like he had brushed away the clouds and seen the truth.
Every person born in this world wasn't perfect.
That's why they needed others to complement their weaknesses, to advance and retreat together.
Compared to combat, Shiroshi was better at research. With his understanding and thoughts that transcended the ninja era, this was where he surpassed Rui and Ayane.
Therefore, he didn't need to push himself in combat; it wasn't the path he should choose.
Thinking this way, the secret schemes of the Konoha higher-ups no longer held much importance.
The key was to improve oneself.
…
May's weather had already turned relatively warm.
Creatures named 'White Zetsu' had quietly infiltrated Konoha.
Compared to other villages, infiltrating Konoha was the most challenging due to the perception-type barrier enveloping the village, visible through the Byakugan. When the White Zetsu infiltrated, they had to be extremely careful.
A total of three White Zetsu infiltrators had entered, while two others were responsible for monitoring outside Konoha.
The three White Zetsu infiltrators had a clear objective: to investigate a missing White Zetsu and determine whether the Konoha higher-ups were involved. Following that, they were to gather information within the Uchiha clan's area, searching for the so-called 'representative.'
As for the qualities and talents required for this 'representative,' the White Zetsu weren't clear; everything had to be decided by their 'Lord Madara.'"
However, the 'representative' definitely shouldn't be too old; it's best if they're between a few to ten years old, as that makes them easier to control.
Therefore, the Uchiha clan members under their close surveillance were mostly young ninja in their teens, or children attending the ninja academy.
One person was responsible for investigating the higher-ups, another for the ninja academy, and a third was undercover within the Uchiha clan territory. The division of tasks among the three White Zetsu infiltrators inside Konoha was very clear.
They were already adept at gathering intelligence; even in the most difficult village to penetrate, given enough time, they could successfully establish their intelligence network.
The White Zetsu in charge of the Uchiha clan territory moved underground as if no one was there.
He was like an invisible ghost; up to now, no one had discovered his actions.
Not even the Uchiha clan members could find his trace.
This White Zetsu felt quite pleased with himself.
Although weak in terms of combat ability, most White Zetsu excelled in stealth. Only a very few specially perceptive ninja could detect their presence.
Based on the Uchiha clan's characteristics, there were no sensory-type ninja in the clan.
So, listening to the Uchiha clan's information was the easiest task for him.
It seemed he could report to Lord Madara soon. This White Zetsu was feeling quite pleased.
Just as he was about to continue forward, he suddenly felt an eerie sensation of being watched by some kind of creature. He stopped his movement within the earth.
He turned his head and nearly cried out in fear.
A pair of pitch-black eyes suddenly appeared from the soil beside him, staring at him without any warning.
What is this thing?
Just as this thought formed in the White Zetsu's mind, the soil around him started to move and contract, becoming incredibly soft, like a swamp. He felt a suffocating pressure and then lost consciousness.
Everything happened so suddenly that the White Zetsu didn't even get a clear look at his attacker.
—When he woke up, the White Zetsu found himself sitting on a stone chair, his body bound with restraining tools.
This was a secret chamber, with dim yellowish light emanating from the lamps, barely illuminating the room.
Standing in front of him were a boy and a girl, both around fifteen or sixteen years old.
The girl was dressed in a black tight-fitting ninja outfit, her expression icy. Just standing there exuded a strong sense of oppression.
The boy was draped in a white coat, his strange gaze sending shivers down the White Zetsu's spine as it continuously moved across his body.
Feeling the White Zetsu's trembling under the weight of that odd gaze, even though he thought the girl was stronger, for some reason, he felt that the boy posed a greater threat.
These two were none other than Shiroshi and Rui.
"Hello there," the White Zetsu attempted to use exaggerated comedic gestures to ease the frigid atmosphere, simultaneously calming his own nerves.
Shiroshi and Rui didn't pay any attention to the White Zetsu's theatrical behavior.
After the atmosphere had grown cold, Shiroshi turned to Rui and said, "Since we've captured a live specimen this time, I plan to use Spiritual Transformation Jutsu to possess this individual's spiritual world, obtaining information from within. I'll leave my body to you."
Seeing Rui nod seriously, Shiroshi immediately formed hand seals, closed his eyes, and then his body emitted light. A phantom human form identical to Shiroshi's floated in mid-air.
This phantom human form was Shiroshi's soul.
After his soul emerged, regardless of the White Zetsu's continuous struggles, Shiroshi dashed straight toward the White Zetsu's body, fusing with it and linking with the White Zetsu's spiritual world.
Sitting on the stone chair, the White Zetsu struggled even more intensely, cold sweat streaming down his face.
But no matter how he struggled, he couldn't escape Shiroshi's spiritual possession. His attempts to prevent Shiroshi from exploring his spiritual world were all in vain.
Roaming within the White Zetsu's spiritual world, Shiroshi discovered that he had entered an entirely blank space. This discovery left him in shock.
When he previously used Spiritual Transformation Jutsu to explore others' spiritual worlds, the images presented to him were never like this.
