"Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline"Chapter 291: Black Zetsu Ultimately Follows His Brothers' Path! (Double-Length Chapter, Please Subscribe)
"It seems you've made up your minds."
In Kumogakure, within the Raikage's office, Acting Raikage Tsuchidai looked at Obito standing before him, his expression grave as he spoke.
"But now you're inviting us to participate. Don't you think that's a bit excessive? After all, you're challenging the entire shinobi world's order!"
"Oh, it seems you're aware of what happened at the Three Kage Summit."
Obito nodded indifferently, his attitude causing the younger ninja nearby to frown in displeasure.
Cee furrowed his brows, Samui snorted coldly, and Darui remained silent for a moment before speaking up.
"It's not difficult for us to understand. We've heard every word you've said, and I assume we're also among your targets, correct?"
"Indeed, but I also have a better proposal."
Faced with their questioning, Obito remained calm. To him, he was fundamentally different from these people.
Moreover, before coming here, he had already met with Madara Uchiha and knew how to handle the situation.
Although he didn't consider Kumogakure's involvement essential, since this was to be a shinobi world war, he needed more cannon fodder.
Kumogakure had deep-seated grudges with Konohagakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure. And given Kumogakure's destruction in the past, they had already established contact with the Akatsuki.
Now was not the time to waste this connection.
"At the Three Kage Summit, I already stated my intention to create a new shinobi world—a peaceful one."
Obito spoke with a detached demeanor.
"But I never mentioned how reconstruction would proceed once the shinobi world's order is shattered, did I?"
"Oh?"
Obito's words piqued the curiosity of Kumogakure's representatives.
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't it obvious? The shinobi world still needs order, and you are our allies."
Obito spoke casually, his words instantly widening their eyes. But he didn't stop there.
"I've always understood that the constant wars in the shinobi world stem from the numerous rival villages. True peace can only be achieved by destroying the other villages and preserving just one to maintain order.
Without excessive disputes and pointless hatred, true peace can finally emerge. And as our allies, you're naturally the best choice. But ultimately, the decision is yours."
Obito paused, while Kumogakure's representatives fell silent. Clearly, they were captivated by his words.
"But are you truly willing to entrust everything to us?"
Soon, Tsuchidai furrowed his brows, remaining skeptical of Obito's intentions. Or rather, he had never trusted the Akatsuki organization. Their mutual hatred had merely driven them to work together.
"And what do you want in return?"
"Naturally, we want what we desire."
Obito replied indifferently, his confidence unwavering.
"We will monitor everything you do, ensuring the fruits of victory. We even require veto power over all your actions!"
"Are you dreaming?"
Tsuchidai couldn't contain his anger upon hearing this. This was essentially installing a "supreme ruler" above them!
"Veto power over everything we do—you..."
"No need to rush; this is merely a proposal. The specifics will depend on your performance in the war."
Obito didn't give Tsuchidai a chance to continue. He raised a finger and shook his head lightly.
"Ultimately, such negotiations depend on battlefield performance. Perform well, and you'll gain more. Perform poorly..."
At this point, Obito felt he had made his intentions clear.
Tsuchidai understood Obito's meaning—this guy was essentially putting them on the spot!
"I suggest you seize this opportunity. Look at your current situation, and recall the mountains that once symbolized Kumogakure's backbone."
Before Tsuchidai could respond, Obito spoke again.
"Those mountains, your backbone, were broken by Konohagakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure together. Can you swallow that indignity?"
"This opportunity allows you to take revenge personally, even fighting alongside your former Raikages. Why not embrace it?"
"Most importantly, I seem to recall your Raikages always aspired to stand atop the shinobi world. So..."
As he spoke, the space around Obito began to distort. Having said enough, he decided it was time to leave. He had more pressing matters to attend to.
"Don't miss this opportunity. I'll give you one week to consider. After that..."
"We'll take action. I look forward to your response."
With that, Obito vanished, leaving Kumogakure's representatives exchanging uncertain glances.
