023 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

Looking at Zetsu—with half of his face forming a sly smile—Arashi couldn't help but consider how to eliminate him. This guy was undoubtedly the most reactionary character in the entire manga. If he could deal with Zetsu now, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya could rest in peace, and Uchiha Madara might quietly grow old like a hermit. All the schemes and disasters would vanish. Perhaps even the Third and Fourth Shinobi Wars could be avoided, saving countless innocent lives.

But Black Zetsu was merely Kaguya's will. He excelled at reconnaissance, stealth, and a bit of mental manipulation. However, he wasn't strong in direct combat. Killing him, though, was incredibly difficult, as he could escape with the slightest slip.

White Zetsu, on the other hand, was a fierce fighter. He was originally a human from the ancient times—one of those trapped by the Infinite Tsukuyomi. This particular Zetsu had even merged with Hashirama's cells, granting him mastery over all seven chakra natures: Wind, Fire, Lightning, Water, Earth, Yin, and Yang. Add in his troublesome Spore Technique, and he was a formidable opponent. Arashi wasn't sure if he could handle him alone.

Arashi calculated his chances carefully.

"Such intense killing intent from a stranger!"

"Relax, I mean no harm," Black Zetsu and White Zetsu said in turn, their alternating voices sounding bizarre.

"This place is too cramped for a proper chat. Shall we move to the mountaintop? I'll be waiting for you there, stranger."

With that, Zetsu sank straight into the mountain.

Arashi chuckled bitterly to himself. What was I even thinking? I actually considered taking him down. It took Naruto and Sasuke—both ridiculously overpowered—to seal him using Yin-Yang Release and the Chibaku Tensei. How could I possibly defeat him? This guy's been around since Kaguya's era, living for thousands of years. My skills don't even come close.

I should focus on not getting killed by him first.

...

"The Iwagakure army has retreated completely. There are no ambushes within my field of vision," Hyūga Hizashi reported confidently after scanning the surroundings with his Byakugan.

"Double-check. If Akimichi Torifu hadn't been so reckless during the last mission, we wouldn't have suffered such heavy losses," Danzo snapped irritably.

"There are no signs of enemies. I'll stake my Byakugan on it," Hizashi assured him.

"Good. Take a squad and scout further ahead. If you reach the borders of the Land of Rain and still find nothing, return. If you encounter any enemies, report back immediately. Understood?"

"Understood!"

"It seems Arashi's plan worked," Danzo sighed with relief. "Send a message to the Third Hokage. We're preparing for a full withdrawal."

"Yes, sir."

Danzo thought for a moment. "Have the shinobi sent to the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning returned?"

"Not yet."

"Notify me immediately when they do. We're two days away from the original schedule. Keep a close watch on Kumogakure's movements."

"Understood!"

"What about Akimichi Torifu?"

"I just asked Lady Tsunade. She said Torifu's life is out of danger, but…"

"But what?" For once, Danzo's face showed a rare trace of concern. Torifu was, after all, one of the comrades who had bled alongside the Second Hokage Tobirama.

"Lady Tsunade said he was hit by Dust Release. Despite taking a secret antidote, he's lost a spleen and part of his stomach. His right arm is severely damaged and will never function in combat again."

Danzo waved the messenger away weakly. His expression grew bleak.

"Another one gone."

...

"You're talking about eternal peace?" Arashi's expression was one of pure disbelief, like a diligent student hearing something groundbreaking.

"Yes, true eternal peace. Once this great jutsu is completed, there will be no more wars between nations, no conflicts between people. There will be no pain, no illness, no hunger. Within this jutsu, everyone's dreams will come true. It'll be identical to reality—no, it is reality. Young man, would you lend me your strength? Will you join us?" Zetsu extended his hands toward Arashi. Under the glow of the setting sun, his half-black, half-white face seemed almost divine.

"You're saying everyone's dreams can come true within this jutsu?"

"Yes."

"So, I could have all the food and drink I want, and any woman I like would just…" Arashi smirked mischievously.

"Of course."

"Wow, that's incredible! Living like a carefree rogue… Of course I want to join! How do I sign up?" Arashi suddenly seemed enthusiastic.

"You're already a member."

"I'm already a member?"

"Yes."

"That's amazing! What's our organization called?"

"Uh, we don't have a name yet."

"Oh, that's fine. How many members do we have?"

"Well… including you, four."

"Only four? No problem. Building an organization is like rolling a snowball—it takes time to grow."

"Haha, exactly." White Zetsu chuckled first.

"How about we become sworn brothers?"

"What?"

Arashi pulled out a kunai and slashed his palm, letting the blood flow. Dropping to one knee, he began the oath.

"Heaven above, Earth below, I swear to become sworn brothers with… uh, what's your name again?"

"Zetsu."

"And your age?"

"Uh, older than you, probably."

"Alright. I, Arashi, swear to become sworn brothers with Zetsu. From this day forward, we share blessings and hardships alike. Let our blood be the proof, and heaven and earth our witnesses." He then handed the kunai to Zetsu.

Zetsu glanced at the kunai and then at his own hand. Suddenly, the black half raised the white half's hand and slashed it open, releasing a significant amount of white… fluid. Arashi secretly lamented that Black Zetsu hadn't done the cutting. White Zetsu would have to do, though, after all, this version was quite formidable. While he was musing, he quickly took out a handkerchief and started fussing over Zetsu's injury.

"Brother, you're too sincere. Look, the handkerchief isn't enough to stop the bleeding. Let's use a bandage instead."

"Haha, you're too modest, little brother. It's an honor to be sworn brothers with the Third Kazekage himself. How could I not be sincere?"

Arashi froze mid-motion, staring at Zetsu in surprise.

"Also, everything I've said is true. And for the record, I am not a scammer."

...

On the 12th, the Third Raikage, A, declared that Iwagakure had unprovokedly attacked Kumogakure's border outposts with brutal methods. He called it a blatant violation of peace between the two nations and an insult to all Kumogakure shinobi. In response, Kumogakure officially declared war on Iwagakure.

Two hours later, fifteen thousand Kumogakure shinobi launched an invasion into the Land of Earth. Four hours after that, they encountered fierce resistance from Iwagakure forces, who had been well-prepared for the attack, at Gray Crow Crossing. Thus, the Second Shinobi World War entered a more brutal third phase, plunging the ninja world further into chaos and destruction.