— — — — — — —
"Also, Orochimaru, don't brag too much!"
At that moment, Manda sneered at Orochimaru and continued, "That Uchiha brat not only mastered Sage Mode completely in just a few days but also managed to charm the White Snake Sage and the Three Princesses!"
"The White Snake Sage even granted him a higher summoning contract authority than you!"
"In other words, he's practically stolen your position as Ryūchi Cave's chief summoner!"
"The entire Ryūchi Cave is now on his side, and the Snake Sage has even promised that if he ever faces danger, he can summon them for help! Even I—"
Orochimaru's face darkened. His smirk disappeared as he narrowed his eyes. "Even you? Don't tell me… You've also sided with him?"
This was bad.
Orochimaru hadn't expected Uchiha Renzo to be this terrifying.
Not only did he master Senjutsu—something Orochimaru had coveted for years—in just a few days…
But he also won over the White Snake Sage and the others!
He thought he was merely trading a chance for Renzo to learn Senjutsu…
How did it turn into this?
Orochimaru never imagined Renzo would actually succeed.
After all, it was Senjutsu—the legendary Sage Jutsu.
Infamously difficult to master.
Even he couldn't dictate the attitudes of the White Snake Sage or the Three Princesses.
At first, he had thought this deal was a massive win for him.
Now, he realized he had suffered an irreversible loss.
"What the hell is this mess?"
Orochimaru couldn't help but regret making this deal with Renzo.
Manda hesitated slightly before saying, "Anyway, you better be careful! Whatever you do, don't provoke him! Even without Ryūchi Cave's backing, I doubt you could defeat him! You're more likely to get crushed."
It wasn't that Manda was underestimating Orochimaru—
But Renzo was simply too powerful!
That Dojutsu… That chakra giant…
Still, Manda didn't reveal these details to Orochimaru. In fact, it warned the other snakes in Ryūchi Cave not to leak anything either.
Partly for the sake of its pride—
But mostly because it didn't want to further antagonize Renzo.
Manda was already thinking of ways to repair their relationship.
It had no choice.
That kid provided some seriously good meat!
Even the tobacco Renzo brought was incredibly tempting!
Unfortunately, that was the White Snake Sage's treasure. Even the Three Princesses weren't allowed to have any—let alone Manda.
"Maybe… I should get Orochimaru to trade with Renzo? Genius!"
Manda acted immediately and relayed this idea to Orochimaru.
"Tobacco…? You mean the White Snake Sage got won over by that?!"
Orochimaru was confused.
Was the White Snake Sage really that easy to please?
That seemed impossible.
He had tried many times before, but the White Snake Sage remained indifferent, like a true cold-blooded creature that cared for nothing.
"Unless… That tobacco is special?"
Orochimaru speculated and turned to Manda. "Is there something unique about it?"
"Of course!" Manda nodded firmly. "That tobacco contains pure natural energy. Even the White Snake Sage benefits from it, let alone me!"
It was an absolute treasure.
Not to mention, it was a luxury.
"I see."
Orochimaru nodded in understanding. "I'll arrange a trade with Renzo as soon as possible!"
After that, Orochimaru asked Manda for more details about Renzo's time at Ryūchi Cave.
Manda shared what it could, then quickly left, growing impatient with the conversation.
— — —
Meanwhile, beneath the Kirigakure battlefield—
Black Zetsu had already arrived, accompanied by several White Zetsu clones.
They had been monitoring the battle above while also making some preparations in secret.
The next morning, as the war resumed above, Black Zetsu sneered, "Oh? It looks like Uchiha Fugaku is deliberately 'cleaning up' certain members of the Uchiha clan."
"He's not outright sabotaging them, but there's definitely a pattern. Seems like there's some internal instability within the Uchiha... This could be our opportunity!"
A nearby White Zetsu nodded. "You're right! Also, it looks like Konoha's ninjas are secretly collecting Sharingan from fallen Uchiha. Judging by their movements, they must be from Danzo's Root!"
"That guy doesn't seem to be playing fair. It's obvious he's got his eyes on the Uchiha's Sharingan!"
"Think we could work with him for a bit? Maybe wipe out some Uchiha or at least cause trouble for Uchiha Renzo? Would be a nice way to get revenge for Lord Madara's death, don't you think?"
"Ever since Lord Madara died, I've been so bored! There's no one left to talk to, it's so lonely!"
Black Zetsu: "..."
"Shut up."
Black Zetsu felt exasperated. How did he end up stuck with this idiot White Zetsu?
"Your plan isn't bad, and we could manipulate things from the shadows. But first, we need to focus on finding the right successor to Madara's will."
"Once we have our chosen executor fully on board, then we can make our move."
Black Zetsu shook his head. He wasn't about to let distractions ruin his carefully laid plans.
He had already set his sights on someone from the battlefield—UchihaAiko.
This guy had a personality somewhat similar to Obito—deeply emotional.
But more importantly, he had strong attachments to his father and his twin brother.
See? A father and a twin brother—such a perfect candidate for manipulation.
With the right guidance, he could easily replace Obito and become an even more valuable pawn.
As for Obito, Black Zetsu had already given up on him.
The main reason? Uchiha Renzo was just too unpredictable.
Who knew what kind of failsafe Renzo had planted on Obito? Black Zetsu wasn't about to take any unnecessary risks.
For now, he would lie low, gather strength, and bide his time.
He had waited for so many years already. A few more wouldn't matter.
"Mother, just wait a little longer. I will succeed. Soon, we will be reunited!"
Black Zetsu thought to himself.
---
Meanwhile, Fugaku was feeling immense pressure.
Lately, the Uchiha had suffered heavy casualties on the front lines.
Many in the clan were growing restless and dissatisfied.
For now, he had managed to suppress their discontent, but it was only a matter of time before things exploded.
Most of these Uchiha were from the factions led by the First and Second Elders. They had never truly acknowledged him as their leader.
Now, with the mounting losses, their resentment was even greater.
"I just hope all of this is worth it, Renzo... I've put all my chips on you. Don't let me down."
Fugaku sighed to himself.
— — —
Inside a mental space—
After spending a few hours shopping and eating delicious food with Kurenai, Renzo finally arrived here.
At the moment, Aizen and Pirate Renzo were deep in discussion about the fusion of Haki and Reiatsu.
"Yo!"
Uchiha Renzo walked over, raising a hand in greeting. "So, you guys are analyzing Reiatsu and Haki? Looks like you're making fast progress! How far have you gotten?"
"Not even close," Aizen shook his head, then extended his hand towards Renzo. "But more importantly, it looks like you've mastered Sage Mode. Let me see your progress."
"Me too!" Pirate Renzo eagerly placed his hand over as well.
.
.
.