There would always be some memories present.
But... this completely empty spiritual world, did this guy's mind really contain nothing?
How could there be such strange creatures?
"Could it be that his memories aren't here, but are instead anchored to some other 'object'..."
Although it was somewhat inconceivable, it seemed to be the only answer.
Even creatures without intelligence had their own spiritual worlds, and those worlds were not entirely blank.
Therefore, Shiroshi deduced that the memories leading to the origin of these white creatures were sealed somewhere else.
As Shiroshi was about to leave, within the completely empty spiritual world, a massive crimson eye suddenly appeared.
A level of chakra strength that Shiroshi had never felt before surged toward him.
Cold, darkness.
He felt as if he had become a frail boat adrift in a tsunami, with the constant danger of capsizing.
"Sharingan... How is this even possible!?"
Shiroshi was the first to be struck with shock.
This massive crimson eye, along with the symbolic three black tomoe, was unmistakably an enlarged version of the Sharingan.
The oppressive power of the eye, tainted with a dark and cursed aura, was even stronger than the pressure Rui had exerted on him.
Outside, White Zetsu suddenly screamed loudly. His face contorted and twisted, and the blood vessels in his eyes burst, as if they could explode at any moment.
Shiroshi's phantom form rapidly detached from the White Zetsu's body, returning to his own.
When he was back in his own body, cold sweat had already covered his face. Looking at the frenzied screaming White Zetsu, who now sat motionless on the chair, his eyes rolled back to the extreme, he looked like he was dead.
"What's wrong?" Rui, unaware of what Shiroshi had just experienced, expressed concern as she helped him sit down.
Once seated, Shiroshi's fingers on the armrest trembled slightly, showing his shaken state.
After a long while, his voice came out hoarse, struggling to form the words, "Sharingan..."
"Sharingan?" Rui repeated, puzzled.
"A Sharingan power even greater than yours... it's a monster..."
With that, Shiroshi slowly closed his eyes, still seemingly lost in the horror he had just witnessed.
Hearing Shiroshi utter these critical words, Rui furrowed her brow tightly.
"So, you encountered the Sharingan Genjutsu in this guy's mental world?"
"Yes, that's right. The Sharingan Genjutsu used by the other party is powerful. I've never seen a Sharingan so terrifying..."
Shiroshi reopened his eyes, glanced at Rui, and nodded.
Naturally, this statement also included Rui.
Their usage of the Sharingan was far beyond what Rui could do.
"I know the strength of those people. I wouldn't say my eye power is the strongest in the Uchiha clan now, but there definitely aren't more than two Sharingan capable of matching mine."
"But the truth is, the person who set up the Sharingan Genjutsu in this guy's mental world has eye power far above yours."
Shiroshi didn't want to undermine Rui's confidence, but this was the reality.
Hearing Shiroshi reiterate this point, Rui also knew she had been unreasonable and fell into contemplation.
However much she thought about it, she couldn't figure out whose Sharingan power in the present Uchiha clan could surpass hers.
"It seems I guessed wrong from the beginning. This level of protection not only involves Wood Release and the Tailed Beasts, but also the Sharingan. The appearance of this guy is likely unrelated to the village's higher-ups... There's probably another mastermind behind the scenes."
Shiroshi exhaled and his gaze became serious.
They would have to be more cautious in their future actions.
The Rain Country would be temporarily designated as a forbidden zone; to prevent contact with Akatsuki members.
He certainly didn't want to attract the attention of unknown enemies due to this incident.
…
"Lord Madara, the White Zetsu investigating the Uchiha clan territory has disappeared."
Within a dimly lit colossal cave, a White Zetsu emerged from the ground and immediately reported to the elderly man sitting in a wooden chair.
"I know. I triggered the genjutsu set in his mind. He was obviously caught by someone."
The old man's gaze alternated between bright and dim, pondering something.
"Will our intelligence be leaked?"
The White Zetsu was somewhat concerned.
"No, the moment the genjutsu was triggered, it set off another suicide curse seal. That White Zetsu is already dead."
The old man calmly reassured.
"As expected of Lord Madara, it's a pity about that White Zetsu though."
The White Zetsu grinned, showing no sadness for the deceased White Zetsu.
After all, their existence was only as tools to serve their master's interests.
"Retrieve our personnel from Konoha. It's unexpected that such exceptional ninja have emerged within the clan after my departure. We can't be hasty."
A tinge of regret covered the old man's face.
"Are you suggesting we give up on monitoring the Uchiha clan?"
"Not giving up. Wait until the heat dies down, then we'll send White Zetsu for another attempt. Or perhaps when the next Great Ninja War starts, that will be a good opportunity."
After all, among his clan members, there were individuals who could detect White Zetsu's presence. No matter the method they used, it meant he couldn't easily obtain all the Uchiha clan's information now. They needed to carefully select the 'representative' that met his requirements.
Seeing the old man's downcast mood, the White Zetsu disappeared into the ground.
(Chapter End)