White Zetsu stared at its severed body, unable to comprehend how it had been exposed even in its final moments.
"I've been observing you for quite some time," Uchiha Itachi said calmly.
Uchiha Madara: "..."
This particular White Zetsu had been concealed within the Uchiha clan's territory for nearly two decades—longer than Itachi had been alive. How did he discover it?
It's important to note that White Zetsu's mimicry technique differed from standard transformation jutsu. By absorbing another's chakra, it could replicate their appearance and chakra signature flawlessly, making it nearly impossible for even the most perceptive individuals to detect.
Madara was confident that White Zetsu's transformation was unparalleled among shinobi. Since acquiring White Zetsu, he had utilized it to gather intelligence and monitor changes in the ninja world without fail—until now.
[Ding! You have personally eliminated a White Zetsu. Acquired a portion of Mystique's ability.]
"Personally?" Uchiha Itachi was taken aback. Does it only count if I kill it myself? So the one reanimated through Edo Tensei doesn't qualify?
[Note: Mystique can alter her body's size, strength, hardness, flexibility, cellular and tissue structure, allowing her to transform into anyone, replicating features such as iris patterns, fingerprints, skin texture, voice, and even gender.]
[When falsehoods appear real, and truths seem false, as long as you dare to cross-dress, no one will know you're male! Believe in yourself—you are the strongest actor in the Hokage world!]
"How did you discover him, Itachi?" asked Uchiha Fugaku.
"Yes, how did you find him?" Uchiha Shisui was equally surprised. Uchiha Tajima, Uchiha Izuna, and others were also curious.
Despite the numerous Mangekyō Sharingan among them, none had detected the intruder. Yet, Itachi, a younger member, had uncovered it. Their curiosity was piqued.
"It's simple. In my memory, this tree has never grown—it looks the same year-round. Don't you find that odd?" Itachi explained.
Everyone: "..."
Who pays attention to a tree's growth?
Uchiha Fugaku: "As expected of my son—keen observation!"
"By the way, Father, the one from earlier today was the same," Itachi added.
"Hmm. Understood. I'll personally cut down all the trees when we return," Fugaku stated. "I suspect that the intelligence leaks from our Uchiha clan over the years might have been due to this White Zetsu."
"Transforming into a tree upon death—could it be Wood Release? This suggests that the origin of White Zetsu isn't simple," Uchiha Izuna observed, examining the tree that had formed from the deceased Zetsu. "It's highly likely that this White Zetsu is connected to the Senju clan. Perhaps the organization behind it aims to target our Uchiha clan."
"I propose that we exercise more caution in our clan's future plans and actions."
"I agree," Uchiha Shisui concurred.
"However, it seems this White Zetsu might be a failed evolutionary product of the Senju clan. Further investigation is needed," Uchiha Tajima advised.
"Understood," Itachi nodded.
Uchiha Madara's expression darkened. Should I reveal that he was under my command, meant to monitor Konoha and the Uchiha? Now they're planning to investigate me?
Go ahead—if you uncover the truth, I'll concede defeat!
The reanimated Uchiha Tajima, Madara, Izuna, Jiri, Kagami, Shisui, and others, though not as strong or fast as in life, possessed unlimited chakra and stamina, compensating for their deficiencies.
Currently, Itachi was utilizing them effectively—having them remain within the Uchiha compound to mentor the clan's younger members and compile their lifetime experiences into records for future generations.
Tajima and the others were pleased with Itachi's arrangement. Contributing meaningfully to the next generation brought them pride.
As the caster of the Edo Tensei, Itachi could sense the emotional fluctuations of the reanimated individuals. Although Madara, under the complete Edo Tensei, obeyed his commands, Itachi knew that one day, Madara would be resurrected.
To be cautious, during tonight's clan meeting, Itachi shared only partial truths, withholding significant information.
After all, there's a saying: "If you can't beat them, join them." Currently, his goals aligned with those of Madara and Obito—to collect the Tailed Beasts.
A temporary alliance was reasonable, wasn't it?
Moreover, internal stability was essential before addressing external threats. The Uchiha clan's internal issues needed resolution to prevent betrayal from within.
With the Uchiha's internal problems temporarily settled, it was time to address Konoha's issues.
The first step: target Danzo, the scapegoat king of Konoha!
He's already burdened with so many accusations—what's one more?
With that thought, Itachi used the Transformation Jutsu to assume the appearance of Shimura Danzo, patiently waiting for Kakashi to finish his duties.
On a dark, windy night—ideal for covert operations—every Uchiha clan meeting left the ANBU and Root members sleepless, fearing a potential coup from the red-eyed clan.
Kakashi, on duty, sighed in relief. Fortunately, tonight remained peaceful. Surveillance footage showed that the Uchiha clan members dispersed calmly after the meeting—at least for tonight, all was well.
After his shift, Kakashi, with his left hand in his pocket and a book in his right, leisurely walked home. The shops were closed, the streets deserted, and the bright streetlights cast long shadows, emphasizing his solitude.
Unbeknownst to him, a red figure silently trailed behind.
As Kakashi contemplated reading "Icha Icha Paradise" and practicing his ambidextrous techniques, he suddenly sensed a chakra presence approaching.
"Who could it be at this hour?"
Instinctively, Kakashi concealed himself in the shadows. The red figure paused as well.
"Have I been discovered?" Kushina's heart skipped a beat. Just as she considered revealing herself, a figure leaped across the rooftop ahead, skillfully avoiding all surveillance and barriers, heading swiftly toward the distant woods.
Hidden, Kakashi thought: (ー_ー)
As a former ANBU captain, Kakashi sensed something amiss.
Who would head to the woods in the middle of the night?
Thus, Kakashi stealthily followed the figure, with the red figure trailing behind him.
Despite the individual's high alertness and frequent changes in direction, Kakashi's ANBU experience ensured he remained undetected. Kushina, being deceased, was equally adept.
Moreover, the person's attire was distinctive—bandages on the forehead, right eye, and right arm. This unique appearance could only belong to Shimura Danzo, the Hokage's advisor.
Kakashi quietly observed from a large tree, cautiously watching Danzo. Thankfully, his Sharingan provided exceptional insight; otherwise, the darkness would have obscured his view.
As Danzo arrived, a pale-skinned man with long black hair and golden, slit pupils emerged from the shadows.
Kakashi's pupils contracted. This individual's unique appearance and attire made him instantly recognizable—one of the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru!
"Didn't he defect due to human experiments? Why is he still lurking in Konoha? Could he be colluding with Danzo?" Kakashi pondered, his mind racing.