Chapter 123: Zetsu?
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The journey back to Konoha was cautious and measured, taking them three days. They frequently stopped to ensure Horyu didn't exert himself too much. The cursed seal was a ticking time bomb, its influence growing stronger with any significant drain on his chakra. The group's return to Konoha was a subdued affair, their mission's outcome weighing heavily on their minds.
Upon their arrival, they wasted no time in requesting an audience with Shisui. The information they had to report was too critical to delay. The stolen Konoha intel, their encounter with Orochimaru, Tsunade's timely intervention, and the cursed seal marking Horyu—all formed a report that painted a grim picture of the challenges facing Konoha.
Standing in Shisui's office, the air was thick with the gravity of their debriefing. As Horyu and his team recounted the mission's events, their composed exteriors masked the chaos that had ensnared them. Shisui, his expression unreadable, listened intently, absorbing every detail.
Once Horyu presented the scrolls—documents laced with information both omitted and added by his own hand—Shisui's calm facade momentarily cracked. He unfurled the scrolls, his eyes darting across the words, a frown etching deeper into his brow with each line read.
"Damn it," escaped Shisui's lips, a rare display of frustration from the Hokage. His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the room, though his question seemed directed at the shadows themselves. "Who leaked all these?" The precision of the intel was unsettling; it hinted at a mole within Konoha's walls, a thought that soured the air further.
Among the intel, the mention of Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan stood out starkly, a piece of information so closely guarded that its disclosure meant a betrayal of the highest order. Horyu had strategically included this to sow discord within Uchiha.
Shisui's mind raced as he considered the limited circle of individuals privy to Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan capabilities. Danzo and Sarutobi, both under his influence and unwaveringly loyal, were unlikely culprits. That left an unsettling possibility: could Itachi himself be the source? The thought was almost inconceivable, yet the evidence before him demanded consideration.
With a heavy heart, Shisui pondered the implications of such a betrayal. Itachi, one of Konoha's most formidable shinobi, had always been a paragon of loyalty and strength. The notion that he could divulge such sensitive information was a bitter pill to swallow. Yet, the stark reality of the scrolls in his hands suggested that no possibility could be dismissed outright.
Shisui's attention was caught by a particular name amidst the jumble of intelligence he was sorting through: "Zetsu." Horyu had strategically included this mysterious figure to add an element of uncertainty to the already chaotic ninja world. Zetsu, shrouded in secrecy with ambiguous motives and loyalties, had remained elusive until he chose to reveal himself. The recent discovery of a World Quest hinting at the emergence of Madara's successor led Horyu to suspect that Zetsu might be pulling the strings from behind the scenes. With Obito's fate diverging from the anime's tragic narrative, the formation and leadership of Akatsuki became even more puzzling. If not Obito, then who had assumed Madara's role? And was this enigmatic successor under the control of Zetsu?
Horyu had no definitive answers, yet his instincts told him that Zetsu's involvement was a given. The stakes were high, as understanding Zetsu's role could unveil the mastermind behind Akatsuki, assuming it existed in this altered reality. This uncertainty only fueled Horyu's resolve to sow seeds of chaos, a necessary evil to draw out the elusive Zetsu from hiding. The dangers posed by Zetsu were not lost on Horyu; he knew that underestimating such a foe could lead to dire consequences. Yet, this gambit was essential, not only for the sake of the World Quest related to Madara but also for Horyu's deeper strategy. By giving this information to Kabuto, Horyu indirectly informed both Orochimaru and Sasori, ensuring that the knowledge of Zetsu's existence and potential influence spread among some of the most cunning minds in the shinobi world. This network of shared intelligence was Horyu's way of casting a wide net, hoping to capture glimpses of Zetsu's machinations and, ultimately, the identity of Madara's heir.
Shisui's question, while seemingly straightforward, echoed with layers of implication in the silent office. "And, you gave the contact false information, correct?" His gaze pierced through the veneer of formality, seeking the truth that lay beneath.
Horyu met his gaze, the ghost of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yes, Hokage-sama. I ensured the intel regarding other villages was accurate but tailored the information about Konoha to mislead," he responded, his voice a study in calculated calm. It was a lie, of course, skillfully woven into the fabric of truth, designed to mask the full extent of his machinations. "But the rogue I impersonated was just a middleman, an information broker. It is advisable to assume that the real intel could surface again."
Shisui's response was a nod, accompanied by a smile that held a measure of pride. "Excellent," he praised, acknowledging Horyu's strategic foresight. His attention then shifted to Kurenai, his question sharp and direct. "Did anyone else read these scrolls, Kurenai-san?"
Kurenai shook her head, her voice steady and assured. "No, Hokage-sama. Given that Horyu was undercover, I took the initiative and tasked him with reviewing the scrolls first to ensure he could maintain his disguise effectively." Her decision reflected a deep trust in Horyu's capabilities, a trust that Shisui seemed to share.
Shisui's nod came with a hint of satisfaction. "Astute choice, Kurenai-san. Well done." His gaze shifted back to Horyu, a mix of expectation and command in his eyes. "Horyu, this mission now falls squarely on your shoulders, especially given your unique insight."
Horyu's response was a wry smile, the kind that hinted at the weight of responsibility now resting on him. "As you will, Hokage-sama," he said, his voice carrying a mix of fake resignation and readiness.
Shisui leaned back, his fingers tapping against the desk in a rhythmic pattern that betrayed his contemplation. "The appearance of Orochimaru and that mysterious shinobi... Do you think it was mere coincidence?" The question was rhetorical, a verbalization of the thoughts swirling in his mind. "Could they be the ones behind the intel leak?"
Horyu remained silent, wrestling with the decision of whether to reveal Sasori's identity. On one hand, exposing Sasori could draw Konoha and Sunagakure into unwanted closeness; on the other, it added another layer of complexity to the chaos he was navigating.
"Tsunade-sama's intervention was fortuitous, though it's unfortunate she remains outside the village," Shisui continued, a hint of regret coloring his tone. His many attempts to bring Tsunade back to Konoha had been met with silence, a stubborn refusal that Shisui couldn't break.
Horyu's smile was hidden, understanding Shisui's underlying motive. The Hokage sought to use Tsunade's influence to solidify his position, a strategy Tsunade seemed to effortlessly thwart by simply staying away.
Shisui's attention turned sharply to the cursed seal, concern etching his features. "And the cursed seal? Will it be a problem?"
Shaking his head, Horyu reassured, "No, Hokage-sama. Tsunade-sama has already sealed it. As long as I remain cautious, it won't pose an issue." His confidence was not just bravado; With the System turning the Cursed Seal into power, he was more than relieved.
Shisui's nod was one of relief. "Good. Team 8, you've achieved something significant. Take a week off. Thank you for your service."
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