Chapter 84: Chapter 84: A Company Without Ah Fei Is Meaningless
After hearing Black Zetsu's shocking declaration, White Zetsu — the messenger responsible for relaying the order — stood frozen, stunned beyond words.
"Master Black Zetsu," he finally managed to utter, his voice trembling slightly, "are you absolutely sure about this decision?"
Black Zetsu's eyes narrowed dangerously. His cold voice cut through the tense air like a blade: "What? Do you think there's something wrong with my choice?"
White Zetsu swallowed hard, feeling the oppressive weight of Black Zetsu's glare bearing down on him. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as his whole body began to tremble uncontrollably.
"N-No, Black... Black Zetsu-sama, I wouldn't dare question your command," he stammered quickly.
This particular White Zetsu was one of those whose bodies had been altered by Peter's mysterious modifications. Because everything it had — its abilities, its very existence — was granted by Ah Fei, it was fiercely loyal to him. It revered Ah Fei like a savior and could never imagine life without him.
But Black Zetsu's ruthless decision — to punish Ah Fei severely — shocked White Zetsu to the core. His voice had involuntarily betrayed his disbelief, which only seemed to anger Black Zetsu further.
"Hmph! Since you have no objections, then what are you waiting for? Go spread the news immediately!" Black Zetsu barked harshly.
White Zetsu nodded quickly, trying to suppress the turmoil raging inside. "Yes, sir! I will do it right away!" Without another word, he turned sharply and rushed out of the office.
Yet, as White Zetsu walked out with a heavy heart, confusion and doubt gnawed at him. He never would have imagined that the leader he so admired would abandon them like this, fleeing without warning or explanation.
What were they supposed to do now?
In his heart, White Zetsu kept silently pleading with Ah Fei, wondering why he hadn't confided in them before leaving. If only Ah Fei had told them about his plan or predicament, they would have followed him without hesitation—through any hardship.
But now, with no guidance and no hope of Ah Fei's return, White Zetsu felt lost, alone, and uncertain of the future.
---
Outside the office, White Zetsu had barely taken a breath before he was surrounded by a dozen other White Zetsu, all wearing anxious expressions as if they sensed the same impending crisis.
"016," one of them called out impatiently, "what's the current situation? What punishment has Lord Black Zetsu imposed on Lord Ah Fei?"
Another White Zetsu quickly chimed in with forced optimism, "I think Master Ah Fei is just joking with Master Black Zetsu. Don't worry — Master Ah Fei will come back soon enough!"
Several others nodded in agreement, their voices brimming with hope and a touch of disbelief.
"Yes, yes! Master Ah Fei wouldn't really abandon us like this. After all, he can't do much outside the company — probably can't even manage to eat! He'll be back in no time, begging Master Black Zetsu for forgiveness!"
Their nervous laughter echoed through the hallways, as if already picturing Ah Fei returning, sheepishly seeking pardon for his 'prank.'
After all, these were all modified White Zetsu, each one deeply loyal to Ah Fei — their leader, their inspiration, their family.
But then, 016 suddenly sighed and shook his head slowly, his voice weighed down with regret.
"Everyone... I'm afraid this time, Master Ah Fei really won't be coming back."
At first, many of the White Zetsu assumed 016 was joking, or perhaps trying to lighten the mood.
"Come on, 016! Stop joking. This isn't funny at all!" one snapped, laughter fading from his voice.
"Yeah, seriously, tell us what punishment Master Ah Fei received. Don't keep us in suspense!"
But when they caught the seriousness in 016's expression — the heaviness in his tone — an uneasy silence fell over the group. Their hearts sank, as an ominous premonition gripped them.
It suddenly dawned on them: 016 was telling the truth. Ah Fei was really gone. And perhaps he might never return.
---
"Please, 016," another White Zetsu pleaded softly, "tell us exactly what happened back in the office."
With a heavy breath, 016's voice came out slow and grave:
"Master Ah Fei's escape has truly enraged Master Black Zetsu. The punishment is severe — Master Black Zetsu intends to ban Master Ah Fei from the ninja world entirely."
The words hit them like a thunderclap.
"What?! That's impossible!" they cried out in unison, their faces drained of color.
"If Master Ah Fei is banned, then that's the end of him! His life, his career, everything... over just like that!"
The White Zetsu's anxiety intensified as they imagined the bleak future awaiting their leader.
They pictured Ah Fei wandering the streets, helpless and alone — starving, cold, and abandoned — a tragic figure fading away into nothingness.
For a long moment, the room fell deathly silent.
---
Finally, a quiet voice broke the stillness.
"If Master Ah Fei has truly been banned, then what are we supposed to do now?"
016's eyes darkened, and with a sudden fierce gesture, he ripped off the "Department Manager" badge pinned to his chest and flung it to the ground with a loud clatter.
"Damn it all! Since Master Ah Fei has been fired, what's the point of me staying here? I'm quitting — effective immediately!"
The other White Zetsu stared at him wide-eyed for a moment before slowly nodding in agreement.
"That's right. If Ah Fei is really banned by this cruel company, then why should we remain trapped here?"
"If it weren't for Master Ah Fei, would we have ever chosen to join this miserable place? Now that he's gone... we should leave too, before it's too late!"
Quiet murmurs of agreement spread through the group like wildfire. Their loyalty to Ah Fei was unwavering, and the idea of staying in a company without him felt meaningless — even unbearable.
016 glanced at his comrades, satisfaction flickering across his face.
"If the company loses Master Ah Fei's leadership, it loses all value and purpose. Black Zetsu can never lead us to glory — he's only dragging us down. I'm going to find Master Ah Fei now. Together, we'll build a new company. One with meaning. One with Ah Fei at its heart."
Before anyone could respond, 016 turned and strode away with determined steps, leaving a trail of stunned silence behind him.
---
Not long after, another White Zetsu pulled off his own badge and slammed it onto the ground with frustration.
"Enough of this! I'm done with this place!"
Several others echoed in unison, tossing their badges aside as well.
One after another, they followed 016, their hearts set on reuniting with Ah Fei and starting anew.
Together, they walked out through the company's main doors — leaving only confusion and chaos behind.
---
Inside the building, the remaining White Zetsu employees looked around bewildered.
"What the hell just happened?! Why did all the department heads quit so suddenly?"
"Maybe they just couldn't take Black Zetsu-sama's oppression anymore…"
The departure of the White Zetsu supervisors — the heads of various departments — was a devastating blow to the company. Without their leadership, the company's normal operations were bound to collapse.
---
Meanwhile, in his office, Black Zetsu remained blissfully unaware of the turmoil unfolding outside.
He sat leisurely flipping through the company's account book, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
---
At the company entrance, Uchiha Obito stood watching a large group of White Zetsu storm past him without so much as a glance.
"Where are you all going?" he called out curiously.
But no one answered.
The White Zetsu walked right by him, their faces resolute and determined.
Uchiha Obito was left standing alone, speechless.
---
Reflection
What had once been a bustling, united company led by Ah Fei — a place filled with loyalty, camaraderie, and hope — was now unraveling.
The harshness of Black Zetsu's rule had broken the spirit of its people, and the very foundation of the company was crumbling from within.
For Ah Fei's loyal followers, the future was uncertain, but their resolve was clear: they would find Ah Fei and rebuild from the ashes — a new company where their leader's vision could live on.
Because a company without Ah Fei... was meaningless.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)