Black Zetsu felt that his future was truly pitch dark.
Just as black as his entire body, so black that only his eyeballs and teeth were visible.
Not long ago, he was still a big boss raising tens of thousands of underlings, stirring up trouble behind the scenes in the ninja world, but then...
After waking up one day, the world began to change.
The entire ninja world started an operation to sweep away black forces and eliminate evil.
But...
This had nothing to do with his organization.
The Goddess Alliance, aside from himself being rather black in appearance, had no other black aspects. In fact, they even sheltered poor civilians, gave them food, helped them build houses, and so on, enabling them to survive in this chaotic world. How did they suddenly become a black society?
Their organization's goal was to maintain peace in the ninja world, after all.
Although he had his own selfish motives.
But he hadn't had time to do anything yet.
Obviously, the neighboring Land of Whirlpools was even more black hearted, engaging in deception and fraud everywhere. Why hadn't the Five Great Ninja Villages taken action even after finding out?
They were just a bunch of bullies who picked on the weak.
Black Zetsu sighed inwardly. Listening to the messages brought back by the White Zetsu clones, hardly any were good, or rather...
There was simply no good news at all.
Those civilians and ninjas, seeing the determination and intensity of the Five Great Ninja Villages' sweep against black forces, all withdrew from the group and went into hiding. Those who didn't withdraw were either accidentally killed by ninjas from the Five Great Villages, or captured and taken back to the villages for interrogation, and then, killed.
They were all killed anyway.
This created panic within the organization.
"Abandon all bases in the Five Great Nations," Black Zetsu sighed and said, "We can't stay here anymore."
The sweep was too intense, and it was unknown how long it would last.
Now, the only option was...
"Withdraw to some smaller countries to rebuild our forces."
This was also his carefully considered plan. These smaller countries were more remote, their citizens ignorant, their ninja forces not strong, perfectly suited for them to develop steadily. If done well, they might even turn the Goddess religion into a state religion, restoring Mother's prestige.
"Understood," White Zetsu nodded and said, "I will make the arrangements."
He immediately felt relieved...
Finally leaving this dangerous place.
Actually...
The Five Great Ninja Villages weren't that great to stay in either.
The outside world was actually quite good. Relying on the organization's current strength, they could definitely rebuild their glory.
...
End of Year 42, Konoha Calendar.
Since the Five Great Ninja Villages launched the special operation to sweep away black forces and eliminate evil, under the firm determination of the villages' highest administrative officials—the Kages—the entire ninja world sprang into action.
They made scientific decisions, took the initiative, combined specialized efforts with mass involvement, mobilized and relied on the masses; conducted in-depth investigations into clues related to black and evil forces, strictly implemented responsibilities; continuously innovated working mechanisms and tactics during this operation, improved the precision and depth of strikes, achieving phased results in the struggle to sweep away black forces and eliminate evil.
In short, the achievements were remarkable, returning a comfortable and safe living space to the people of the ninja world.
But...
Those three legendary ninja swords still had not been found. Even the known strong members of the Goddess Alliance, Uchiha Shin, the bald strongman suspected to be the First Kazekage, had not appeared. Basically, not a single black element could be found domestically anymore. Even people with dark skin started painting themselves white before daring to go out...
The sweep operation could no continue. Going further would definitely cause domestic chaos.
Therefore, after the Daimyos of various countries issued notices ordering the Kages of the ninja villages to stop the operation and simultaneously demanding the release of the 'innocent masses' captured during the sweep, the major ninja villages took the opportunity to ended the large scale sweep operation.
As for the innocent masses...
Everyone understood. They were just some ordinary people who committed misdeeds and were lackeys of the nobility, caught during the chaotic arrests.
They weren't the target of this operation anyway, just accidentally caught by ninjas with a strong sense of justice who didn't know the real task. Releasing them was fine.
Just consider it giving face to their nominal superiors.
The Daimyo...
Was still the highest leader of this country after all.
...
Konoha.
