Under Saitama's gaze, ripples spread across the tree trunk like water on a mirror's surface, and a figure wrapped in Zetsu emerged from it.
"Ke... ke... ke."
The moment Tu Yi appeared, White Zetsu fixed Saitama with a bizarre stare and let out those eerie chuckles.
Because he had cultivated Sage Art, Saitama's sensitivity toward the natural environment had increased dramatically, making him more attuned to nature itself.
Since many of White Zetsu's abilities were plant-related, he immediately noticed the changes within Saitama.
Black Zetsu said nothing, yet his pitch-black eyes remained fixed on Saitama, revealing no emotion whatsoever.
He also sensed something unusual about Saitama's body but couldn't pinpoint what exactly. It felt familiar, yet just out of reach.
"What is it?"
Saitama didn't feel the need to explain his transformation, nor did he intend to, so he asked directly.
"Are you working with Orochimaru, Saitama-kun?" White Zetsu grinned without answering, instead questioning back. "I've noticed your strength has improved again! That dangerous aura feels even stronger now!"
White Zetsu knew perfectly well that Saitama had gone off to find Orochimaru during his absence, though he didn't care much—everyone had their little secrets.
"Yeah, feels great doesn't it?"
Saitama held up both hands like he was displaying something to White Zetsu.
"The Six-Tails has appeared inside the Land of Fire. Pain wants you to size him up. Also, watch out for the Hidden Villages—they've started targeting you recently."
White Zetsu knew he wouldn't get a real answer from Saitama, so he quickly relayed the message he was meant to deliver.
"Fine, give me the exact location—I'll go check it out."
Saitama nodded. After mastering Sage Art, he felt more confident than ever and saw no reason to worry about any forces the Hidden Villages might send after him.
He held the advantage—they knew his location, but couldn't catch him. Therefore, there was no reason to fear.
"He's hiding near a civilian town close to Konoha Village. Pretty bold move, huh?"
White Zetsu smiled knowingly before telling Saitama the precise location.
"Hurry over now. I'll keep feeding you intel as needed. And don't worry—I'll have your back. I got this."
As White Zetsu spoke, his body slowly sank into the tree trunk. When he was done, only part of his Zetsu form remained visible sticking out from the tree.
Shifting his gaze, Saitama turned his eyes toward the sky, lost deep in thought.
"Six-Tails… Ephemeral…"
After a long pause, he muttered softly. The pale golden serpentine markings around his pupils glowed slightly brighter.
He remembered this Jinchuriki named Ephemeral. From what he recalled, the man's attacks and defenses revolved entirely around bubble-based techniques. It seemed he'd mistakenly killed his teacher and later defected from his village.
The Six-Tails Saiken looked like a six-tailed slug, capable of spitting out highly corrosive liquid that mixed dangerously with bubble-based Ninjutsu.
It was definitely the kind of opponent that could cause serious trouble.
This was a town near Konoha Village. Due to its proximity, the area enjoyed excellent security.
The strong security contributed to thriving economic development, resulting in a very high standard of living for the residents.
Though the town only had one street, it housed all kinds of industries.
Izakayas, bathhouses, and inns provided everything traveling guests could possibly need.
In the town stood an izakaya called Sakan Izakaya—the most famous izakaya around. The owner's name seemed to be Sakan Ginji, who used to be a wandering samurai across the Shinobi World.
Ephemeral sat at a small round table near the doorway, holding a tiny drinking cup in his right hand.
Though he appeared about sixteen or seventeen, no one questioned whether he should be drinking here so far from home.
And because he carried himself as a ninja, the shopkeeper had no choice but to serve him alcohol.
The round table was small, fitting only three seats—one occupied by Ephemeral, the others empty.
It was dinnertime now, yet throughout the entire izakaya, only the table in front of Ephemeral still had open seats.
Still, the quiet and composed aura around him kept others from approaching.
*Clack!* He gently set down his cup—half the alcohol inside already gone. A slight flush colored Ephemeral's face, a sign of someone experiencing liquor for the first time.
Ever since the day he killed his teacher—who had plotted against him—Ephemeral took advantage of the ensuing chaos to flee Kiri.
After drifting for a while, he impulsively followed a strange idea straight into the Land of Fire.
In his mind, the most dangerous place was often the safest—the classic "lightest shadow" trick.
The Hidden Mist would certainly assume he'd hide away in some secluded village countryside.
Though no pursuing forces from Mist had arrived yet, he remained extremely vigilant.
A yellow bubble-blowing device, somewhat like a pipe but not quite, hung from his waist. It looked ordinary enough, but served as his weapon, easily capable of taking lives without hesitation.
He received this weapon from his teacher when he graduated from the Ninja Academy. Even now, even at this point, he still chose not to discard it.
Lifting the cup again, Ephemeral narrowed his eyes slightly, lips leaning forward just barely to touch the rim.
Alcohol was new to him, yet its bold, fiery taste oddly felt comforting. The blazing warmth trailing from his throat to his stomach helped him remember certain things he must never forget.
"Hss…"
Feeling the scorching liquid glide slowly down his esophagus, Ephemeral softly exhaled.
"Tsunade-sama, let's grab something to eat before heading out. We'll be back by afternoon anyway. No need to rush."
A crisp voice rang out, drawing Ephemeral's attention.
Following the sound, he saw a black-haired young lady tugging along a golden-blond woman, both standing at the doorway.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, Ephemeral sensed that this blond woman was no ordinary individual; the chakra within her caused his Jinchuriki body to stir instinctively.
"She should be fine!"
After triple-checking, Ephemeral confirmed he didn't recognize these two women at all—and so immediately lost interest.
The Shinobi World was full of powerful experts, far beyond what he had seen back in the village. So when you walked through a place like this, you had to be careful—not draw too much attention.
Putting down his cup, Ephemeral picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a few peanuts, and tossed them into his mouth.
The locals had a unique way of dining—sipping drinks while munching on peanuts. After trying it himself, he found it actually worked quite well. The peanuts toned down the spiciness, and the spice made his taste buds come alive—it brought out the nutty aroma even more.
He drank and munched alone, lost in his thoughts, until a shadow suddenly fell over him, cutting off the light.
"Hi, do you mind if we share this table?"
It was the familiar voice of the black-haired woman from the two girls he'd seen earlier.
Ephemeral lifted his head and glanced around. Indeed, there were no extra seats left in the izakaya. He nodded slightly and said,
"Sure."
"Great, thank you!"
Shizune smiled happily at the response, then turned her head toward Tsunade, who was still standing by the counter ordering food.
"Tsunade-sama, let's sit here!"
"Tsunade..." Ephemeral heard the name again. Something about it felt familiar, yet he just couldn't recall where he'd heard it before. Finally, he gave up. After all, the Shinobi World was huge; it wasn't unusual for names to repeat.
Tsunade frowned slightly as she looked at the boy behind Shizune.
As a Medical Ninja highly sensitive to chakra, she had already sensed something unusual about the boy. Though he tried to hide the chakra fluctuations inside him, she wasn't fooled.
"Hmm, coming."
Not wanting any hassle, Tsunade took the food and drink from the shopkeeper and walked over.
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