"Tch, that damned guy..."
After a long silence, Darui couldn't help but curse.
"He just wants us to be cannon fodder, and he even plans to summon our past Raikages. How despicable."
"Still, this isn't entirely unthinkable."
Samui furrowed her brows, contemplating the pros and cons. Meanwhile, Cee stroked his chin and spoke up.
"I think we should discuss this thoroughly. One week is tight; we need to prepare in all aspects."
"Seriously, Cee?"
Darui looked at him incredulously.
"You actually believe him?"
"No, I don't trust him. But I know this is an opportunity."
Cee shook his head, turning to Tsuchidai.
"I think Tsuchidai-sama shares my thoughts. If they're using us, why can't we use them?"
"Use them, huh..."
Darui and Samui pondered for a moment, seemingly understanding Cee's reasoning. Tsuchidai nodded and spoke up.
"Alright then, call for a meeting. And summon Killer Bee. We need to discuss this thoroughly."
"Understood!"
Kumogakure's forces moved quickly; this was a matter concerning their future.
Meanwhile, Obito stood quietly atop a distant mountain, overlooking Kumogakure from afar.
"As expected, Kumogakure is almost settled. Madara Uchiha's rhetoric is still quite effective."
He muttered to himself, then shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it further.
"Now, I just need the Impure World Reincarnation army to assemble, and for Madara and the others to locate Hamura Ōtsutsuki's relics."
"Hurry up already. I can't stand this disgusting world any longer..."
"It seems Kumogakure is nearly convinced."
Within the Land of Fire, atop a mountain peak, Madara Uchiha listened to Black Zetsu's report and shook his head.
"But why did he suddenly change his approach, now wanting to help me against Nagato?"
Before this mission, Obito had sought out Madara, and they had reached certain "agreements." Without that, Obito's persuasive skills alone wouldn't have been enough to convince the Kumogakure leadership.
But Obito's behavior was quite strange—even Madara was perplexed. Having betrayed him once, how could Obito have the audacity to come back?
"He's probably after the Rinnegan and the Ten-Tails, making one last desperate attempt. But he truly overestimates himself."
Black Zetsu's face was filled with disgust. His hatred for Obito now ran bone-deep!
It was because of this self-important fool's reckless actions that his carefully laid plans had been utterly shattered.
Black Zetsu had firmly resolved never to release his mother.
Yet Obito stubbornly insisted on proceeding. Did he truly believe his mother wasn't dying fast enough? Or did he think Kitagawa Minamoto wasn't strong enough?
Moreover, a mere pawn suddenly wanted to become the player—who could tolerate that?
His only thought now was to prevent Obito from acting rashly.
Given the opportunity, he would reinforce the seal, ensuring no one could discover it!
"Especially Kitagawa Minamoto..."
For a moment, Black Zetsu even wondered if his two elder brothers had sealed their mother to protect her, and she had simply misunderstood their intentions?
"What am I thinking?"
Black Zetsu quickly became self-deprecating. Although his current actions resembled those of his "treacherous" brothers...
"I am truly protecting Mother. I will never allow her to be harmed!"
Black Zetsu clenched his fist, but as he pondered, Madara spoke again.
"A pawn can never take a seat at the table. The Rinnegan will always be mine. Don't concern yourself with him. How is your mission progressing?"
"I've made some progress."
Black Zetsu snapped back to attention, nodding immediately.
"While many details remain unclear, I've established a direction. Besides, this is Konoha we're dealing with—I need time."
"Hurry up then."
Madara nodded, rising to his feet to survey the landscape below.
The Land of Fire remained as it always had, though its topography had changed significantly.
Yet memories of the past continued to flood his mind.
Looking at everything before him, he couldn't help but murmur.
"I'm truly growing impatient."
"Hashirama, I wonder if you, like me, have been waiting for a long time?"
"Tch, I never thought war would come so soon."
In Konohagakure, at a dango shop, Kitagawa Minamoto sat with a group of young ninjas.
