CH - 182 Why is she here?

Returning to the village as the sky darkened, Akihiko paid little attention to the affairs unfolding in Konoha. After all, what significance did it hold for Grass Village? It wasn't as if Obito would instigate an attack on Konoha using the Nine-Tails, right?

Even if the Nine-Tails did erupt, Grass Village, being allies, would feel a sense of empathy for Konoha's plight. At most, they would offer a discount on the supplies provided to Konoha. After all, The situation demanded a cooperative spirit between the villages, and Grass Village was ready to contribute within its means.

Preparations for supplies were already in place, anticipating the possibility of turmoil in Konoha. As soon as news of chaos would reach them, swift assistance would be dispatched to aid Konoha in restoring stability.

By now, it was likely that the leaders of the other major ninja villages were also aware of the investigation into Konoha's Fourth Hokage. Observing from a distance, they awaited the unfolding of events in Konoha, creating an air of anticipation and perhaps even amusement. The prospect of a village leader being scrutinized was a source of embarrassment for any esteemed ninja village.

Given the closure of Mist Village borders due to internal strife, it remained uncertain whether Konoha would face a similar fate. Akihiko pondered the potential outcomes and, if feasible, contemplated the reclaiming of the Uzumaki clan's bloodline. The ties between the Uzumaki clan and Grass Village made it a plausible reason.

Looking ahead, Akihiko entertained the idea of acquiring the Uchiha clan's bloodline as well. The connection between the Uchiha clan and Grass Village, through Obito, seemed to offer an opportunity. Though, If all else failed, Akihiko could only hope that Obito would have more offspring to ensure the passage of the Uchiha bloodline to Grass Village.

Regrettably, the unpredictable shifts in the minds of Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Obito compared to the original timeline left Akihiko with little preparation time. Now, all that remained was to place his hopes on the potential assistance from Danzo.

In the underground cave, Akihiko gazed at the main body of White Zetsu in surprise and questioned, "What? Black Zetsu isn't here?"

White Zetsu affirmed, "Yes, Lord Akihiko." He nodded, recognizing that the information wasn't much of a secret and would likely be discovered later. There was no need to conceal it; transparency seemed the better course.

With an awkward smile, White Zetsu added, "Because they had something to do, so Black Zetsu left with Obito."

"Obito also left?!" Akihiko raised an eyebrow. It appeared that Obito might be aware of the information concerning Konoha. However, the purpose of his visit to Konoha at this time remained unclear. Was it to present gifts to his teacher and his wife for the newborn child?

"These two guys are quite extraordinary. They neglect their studies and roam around aimlessly. Don't they realize that the final exams are approaching? If they fail the exams again, it will be embarrassing. One is the will of Uchiha Madara's book, and the other is the inheritor of Uchiha Madara's will. Neither seems to have a sense of responsibility!" Akihiko remarked with a serious expression.

As White Zetsu listened, he arched an eyebrow. Who cared about studying anyway? Could studying save Lady Kaguya? No. If only Black Zetsu hadn't emerged at such an inconvenient time, things wouldn't be this complicated.

But that was a sentiment White Zetsu wouldn't express. He offered an awkward smile and spoke earnestly, "Absolutely! Black Zetsu and Obito need a stern talking-to when they return. It's high time they realize the significance of their studies. They're the heirs to Madara's will. Enduring hardship now means avoiding suffering later. But it seems they're opting for laziness at a young age."

"Brilliantly said!" Akihiko nodded approvingly, patting White Zetsu's shoulder. "Impressive, White Zetsu. You've got quite the depth in your ideological consciousness."

As White Zetsu's expression twitched, Akihiko continued, "I heard some time ago that ever since Madara departed, you've been lounging in the cave, sending your 'siblings' off to dig holes. Initially, I thought you were simply lazy."

White Zetsu looked at him incredulously. Lazy? Why would he bother with that kind of work? And those weren't his siblings, nor were they meant for such tasks in the first place.

"Now, it seems..." Akihiko's voice carried deep emotion as he regarded the silent White Zetsu. "Is it because of Madara's departure that you've been feeling despondent, losing motivation?"

White Zetsu, caught off guard by Akihiko's words, as he contemplated. Was that the reason? Perhaps he had lost his life's purpose. He doubted Black Zetsu could complete the mission at this time, and it seemed that letting things unfold naturally might be the only chance for success. Consequently, he had become somewhat lax.

However, Upon hearing Akihiko's words, White Zetsu quickly pretended to be sad, his voice slightly choked, "I didn't expect Lord Akihiko to figure it out. I... I just miss Madara-sama."

"Madara's absence is a reality, but the living must persevere," Akihiko said regretfully. He placed a reassuring pat on White Zetsu's shoulder. "If Madara knew, he'd be deeply saddened. Look around you—your 'siblings' are all engaged in their duties, leading fulfilling lives. Staying occupied helps them avoid dwelling in sorrow. Why don't you find something to occupy yourself as well? I'll arrange something for you. Trust me, it'll help you move beyond this sadness."

'Darn it, the clones are already doing odd jobs because of you. Now you want me, the main body, to do the same?' White Zetsu raised an eyebrow, offering a faint smile as he spoke seriously, "In truth, Lord Akihiko... we were all created by Madara-sama as tools, but they are merely clones, and I am the main body. I am aware of everything they've done, so, in essence, I have been working for a considerable time."

"Hey, that's not quite accurate." Akihiko shook his head with a sigh, "You know, true understanding comes from personal experience. What others do is their doing. It's only when you actively engage yourself that you truly comprehend it. Like others have already moved on, but you haven't."

"Moreover, As someone inheriting Madara's legacy, you all are akin to my family. Unlike Madara, I've never viewed you as tools but as family. Therefore, I'll take care of all of you," Akihiko asserted with a determined expression.

Is this what family means? He's more ruthless than Madara. White Zetsu stared incredulously at Akihiko, taken aback by such audacious words. "Actually, I have—"

However, before he could finish, Akihiko swiftly interjected, speaking earnestly, "It's decided. As part of this family, I'd never cause harm to any of you. So, I promise to arrange everything properly for you!"

Continuing to survey his surroundings, Akihiko pondered, "By the way, why haven't I seen Zetsu lately? Where did he run off to?"

As the words left his lips, the space in front of him abruptly twisted. A voice emerged, carrying a tone of complaint, "Really, why did he have to make me bring here? Couldn't it be somewhere else? Now, I have to go and meet that stingy guy!"

A familiar figure materialized, complaining, "I bet he'll charge a fortune for medical fees this time. Minato-sensei, really, he didn't even let me go home to fetch money, just told me to bolt. Maybe that Gedo statue could help with the medical expenses. After all, that guy is really stingy."

"He doesn't even compensate for the work..." His words faltered as he caught sight of the figure before him, his eyes widening. "What are you doing here?"

"Me? The academy reported you skipped class this afternoon, so I came to check on you!" Akihiko grinned at Obito. "What were you about to say just now?"

"Oh, hahaha~" Obito scratched his head nervously. "I wasn't about to say anything. I mean..."

But before he could smooth things over, he noticed Akihiko staring past him, his expression turning puzzled. Realizing it wasn't the moment for flattery, Obito hurriedly continued, "Right, now's not the time for this. I..."

Before he could finish, Akihiko, wide-eyed and baffled, interjected, "...why did you bring the Fourth Hokage's wife here?"