Chapter:59

After much discussion, the list of twelve elite ninja was finalized. The team consisted of one Kage-level ninja and eleven elite Jonin, drawn from both prominent ninja families and the ranks of skilled civilians.

This combination of a Kage-level master and eleven elite Jonin formed the most powerful and prestigious ninja team in Konoha's history. In addition, both the Anbu and Root's intelligence networks were fully mobilized to track down any sign of the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai ninja.

As soon as any trace of this elusive ninja was discovered, the twelve would move out immediately.

Walking out of the Hokage Building, Uchiha Fugaku felt a wave of satisfaction. His anger at Uchiha Shisui's intrusion into his secret room had subsided somewhat.

"Finally, Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Obito will face each other," Fugaku thought to himself.

Initially, Fugaku had intended to eliminate a few enemies of the Uchiha Clan, such as Aburame Shibii and Shimura Daisuke, which would have forced the Hokage to agree to forming the twelve-member team. But the theft of the Book of Seals had done the job for him, and now Shisui, the object of his resentment, was part of a high-risk mission team.

With his primary goal achieved, Fugaku wondered what the outcome would be when these two powerful Uchiha faced off.

"Perhaps I should hold off on my plans for Aburame Shibi for now," Fugaku mused.

Although he had achieved his immediate objective, he had no intention of sparing Aburame Shibi, who had long been hostile to the Uchiha Clan. However, any immediate action would have to be delayed. With Konoha on high alert and searching for Uchiha Obito, any move against Shibi might draw suspicion and result in the Uchiha being "mistakenly" targeted by the elite Jonin team.

"I'll use this time to train and master the forbidden techniques in the Sealed Book."

Thinking about the Sealed Book, Fugaku felt an overwhelming sense of eagerness. If he could master the Flying Thunder God Technique and Eight Gates Ninjutsu, his power would increase dramatically. At that point, very few Kage-level opponents would stand a chance against him.

White Zetsu's Base

"Konoha has formed a twelve-man elite Jonin team to track me down?" Uchiha Obito asked calmly.

"Yes, along with a large number of Anbu and Root operatives combing for any trace of you," the white half of Zetsu's face replied.

Though White Zetsu wasn't exceptionally strong, he was unparalleled at gathering information and masking his presence. Shortly after Konoha's decision was made, Zetsu had already learned of it.

"It seems they are quite determined to get rid of me," Obito remarked, though his voice remained unbothered. He did not view the threat posed by this twelve-man elite team with much concern.

Had anyone seen Obito's face beneath his mask, they would have noticed a smirk of disdain. Thanks to his Kamui ability, Obito wasn't worried about being surrounded or overwhelmed. The space-time technique made him virtually untouchable in most circumstances.

"So, Konoha has mobilized this team because of my infiltration?" Obito inquired.

"There's that, but there's also another reason," the black half of Zetsu responded. "According to our information, the Book of Seals was stolen, and they believe it was you who did it."

"The loss of the Sealed Book is a massive blow to Konoha, which is why they've escalated their efforts to hunt you down."

"Do they really think I stole it?" Obito's tone turned cold, a hint of anger brewing beneath the surface.

While the forbidden techniques in the Book of Seals were valuable, Obito had little interest in them. After all, he had inherited Uchiha Madara's knowledge and was in no shortage of powerful techniques. The mere suggestion that he had stolen the Book of Seals irritated him—it was clear that someone was trying to frame him.

"Someone must have disguised themselves as you to steal the Book of Seals," White Zetsu suggested.

"Have you found the person who framed me last time?" Obito asked, referring to the mysterious individual who had killed Uchiha Chi and had been impersonating him.

"No, he hasn't made another move since then," Black Zetsu replied. "But do you suspect it was him who disguised himself as you again to steal the Book of Seals?"

"It's very likely," Obito said, his voice dripping with malice. His eyes narrowed beneath the mask. The repeated attempts to frame him had begun to irritate him deeply.

"Whoever this person is, they've now crossed a line. They need to be found and eliminated," Obito said, his tone sharp.

"I'll intensify the search. If this person makes another move, I'll locate him," Black Zetsu assured.

"And what about Konoha?" Black Zetsu continued. "With the Anbu and Root working together, they may uncover something. If they find the Akatsuki's hideout, we'll be in serious trouble."

"If they want information, then let's give it to them," Obito said, his voice cold and calculated.

Obito understood that allowing Konoha to continue their relentless search could eventually lead them to the Akatsuki's operations. He couldn't let that happen. He decided to take the initiative by luring Konoha's elite Jonin team into a trap and destroying them, delivering a clear message that they shouldn't provoke him any further.

"The person framing you likely wants to push you into a confrontation with Konoha. If you act now, you'll be falling into their trap," Black Zetsu warned.

"To protect the Akatsuki's location, this is necessary," Obito replied firmly. "As for the one framing me, I will find him and deal with him in due time."

Murderous intent surged from Obito. He had had enough of being manipulated.

"Don't underestimate the twelve-man elite Jonin team," Black Zetsu cautioned. "Among them is Uchiha Shisui, a Kage-level ninja who has awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan."

"Good," Obito said with a sinister grin beneath his mask. "We'll deal with him too."

Obito had long been aware that Shisui had refused to join the Akatsuki. If Shisui wouldn't join him, then he had no choice but to eliminate him.

"Are you certain about this?" Black Zetsu asked, concerned.

"Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan is powerful, but I've had Hashirama's cells implanted in me. I don't suffer from the same side effects as he does," Obito said confidently. "Moreover, Kamui makes me the natural counter to his abilities."

"I'll go to the Land of Rivers and reveal my presence there."

"I'll spread the word as soon as you arrive," White Zetsu responded.

A black vortex appeared as Obito activated his space-time ninjutsu, and his figure disappeared into the swirling void.

"I hope you don't die," Black Zetsu muttered to himself, a strange expression crossing his face as he stared into the empty space where Obito had vanished. "Losing you would complicate things."

Obito was an essential piece in Zetsu's grand plan. If he were to be killed, it would disrupt everything.

(End of Chapter).

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