Kazuhiko turned around, his gaze scanning the alley behind him. When shopping with Tsunade, he refrained from activating his Observation Haki out of courtesy. Tsunade, being an adept sensory ninja herself, would likely find it impolite.
A peculiar noise echoed through the alley, a subtle disturbance picked up by Kazuhiko's acute hearing. The enhanced perception granted by his connection to natural energy made him acutely aware of his surroundings.
Coming to a halt, he pivoted to inspect the alley. Tsunade, too, stopped and redirected her attention to the narrow passageway they had just traversed.
"What's wrong?" Tsunade inquired after an unsuccessful scan, her curiosity piqued.
Kazuhiko furrowed his brow and shook his head. "I thought I heard something in the alley just now—a very peculiar sound."
Expressing his concern, Kazuhiko ventured into the alley, with Tsunade following closely. Both maintained a cautious gaze on their surroundings.
Examining the seemingly ordinary alley, with its dim corners and scattered rubbish, Kazuhiko couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. A subtle squirming sound, unfamiliar to him, caught his attention.
Closing his eyes, Kazuhiko focused and detected a faint scent of vegetation in the air. Opening his eyes, he averted his gaze from Tsunade, concealing his realization.
"Sorry, maybe I misheard. There's nothing amiss here," he said awkwardly.
Tsunade sighed in relief, "It's okay. I thought someone had infiltrated Konoha."
Acknowledging the presence of Uchiha's guards, she continued, "Few can sneak in, and those who can are formidable."
Resuming their shopping, Kazuhiko and Tsunade left the alley behind.
Unbeknownst to them, a gust of wind stirred the air, and the peculiar squirming sound emanated again. In the dark alley, a white humanoid creature emerged from the ground, accompanied by the same strange noise. The sound that had captured Kazuhiko's attention originated from this enigmatic being.
He observed the departure of Kazuhiko and Tsunade, muttering to himself, "Indeed, what a formidable sense of perception." Suddenly, he became aware of something peculiar.
"As expected of a genius who defeated the Third Hokage at such a young age."
"Furthermore, he's hailed by others as a man with the potential to become the new god of the ninja world."
Though his tone was flat as he spoke, his eyes betrayed vigilance and focused attention.
"I was merely curious and wanted to spy on this man, but to my surprise, he detected me instantly. Fortunately, I managed to conceal myself swiftly."
"This person is truly terrifying, possessing such a formidable ability."
"This news must be relayed to Lord Madara, the new god of the ninja world. Lord Madara will undoubtedly be very interested in him."
Indeed, this entity is the White Zetsu that Uchiha Madara believed he created using Senju Hashirama's Wood Style. White Zetsu's directive was to monitor every move of Konoha, promptly conveying any updates to Uchiha Madara.
Having spoken, after some wriggling, White Zetsu gradually descended into the ground again.
"I must be more careful next time. I need to improve my stealth mode upon returning, ensuring absolute silence in the future."
In a dimly lit, vast cave, White Zetsu arrived with his latest information.
Within, an elderly man sat on a wooden chair, a simple yet exceedingly sharp sickle placed upside down beside him. The environment seemed akin to a Shinigami in hell at first glance.
Despite his advanced age, he emitted an alluring aura. As he turned his head, a palpable sense of pressure emanated from him—the aura of the world's mightiest ninja.
A flicker of red light occasionally gleamed in his eyes, Sangouyu's Sharingan rotating within.
Immediately upon White Zetsu's arrival, the scarlet eyes of Sangouyu emitted an enchanting ray of light, fixating on White Zetsu in an arresting manner.
This person was none other than Uchiha Madara!
Witnessing Uchiha Madara's piercing gaze, White Zetsu displayed no fear, or perhaps, he was unfamiliar with the concept of fear.
Remaining seemingly indifferent, he conveyed the latest situation of Konoha to Uchiha Madara.
"Lord Madara, that individual recently defeated the Third Hokage in a one-on-one battle. They claim that the defeat occurred solely due to the ninja tool at his waist and his treasured sword."
Uchiha Madara heard this with disdain, "Failure is failure; these are not excuses for the weak."
"Be it ninja tools or treasured swords, if a Hokage loses a battle, he loses. Losing to an eleven-year-old boy—this Hokage is the most disappointing I've ever witnessed!"
As he spoke, a flash of anger surged in Uchiha Madara's eyes, the Hokage indirectly humiliating him through their incompetence.
For a moment, the air seemed to thicken with the old man's rage, and the Sharingan in his eyes spun wildly, as if it might transform into another form at any moment.
After all, it was the First Hokage who initially defeated him. Though he harbored no grievances against the First Hokage for that, he despised the Second Hokage, recognizing his strength.
But this current Hokage, such a disappointment!
On the other hand, White Zetsu continued to smile, unperturbed.
"Lord Madara, I've gathered some information about that individual, but he's exceedingly cautious. I couldn't get close to him before he sensed something amiss..."
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