43 Ch-43 White Zetsu.

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...

At that time, White Zetsu was traveling at a very fast speed using his Mayfly technique. As soon as he felt the pressure of Kagutsuchi, he ran away. The reason Kagutsuchi didn't solve Danzo himself and left the place was that he could feel a soul leaving Konoha at a very fast speed as soon as he arrived. However, with Kagura's Heart Eye ability, he wasn't able to feel anything. After reading the memory of the ROOT ninja, he immediately understood whose soul was traveling and left in the direction where he last felt Zetsu's location.

Finally, after traversing a distance of 8 miles, Kagutsuchi's heightened perception once again captured the elusive presence of White Zetsu. Zetsu, situated approximately 10 miles away, unknowingly drew closer to his pursuer as Kagutsuchi swiftly closed the gap. Continuing their relentless pursuit, Kagutsuchi covered an additional 10 miles, relentlessly narrowing the distance between them. Gradually, the gap diminished until Kagutsuchi found himself within a mere 200 meters of Zetsu's concealed location. Simultaneously, Zetsu's intuition heightened, sensing the relentless approach of Kagutsuchi. The tension reached its climax as Kagutsuchi finally caught up to Zetsu, channeling an immense surge of power into a formidable punch that reverberated through the terrain, leaving behind a vast crater. The sheer force expelled Zetsu from the ground.

Kagutsuchi apprehended Zetsu and wasted no time in delving into his memories. However, he was surprised to discover that Zetsu's memories did not contain any recollection of Madara or his hideout. It appeared that every White Zetsu was assigned a specific area and did not venture beyond its confines. Other Zetsu would come, gather intelligence, and then depart, leaving behind no trace of Madara or his whereabouts.

Kagutsuchi fell into deep thought, and then he realized that if all the White Zetsu were created from a single World Tree, their souls should also be interconnected like a network. With this revelation in mind, Kagutsuchi began working on his theory and searched for any connection between their souls. "There truly is a connection," he exclaimed upon discovering the link. Eager to find the most powerful soul within this network, Kagutsuchi stood quietly for half an hour. Then, he opened his eyes and confidently declared, "Found it" A triumphant aura surrounded him as he disappeared from his original spot, leaving White Zetsu, once in his clutches, to plummet towards the ground. In a mesmerizing spectacle, Zetsu's form became engulfed in searing flames, relentlessly consuming his physical shell until naught but delicate ashes remained.

(A/N:This is purely a product of my imagination and has no official basis. However, if you believe there might be a more plausible theory, please don't hesitate to offer your suggestions.)

...….

Inside Konoha.

After being subjected to Kagutsuchi's reprimand and witnessing the distressing state of Kushina, Mitsuo's emotions flared, and without hesitation, he turned to Hiruzen, urgently questioning, "Where can I find Danzo?"

Hiruzen's countenance turned grave, reflecting the weight of the situation. With a somber tone, he replied, "Follow me." Without wasting a moment, he set forth towards the ROOT base, beckoning Mitsuo to accompany him. Meanwhile, Mito, understanding the necessity of tending to Kushina's well-being despite her own anger, chose to remain by her side, ensuring her safety and comfort.

Not long after, Tsunade arrived on the scene, her concern evident as she witnessed Kushina lying unconscious. Approaching Grandma Mito, Tsunade inquired with a touch of worry, "What has happened to her? Please, enlighten me."

Mito replied, "Your friends will everything to you." With those words, she departed, taking Kushina away from the scene. Tsunade's gaze shifted towards Jiraiya, who had been present before her arrival. Jiraiya proceeded to relay all the information he possessed. After attentively listening to Jiraiya's account, Tsunade's frustration surged, causing her to strike the ground forcefully. "Damn that Danzo!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with anger. Fuelled by her determination, she swiftly followed the path Hiruzen had taken, heading towards the ROOT base.

As Mitsuo arrived at the ROOT base, he encountered the vigilant ROOT ninjas who stood guard. Consumed by anger, Mitsuo had no intention of engaging in conversation. Without hesitation, six yellow chains emerged from his body, piercing through the bodies of the ROOT ninjas with precision, leaving them no opportunity to resist. Once Mitsuo cleared his path, he proceeded to advance inside the base.

To his surprise, as Mitsuo entered the ROOT base, he found an absence of ROOT ninjas along his way. Finally, upon reaching the center of the base, he discovered Danzo's presence, surrounded by a cohort of ROOT ninjas, patiently awaiting his arrival.

At that moment, Hiruzen arrived accompanied by the ANBU, led by Sakumo. As Danzo caught sight of Hiruzen, he breathed a sigh of relief. However, before he could utter a word, Hiruzen spoke sternly, "Danzo, I warned you that if any harm befell the members of the Uzumaki Clan, I would personally end your life. Did my warning hold no weight for you?"

"Hiruzen, I assure you I have not acted recklessly. I have devised a plan," Danzo responded, attempting to defend himself.

"Have you completely lost your sanity? What plan do you speak of?" Hiruzen's voice resonated with intensity, bordering on a roar. "Do you not comprehend the formidable strength possessed by Uzumaki Kagutsuchi? When he unleashed his power today, I could sense that he has grown even more formidable since our last encounter."

"Hiruzen, you underestimate the situation," Danzo countered. "Madara Uchiha, believe it or not, is still alive, and he has set his sights on Kagutsuchi. If someone as formidable as Madara is targeting him, Kagutsuchi's demise is inevitable. It presents us with an opportunity to eradicate the Uzumaki clan once and for all."

"Is that so?" A voice resonated through the air, its tone as chilling as ice, causing the surrounding temperature to noticeably rise. It was Mitsuo, now cloaked in flames, appearing as if he had transformed into the very embodiment of fire itself.

(A/N: if you like the story please vote power stones.)