Flower in the Mirror

The sun shone warmly, and birds flew freely among the branches, chirping away about who knows what.

Yet, at this very moment, a soft chuckle suddenly broke the peaceful silence of the forest.

"Is that senior intending to make an enemy of me?"

As the laughter faded, Sosuke, standing on a patch of level ground, curled his lips into a faint arc, his eyes filled with amusement as he gazed at White Zetsu.

Hearing Sosuke's words, White Zetsu fell silent for a moment before slowly nodding, his voice soft.

"Madara said as much. After all, with Nagato currently held within Las Noches, that is likely the one thing Madara finds most intolerable... The power to control life and death possessed by the Rinnegan is something he will never allow to fall into another's hands."

After listening, Sosuke smiled silently and chuckled.

"To harbor such thoughts despite being nothing more than a lingering remnant—I must say, that senior of the Uchiha clan truly has spirit... Of course... he did not use that spirit to face death head-on... which is truly a pity."

At this, a flicker of sharp light passed through Sosuke's eyes as he spoke softly.

"If that is the case, then let us proceed according to his wishes."

"After all, that fellow possesses secrets that are difficult for us to uncover. Without him, the secrets hidden within the history of the Ninja World would likely be impossible to reveal."

"In a sense, we are two people who are remarkably similar..."

Hearing Sosuke's words, White Zetsu was slightly taken aback, stammering in shock.

"B-but, Lord Sosuke, Madara's plan is to kill you... How can this be..."

Watching White Zetsu's stunned expression, Sosuke raised the corner of his mouth and chuckled.

"Is such a thing truly so difficult?"

Following Sosuke's teasing