Inside Konoha Village, Emiya Shihara paid no attention to prying eyes. He had long expected Senju Tobirama's covert surveillance. True to his character, he never missed an opportunity to strengthen Konoha, no matter who was watching.
Thousands of years ago, Emiya Shihara had positioned himself strategically, appearing harmless while secretly influencing events. Even Senju Tobirama had to resort to subtle tactics to guide Konoha, all under the illusion that Shihara was simply benevolent.
Everyone believed one thing: Emiya Shihara wanted a better future for the world.
Black Zetsu, though always scheming to overturn the ninja world, did not fear Emiya Shihara causing him harm. His concern was simpler yet more vexing—Shihara might ignore him entirely.
Black Zetsu longed for Shihara to abandon his noble morals and fully commit to the dark cause of resurrecting Kaguya.
Unfortunately…
When Zetsu arrived quietly in Konoha, he found Shihara reviewing the medical records of patients he had saved at the hospital.
Those ordinary people had already suffered enough. Why expend energy saving them?
"Are you back?" Shihara asked without looking up.
"Black Zetsu, wait a moment—I'll finish this…"
Zetsu had no choice but to wait. Only when Shihara put down his pen did Zetsu speak. "Emiya, our work is for a greater cause…"
"This isn't a conflict," Shihara said gently. Rolling up the scroll, he continued, "These small matters won't waste my time. I will continue doing them regardless."
Zetsu shifted the topic. "What about Uchiha Madara?"
Shihara anticipated this question. "I've heard news about him in Konoha. Many fear him; he has a notorious reputation."
"Madara is like his ancestor Indra," Zetsu said, taking over. "He believes strength brings order. People like him, who rely on power, naturally inspire fear in the weak."
"And now," Zetsu's voice darkened, "Madara wants to see you. He seeks information."
"What news?" Shihara asked calmly.
"How to awaken the Rinnegan," Zetsu replied, voice tinged with malice. "The Six Paths Sage left a stone tablet for Indra's descendants."
Zetsu cursed the Sage inwardly while using his name to deceive Shihara. "The Sage foresaw the Ninja Clan's path might be flawed. He inscribed a way to awaken the Rinnegan, hoping Indra's descendants could rebuild the ninja order after its collapse. And… at the end of the tablet, a method to resurrect my mother, Kaguya, was included."
Of course, this was a lie. The stone tablet never intended to resurrect Kaguya. Its purpose was to warn Indra's descendants to be cautious of her revival.
Yet Zetsu had to manipulate the truth, deceiving Shihara to serve his own ends.
"I see," Shihara said thoughtfully, fully trusting Zetsu. He did not speak for the Six Paths Sage, only sighed.
"What's this?" Zetsu asked rhetorically, weaving his web of lies. "A child, having transcended time, finally understands his mother's greatness. When his chakra spreads and leaves the world in ruins, he recalls the mother he relied upon since childhood?"
Shihara's words pierced Zetsu's heart. If Kaguya had heard him, perhaps she would have forgiven her disobedient son. But Shihara… even the warmest words seemed to wound.
"Forget it," Shihara said casually.
Zetsu, unable to dwell further on Kaguya, shifted focus. "Madara doesn't know all this. The Six Paths Sage hid the truth. I have some guesses about the outcomes…"
Shihara, perceptive as ever, interrupted, "I've met Indra and Madara. They are proud beyond measure. If they knew they would ultimately rely on their ancestors to fix the world, they would never act—unless destruction was unavoidable."
Zetsu, the consummate manipulator, smiled inwardly. He was orchestrating a plan to make Madara conceal the truth of Kaguya's resurrection.
Shihara sighed, realizing the delicate deception. "If we want Madara to help resurrect the Goddess of the Moon, we must hide the truth from him."
"Yes!" Zetsu exclaimed, surprised by Shihara's understanding. "Sometimes concealing the truth, telling white lies to those in need, is not wrong."
Shihara's expression was slightly melancholic. "This era teaches even honesty can be a sin… In this world full of lies, one must learn deception."
Zetsu felt a pang of guilt, yet reassured him, "It's not your fault, Emiya. Everything we do is to set the world on the right path. When Kaguya is truly resurrected, you will no longer have to hide. You will be free from lies and deception. Then, you can truly change this absurd world."
"I understand," Shihara said softly, sighing, and nodded helplessly at Zetsu.
Füll bōøk àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)