"You're right. The Rinnegan is a dangerous burden—whoever holds it will inevitably draw Uchiha Madara's attention."
Tsunade had once considered keeping the Rinnegan in Konoha.
But now, she had to admit—Takuya had seen this coming.
If the Rinnegan had been in Konoha, they would be the ones suffering now.
Just look at Iwagakure—thrown into complete chaos, countless dead, and worst of all, paranoia spreading among its shinobi.
Tens of thousands of ninjas, all doubting one another.
No trust. No unity.
It was only a matter of time before things spiraled out of control.
Worse still, thanks to White Zetsu's abilities, they couldn't even afford to get close to one another.
At any moment, he could absorb someone's chakra and take their form, turning their own allies into enemies.
Anyone would have a headache dealing with that.
Although… was this really Madara's doing?
Takuya frowned slightly.
No—Madara wouldn't waste his time with tricks like these.
He silently put down the scroll he had been reading, then leaned back beside Tsunade.
"So… what's the plan? Are we helping or not?"
"I don't know."
Tsunade's expression was grim.
She wouldn't have hesitated in front of just anyone.
But with the Third Hokage, Sakumo Hatake, and Takuya all in the room, there was no need for her to put on a front.
She was genuinely torn.
"Morally, we should help.
But even if we send people, how are we supposed to identify the hidden enemies?
If this backfires and Konoha ends up in the same situation… I don't even want to imagine the consequences.
Madara isn't someone we can take lightly."
The Third Hokage puffed on his pipe, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke.
Takuya gave him a disgusted look.
Seriously?
Fine—smoke if you have to.
But why that kind? Couldn't he just use a regular cigarette?
The whole office stank.
Hiruzen seemed to notice Takuya's displeasure.
Awkwardly, he chuckled, put his pipe down, and snuffed it out before clearing his throat.
"Tsunade is right.
Madara is a major threat, but we have to consider Konoha's safety first before deciding whether to intervene."
"Maybe it's time for a second Five Kage Summit.
We need to coordinate against Madara together."
Madara was alive.
And not just alive—he was plotting something in the shadows.
His power was beyond comprehension.
Lately, the Third Hokage had been plagued with worry.
And before he could even figure out what to do—boom.
Iwagakure was already in flames.
Sakumo Hatake wisely chose to remain silent, blending into the background.
This wasn't a problem he wanted to get involved in.
Following orders was one thing.
But strategizing against Madara?
Not his problem.
Besides, this situation couldn't be measured by any past conflicts.
There were no standard solutions.
Sakumo saw no point in stressing over it—whatever happened, happened.
Tsunade stayed quiet, avoiding the conversation.
Technically, Konoha should help.
But she wasn't willing to promise anything just yet.
Not when the other villages hadn't made their positions clear.
If Konoha made the first move, they could end up drawing all of Madara's wrath upon themselves.
And Madara hated Konoha.
That wasn't something to take lightly.
Great.
One after another, all of them were just sitting there, looking miserable.
Takuya had had enough.
"Okay, let's cut the crap.
Yes or no—are we helping?"
Someone had to take charge.
Because clearly, neither Tsunade nor Hiruzen were going to make a decision anytime soon.
Once again, it fell to him.
Of course it does.
This was why his mother always said she trusted him over the rest of them.
Tsunade exhaled, feeling slightly relieved.
At least someone was stepping up.
"I don't mind helping,
But if Konoha makes the first move, we might end up taking all the heat from Madara."
"She's right. We…"
Hiruzen started to speak, but then he noticed Takuya's unimpressed stare—like a predator eyeing a weakling.
He stopped mid-sentence, a sudden realization dawning on him.
"…You can find the hidden White Zetsu, can't you?"
Hiruzen wasn't as sharp as he once was.
But he wasn't an idiot.
The way Takuya was looking at them meant he had a solution.
"Wait—seriously?"
Tsunade's eyes lit up.
Since the moment she had received the report, she had been dreading this situation.
Now, suddenly, Takuya was saying he had a way to fix it?
Takuya shrugged.
"Not me.
But someone else can."
He spread his hands in exasperation.
"Why is it that every other village tries to use its strongest assets properly,
Yet Konoha keeps fumbling around like a headless chicken?"
"…What?"
Tsunade and Hiruzen were completely lost.
Even Sakumo looked confused.
Takuya sighed.
"You do realize the Nine-Tails can sense a person's true nature, right?"
"…"
Tsunade and Hiruzen exchanged glances.
Then both of them shook their heads.
Tsunade looked indifferent.
Hiruzen, on the other hand, looked… embarrassed.
He had never considered that possibility.
He had been too afraid of the Nine-Tails.
And with Danzo constantly whispering in his ear, keeping the jinchūriki under lock and key had always seemed like the safest bet.
"…Okay, stop."
Takuya raised his hand in surrender.
"Forget all that.
Just answer me—yes or no?
If you say yes, I'll take Kushina with me and handle it.
If not, fine.
Let Iwagakure deal with its own mess."
Honestly, Snowy could probably do it too.
And even better than the Nine-Tails.
But lately, Kushina had been so bored, constantly nagging him for something to do.
This was the perfect excuse for a trip.
As long as Tsunade agreed, he'd take Kushina out for a little adventure.
Finding the White Zetsu would just be part of the trip.
Small matter.
Besides, Kushina had never been to the Land of Earth.
Might as well make a vacation out of it.
"Fine. We'll help."
Tsunade made the call.
If the Nine-Tails could actually detect White Zetsu, then this wasn't even a question.
Her main concern had been dragging Konoha into the line of fire.
But if they could easily expose the infiltrators…
There was nothing to hesitate about.
"…Wait.
You're seriously letting Kushina leave the village?"
Hiruzen looked troubled.
His instincts told him it was a bad idea.
But he didn't actually have a reason to stop it.
Besides, Tsunade had the final say.
"Alright then."
Takuya stood up, already prepared to leave.
But just as he reached the door, he paused, glancing back.
"What if Ōnoki tries to call for another Five Kage Summit?"
"Then you can go in my place."
Tsunade dismissed the issue with a wave of her hand.
She had zero interest in dealing with other villages' drama right now.
If their goals aligned, great—they could talk.
If not?
She wasn't wasting her time.
Takuya could handle it.
The other Kage wouldn't dare question his authority.
Satisfied, Takuya nodded.
As he turned to leave, Hiruzen suddenly called out:
"Wait—do the other villages' Tailed Beasts also have that ability?"
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read the rest of the Chapter at Patreon com/ Emik01.
DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING