Investigating this wasn't actually all that difficult.
After all, the Research Division had been burning through way too much Super Gourmet Seasoning lately. On top of that, the upright and inflexible Comrade Jōseki had reported Deputy Director — Comrade Tobi — for abusing his authority, engaging in corruption, and committing various other acts in violation of Sunagakure's laws and regulations.
So, the very next day… Tobi was arrested.
He was now locked up in prison, awaiting further investigation by Sunagakure.
That guy had been shouting in his cell nonstop:
"I want to see the Kazekage! I want to see Director Ebizō! I've bled and sacrificed for Sunagakure — you can't treat me like this!"
Twenty-four hours a day of that racket was driving the warden to the brink.
It was exhausting.
Rasa took a sip of the cooled water on his desk, a faint smile on his face, his eyes narrowed at the black-and-white figure before him.
"I hear you've already started organizing a jailbreak?"
"Heh-heh~, as if that's possible!"
Black Zetsu wasn't the least bit intimidated by Rasa. He was sure that for something this minor, the Kazekage before him would never actually kill Tobi.
After all, Tobi was one of the Sandclay production staff. He had detailed knowledge of all kinds of animal waste, was skilled in several composting methods, and was also one of the Super Gourmet Spice researchers. Rumor had it they were already working on Sandclay Generation Two — richer in nutrients, with fewer impurities, and even more effective at promoting plant growth than the first generation.
On top of that, he was the author and editor of the Encyclopedia of Manure, which was now even used by the hospital.
A talent like that… how could the Fourth Kazekage truly kill him?
"As for hoarding Super Gourmet Spice — we do apologize for that," Black Zetsu said smoothly, "but… it couldn't be helped. After all, Mother would never just come to you and ask for Super Gourmet Spice."
"You could have had Kana ask. That's no excuse for breaking the law!"
"Well then, why don't you just kill Tobi? Don't worry — we definitely won't try to rescue him."
"…"
Now that was ruthless.
Selling out a comrade who'd made contributions to the village without hesitation — no wonder he'd survived for so long, manipulating the entire shinobi world to pull off big schemes.
Such heartless cunning!
Rasa fell silent, staring speechlessly at the figure before him.
True, he hadn't actually intended to kill Tobi. The guy was one of Advisor Ebizō's favorites, a valued talent. Sunagakure's rapid progress on Sandclay was largely thanks to him. Aside from being a bit sly and having some odd hobbies, he was undeniably high-level village personnel. And besides, the Super Gourmet Spice hadn't left Sunagakure — it was for the elders' own use. No real harm done. At worst, Rasa would just have to shell out a bit more money.
But still—
It annoyed him.
"I hear the Uzumaki clan—"
Before he could finish.
"Hold it right there!"
Black Zetsu cut him off immediately, looking pained. He could already guess this scheming Kazekage was about to find some excuse to make a move.
So he decided to speak first.
"Kirigakure is in the middle of a full-blown civil war!"
"What's that got to do with me?"
"…" Black Zetsu stared at Rasa for a moment, then sighed.
"Kirigakure is purging its bloodline clans. The village is in chaos. The clans are unhappy with the Fourth Mizukage's bloody rule."
"Obito's being pretty ruthless, huh~"
All for the sake of avenging his childhood sweetheart… when a lovesick man gets serious, you really don't want to provoke him.
"This is partly Obito's doing," Black Zetsu admitted, "but more than that, it's the inevitable eruption of Kirigakure's own internal contradictions." He smirked. "Don't give that guy too much credit. In his mind, Rin Nohara and the Fourth Hokage couple aren't even dead. As long as his plan succeeds, everyone can live happily ever after. He's just a fool! Once he's convinced himself of that, he can act ruthlessly without the slightest guilt."
"…"
"Not that it's really your place to talk," Rasa said dryly. "Isn't he the way he is because of you?"
"I only gave him a starting point and a target. The full plan was made by Madara and Obito together," Black Zetsu retorted, rolling his eyes. "Especially after Madara died — from then on, Obito made all the plans. As Madara's will, I just have to supervise him and carry out the tasks he assigns me. Those two are the real bosses. And honestly, a Hidden Village purging bloodline clans… isn't that normal? A Kage, to ensure the village's safety, resolve internal conflicts, and maintain their own rule, must eliminate the bloodline clans' influence. Hasn't Konoha been steadily weakening its own bloodline clans these past years? As for Iwagakure and Kumogakure, they have so few bloodline clans — none strong enough to matter — so they don't have obvious internal strife. And Sunagakure… no offense, but your bloodline clans— heh~. To be this poor and still count as one of the Five Great Villages? The First Kazekage must have been a real piece of work."
A flash of contempt crossed his eyes, but fearing a beating, he quickly smoothed his expression.
"So Obito just poured a little fuel on the fire. Even without him, a civil war under such a bloody regime in Kirigakure was only a matter of time."
"Truly the millennium-old mastermind stirring up the shinobi world. You see things clearly enough~" Rasa shook his head with a sigh, then asked casually, "And all this is relevant to Sunagakure… how?"
"As Kazekage, you really don't see it?" Black Zetsu sneered. "Kirigakure is in chaos. With my guidance, Sunagakure could launch an attack right now and win for sure. This is a golden opportunity."
As soon as the words fell—
"Silence!" Rasa slammed the table, his tone full of righteous indignation.
"Sunagakure is a peace-loving village. We will never launch an unprovoked war. Stop trying to stir up conflict between us and Kirigakure!"
"Heh~"
Black Zetsu rolled his eyes and let out a cold laugh.
As if he didn't know exactly what Sunagakure was like.
But then—
"Can you say you're doing right by Obito, still struggling for his dream? By Madara, who entrusted everything to you with his dying breath?" Rasa looked at him with deep disappointment. "Tell me — can you really say you're worthy of them?"
"…"
What does that have to do with you?
And besides, a single Kirigakure wouldn't have much impact on the bigger picture.
"So, what do you think of my offer? This intel in exchange for Super Gourmet Spice— Sunagakure wouldn't lose out."
"Not much of a deal." Rasa smirked, narrowing his eyes as a faint smile played on his lips. "But I am interested in Kirigakure's current situation. Why don't you tell me more?"
"…"
Hypocrite.
Meanwhile—
In a dimly lit Sunagakure street.
Kakuzu lowered his voice, looking at the silver-haired spiky-haired man and the voluptuous blonde woman beside him.
"Who are you betting on?"
"Who? Who else?" The blonde scoffed and slapped the table hard, radiating an overwhelming aura.
"I'm betting on Tsunade of the Legendary Sannin! Whether it's 4WD or Shinobi King, I'm putting it all on her. This time, she's taking the win!"
At those words—
Beside her, a sweating Jiraiya trembled inwardly.
This is it… we're doomed!