Shikamaru chewed on a skewer, unable to hold back his complaint. His words resonated with many present.
War had always seemed distant to them, something they had only heard about in their parents' conversations.
But now, it had finally fallen upon their shoulders.
"It's not like we wanted this war. It's those Akatsuki psychopaths causing trouble."
Kitagawa Minamoto was also enjoying dango, shaking his head at Shikamaru's words.
"And with that attitude, how do you plan to succeed your father?"
"Hey, you might not have officially sworn in yet, but you're already the Hokage."
Shikamaru rolled his eyes, somewhat annoyed.
"As the Fifth Hokage, you seem awfully relaxed at a time like this."
"You know I'm the Fifth, so I'll give you a chance to apologize. Otherwise, you wouldn't want your father to retire on the spot, would you?"
Kitagawa Minamoto raised an eyebrow, smirking mischievously.
He firmly believed in the "monarch offline system"—with so many people working, why should he exhaust himself?
"Hey, you can't be serious..."
Shikamaru immediately fell silent, though he knew it was a joke.
But Kitagawa Minamoto could be quite unpredictable at times.
"Alright, you two, this isn't the time for such talk."
Ino couldn't bear to watch any longer. At times like these, only she could intervene. Hinata and Sakura both nodded in agreement.
"War..."
Meanwhile, Neji seemed somewhat eager, while Rock Lee clenched his fist tightly.
"War may be cruel, but none of us are afraid. Besides, I heard this situation is quite different."
"Yes, Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and we are allies. Everyone will mobilize together."
Kitagawa Minamoto smiled at Ino, then continued.
"Additionally, the Land of Iron, the Land of Frost, and even Sunagakure have responded positively. The Land of Grass also wanted to participate, but..."
"Hmph, those scum. Whether they come or not makes no difference."
Before Shikamaru could finish, Karin interrupted with evident disgust.
Her experiences in the Land of Grass were something she could never forget!
"Besides, that miserable village was already demolished a few years ago. They probably can't field any decent troops anyway."
"Indeed, whether Kusagakure comes or not doesn't really matter."
Shikamaru couldn't help but nod, though his gaze occasionally swept toward Kitagawa Minamoto.
Clearly, he knew exactly how that village had ended up in such a state.
"Um, senior..."
As they chatted, Hinata, who had been mostly silent, suddenly addressed Kitagawa Minamoto.
"I... I haven't seen Naruto or Sasuke. Where are they now?"
"That's right, senior!"
Hearing this, Sakura couldn't help but speak up as well.
"How is Sasuke doing?"
"Those two? Don't worry about them."
Kitagawa Minamoto smiled reassuringly.
"They're both fine. The next time you see them, they might be completely transformed."
Sasuke and Naruto were each undergoing their own training and transformation.
For Sasuke, with Itachi Uchiha's eyes, his task now was to ensure those eyes' power fully integrated with his body.
Once that was secured, his transformation would be complete.
As for Naruto...
His situation was even better—he was about to gain complete access to the Nine-Tails' chakra!
"Though he's going to suffer a bit."
Naruto's relationship with the Nine-Tails was problematic. If the Nine-Tails grew stronger, Naruto would inevitably face challenges.
However, Kitagawa Minamoto had faith in Naruto. He would eventually activate the Nine-Tails Mode.
"If I remember correctly, Naruto gradually won over the Nine-Tails while fighting desperately against Obito. They reached a mutual understanding, ultimately allowing him to become the perfect Jinchūriki."
So there wasn't a major issue now. At worst, he could personally pat the Nine-Tails' head to speed things up!
"Hmm?"
However, as Kitagawa Minamoto pondered, Kaguya suddenly made a puzzled sound within him.
This caused Kitagawa Minamoto to raise an eyebrow. He continued chatting with the young ninjas while inwardly asking:
"What's wrong?"
"I think I sense Zetsu's chakra."
Kaguya frowned, speaking with confusion.
"Though he's well-hidden, his chakra is part of mine. I can't be mistaken. It's strange—why would he be here?"