Hokage Building.
"The reason I called you here today is mainly because of Kakashi," Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff from his smoke gun, sighed, then, supporting his hand, said helplessly, "I also didn't expect that Sakumo's matter would affect him so much."
"But because the war had just ended not long ago, there were still many things in the village that required my attention. At that time, I simply didn't pay attention to the village rumors."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, looking at Minato, who was kneeling on one knee before him, with regret and self reproach in his eyes.
"I didn't expect the rumors to intensify in the end."
He took a melancholic drag of smoke.
"By the time I noticed and wanted to investigate who was spreading the rumors and put a stop to it, I didn't expect it to be too late." Sarutobi Hiruzen walked to the window, his back to Minato, a smile flickering briefly at the corner of his mouth.
He gazed deeply at the scenery outside, saying with a serious expression, "Where the leaves dance, the fire continues to burn. The firelight will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout."
"Now Kakashi has become too extreme, too focused on missions, neglecting the importance of companions."
He sighed...
"This is not what a Konoha ninja should be."
"Without a doubt, Kakashi's father was an excellent ninja. He made countless contributions to Konoha, but because of my failure as Hokage, he ultimately..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, shook his head with a bitter smile, and said, "It's useless to say these things now."
He looked at Minato with a serious expression...
"I hope you, as Kakashi's teacher, can help Kakashi find his way out."
"Help him understand the importance of cherishing companions and loving life."
"Remember the Will of Fire and become an outstanding Konoha ninja."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Minato, hearing the Hokage's words, nodded seriously and said, "I will definitely help Kakashi find his way out." Then, he showed a smile. "Kakashi is an excellent ninja. I can feel that..."
"He still yearns for companions and cares for them in his heart."
He had noticed Kakashi's situation during this period. He originally planned to have a heart to heart talk with Kakashi a bit later, but didn't expect to be called by the Hokage-sama at this time.
Indeed...
The Hokage-sama still cared deeply about them, the ninjas.
Minato felt a surge of emotion inside.
"Then..." Sarutobi Hiruzen, hearing Minato's words, felt satisfied inwardly. Then, looking at Minato with gratitude and melancholy, he said, "Kakashi will trouble you then."
"As Kakashi's teacher, this is my responsibility," Minato said with a smile. "Hokage-sama, you don't need to worry. I believe Kakashi will be deeply moved when he hears how much Hokage-sama cares about him."
"If there's nothing else, I will take my leave now."
He still had to give Kakashi and the others a lesson later.
Jiraiya-sensei and Tsunade-sama, really, it's been so long, why haven't they returned to the village yet?
Minato shook his head helplessly.
In a while, it would be his and Kushina's wedding. He wondered if his teacher and the others could make it back in time to attend...
He sighed, pushed open the door, and walked out of the office.
Having such an irresponsible teacher was really tiring.
As for Sarutobi Hiruzen...
Watching Minato's retreating figure, his eyes flickered. Finally, he still shook his head helplessly and murmured, "The Nine-Tails..."
Then, he continued to look out the window at the village.
"The wind is rising again."
He didn't expect that they still couldn't find the ninja swords from that mysterious organization.
But currently, only Konoha and Kirigakure possessed the legendary ninja swords. So...
To prevent them from awakening the sword spirits, Iwagakure and the others would definitely initiate war first. After all, no ninja village wanted to see another village become so powerful that it was impossible to resist.
Only...
That Blaze of Joy was still lying idle in the village. No one had managed to successfully gain the recognition of the sword spirit.
Even some people in the village began to suspect they had been deceived. They wanted to disassemble the ninja sword to study what was really going on. In the end...
They were all refused. After all, who would dare easily tamper with a ninja sword worth tens of billions?
Who would be responsible if it got broken?
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed melancholically and murmured, "It seems we must strike first."
He raised his head, squinting at the ninja world map hanging on the wall...
Especially at the small dot in the eastern sea of the Land of Fire...
The Land of Whirlpools.
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