Outside the ruins of Ninja World All-in-One Service Co., Ltd., Sarutobi Hiruzen stood in disbelief. The building was nothing more than broken walls, rubble, and scattered debris.
"This… is the base of the mysterious boss behind everything?" he muttered, eyes wide with shock. "Why is it in ruins?"
White Zetsu, standing beside him, gave a light cough and explained, "There was an incident with the Third Hokage some time ago, which led to the company building being destroyed. But don't worry—the boss has already arranged for reconstruction."
Hiruzen nodded slowly, his thoughts racing. What exactly happened here? Who could have destroyed this place? It was hard to imagine someone strong enough to demolish a company like this, especially one backed by such powerful figures behind the scenes.
White Zetsu gestured forward. "Please follow me, Lord Third."
Still cautious and suspicious, Hiruzen silently followed him through the ruins. With each step, broken tiles crunched underfoot and kicked up clouds of dust. After a while, White Zetsu stopped at a particular spot that looked no different from the rest.
He glanced around warily. After confirming they were alone, he carefully lifted a section of floor that had been disguised as rubble.
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. Beneath the rubble was a hidden entrance leading underground.
"Right this way," White Zetsu said quietly before descending into the secret space.
Hiruzen hesitated for a moment, then followed.
The passage was narrow and dimly lit, illuminated only by strange glowing stones embedded into the walls. The air was still and cold.
As soon as they were both inside, the trapdoor above them closed automatically, blending seamlessly with the ruins again.
Inside the underground chamber, Hiruzen was stunned by what he saw. The space was vast, much larger than he had expected, and bustling with activity. Dozens of White Zetsu clones were scattered throughout, each holding a small notebook and furiously scribbling notes.
They muttered to each other in low voices. Curious, Hiruzen stepped closer to overhear.
"…Fourth Raikage Ai is extremely picky about oranges," one White Zetsu whispered. "He won't eat even a single slice if there's a speck of white fiber on it."
"From the Land of Earth—Deidara, Third Tsuchikage Ohnoki's apprentice, staged a terrorist attack and caused numerous casualties. He's been imprisoned."
"In the Land of Water, Uchiha Obito seems to have released Fourth Mizukage Yagura from his genjutsu. The 'Blood Mist Policy' was officially abolished yesterday."
"Here's one from the Land of Wind—Chiyo, the Sand Village advisor, is suspected of keeping a young male lover. Details are under investigation."
Then came a piece of intelligence from the Land of Fire that nearly made Hiruzen choke.
"The Fire Daimyo overindulged and took Afei Brand Blue Pills for too long. He died last night… collapsed on top of his concubine."
"Damn, you think Master Afei's pills are fake?" one of the Zetsu asked in disbelief.
"No idea," another replied, "but Lord Black Zetsu has already leaked the story. The company might face a crisis of public trust."
"Frog Fun, you really are Lord Black Zetsu. Is this what high-level business warfare looks like?" a Zetsu chuckled.
Hiruzen's head was spinning.
The intelligence they had was beyond detailed. From political scandals to personal quirks, nothing escaped this organization's eyes. No wonder they'd grown so powerful, so fast. Just selling information like this could make them a fortune.
And that wasn't even accounting for their other businesses...
As he listened, Hiruzen couldn't help but recall the moment his life had changed.
That dark figure who appeared out of nowhere—holding evidence of bribery and corruption—had used it to frame him, forcing him to step down.
If not for that, Danzo would never have become Hokage.
If Danzo hadn't taken power, he wouldn't have targeted the Uchiha clan.
The Uchiha wouldn't have rebelled.
Fugaku wouldn't have become Hokage.
And Hiruzen wouldn't be here—exiled and wanted by his own village.
Of course, he hated the Uchiha. But there was one person he hated even more.
That masked man who held the evidence, who set the entire sequence of events into motion.
Hiruzen clenched his fists. "If I ever find that bastard…"
At that moment, White Zetsu stopped in front of a weathered wooden door. "Master Third, the boss is inside," he said and turned to leave.
Hiruzen was caught off guard. He had expected a grand office or a throne room. Instead, the mysterious boss resided behind this creaky old door?
He took a deep breath and opened it.
Inside was a modest room. A single desk stood in the middle, and behind it sat a figure—Black Zetsu.
"Ah, Lord Hokage, you're finally here," Black Zetsu said, smiling cheerfully from the boss chair.
Hiruzen's eyes went wide. His pupils contracted in shock. "It's you?!"
His voice trembled with disbelief.
It was the same person. The very one who ruined his life.
All at once, his rage boiled over.
That damn bastard! It's all because of him!
"You piece of shit! I'll kill you!!" Hiruzen roared and charged forward like a storm, chakra erupting around him.
Black Zetsu remained calm and spoke casually, "Stop him."
From the darkness, silver tentacles whipped out and restrained Hiruzen midair.
"You'll have to pay extra," a gruff voice said.
Black Zetsu winced. "Fine, fine! You'll get your payment!"
A figure stepped from the shadows—Kakuzu.
He caught a tossed wooden box and opened it with a satisfied nod. "Pleasure doing business."
Hiruzen, still bound by the tentacles, gasped. "What is this?!"
"Heh… Earth Grudge Fear," Kakuzu answered coldly.
Ignoring him, Black Zetsu approached. "Hiruzen, I have a proposal. Work with me, and I'll help you get your revenge on the Uchiha."
The former Hokage was silent for a long time.
He weighed the offer, pride clashing with hatred. But his anger burned stronger.
"…What are your conditions?" he finally asked.
"Work for me. Ten years. No pay."
"Done."
Without a second thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen agreed.
What did it matter? As long as he could get revenge, he didn't care about the price.
Black Zetsu motioned for Kakuzu to release him. The tentacles unraveled and fell away.
He extended a hand.
"Welcome aboard."
Hiruzen grasped it firmly.
A former Hokage, once the noble leader of the Leaf, now shaking hands with a former enemy to strike a deal in the shadows.
Black Zetsu smiled.
He had just gotten a Kage-level powerhouse to work for free.
What a bargain.
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