Konoha's Tag-System Ninja

Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Obito’s Choice!

With the plan in motion, Shūichi used his clone to replace Rin Nohara in the hospital bed.

Meanwhile, the real Rin was transported by Shūichi to a secured lab via Flying Thunder God, where the defenses were far more reliable than any group of Anbu. Shūichi had set up numerous seals and barriers, making it impossible for White Zetsu or Black Zetsu to infiltrate unnoticed.

Watching Shūichi disguised as Rin lying in the hospital bed, Kakashi asked eagerly, "Minato-sensei, Shūichi, what can I do to help?"

Shūichi replied with a smile, "Of course, Kakashi. You need to come here every day until you're called away on a mission."

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Shūichi nodded, and Kakashi earnestly agreed, "Understood."

For the next three days, all was calm.

Meanwhile, in the southern Fire Country battlefield, the presence of Shūichi's clone turned the tide, and the Mist Ninjas, unable to hold out any longer, withdrew from the peninsula, retreating across the sea. The Konoha-Mist battle had reached a temporary ceasefire.

On the fourth day after setting the plan, Kakashi received orders to join Guy and the others in reinforcing the Land of Grass.

On the sixth day, a medical ninja entered Rin's room to replenish her nutrients, and the Anbu guarding the room went through the routine of checking the medication and verifying the ninja's identity through the mask.

But as they locked eyes, a Sharingan appeared, and the Anbu instantly froze.

"Hey, what's going on?"

The other Anbu stationed outside frowned.

White Zetsu turned his gaze, catching the other Anbu in his Sharingan trap, subduing him in an instant.

The female ninja on guard inside noticed immediately. "Who's there?"

Just as she was about to draw her blade, spores that had been planted on her the previous day swiftly absorbed her chakra, growing rapidly and binding her arms, mouth, and nose.

Clang!

Her blade fell to the floor.

White Zetsu walked over to Rin's bed, sighing, "Poor thing..."

He picked up her blade, swung it, and cut through "Rin's" body in one swift motion, splattering blood across the room.

"You're dead meat!"

Shūichi's voice boomed, and with a crash, the disguised White Zetsu was sent flying, bleeding from his eyes as he was thrown through the hospital wall. Before he could hit the ground, Shūichi was already upon him, gripping his throat and slamming him to the floor.

Crack!

The ground split open and sank under the impact.

White Zetsu gave a wry smile. "As expected of someone so fast... I didn't even have time to activate Izanagi."

Luckily, he'd planned for this.

In the next instant, White Zetsu vanished and reappeared outside the Konoha Hospital, now disguised as a Mist Ninja.

But as he leapt forward, Shūichi appeared beside him, swung his blade, and cut his body in two.

"Quite impressive! Looks like this time's the end for me!" White Zetsu's expression was exaggeratedly desperate as he realized that even Izanagi wouldn't remove the Flying Thunder God mark Shūichi had left on him.

Over and over, White Zetsu was slain by Shūichi's shadow clones lying in wait around the hospital, only to revive and try to escape further outside the village.

The commotion quickly drew the attention of Anbu led by Chihiro, who, stunned by the sight, could only follow closely.

Konoha's police force arrived as well, similarly astounded as they joined the chase.

Uchiha Fugaku and Shisui arrived shortly afterward, watching as the Mist Ninja, over and over, was killed and revived.

Shisui leaned in, asking, "Clan Leader, is that...?"

Fugaku's face darkened, "Izanagi!"

"This Mist Ninja not only obtained a Three-Tomoe Sharingan but also knows one of our clan's forbidden techniques."

Fugaku was at a loss. How had the forbidden Izanagi technique, known only to a select few within the clan, spread outside? Even among those with Three-Tomoe, not everyone was privy to such secrets, specifically to avoid infighting within the clan as in the past.

...

The battle quickly moved outside Konoha.

"Seems like shaking them off won't be easy!"

Upon his next revival, White Zetsu still maintained his casual tone, though this time, after being critically injured by Shūichi, he didn't regenerate fully, and his Mist Ninja form died on the spot.

