Black Zetsu stared at Yin's earnest expression, which showed not the slightest hint of pretense, and froze for a moment.
This was rather unexpected.
Ever since he was little, Yin had watched Leaf Dragon grow up under Black Zetsu's control and torment. By rights, he should have known better than anyone what it felt like to be at someone else's mercy. That feeling... was anything but pleasant.
Then why had he answered so happily and eagerly when faced with placing his very life in someone else's hands?
Even I, if I could live without being controlled by orders... argh.
Pain shot through his body. Black Zetsu abruptly snapped back to himself, realizing he had unconsciously entertained a treasonous thought, and immediately emptied his mind.
He took a moment to recover, then met Yin's eyes. He realized the boy had been watching him space out for some time, seemingly waiting for his reply.
So Yin's willingness to do this must mean whatever he's hiding poses no harm to me. He's confident enough to put his life in my hands.
This is a foolish little bird that flew into the cage all on its own. Heaven is my witness-I never forced him.
"Heh, you want a few more... how many?"
Black Zetsu asked with considerable interest.
"The more, the better. At least more than Leaf Dragon!"
An unusual stubbornness shone in Yin's pale red eyes. At the sudden mention of his name, Leaf Dragon startled awake from his light sleep and looked up.
Black Zetsu glanced at him and understood. So that was where the boy's idea had come from. What sort of strange, childish competitive streak was this?
Though he had grown a little, he was still a foolish child at heart.
Black Zetsu chuckled softly. "Well, well. You've come to