Kaguya was genuinely puzzled. Although Kitagawa Minamoto had never discussed his relationship with Black Zetsu,
she hadn't forgotten that the Divine Tree in Kitagawa's possession contained her chakra signature.
Given Kitagawa's position, she knew the two were likely adversaries.
This put her in a difficult position. On one side was a being formed from her chakra, essentially her child.
On the other was the true terror of this world—
Under the influence of her eldest son Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, Kitagawa had surpassed him, becoming even more terrifying, ruthless, and cold-blooded!
The only good news was that this cold-blooded, cruel person didn't seem intent on killing her...
"Zetsu exists to rescue me."
After some thought, Kaguya couldn't help but speak up.
"Though I don't know his purpose here, still..."
"I understand your meaning. I'm also curious to see how he plans to rescue you."
Kitagawa Minamoto smiled. He naturally knew Black Zetsu's purpose, but he was puzzled by one thing.
"I've demonstrated such terrifying power, yet Black Zetsu still wants to release Kaguya. This..."
His "Divine Ascension Stairway" had never been concealed from the Akatsuki, especially with Isshiki residing within Obito.
But despite his "killing spree," Black Zetsu wasn't worried about releasing Kaguya only for her to become part of Kitagawa's "Divine Ascension Stairway"?
"Something doesn't add up."
Kitagawa Minamoto stroked his chin, growing curious about Black Zetsu's intentions.
"Let's not discuss him anymore."
Kaguya shook her head, her voice tinged with emotion.
"I never expected Hamura's descendants would continue, and with such a pure Byakugan."
"You mean Hinata?"
Kitagawa Minamoto immediately knew whom Kaguya was referring to, nodding in agreement.
Hinata's Byakugan purity was indeed exceptional, earning her the title "Byakugan Princess."
"It's a pity she only inherited the Byakugan, lacking the Yang Release component."
Kaguya shook her head, seemingly lost in memories.
"Hamura used to be a good child, until his brother corrupted him."
"..."
Kitagawa Minamoto rolled his eyes, feeling that Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki had become the equivalent of Danzō Shimura.
In Konoha's dimension, before Danzō's death, any incident would be traced back to him.
Now, in the shinobi world dimension, it seemed everything had become "definitely Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki's fault"!
How this transformation occurred, he wasn't entirely sure, but Kaguya's words had given him a hint.
"Last time, this guy risked his life to forge a Senju clan relic. This time..."
Kitagawa Minamoto's gaze inadvertently turned toward Hinata, causing his mouth to twitch slightly.
"This time, could he be forging a Hyūga clan relic?"
"Does Kumogakure still need to consider?"
While Kitagawa Minamoto pondered Black Zetsu's actions, Obito had quietly returned to the Akatsuki base.
He had summoned Orochimaru and Nagato, and after hearing his account, Orochimaru couldn't help but lick his lips.
"It's not surprising. They have their own agenda. Chaos is a ladder, and they need to prepare themselves."
"What about Madara and the others?"
Nagato showed little interest in Kumogakure, more curious about other matters.
"Haven't they found Hamura Ōtsutsuki's relics yet?"
"Such items aren't easy to locate, but there's no need to worry about them."
Obito shook his head dismissively, then spoke in a low voice.
"We should focus on our own tasks, especially the Impure World Reincarnation..."
As he spoke, he looked toward Orochimaru, who immediately smiled in understanding.
"Rest assured. Although Konoha issued warnings and other villages are on high alert, however..."
As he spoke, he began forming hand seals. With his chakra surging, coffins appeared before them!
He knew he needed to demonstrate his essential abilities; otherwise, his influence would diminish.
Under his control, figures emerged from the coffins, their eyes gradually regaining light and consciousness.
"Hmm, where am I? Didn't I die fighting that zombie?"
A man with yellow hair and a small mustache stepped out first, looking around in confusion before smiling.
"Oh right, I died fighting you, you damned zombie. What a waste—I lost big time!"
