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The thirty-six children of Amegakure represented the future hope of the Hidden Rain Village, a critical force that would one day serve under Naruto's leadership.
With the Ōtsutsuki threat still far off on the horizon, Naruto had ample time to cultivate this generation and the next, forming a strong and loyal backbone—his personal guard.
But for now, his power wasn't enough.
These children were merely the future. They couldn't solve the problems of the present.
Killer Bee, Konan, and even Nagato—who had returned from hiding—were diligently training them. Each had taken on their first disciples, acting as instructors to these young shinobi.
Thinking of this, Naruto's mind drifted to Konohamaru, his number one little brother and his personal disciple.
He sighed. No doubt because of Naruto's own actions, Konohamaru had ended up arguing with others in the village in an attempt to defend him.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, Naruto suddenly furrowed his brows.
He had sensed an unfamiliar chakra. Killer Bee also felt it, stopped humming, and glanced at Naruto.
"Yo, Naruto!" Bee called.
"I noticed it too," Naruto said, nodding.
Without another word, he turned and shot off into the sky.
Outside Amegakure, in a dense forest, Naruto descended swiftly, scanning the area. The strange chakra had vanished, but he didn't hesitate. Instantly, he entered his Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, his senses heightening as he locked onto a faint signature.
"Come out!"
The moment he spoke, a sinister rustling echoed through the trees—and from the shadows emerged Black Zetsu.
"I've heard your name for a long time, Naruto," he said smoothly.
Naruto raised an eyebrow in amusement. "So it's you. I was wondering who could stir up the tailed beast chakra in me like that."
Black Zetsu grinned arrogantly. "Impressive, right? After all, the Nine-Tails inside you and the Eight-Tails in your village are good friends. But neither of them know who I truly am."
Naruto snorted. If it hadn't been for his past life memories, he might've been surprised right now.
But instead, he watched silently, letting Black Zetsu continue his little performance. There was no need to expose anything yet.
Black Zetsu approached him slowly, hands clasped behind his back, his tone theatrical. "Naruto-kun, I want to know—what exactly is your purpose after doing all of this?"
Naruto furrowed his brow, pretending to be confused. "Did Obito send you to ask me that?"
Black Zetsu's voice grew smug, like a puppeteer behind a stage curtain. "No. I asked this on my own. After all... I'm the true mastermind."
Naruto tilted his head, feigning doubt. "Aren't you supposed to be Madara's will? Why stick around Obito and help him execute the Eye of the Moon Plan?"
Black Zetsu burst into laughter. "You're just like everyone else—trapped in what you think you know!"
Naruto smiled inwardly. You're putting on a show again. In my previous life, I beat you senseless and sealed you on the moon. You were crying like a baby back then—scared out of your mind.
Black Zetsu stared at Naruto and said with a twisted grin, "Let me tell you something you might not comprehend. Your entire history—in my eyes—is nothing more than a diary.
Even your so-called great events... were just stepping stones I placed.
The only reason you saw them was because I let you see them!"
Naruto scoffed. "Your arrogant tone really hasn't changed."
Black Zetsu ignored the underlying meaning in Naruto's words, assuming it was disbelief or mockery.
"You still haven't answered my question, Naruto," he pressed.
Naruto chuckled. "Why should I?"
Black Zetsu cursed silently. Damn it, this kid doesn't follow any normal logic! Are all Asura reincarnations this stubborn? The Indra types were always easier to manipulate.
Trying a new angle, Black Zetsu offered, "Perhaps... I could help you achieve your goals."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, intrigued. So now you're trying to fool me? Fine. Let's play this game.
He crossed his arms and asked, "And why would I believe anything an enemy says? For all I know, you're Obito's lackey sent to deceive me."
Black Zetsu smirked. "Obito? He's just a pawn—one of many in my plan."
"Oh?" Naruto responded, playing along. "So you're saying you're the real puppet master?"
"Of course," Black Zetsu replied proudly.
Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Words are cheap. Unless you show me some sincerity, I'm not buying it."
Black Zetsu nodded. "That's fair. But first, tell me—what's your true goal?"
Naruto paused, pretending to reflect, before answering seriously, "To eliminate hatred in this world and bring about true peace."
Black Zetsu's eyes narrowed, watching him carefully.
Naruto continued, "I know my father was the Fourth Hokage. I know how my mother died. I know Obito's true identity. And I know what lies behind all of this.
I hate the wars, the politics, the meaningless death. The village conflicts—all of it fueled by power and hate.
I want to end this cursed era.
I will unify the ninja world."
Black Zetsu raised an eyebrow. "Then you and Obito want the same thing. The Eye of the Moon Plan is designed to bring peace to this hypocritical world."
Naruto's voice dropped coldly. "And do you actually believe that garbage?"
Black Zetsu flinched slightly.
Naruto's cloak swayed with the wind as he spoke with chilling certainty. "Why rely on a fantasy when I can use real power to make the entire shinobi world kneel?
Through fear, through strength, I'll force them into submission. Let them pour all their hatred onto me—I'll become their villain, their focus. At least it'll be real.
Better than living in a lie!"
Black Zetsu swallowed hard.
This Asura reincarnation really is different...
Indra's descendants were easier. Just rewrite a stone tablet, get them to awaken the Mangekyō, and everything goes to plan. But this guy—this guy is trouble.
Naruto took a step closer. "Don't tell me you believe dreams hold any real value. No matter how vivid, they're still fake. Wouldn't it be better to join me?
Help me conquer the shinobi world, bring real peace, and end this chaos."
Black Zetsu was stunned. Was this guy seriously trying to recruit him?
This can't be right. This Naruto... he's clearly taken a darker path. But if I use this right... he might actually be useful!
Black Zetsu's mind raced. Two reincarnations had turned to the dark.
On one hand, that was good. No more direct resistance—both were now focused on crushing the shinobi world.
But on the other hand, Naruto wasn't aligning with their side—he was a competitor. And that... complicated things.
One wanted eternal dreams.
The other wanted a cold, unified reality.
Black Zetsu hesitated.
Naruto stepped in again. "Hey, I told you my goal. Your turn. Show some sincerity."
Black Zetsu frowned. "What do you want?"
Naruto smirked—and in that moment, Black Zetsu felt a chill run down his spine. Why does it feel like he's already seen through me?
"I heard something interesting from you. Sounds like you've lived for a long, long time—even longer than Madara."
Black Zetsu snorted. "Madara? He's nothing. A child compared to me."
Naruto's lips twitched. This guy really deserves another beating. This time, I'll seal him on the moon myself.
"In that case," Naruto said calmly, "tell me—how did Madara awaken the Rinnegan?"
The moment the words left his mouth, Black Zetsu's expression changed.
He narrowed his eyes and stared hard at Naruto. "Kid... what exactly are you planning?"
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