Chapter 161: Akatsuki? Uzumaki!
"The earthquake in the Land of Water a few days ago was caused by Uchiha Fuma. The reason? He clashed with the Kaguya clan and a group of unidentified shinobi."
"His physical form underwent a tremendous transformation, drastically different from when he fought against Lord Madara. Not only did he gain the ability to fly, but his size also surpassed a hundred meters, towering over most tailed beasts."
"He unleashed a menacing aura of blood and black smoke, enveloping an area of several kilometers, instantly killing hundreds of elite shinobi, each with at least Chūnin-level abilities…"
White Zetsu vividly described Fuma's battle scene, while Madara's face grew darker. Nagato and Kana, seated nearby, also fell into deep contemplation.
Black Zetsu secretly sighed. In its heart, it believed Uchiha Fuma was the ideal ally. This Uchiha, who focused solely on taijutsu, was among the most formidable individuals it had encountered over the millennia.
*Still, this guy probably won't be so easy to manipulate. I'll have to endure this lousy Indra reincarnation for now…*
Black Zetsu remained expressionless, its dark face betraying no emotion, like a silent stone, patiently awaiting Madara's reaction.
"Hmph, exaggerated nonsense! That muscle-headed brat is already shackled by his physical form. There's no way he could possess such power!"
A red gleam flashed in Madara's Mangekyō Sharingan as he forcefully invaded White Zetsu's mind, scanning through its memories. Madara then cast a sharp gaze at the others and said in a deep voice:
"Don't resist."
With just a glance, Madara pulled everyone into White Zetsu's memory space, allowing them to view the most direct intelligence.
Normally, Madara disliked doing this since White Zetsu's mind was cluttered with indecent thoughts, often pondering bizarre questions such as the nature of defecation and when it could finally experience it.
Moments later, the memory of Fuma's battle against the Kaguya clan and the Sky Ninja unfolded within the illusionary space.
Madara, Black Zetsu, Nagato, and Kana all wore solemn expressions, scrutinizing every detail intently.
In the skies, Fuma's massive frame executed precise and agile taijutsu maneuvers, skillfully evading countless cannon shots from the Sky Ninja.
The "Gluttony Domain," spanning several kilometers, ruthlessly annihilated thousands of Sky Ninja, while a ferocious black smoke dragon roared and devoured everything in sight.
A single punch from Fuma fractured the earth like tofu, with the resulting shockwave rippling through distant ocean waves.
Hidden underground, White Zetsu had observed every moment of Fuma's battle. From a bird's-eye view, the scenes exuded immense pressure, deepening the grim atmosphere among Madara and his companions.
"Madara-sama, compared to your power during the Warring States Period, how does Uchiha Fuma measure up?" Nagato exhaled deeply, his face heavy with unease.
This was the first time he had witnessed Fuma's fighting style firsthand. Despite his expectations, the sheer devastation left Nagato shaken for a long time.
Especially the final scene—Fuma triggering an earthquake with raw physical strength alone. The terrifying force made Nagato shudder at the thought.
Could he truly subdue such a foe with the Rinnegan? If that punch landed unblocked, wouldn't he be flattened into a pancake?
"With me and Hashirama? This guy is still far behind. During our final battle in the Land of Water, the aftershocks alone pushed the coastline back dozens of kilometers. That's leagues beyond this petty earthquake."
"Though Fuma has carved his unique path, it ultimately deviates from the true way. His current form is likely an accidental benefit from the Box of Ultimate Bliss."
Madara shot a disapproving glance at Nagato's worried face, pointing to the Rinnegan in his eyes and emphasizing:
"As long as you master the power of the Rinnegan, the Chibaku Tensei will be enough to seal this muscle-bound brute. Besides, you have Kana to assist you!"
"Kana, update me on your progress with Wood Release and Adamantine Sealing Chains."
Kana nodded obediently, stepping behind Madara to channel a soothing flow of chakra into his body.
Despite his slight protest, Kana firmly pressed her hands on his shoulders, gently massaging them as she replied:
"Thank you for bestowing power upon me, Madara-sama. I've managed to release six Adamantine Sealing Chains simultaneously, sufficient to restrain an average Tailed Beast."
"My training with Wood Release is also progressing smoothly. I've mastered basic techniques, but I still haven't succeeded with advanced jutsu like the Wood Golem Technique or the Wood Dragon Technique…"
Kana's voice faltered as a look of guilt crossed her face, disappointed in her inability to learn high-level Wood Release techniques.
Madara lightly pushed her hands aside, forming a single-hand seal. The Demonic Statue of the Outer Path twisted and opened its mouth, spewing out a white, spiral-faced Zetsu.
"Ah! I'm still alive! I knew it! I'll never die until I figure out what defecation feels like!"
The newly emerged Zetsu sprang up energetically, yammering incessantly.
"Shut up, Tobi, or I'll toss you back in," Madara growled.
This Zetsu was none other than Tobi, the same one that had granted Obito power and helped Yamato unleash the "True Several Thousand Hands: Beginner Version" in the original timeline.
Having been battered in the battle with Fuma, Tobi was thrown into the Demonic Statue for regeneration.
"This idiot is called Tobi. Though just as foolish as other White Zetsu, he has some talent in Wood Release."
"From now on, Tobi will follow Kana. I've no further use for him."
Tobi cheered. "Finally! Madara ditched me last time! I get a new partner!"
"Wow… Why are your chest muscles so big? Got any workout tips? Teach me! I want to be a hunk too!"
As Tobi reached out with his mischievous hands, Nagato's eyes flashed coldly. With a wave, he unleashed a powerful repulsion force, sending Tobi flying.
"There's no need for Kana to handle this. With the power of the Rinnegan and my Uzumaki heritage, even without the Senju's Wood Release, Uchiha Fuma cannot hinder our plans for world peace!"
Seeing Tobi's antics, Nagato's face darkened, his frustration barely concealed.
"Don't mind Tobi," Black Zetsu interjected smoothly. "His only obsession is with excrement, not anything malicious."
Turning to the group, Black Zetsu's tone grew grim. "More importantly, Fuma's companions pose a significant threat. We must consider forming our own organization."
"White Zetsu alone isn't enough to counter them. Our current resources and intelligence are already falling behind."
"The Uzumaki defector and Fuma's disciple, Minato, both show extraordinary potential. They will undoubtedly become formidable enemies in the future."
Kana's eyes flickered with hatred at the mention of the Uzumaki woman.
Clenching her teeth, she hissed, "A traitor who abandoned the Uzumaki clan for Konoha. She doesn't deserve to bear the Uzumaki name!"
"Hmph," Madara snorted. "The shinobi of the Five Great Nations are nothing but weaklings. Focus on mastering the Rinnegan and Wood Release. That's where your energy should go."
"If you insist on forming a group, Black Zetsu can handle it. Nagato and Kana, don't let it distract you from your training."
With that, Madara limped back to his quarters, resembling a stubborn old man.
"Hey, I have a suggestion," Kana blushed slightly. "How about calling our group 'Whirlpool'? Like a vortex that sweeps away all chaos and brings peace to the world."
Nagato glanced at her with a shy smile, as if pondering her words deeply.
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