"Hmph, what mutual destruction? You were clearly killed by me."
At this point, a figure wrapped in bandages like a mummy also emerged.
"I was just unfortunate enough to be caught by your sneak attack."
"Oh?"
The mustached man turned around, his face filled with displeasure.
"Want to try again, you zombie?"
"I suggest you both calm down. Haven't you noticed we're all under control?"
As the two confronted each other, a stern, muscular man emerged, his gaze fixed on the "zombie."
"Besides, I'm more inclined to believe you, Second Mizukage. You could defeat this Second Tsuchikage. After all, you're not as pathetic as Iwagakure, who needed ten thousand men to surround me."
"You're... the Third Raikage?"
Both the Second Tsuchikage Mū and the Second Mizukage Gengetsu Hōzuki turned to look, their faces showing contemplation.
When they had died fighting each other, the Second Raikage had already been killed by the Gold and Silver Brothers, who had also claimed the life of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
"Wait, Tobirama Senju?"
The two men's expressions turned strange, but they quickly grasped the key point.
"Damn it, is this his Impure World Reincarnation technique?"
As veteran shinobi from the same era, both had witnessed Tobirama using the Impure World Reincarnation, which immediately soured their mood.
Just then, more and more shinobi emerged from the coffins.
Their expressions were filled with confusion, as their last memories were of death.
But hearing the conversation of the three Kage, they seemed to realize what had happened.
"So I've been summoned too?"
Rasa looked at his body in disbelief. His final memories were excruciating.
"Wasn't I killed by the Dust Release? Why..."
"Dust Release?"
Mū raised an eyebrow upon hearing Rasa's words, coldly asking:
"A Kazekage, huh? It seems Ōnoki has done well, managing to kill a Kazekage."
"You misunderstand. It wasn't Ōnoki who killed him."
Orochimaru shook his head at this point, licking his lips as he smiled at Rasa.
"Though he was torn apart by Dust Release, he left behind plenty of samples before his death. It would be a waste not to use them."
"You—"
Rasa suddenly recalled being injured by Kitagawa Minamoto before his death. Were samples collected then?
"You bastard—"
"Not Ōnoki?"
Rasa's curse went unheeded by Orochimaru, while Mū heard every word clearly.
"Then who mastered Dust Release? What's going on?"
"A Konoha shinobi—extremely cruel in his methods, insidiously cunning in his actions, comparable to the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju in his deviousness!"
A booming voice rang out as the Fourth Raikage stepped forward.
"You—"
Seeing the Fourth Raikage, the Third Raikage's expression changed dramatically.
This was his beloved son! How had he died too?
"Father."
The Fourth Raikage showed great respect to his father, then looked at the shocked Rasa and spoke directly.
"After your death, I was also ambushed by Kitagawa Minamoto using the Flying Thunder God Technique. I knew that vicious man had never erased the markings!"
"Kitagawa Minamoto?"
"Dust Release?"
"Flying Thunder God Technique?"
"And from what the Third Raikage implied, they fought together but were both killed by this Kitagawa Minamoto?"
They were all shinobi, familiar with these techniques. They also respected the Kage's strength.
For one man to master such techniques and kill two Kage—this spoke volumes about his terrifying power!
"Most frightening of all, he's still young, yet already Konoha's designated Fifth Hokage."
At this point, another voice sighed. Chiyo walked forward slowly.
"Fourth Kazekage, it's been a long time."
"Chiyo, you died too?"
Rasa's shock intensified, then he anxiously asked:
"Were you also killed by Konoha or Kitagawa Minamoto?"
"No, I died saving the Fifth Kazekage."
Chiyo replied calmly, then fixed her gaze on Orochimaru.
"So this is the Impure World Reincarnation. I never imagined you would use such a technique on an old woman like me."
"After being forced to team up with Konoha's White Fang against your own grandson, that must have been unpleasant, right?"
Orochimaru shrugged indifferently, saying:
"Now I'm giving you a chance for revenge. Isn't that good?"
"How pitiful."
