After an intense round of deliberation, the twelve-man task force was finalized.The team consisted of one Kage-level ninja and eleven elite jonin, drawn from both prestigious ninja clans and talented civilians.
This lineup one Kage-class ninja backed by eleven elite jonin was, without exaggeration, the most formidable team ever assembled in Konoha's history.At the same time, the intelligence networks of both the Anbu and the Root Division were fully mobilized to hunt down any trace of a ninja possessing the Wood Release kekkei genkai.The moment such a trace was discovered, the twelve-man unit would be dispatched immediately.
Leaving the Hokage Tower, Uchiha Fugaku found himself in a slightly better mood. His earlier anger over Shisui's intrusion into his secret chamber had eased somewhat.
"Finally, Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Obito are pitted against each other."
Originally, Fugaku had planned to assassinate known Uchiha adversaries like Aburame Shibi and Shimura Daisuke, forcing the Third Hokage's hand into forming a kill team of elite jonin.Unexpectedly, it was the theft of the Scroll of Seals that pushed the matter forward—and better yet, Shisui had been assigned to the team, which was bound to face extreme danger.
His goal had been achieved. Now, all that remained was to see what would come of the clash between the two Uchiha."I'll have to postpone dealing with Aburame Shibi.
"Though his objective was met, Fugaku had no intention of letting Shibi, an open enemy of the Uchiha, off the hook.But for now, any move against him had to be delayed.
With Konoha actively hunting Obito, any action on Fugaku's part might cause him to be mistaken for the rogue Uchiha and targeted by the elite task force.
"This gives me the perfect opportunity to study the forbidden jutsu in the Scroll of Seals."The thought of the scroll stirred a deep anticipation in his heart.If he could master techniques like the Flying Thunder God and the Eight Gates Formation, his combat strength would soar to new heights.
At that point, there would be few, if any, Kage-level ninja who could stand against him.---Meanwhile, at a Hidden Base..."Konoha formed a twelve-man elite jonin squad just to deal with me?
"Uchiha Obito's voice was calm as he asked."Yes. In addition, they've dispatched numerous Anbu and Root operatives to track your movements," said the white half of Zetsu.Though not especially powerful in direct combat, White Zetsu's talent for stealth and intelligence-gathering was unmatched.
It hadn't taken long for him to uncover Konoha's decision."So, they've finally made up their minds to eliminate me."Obito's tone remained unshaken. Even such a dangerous development, one that would terrify most Kage-level shinobi, didn't seem to concern him.If his mask had been removed, one would see the sneer of disdain across his face.With Kamui, his Mangekyō Sharingan ability, Obito didn't fear ambushes.He had no reason to worry about Konoha's so-called elite task force.
"Did this all happen because I infiltrated Konoha?"
"That's part of it," said Black Zetsu. "But there's more. According to my intel, the Scroll of Seals was stolen recently and they suspect you did it."
"The Scroll of Seals is incredibly valuable to Konoha. That's why they formed this elite unit to eliminate you before more damage is done."
"They think I stole it?"The air around Obito grew cold.Although the Scroll of Seals contained some decent forbidden techniques, he had no use for them.
After all, he had inherited the legacy of Uchiha Madara himself. Forbidden jutsu and secret arts were hardly lacking in his arsenal.It was clear someone had framed him.
"Someone must've impersonated you and stolen the scroll to set you up," added White Zetsu."Have you found the person who framed me last time?" Obito asked.
"No. Ever since that person killed Uchiha Chien, they haven't shown themselves again. Why, do you suspect they're behind this too?""Highly likely."Obito's voice turned icy. A dangerous gleam flashed in his eye.Though Konoha's actions didn't trouble him much, being repeatedly set up by someone was becoming intolerable.
"This person's been targeting me over and over. I need to find and eliminate them.""I'll increase surveillance. Unless they completely stop acting, the next time they move I'll find them," White Zetsu promised."What do we do about Konoha? This time, both the Anbu and Root are working together.
They're dead set on tracking you down.Even with our secrecy, if they uncover our base of operations, it'll be a disaster.""If they want information, we'll give it to them," Obito said coldly.He couldn't let Konoha continue probing aimlessly. If they got too close, the Akatsuki's stronghold could be exposed.So, he decided to take the offensive: eliminate Konoha's elite task force as a warning, making it clear they shouldn't mess with him."But that might be exactly what the one framing you wants to push you into direct conflict with Konoha."
"Still, if it means protecting the Akatsuki's secrets, we must warn Konoha. As for the one setting me up I'll find them eventually, and when I do, they'll die."Killing intent radiated from Obito.
"Don't underestimate the twelve-man team. Uchiha Shisui is among them a Kage-level ninja with a Mangekyō Sharingan."
"Even better," Obito said. "I'll just kill him too."Shisui had already rejected Akatsuki's invitation. If he couldn't be used, then he had to be removed.
"Are you confident?"
Black Zetsu asked."I also have the Mangekyō Sharingan and I've transplanted Hashirama's cells, so I don't suffer the same side effects he does.Besides, my Kamui counters his ocular abilities perfectly."Obito sounded assured.
"I'll head to the Land of Rivers. Leak my location when the time comes."
"I'll spread the word once you arrive," White Zetsu nodded.Buzz A black vortex opened behind Obito. He stepped into it and vanished without a trace.
"Don't die,"
Zetsu muttered to the empty space, his expression slowly twisting into a strange smile."If you do, I'll be very disappointed…"Obito was a key piece on the board. Losing him would seriously disrupt Zetsu's long-laid plans.