But unfortunately for him, Shūichi had been watching closely.

Picking up the "Mist Ninja's" body, Shūichi handed it over to Chihiro, who had caught up. "Seal this corpse, Chihiro."

"Understood!"

Chihiro took the body and immediately set about sealing it, then had her subordinates secure it in a sealing scroll.

With a poof, Shūichi dispelled his clone. His true self, at the lab, teleported to Shisui's side via Flying Thunder God.

Infusing chakra into the ground, Shūichi expanded his perception across the land, quickly pinpointing his target.

With a smirk, he said, "Found you!"

"Shisui, head back!"

The moment he spoke, Shūichi took to the skies, activating his Fire Release Chakra Mode. Blue lotuses bloomed across his body as he shot forward, creating shockwaves as he sped through the air.

"Incredible speed!" Fugaku gasped.

It was his first time witnessing Shūichi in this state, flying at astonishing speed. Other Anbu and Uchiha ninjas around couldn't hide their amazement either. Flying at such speeds—he truly was the "Blue Flash of Konoha!"

...

Deep in the forest, White Zetsu, controlling Uchiha Yu, was dashing westward when he sensed an extraordinary speed approaching.

With a rush of wind and a crash, Shūichi landed from above, sending a fierce gust through the area.

White Zetsu, prepared to escape, released Uchiha Yu, vanishing underground.

But chains soon tore through the earth, missing by mere seconds.

Shūichi frowned.

White Zetsu's swift retreat made capturing him with his Fire Nether Chains a challenge. He turned to examine Uchiha Yu, who lay on the ground, frail and lifeless.

"All chakra's been drained... only one eye left, and it's blinded."

Shūichi sighed.

The previous White Zetsu had a single Three-Tomoe Sharingan, likely transplanted, while the other White Zetsu, who'd possessed Uchiha Yu, had used a Transfer Seal to place Izanagi within the transplanted eye, activating it when necessary.

Though it cost a Sharingan, they'd gained intelligence on the Flying Thunder God.

"I wonder if White Zetsu knows I left a Flying Thunder God mark on Obito..."

Pondering this, Shūichi deactivated his Fire Release Chakra Mode and teleported back to Shisui's side, bringing Uchiha Yu's body with him.

"Clan Leader Fugaku, the one controlling Yu has drained his chakra."

Shūichi laid Uchiha Yu's body before Fugaku.

Seeing Yu's blinded and empty eye sockets, Fugaku's mix of rage and sorrow was tempered by relief.

Yu hadn't defected or betrayed them—he was a victim.

Fugaku bowed deeply to Shūichi. "Thank you, Shūichi. The Uchiha Clan is in your debt."

"No need for thanks, Clan Leader Fugaku," Shūichi replied humbly.

With a nod to Shisui, Shūichi said, "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."

With that, he disappeared.

...

Hokage's Office

When Shūichi arrived, both Chihiro and his teacher, Minato Namikaze, were already there.

After giving a quick rundown of the situation, Shūichi turned to Chihiro.

Without delay, Chihiro unlocked a sealing scroll and retrieved the corpse from earlier.

Shūichi stepped forward, raised his right hand, and a fiery chain shot from his palm, piercing through the corpse on the ground.

In an instant, the corpse reverted to its original form—a White Zetsu, bearing a single, blind Sharingan.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze sharpened. "Is this its true form?"

Shūichi nodded gravely. "It's almost entirely composed of cells from the First Hokage."

"What?"

"How is that even possible?"

Both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze were shocked.

Shūichi knew well that it was Madara Uchiha who, using the Rinnegan and the Gedo Statue, had cultivated this clone using Hashirama's cells. These White Zetsu were distinct from those who had been sacrificed to the God Tree by Kaguya ōtsutsuki.

Still, Shūichi feigned ignorance and shook his head. "I'm not sure how it was created, but it's an invaluable research asset for us."

Hiruzen made a swift decision. "Then I'll leave it to you and Tsunade."

Shūichi nodded, promptly taking the corpse back to the lab.

