Naruto: Manipulation

No matter the time or place…

Shigen always knew that Black Zetsu's trust was the most important thing.

Because Black Zetsu was the true mastermind behind the ninja world, its trust determined Shigen's ultimate success or failure.

Thus, every decision Shigen made was first discussed with Black Zetsu. He would use any means necessary to ensure Black Zetsu believed in his choices, and most of the time, he even had Black Zetsu assist him in achieving his goals.

Even if Shigen merely wanted to expose Uchiha Obito's identity, he would first consult with Black Zetsu before taking action—even though this matter was of little consequence to either of them.

"Hmph, that fool…"

Black Zetsu's expression turned even more sinister, its loathing for Uchiha Obito having long since reached its peak. "He's nothing more than a pawn Madara left behind in case we ever decided to abandon him, yet he actually thinks he has inherited Madara's position…"

"In a world tainted by lies, recognizing one's true self and remaining steadfast to one's beliefs is always a difficult thing."

Shigen sighed, as if he had gained some insight from this event. "Black Zetsu, perhaps we, too, have grown accustomed to this era of deception and betrayal. It is only our unwavering faith in Lady Kaguya's vision of eternal peace that has kept us going until now…"

"Don't dwell on such thoughts."

Black Zetsu quickly noticed the shift in Shigen's mindset and immediately tried to reassure him. "Shigen, once Kaguya is resurrected, everything in this world will be reset to its rightful state…"

"Perhaps."

Shigen casually changed the subject, as if he didn't have complete faith in Kaguya's resurrection either. "Speaking of which, would our sudden intrusion into Konoha cause unnecessary trouble? I seem to have forgotten to extract any intelligence about Konoha from them earlier…"

His tone gradually became calmer. "First, we must locate the person carrying Orochimaru's Cursed Seal. Whether we choose to eliminate or manipulate him in the future, we cannot allow the possibility of him leaking Akatsuki's secrets…"

"…"

Black Zetsu couldn't help but feel somewhat exasperated.

In its heart, resentment toward the Sage of Six Paths once again flared up.

But Black Zetsu knew that if it wanted to restore Shigen's confidence, it would have to put in the effort itself. So, following Shigen's lead, it shared its own speculation.

"Uchiha Obito and Uchiha Itachi just massacred the Uchiha clan. With such a major incident occurring in Konoha, their shinobi are likely on high alert. While White Zetsu and I may still be able to infiltrate and gather intelligence without issue…"

However…

Shigen would be a problem.

It was Shigen who wanted to enter Konoha.

Shigen couldn't guarantee that his movements within the village would go unnoticed.

Their primary objective in Konoha was to locate the person carrying Orochimaru's Cursed Seal, in order to use him as a means of controlling Orochimaru and forcing him to work for Akatsuki. Only Shigen, the original creator of the Cursed Seal, had the necessary insight to identify the host.

"It doesn't matter."

Shigen didn't seem concerned about the risk, and he had already prepared for the possibility of being exposed. Still, he subtly guided Black Zetsu's thinking toward his own intended approach.

"Even if I am discovered, it won't be an issue. Orochimaru once mentioned that there are still many people in this village who are familiar with me. Perhaps I can resolve things peacefully. I have mastered the art of deception; I will be able to deceive them."

"…"

Black Zetsu was doubtful.

To be honest…

Shigen was competent in almost everything.

If given a plan, he could execute it flawlessly.

But the one thing Black Zetsu had never been able to trust was Shigen's supposed ability to lie.

Back then…

When it asked Shigen to deceive Madara…

Shigen, before even attempting to lie, had outright admitted to Madara that he wasn't good at deception. That nearly caused their entire scheme to collapse. Luckily, Madara's intense hatred for Tobirama led him to blame everything on the Second Hokage instead.

But still…

At the time, Black Zetsu had been sweating bullets, fearing that their plan to manipulate Madara would fail because of Shigen's inability to lie.

So now…

Even though Shigen often insisted that he had learned the art of deception, Black Zetsu had zero faith in his ability to lie.

At best, Shigen had learned how to withhold information. But even that… wasn't very convincing. Every time he encountered a crucial question, his idea of "concealment" was simply to remain silent.

What kind of absurd concealment method was that?!

If it weren't for the fact that no one in this era knew about Kaguya, Black Zetsu would be genuinely worried that their entire plan had already been exposed. It wouldn't even be surprised if, at some point, someone asked Shigen directly about resurrecting Kaguya, and instead of lying, he just… remained silent. That kind of "silent deception" was practically a confession.

"Are you sure you can fool those Konoha shinobi?"

Black Zetsu asked cautiously.

"Trust me, Black Zetsu."

"I have already mastered the art of deception."

Shigen nodded confidently, his unwavering belief in his own skills making Black Zetsu increasingly uneasy.

"If I am discovered, I will simply tell them that I came to pay respects to the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju…"

"I did not see Hashirama in the afterlife."

"After escaping Orochimaru's control following my resurrection, I decided to come to Konoha to visit his grave."

"That… actually doesn't sound too suspicious."

"I remember that you and Hashirama were on good terms…"

Black Zetsu felt like something was off. It seemed as though Shigen wasn't lying—what he said sounded almost entirely like the truth.

So, to test him, Black Zetsu asked, "And if someone inquires about your connection to Akatsuki?"

"I have no ties to Akatsuki."

Shigen responded without hesitation, his expression blank. Then, as if troubled, he frowned.

"Honestly, I don't even see the need to lie about this."

"Akatsuki embodies the will for eternal peace in the ninja world. I was the one who initially passed this idea to Madara. We believed he could achieve it, and his ideology has since been inherited, giving rise to Akatsuki as it exists today…"

In truth.

That explanation wasn't wrong at all.

In fact, it was a statement that could convince the entire ninja world. Anyone would believe that this was a method Shigen had originally devised, only for it to be twisted and exploited by Madara.

The issue was…

Shigen was telling the absolute truth.

"Wait… isn't that just the truth?"

White Zetsu muttered in confusion.

"Shigen…"

"Your attempts at lying and deception…"

"Are just as terrible as ever."

Black Zetsu sighed, feeling utterly helpless.

Although it was precisely because of Shigen's honesty and kindness that Black Zetsu trusted him, those very traits were also what made Black Zetsu uneasy.

Shigen's honesty meant he struggled to deceive others. It also meant he was susceptible to being persuaded and used.

How troublesome…

Fortunately, this "trouble" worked in Black Zetsu's favor.

After all, no one else in the ninja world had a closer bond with Shigen than it did. No one else could be trusted by him more than Black Zetsu.

"You don't believe me?"

Shigen seemed a little displeased, furrowing his brows. Then, as if testing the waters, he added, "I used the Flying Thunder God to evade Obito during our battle…"

"I will always trust you."

"In ancient times, you were truly a genius."

Black Zetsu sighed, reaffirming its unwavering trust in Shigen while keeping one thought to itself.

Except when it comes to lying…

In every other aspect, you are unmatched.

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