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Zetsu had a problem. And that problem was named Qianyu.
It was a bigger problem than he ever imagined. It felt like standing naked in front of the man, letting him look right through him.
After mentally readjusting, Zetsu spoke. "You promised Madara before. As long as we pay, you would assist Obito. I'm here to ask you: is that promise still valid?"
Qianyu raised a brow. "Oh? Could it be that Uchiha Obito wants my help releasing the Nine-Tails? To invade Konoha together?"
Zetsu's mind went blank with shock.
He knows. How in the hell did Qianyu know Obito's plan?
Seeing the dumbstruck look on Zetsu's mismatched face, Qianyu let out a short, derisive laugh. "What's with that face? It wasn't hard to figure out. You come to me now, of all times, right when the Leaf's Jinchūriki is pregnant and about to give birth. You ask if my promise stands. Anyone who couldn't guess that would be an idiot."
Zetsu collected himself, his voice turning grave. "Then… do you agree?"
"What can you offer?"
"I don't know what payment you want. Name your price."
Qianyu waved a dismissive hand. "Forget it. Asking me to turn around and help you attack Konoha is impossible. If that's all you came for, we have nothing to discuss."
He'd promised Mito Uzumaki. He would never be the one to initiate hostility against Konoha. That was a promise he intended to keep.
Zetsu wasn't bothered by the outright refusal. After all, getting Qianyu to help Obito invade wasn't why he'd come.
This exchange confirmed it. Qianyu's deal with Madara was still good. Otherwise, Qianyu wouldn't have just refused him. He would have attacked on the spot.
"Assistance isn't necessary," Zetsu clarified. "You just need to… not move against Obito."
Qianyu's eyes narrowed slightly. "Hm. Just staying my hand against Uchiha Obito… that's more negotiable. But… if Obito invades Konoha and I do nothing, people will get suspicious. My own people."
Hearing the opening, Zetsu pressed quickly. "I can arrange opponents for you. But on one condition—you can't kill them."
Qianyu's smile was cold. "I haven't even agreed yet, and you're already planning the details."
Zetsu's expression froze. "What do you want as payment, then?"
Qianyu held up two fingers. "My price is simple. A sufficient quantity of chakra-absorbing black rods. And ten White Zetsu."
"Why do you want White Zetsu?"
"None of your damn business."
Zetsu considered for a long moment. "…Fine. That price can be paid. Can we discuss the details now?"
Qianyu nodded. "You arrange the opponents, just as you offered. It needs to look convincing, so I don't have to explain myself later. The deal is limited to me not interfering with Uchiha Obito. I guarantee nothing else. Now, lay out the details."
Zetsu spoke. "Since they're opponents for you, they can't be nobodies. I will arrange two elite Jonin-level shinobi to fight you. Their combined strength will be more than enough to sell the act. But you cannot kill them.
"Afterwards, Obito will come to speak with you personally. He will bring your payment. However, his current identity is that of 'Madara.' Do not expose him.
"Those are my two conditions. Do you agree?"
Qianyu thought for a moment. "Agreed."
"Then our cooperation is settled. I will report to Obito."
Zetsu didn't want to spend another second here. He needed to leave. Now.
Just as he began to sink into the ground, Qianyu's voice, low and lethal, cut through the air. "Let me be clear. There won't be a next time. Come near my home again… and I will end you."
Zetsu's glowing yellow eye fixed on him from the shadows. "…Understood."
He vanished underground, fleeing with the Mayfly Technique.
Qianyu returned home, dispelled the shadow clone he'd left behind, and settled back on the couch next to Kushina as if nothing had happened. The TV show played on.
Somewhere in the Land of Fire.
Zetsu emerged from the earth. He leaned against a tree trunk, letting out a shaky breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
Only now did the true fear hit him.
If Qianyu had decided to seal him on the spot back there… he'd be…
He didn't want to think about it.
His mind raced, picking apart the problem. How? How did Qianyu know these things? Where was the leak? Where was the weakness?
For the first time in his long, manipulative existence, Black Zetsu—the mastermind who saw everyone as pawns on a board—felt the chilling sensation of events slipping from his control.
"This man… is terrifying."
He needed a way to deal with Qianyu. For the arranged fight, he'd planned to use Kakuzu and Kisame Hoshigaki. But Black Zetsu knew, deep down, that even those two combined were no match for Qianyu.
He'd observed Qianyu's battles. The impossible speed. Mastery of every elemental release except Wind. Genjutsu proficiency. The two Mangekyō Sharingan abilities. The Susano'o…
Even Nagato and the Six Paths of Pain together might not be enough to take him down.
The Akatsuki was still growing. Kakuzu and Kisame were vital assets. They couldn't die here.
Qianyu's power was on another level. Who could possibly counter him now?
His only clear weakness was Kushina Uzumaki.
But touching her was unthinkable. If he moved against Kushina now, Qianyu would scorch the earth hunting him. His entire plan, millennia of careful plotting, would burn to ash. And he himself… he'd be sealed away forever.
Zetsu let out a long, weary sigh.
For now… he could only play along. Bide his time. Wait for a future opportunity.
He left the Land of Fire, heading for the Village Hidden in the Rain.
Five Days Later. Amegakure.
Zetsu found Pain.
He relayed Uchiha Obito's plan to capture the Nine-Tails and level Konoha. He requested to borrow Kakuzu.
Pain heard him out. Capturing the Nine-Tails, destroying Konoha… it aligned perfectly with his own goals. He had no reason to refuse.
And he'd faced Qianyu himself. The memory of that overwhelming power was still vivid. Being over-prepared was only sensible.
With Nagato's agreement secured, Zetsu immediately departed Amegakure.
His destination: Kirigakure.
Two months remained. He still had to take Obito to Konoha for the meeting with Qianyu. There was no time to waste.
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