After all, a fresh specimen was best!

---

Laboratory

In the lab, Tsunade examined the bloodless corpse as she dissected it. She frowned. "This doesn't seem human at all."

Shūichi agreed. "Indeed, it resembles a plant more than anything else."

"But without a doubt, it represents a direction for cultivating the First Hokage's cells."

"These plant-like cells are remarkably stable, and most importantly, they can fuse with human bodies."

Shūichi continued dissecting with efficient precision, slicing various samples and handing them to Tsunade. "See if we can culture it. If successful, we might be able to use it to grow limbs and organs for transplant."

"Additionally, its regenerative abilities are incredible."

Tsunade nodded, diving into her work.

Shūichi deployed several shadow clones to assist her.

He had long wanted to capture a White Zetsu for study, perhaps even use one as a sacrificial catalyst to summon the spirits of Hashirama and Tobirama to assist them.

However, catching a White Zetsu in these circumstances was no small feat.

---

Mountain Graveyard

White Zetsu returned to the hideout as fast as possible.

"Lord Madara, although we completed the mission, we lost a comrade and a pair of Three-Tomoe Sharingan."

White Zetsu reported, "That Shūichi's Flying Thunder God is insanely fast; there was no chance of escape."

"However, this may ultimately be of limited use."

"Shūichi managed to secure one of our bodies, so he'll likely uncover some secrets. Disguising ourselves as Mist shinobi doesn't seem effective anymore."

"It appears we're leaking more information than we're gaining!"

Madara Uchiha's expression remained unchanged. "If that's the case, then you haven't truly succeeded in your mission."

"Konoha had prepared for this. It seems that the person we killed was a decoy."

White Zetsu was taken aback. "Is that possible?"

"They even managed to fool us?"

Madara offered no confirmation, his gaze fixed instead on Uchiha Obito, lying on a bed nearby.

At the moment, Obito was connected to tubes, with a White Zetsu covering his body. The Zetsu's cells were gradually integrating with Obito's.

"If that's how it is, then let's give him some good news," Madara ordered.

White Zetsu shrugged. "This could get a bit tricky."

Madara Uchiha was confident, though; even if Obito hesitated, he had contingencies in place, albeit not as ideal.

---

Through the connection with the Gedo Statue, Madara Uchiha appeared in Obito's mindscape. "I have some surprising news: that girl, Rin, is still alive."

"What?"

Obito's face lit up, a mix of shock and joy.

Madara continued, "You still have a choice to make."

"You can return to Konoha, back to your previous life."

"Or you can choose to stay here and help me achieve the Eye of the Moon Plan."

"Right now, you're like I once was. Do you stay with Konoha, or sever ties with the past to create a new world, a world without war and suffering?"

As he saw Obito's conflicted expression, Madara pushed further. "So, what will you choose?"

"Will you return to a cycle of endless war, watching friends die and suffer, or will you choose a different path?"

Obito's forehead beaded with sweat.

To sever ties with his past, to become like Madara Uchiha meant betraying Konoha, fighting against his former comrades, and saying a final farewell to Rin.

But if he returned to Konoha, what would Madara do to him?

Obito wasn't na?ve.

Seeing through Obito's thoughts, Madara remarked, "It seems you lack the resolve to create a new world."

"When the transplant is complete, you're free to leave."

"However, remember, as long as this ninja war endures, that girl, Rin, will inevitably die in it."

"When I was young, I couldn't protect my brother. And right now, you don't have the power to protect the ones you care about: not Rin, nor any of your friends."

Obito's mind was wracked with inner turmoil, and once again, the image of Rin lying lifeless in a pool of blood rose in his mind.

The sensation of driving his kunai into Rin's heart seized him, gripping every nerve.

In this mindscape, Obito's hand began to tremble.

The suffocating pain of taking Rin's life with his own hands engulfed him once more.

But in his heart, Rin's gentle smile, the faces of Kakashi, Minato, Kushina, Shūichi, and others flickered one by one.

In that moment, Obito's inner being and mind seemed to be torn by an overwhelming force.