Chiyo showed no interest, sighing deeply.
"Even in death, to become pawns of your evil. Perhaps this is fate's greatest revenge against me."
"By your logic, I'm even more pitiful?"
A raspy voice spoke up as Hanzō, wearing a respirator, emerged.
He knew Chiyo well, having fought her before. His gaze, however, was fixed on Nagato in the distance.
"My village destroyed, my people killed, and now even in death I'm enslaved. Your luck isn't so bad, Chiyo."
The reincarnated shinobi were numerous. Some lamented, some cursed, some conversed with each other.
The entire hall was filled with voices, but none attempted to attack.
They all sensed they were under control, unable to even form the thought of resistance.
So they could only discuss other matters, especially concerning this "Kitagawa Minamoto."
Such a brilliant individual naturally piqued their curiosity, even as deceased shinobi!
"Are you satisfied with the results?"
Orochimaru didn't continue chatting with the reincarnated shinobi, retreating to Nagato and Obito's side.
"These are the more powerful ones. I haven't summoned those with moderate or lesser abilities, as that would increase my burden."
"This configuration is acceptable."
Obito nodded lightly. Despite the protective measures of the Konoha alliance, assembling so many Kage and powerful shinobi demonstrated Orochimaru's capabilities.
"Only Hanzō and Danzō disgust me."
Nagato spoke up, his expression displeased.
"Controlling former enemies to become your pawns, to fight for you—isn't that a form of revenge?"
"Turning former enemies into puppets that serve you is indeed the sweetest revenge."
Orochimaru continued smiling, then turned to Obito.
"However, there's one issue I must mention. I'm facing some difficulties now."
"Difficulties?"
Obito raised an eyebrow, and Orochimaru's expression grew somewhat serious.
"The number of Impure World Reincarnation subjects is too great. Controlling them places a heavy burden on me. I need a new body, but I still need to research Kimimaro..."
"A new body, you say?"
Obito frowned, understanding what Orochimaru meant by a "new body."
After a brief silence, he simply nodded.
"No problem. I'll arrange it for you, and the quality won't disappoint."
"That would be excellent."
Orochimaru nodded with satisfaction, while Obito inwardly sneered.
White Zetsu bodies might seem precious, filled with Hashirama Senju's cells.
But to an "evolved one" like himself, they were utterly insignificant!
Besides, he had a hundred thousand of them at his disposal!
"We're almost ready. We just need Kumogakure's response."
Obito took a deep breath, looking at the assembled reincarnated shinobi, his gaze filled with determination.
"Rin, I won't let you be controlled by Konoha again. I will create a new, peaceful world!"
While the Akatsuki prepared, within Konohagakure, in a secret shrine of the Hyūga clan,
Kitagawa Minamoto's figure transcended spatial boundaries, silently appearing.
"So this is the place. I wonder what he's prepared."
Kitagawa Minamoto looked around, chuckling to himself, while Kaguya seemed certain.
"Probably a method to rescue me. The only mission I gave him was to free me."
"Are you so sure?"
Kitagawa Minamoto approached a bookshelf, casually taking a book and opening it, removing an inconspicuous bookmark inside.
This bookmark was distinctly Hyūga in style, emanating a profound historical aura.
"It's meticulously crafted. Even an experienced archaeologist wouldn't be able to tell the difference."
Kitagawa Minamoto pursed his lips, realizing that Black Zetsu's forgery skills were unparalleled in the shinobi world.
"Hurry and look."
But as he admired the craftsmanship, Kaguya grew impatient.
"See what he wrote."
"Alright, alright."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded, activating his Tenseigan.
Instantly, the hidden information on the bookmark fully revealed itself to both him and Kaguya.
But as they read, Kitagawa Minamoto's expression grew increasingly strange, while Kaguya's face became exceptionally grim.
"It seems he truly is your child..."
After a long moment, Kitagawa Minamoto couldn't help but speak with amusement.
"And he has ultimately followed his brothers' path, walking the same road they did!"
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