I let the letter drift from my hands, rolling it carefully on the stone floor of my cave. The names and locations burned in my mind like a constellation of opportunities. Each one represented power, skill, or knowledge—potentially invaluable to me.
I considered each carefully, measuring usefulness, compatibility, and potential risk.
Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade… I thought, lips curling slightly. The legendary Sannin. If I'm going to survive this world—and maybe even bend it to my advantage—I cannot afford to leave them unclaimed.
They were young, yes, but the blood of their divine parents and the training they'd already survived made them dangerous. And if I brought them to my side… unstoppable.
Next, my thoughts turned to Karin Uzumaki. Her healing abilities, sensing capabilities, and natural talent with chakra made her a perfect addition. With her, my White Zetsu network could coordinate better, my own operations could continue without worrying about injury or oversight. A healer, a scout, a spy.
Kakashi Hatake, son of the White Fang, youngest genius of Konoha—my mind immediately began calculating all the ways his intelligence and versatility could complement mine. Strategy, reconnaissance, ninjutsu mastery. He would be a vital asset.
Then Shikamaru Nara, the boy who had the patience and mind of a tactician. Useful in planning, predicting enemy movements, and ensuring that none of my larger schemes went awry. A strategist to pair with my own god-level mind.
As for the others—Sai, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade… Wait, I'd already counted the Sannin. The remaining ones? Let them fend for themselves. They weren't necessary, and survival wasn't guaranteed. Some might live, some might die—but I had to focus on building the team that mattered.
I exhaled softly, letting the weight of my decisions settle. This wasn't about morality or nostalgia. This was about efficiency. Power. Control.
"Black Zetsu," I said quietly, my eyes narrowing, the air around me stiffening with authority, "focus on the Sannin first. Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade. Then locate Karin, Kakashi, and Shikamaru. I want precise positions, daily routines, strengths, and weaknesses. We'll bring them under my command—discreetly. They will owe loyalty, not questions."
Black Zetsu rippled beneath the ground. "It shall be done, Master. The web grows. All other targets will remain under observation but are considered non-essential."
I nodded, feeling a faint thrill. This was no longer just survival. This was strategy, manipulation, and preparation on a scale that no demigod—or even god—could fully anticipate.
Seven years… I murmured under my breath. Seven years to build the perfect network, train, and watch the world unfold. And when the war comes, I'll be ready to move the pieces exactly where I want them.
The shadows pulsed faintly beneath my feet, the first White Zetsu reporting back. It was all beginning.
And I was just getting started.