Chapter 162: Nagato: Black Zetsu, A True Talent!
After several days of intense discussion, Black Zetsu and Nagato finally reached an agreement, enthusiastically preparing for the establishment of the Whirlpool Organization.
Nagato was deeply impressed by Black Zetsu, not just because it had stopped Tobi from harassing Uzumaki Kana—though that was certainly important.
As a man dedicated to bringing peace to the ninja world, Nagato's thoughts weren't that shallow.
The key reason was that Black Zetsu's actions made Nagato feel truly valued in the organization. For the first time, someone had bypassed Madara and genuinely acknowledged his ideas, rather than treating him as a mere pawn to follow orders.
As Nagato grew more familiar with the power of the Rinnegan, his mindset began to shift—he was slowly losing himself.
During his conversations with Black Zetsu, Nagato's respect for the enigmatic figure only deepened.
This so-called "will of Madara" seemed to exude an air of historical profundity. Every word and action were calculated and meticulous, to the point where Nagato felt that Black Zetsu was more reliable than Madara himself.
Similarly, Black Zetsu was quite satisfied with Nagato. As a survivor of the Uzumaki clan, Nagato had an immense chakra reserve. He could wield the Rinnegan with relative ease and was pure of heart—idealistic, even dreaming of peace.
Such individuals, brimming with power yet immature in mind, were the easiest and most suitable pawns to charge forward in the grand chessboard of the ninja world.
"Ah... Black Zetsu, you are truly a genius. These hidden talents across the ninja world are all within your grasp."
"If I weren't concerned about Madara's disapproval, I'd recruit all these ninja into the Whirlpool Organization right now to help us build a brighter future of peace!"
Nagato reluctantly set down the scroll in his hand, marveling at the names listed upon it. Black Zetsu had meticulously selected and compiled information on potential recruits.
Beside each name was detailed intelligence, including their village of origin, unique ninjutsu, personality traits, and behavioral tendencies. The scroll was essentially a carefully crafted dossier, awaiting Nagato's approval for recruitment.
........
The Selected Recruits :-
[Konoha Rogue Ninja – Hiruko]
A former Konoha Jonin and Root operative, Hiruko fled the village after being embroiled in the conflict between Danzo and the Uchiha clan.
He possesses the rare kekkei genkai "Steel Release" from Iwagakure and has developed a unique jutsu to assimilate the kekkei genkai of others.
Although eccentric and power-hungry, Hiruko is highly skilled in scientific research and could serve as the organization's medical-nin.
[Takigakure Rogue Ninja – Kakuzu]
Once a Takigakure Jonin, Kakuzu was betrayed by his village after a failed mission to assassinate the First Hokage. In retaliation, he slaughtered the village elders and stole the secret jutsu "Earth Grudge Fear," granting him immortality and mastery of all five chakra natures.
He values money above all else and is a capable treasurer for the organization.
[Suna Monk – Hoichi]
A monk from the Wind Temple and the sole disciple of Bunpuku, the former jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Shukaku.
Disillusioned with Suna's leadership, Hoichi harbors deep resentment after Bunpuku's death and is skilled in advanced sealing techniques, including the unique "Divine Absorption Technique," which subdues tailed beasts. He could serve as a powerful combatant.
[Kirigakure Swordsman – Juzo Biwa]
A member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and wielder of the Executioner's Blade.
Discontented with the Third Mizukage's oppressive policies, Juzo has repeatedly clashed with the Mizukage's regime and is planning a rebellion, though success seems unlikely.
He is ruthless and ambitious, making him a suitable candidate for training as a combatant.
......
"Most people still cling to illusions about this corrupt world, but it doesn't matter. The endless wars sparked by the Five Great Nations' greed will wake them up."
"When the next Ninja World War breaks out, it will be the perfect moment for our organization to emerge," Black Zetsu said calmly, flipping to the next page of the intelligence scroll with a confident air.
"Those who lose their loved ones in war, who experience betrayal and death, and who come to understand the cruelty of the ninja world—they will all flock to your Rinnegan, Nagato."
Black Zetsu's composed words carried an eerie authority, and Nagato nodded in reverence, absorbing every word.
"You need not concern yourself with the small nations or minor hidden villages. We can easily seize control of a small country and make it our base. The weak will naturally submit when they experience the protection of power."
"As for the Five Great Nations, they may appear strong, but their internal strife will lead to their downfall. War will hasten their fragmentation, and we need only watch and wait," Black Zetsu concluded.
Nagato gazed at the scroll in admiration, flipping through the pages as if they were treasures. Each name represented a future ally, a valuable wing for his cause.
But then, a thought struck him.
"Black Zetsu, why are Konoha and Kumogakure barely represented here? Is their governance truly so flawless?" Nagato asked, puzzled.
Black Zetsu shook his head, explaining, "Kumogakure is still in its formative stage after the Gold and Silver Brothers' rebellion. Their cohesion is temporarily strong, but this is merely an illusion. Over time, their unity will inevitably fracture, leading to internal conflict."
"As for Konoha, while it may seem harmonious, it is no different from the others—a paper tiger riddled with divisions," Black Zetsu said with certainty.
Nagato nodded solemnly, his respect for Black Zetsu growing even more profound.
"Thank you for your guidance, Black Zetsu. I will focus on my training and be ready to lead when the time comes. Please allow me to take the vanguard when our organization makes its move."
After Nagato left, Black Zetsu's confident demeanor faltered slightly as it glanced toward Konoha, worry flickering in its expression.
Fūma's presence weighed heavily on its mind.
Despite centuries of experience and countless meticulous plans, Black Zetsu couldn't shake the feeling of unease caused by the enigmatic Uchiha Fūma—a man who defied prediction and disrupted its carefully laid schemes.
"No matter what, I cannot afford to fail now. Mother has waited long enough!"
Determined, Black Zetsu gazed at the moon, the silvery light bathing its dark form in a serene glow.
To Black Zetsu, the moonlight was Kaguya's gentle gaze, a reminder of her presence and support. It swore to make the ninja world ready for her return.
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