Yet, a voice deep within him continued to cry out: Go back, find Rin!

Go back, find Rin!

Go back, find Rin!

...

Amid Obito's mental shouts, he suddenly looked up at Madara Uchiha. "I want to go back!"

"Back to Rin's side, to protect her!"

Madara nodded slightly. "Very well."

With that, Madara's form vanished.

Realizing something was wrong, Obito tried to wake up and regain control of his body immediately.

---

"It seems I chose the right person after all," Madara remarked, satisfied. He then called, "White Zetsu!"

The White Zetsu covering Obito's body responded, "Understood!"

The Spiral Zetsu responsible for transplanting Hashirama's cells swiftly enveloped Obito's entire body, leaving only his right eye exposed.

Obito opened his eyes at this point but found he couldn't control his body, nor could he activate his Mangekyo Sharingan.

Not only was he restrained by White Zetsu, but the Gedo Statue's influence was also holding him, which was the real issue.

"Madara, what are you planning?" Obito demanded.

"Fulfilling my promise—to send you back to Konoha," Madara replied calmly. "Of course, in a new form and with a different identity."

Release Obito?

Impossible.

Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan alone was a rare asset—there was no way Madara would allow it to aid an enemy.

Obito's body lifted against his will and floated to Madara's side.

Madara stood up, placing his hand on Obito's right shoulder. Instantly, a black substance spread over the right half of Obito's body.

Madara said, "This Black Zetsu represents my will. It will join White Zetsu in controlling Obito to collect the Tailed Beasts according to my plan until my resurrection."

The Spiral Zetsu on Obito's body voiced some hesitation, "Lord Madara, isn't this a bit risky? We aren't exactly combat specialists."

"Still, I must say you chose well; controlling Uchiha Obito isn't easy."

Knowing he'd need to work alone later, Black Zetsu chimed in, "Indeed."

Madara responded, "I've already taught him the Six Paths and Yin-Yang Release techniques, which you'll be able to use in controlling him. Nagato will handle the Tailed Beasts' collection."

"However, to ensure everything goes smoothly, I'll place a genjutsu on him and separate his Mangekyo Sharingan."

"You...you're all monsters!" Obito gasped, finally realizing he had fallen into the hands of ruthless foes.

As Madara reached toward him, Obito tried with all his might to use Kamui, but it was futile.

Black and White Zetsu suppressed him entirely, leaving him helpless as Madara pried out his left eye, and he let out an agonized scream.

Soon, the implanted Hashirama cells in Obito's body began healing the wound, dulling the pain.

He watched as Madara embedded his left eye into a one-eyed White Zetsu, gritting his teeth in frustration. "Curse you... I won't let you win."

Obito attempted to end his own life, only to discover his body was completely paralyzed.

Not only were his Sharingan abilities inaccessible, but he couldn't even bite his tongue.

The seal Madara had placed on him was identical to the one he'd put on Rin's heart while Obito was unconscious from the cell transplants.

"Don't even think about resisting. Your power is nothing to me."

Madara stared into Obito's remaining Sharingan and activated a genjutsu.

Obito's consciousness grew hazy and was swiftly subdued by Black and White Zetsu, who now had full control of his body.

In that moment, Obito became entirely a puppet for Black and White Zetsu.

Although the two Mangekyo Sharingan were separated, White Zetsu's unique ability allowed him to merge, meaning that the one-eyed White Zetsu could attach to Obito anytime, enabling him to wield both Mangekyo powers to their fullest.

Having completed his preparations, Madara resumed his seat and instructed Black and White Zetsu, "Proceed as planned. Bring Nagato into the fold. I'll wait here."

He wanted to ensure Nagato's allegiance before moving forward.

While White Zetsu could be scatterbrained, Madara trusted Black Zetsu, as it was the embodiment of his will.

This was the final contingency Madara had created for his resurrection.

"Understood, Lord Madara. Don't worry; we are proud creations. We won't disappoint you."

White Zetsu replied with a carefree tone.

(End of Chapter)

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