MTLNOVEL Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Why Don’t We Swear Brotherhood?
The new chapter is now available!
Additionally, the latest Patreon early-access chapters have been updated to Chapter45
Thank you all for enjoying this work!
patreon.com/DarkGolds
——————————————————————————————————————————
Staring at the half-smiling face of Zetsu in front of him, Jinghang was secretly contemplating how to kill him. This guy was undoubtedly the most subversive character in the entire series. If he could somehow eliminate Zetsu now, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki could rest peacefully in her sealed state, and Madara Uchiha could grow old slowly like a hermit. All the conspiracies and unexpected events would no longer occur. Perhaps even the Third and Fourth Great Ninja Wars could be avoided, sparing countless innocent lives.
Black Zetsu was merely Kaguya's will incarnate. He excelled at reconnaissance, stealth, and some degree of mental manipulation, but he wasn't particularly strong in combat. However, killing him was exceedingly difficult; any slight mistake would allow him to escape.
As for White Zetsu, he was a different story. White Zetsu was originally one of the ancient humans trapped by the Infinite Tsukuyomi during Kaguya's era. The one standing before Jinghang had even fused with Hashirama's cells, mastering all seven chakra natures—Wind, Fire, Lightning, Water, Earth, Yin, and Yang. Combined with the troublesome Spore Technique, White Zetsu was a formidable opponent. Jinghang wasn't confident he could defeat him in a head-to-head fight.
Jinghang was deep in thought.
"What intense bloodlust, stranger," Black Zetsu commented.
"Relax, I mean no harm," White Zetsu added.
The two halves of Zetsu spoke independently, creating a bizarre and unsettling display.
"This place is too cramped for a proper conversation. Why don't we talk outside? I'll wait for you at the mountaintop, stranger."
With that, Zetsu straightened up and sank into the mountain itself.
Jinghang chuckled bitterly to himself. What was I even thinking? Did I really believe I could kill him? It took Naruto and Sasuke, with their god-tier powers and mastery of Yin-Yang Release, to seal this guy using Chibaku Tensei. How could I possibly take him down?
After all, he's been around since Kaguya's era, a monster who's lived for thousands of years. My current abilities are nowhere near enough.
I should focus on not getting killed by him instead.
"The Iwagakure forces have fully retreated. Within my visual range, there are no signs of ambush," reported Hizashi Hyūga, his Byakugan scanning the surroundings.
"Look more carefully. If Akimichi Torifū hadn't been so reckless last time and had scouted ahead, we wouldn't have suffered such heavy losses," Danzō Shimura replied coldly.
"There's absolutely no sign of them. I'll stake my Byakugan on it," Hizashi said confidently.
"Good. Take a small team and continue scouting ahead. If you reach the border of the Land of Rain and still find no trace of Iwagakure forces, return immediately. If you encounter them, also return. Understood?"
"Understood!"
"It seems Jinghang's plan worked," Danzō muttered, finally relaxing.
"Send a letter to the Third Hokage. Inform him that we are initiating a full retreat."
"Yes, sir."
Danzō paused for a moment before asking, "Have the ninja sent to the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning returned yet?"
"Not yet."
"Hmm. Notify me immediately when there's news. We're still two days away from the original schedule. Keep a close eye on Kumogakure's movements!"
"Yes, sir!"
"By the way, how is Akimichi Torifū doing?"
"I just asked Lady Tsunade about him. His life is no longer in danger, but…"
"But what?" For once, Danzō's expression showed a trace of concern. After all, Torifū was a comrade who had bled alongside him under the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
"Lady Tsunade said that Torifū was hit by a Dust Release attack and had to take a secret antidote. He lost a spleen, half a stomach, and his right hand is severely damaged. He won't be able to fight again."
Danzō waved his hand weakly, signaling the messenger to leave. His expression revealed a rare hint of despondency.
"Another one gone…"
"Are you talking about eternal peace?" Jinghang's expression was one of exaggerated amazement, like a student hearing something incredible in class.
"Yes, true eternal peace. Once this great technique is completed, there will be no more wars between nations, no more conflicts between people. Pain, disease, hunger—all of it will disappear. Everyone will live in a dream where their deepest desires come true. It will be indistinguishable from reality—no, it will be reality. Young man, will you lend me your strength? Will you join us?"
Zetsu extended his hands toward Jinghang. In the glow of the setting sun, his half-black, half-white face appeared almost divine.
"You're saying everyone's dreams can come true in this technique?"
"Yes!"
"So, if I want food, I'll have food? If I want drink, I'll have drink? And if I like a woman, she'll… obey me?" Jinghang grinned slyly.
"Of course," White Zetsu replied with a chuckle.
"Damn, that's amazing! Living like a carefree bum… Of course I'll join you! How do I sign up?" Jinghang suddenly seemed very enthusiastic.
"You already have," Zetsu said.
"I already have?"
"Yes."
"That's fantastic! What's our organization called?"
"Uh… we don't have a name yet."
"Oh, that's fine. How many members do we have?"
"Uh… including you, four."
"Only four? Well, no big deal. Starting an organization is like rolling a snowball—it grows gradually."
"Heh, exactly," White Zetsu couldn't help but laugh.
"Why don't we swear brotherhood?"
"Huh?!"
Jinghang pulled out a kunai and slashed his palm, causing blood to flow. He immediately knelt on one knee.
"By the heavens above and the earth below, I, uh… what's your name again?"
"Zetsu."
"How old are you?"
"Uh… older than you, I suppose."
"Alright. I, Jinghang, swear brotherhood with Zetsu. From this day forward, we shall share fortune and adversity. With blood as our bond, heaven and earth as our witnesses." Jinghang then handed the kunai to Zetsu.