Shinobi World No. 1, somewhere in an underground cavern.
Darkness seemed almost solid, wrapping everything in its viscous embrace. Only a few luminous ores embedded in the walls cast pale, feeble halos of light.
Black Zetsu emerged from the shadows, his topaz-like eyes flickering faintly.
Beside him, a dozen or so White Zetsu slowly emerged from the ground, walls, and ceiling like white ghosts, without a sound.
"Is everyone here?"
Black Zetsu's voice was hoarse, carrying an unquestionable authority.
"Everyone is here."
The White Zetsu answered in unison, their voices hollow and perfectly synchronized, as though a single person were speaking.
"Good."
Black Zetsu's shadow rippled slightly.
"Next, I have several tasks for you."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over each White Zetsu.
"First, monitor movements at Konoha Headquarters. Especially Minato Namikaze and that Genin named Might Duy. I want to know their every move."
"Yes."
The first White Zetsu answered, his figure slowly sinking into the ground.
"Second, monitor the Southern Army. Shimura Danzō and Orochimaru, those two... are not simple men. Report everything they do, no matter how insignificant."
"Yes."
The second White Zetsu disappeared.
"Third, monitor the Land of Rain. Although the Evil God is cooperating with us, its intentions... may not be straightforward. Report any abnormalities immediately."
"Yes."
The third White Zetsu disappeared.
"Fourth, go to the border of the Land of Wind and watch Sunagakure's movements. Especially that young man named Sasori. He is Toyotomi Yinglang's disciple and Sunagakure's de facto ruler. Anything he does could affect the overall situation."
"Yes."
The fourth White Zetsu disappeared.
"Fifth, go to the Land of Lightning. Kumogakure has been stirring lately. That brute, the Third Raikage... might just cause some trouble."
"Yes."
The fifth White Zetsu disappeared.
"Sixth, go to the Land of Earth. Iwagakure's Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki,