In a remote town in the Land of Earth, Minato took Tōka to a teahouse to rest.
Suddenly!
A familiar presence surged into Tōka's mind.
That guy is nearby? Did he come specifically to find me? Tōka's eyes shifted as he glanced toward a corner outside the teahouse.
As he grew more proficient in using Yang Release, Tōka became increasingly sensitive to Black Zetsu's presence.
Tōka held his teacup and took small sips, but his thoughts were focused on Black Zetsu.
After a while, Black Zetsu's presence not only failed to disappear, but became even clearer.
Tōka frowned slightly. Looks like that guy really did come looking for me.
As the thought flashed through his mind, Tōka found himself in a difficult position. How was he supposed to send Minato away?
Black Zetsu would never expose himself. Tōka could sense him only because they both possessed Yang Release originating from Kaguya Otsutsuki.
And Minato would not be able to detect Black Zetsu either, as long as Black Zetsu did not reveal himself...
"Cough... Captain Minato, I need to use the restroom." Tōka put on the appearance of someone who had drunk too much water, an awkward smile on his little face.
"Go ahead. Be careful." Minato nodded slightly, not forgetting to remind him.
Minato's sensory abilities were definitely superior to Tōka's, yet he had not spotted any nearby ninja. That was why he felt comfortable letting Tōka go alone.
Tōka rose without changing his expression and headed toward the restroom behind the teahouse.
Since this was merely a remote town in the Land of Earth, the teahouse was nothing more than a street-side shelter made of a few wooden planks. The restroom was even more rudimentary.
"Say what you have to say. Time is short." Tōka had not intended to