I stopped walking for a moment, letting the forest hush itself around me. The wind carried faint scents of pine, wet earth, and something distinctly… human.
Black Zetsu's voice echoed softly inside my head, smooth as liquid shadow.
"Master, I have located them."
I didn't need to ask who. I already felt it—their divine signatures, weak but unmistakable. Thalia's fire burned faintly in the distance, Luke's restless energy thrummed like a coiled spring, and Annabeth… clever, calculating, always alert.
"Distance?" I asked quietly.
"Approximately two kilometers northeast. They are camped near a river bend, small makeshift shelters. Mortals are present, but minimal. No immediate threats."
I closed my eyes, letting the Sharingan's clarity sharpen everything. Even through the trees, the subtle pulses of their presence were clear: Thalia pacing near a fire, Annabeth crouched with a small map of the area, and Luke… lazily alert, scanning the perimeter.
"How many White Zetsu?" I asked.
"Twelve currently deployed. All in proximity, observing without detection. I can increase numbers as necessary."
I nodded. Good. Too few would be risky; too many would draw attention. Twelve was enough to know everything before I made my move.
"I want details," I murmured, the words barely audible. "Camp layout, security, schedules, the way they interact with each other. I want weaknesses, tendencies, and anything unusual. I want to know how they fight, how they think, and how they move when danger comes."
Black Zetsu pulsed in response.
"Already in motion. White Zetsu units are embedding along patrol routes and perimeter paths. Observations will begin immediately. Reports will be sent directly to you."
I allowed a small smirk to creep across my face. Perfect. By the time I approached them, I would already know more than any enemy—or ally—ever could.
Still, I paused, a faint pang of… amusement? affection? passing through me. Thalia Grace. My foolish little sister, running from prophecies she didn't understand. And yet, the fire in her blood mirrored mine. Zeus's lightning. Reckless, stubborn, alive.
I stepped lightly, feeling the pulse of the forest through the Uzumaki sage body, the subtle hum of Kurama's chakra weaving into my steps. The air thickened with energy as I adjusted my focus, preparing to observe without revealing myself.
"Keep the shadows active," I said, my voice low and precise. "If anyone approaches, you adapt, blend, and report. No engagement unless instructed."
"Understood, Master," Black Zetsu replied.
I crouched on a high branch, the forest canopy hiding me completely. The river glinted below, sunlight dancing off its surface. From here, I could see everything. Every glance, every subtle movement, every flicker of tension.
The war wasn't here yet. But I could feel it simmering in their presence. A spark waiting for tinder. And I… would be ready.
"Time to learn," I murmured, eyes narrowing. "And maybe… teach a little."
Lightning teased along the horizon again, a silent reminder of my bloodline and my power. The shadows around me pulsed faintly—White Zetsu moving, observing, reporting. The web had begun.
And soon, the story would shift—not just around them, but around me.