"Whoosh!"
Sosuke's body suddenly vanished from where he stood!
Minato's eyes narrowed at the sight, and he quickly scanned the area.
In the forest not far away, hidden in a secluded corner, a white figure was connected to a tree, as if it had grown together with it.
"Hm!? His presence disappeared! Could it be...?!"
The white figure studied the distant forest and murmured to himself. Suddenly, his expression changed—but before he could finish speaking—
"Thud!"
A snow-white blade suddenly pierced his body, pinning him to the thick tree trunk!
White Zetsu looked slightly stunned, but showed little concern. He turned his head to look at the tall figure and murmured,
"As I thought... you found me again..."
Faint sunlight filtered through the forest. In the dappled light, Sosuke stood behind White Zetsu, a trace of amusement at the corner of his mouth as he chuckled softly.
"You don't seem the least bit concerned about your predicament. Another clone, perhaps...?"
At Sosuke's words, White Zetsu, pinned to the tree by Kyoka Suigetsu, grinned and murmured,
"I know a thing or two about you. I wouldn't dare let my guard down around you."
Sosuke's eyes narrowed. He glanced at the immobilized White Zetsu and said quietly,
"You're a sneaky one... I'm growing more and more interested in whoever's behind you..."
Just then,
Minato arrived.
"Captain Aizen... What is this?"
Seeing Sosuke and the White Zetsu pinned to the tree beside him, Minato looked confused and asked.
At Minato's arrival, Sosuke gave him a gentle smile and said softly,
"Just a sneaky fellow. Minato, take a look at what his body is made of. I find him very interesting."
At Sosuke's instruction, Minato nodded respectfully, then activated his Byakugan and carefully examined the immobilized White Zetsu.
"Oh? Konoha's Byakugan... What a nostalgic