Chapter 343: White Zetsu Exposed, Mei Terumi Takes the Stage
The man who had vaulted over the wall was none other than Minazuki Reika's companion, the founder of the Kaguya clan.
He unceremoniously dumped the person on his shoulder onto the ground and grumbled, "Snatching this impostor right in front of that many people... I couldn't exactly take my time."
The surrounding members of the Minazuki clan, along with the arriving Mist shinobi, stared at the two identical faces on the ground. For a moment, no one even thought to attack Reika or her companion.
Looking at the unconscious "Minazuki Saya" on the ground, Mei Terumi walked forward silently. She reached out and felt the face, searching for a mask or transformation seal, but found no trace of disguise. Baffled, she turned her gaze to Minazuki Reika for answers.
"Step aside."
Reika crouched down and placed her hand on the "Mizukage." A layer of frost instantly spread from her point of contact, rapidly covering the body.
"Speak your origin, and I might decide to spare your life," Reika said, her voice as cold as the ice she commanded.
However, as a mere clone, White Zetsu was immune to such threats.
The disguise slowly peeled away, revealing the pale, plant-like true form of White Zetsu. Amidst the horrified and angry gazes of the crowd, he let out a strange, mocking laugh. "Even if you expose me today, it's useless. I will return eventually. And when that day comes..."
Crack.
The frozen body instantly shattered into a pile of ice dust. White Zetsu died before he could finish his final threat.
Looking at the shattered remains, Reika spoke coldly. "Unfortunately, you won't live to see that day."
She stood up, her gaze sweeping over the crowd with undeniable authority. With a flick of her wrist, the golden Ninshu Decree appeared for all to see.
"As you have seen, your Mizukage was an impostor. Until a new Mizukage is chosen, the Mist Village will be temporarily under the jurisdiction of the Ninja Sect."
A surge of terrifying power, honed to the ultimate level of her Ice Style Kekkei Genkai, washed over the crowd. Some shinobi who wanted to object found that not only were their mouths frozen shut, but their very thoughts seemed to slow under the influence of the chilling aura. Gripped by fear, they had no choice but to obey the woman before them.
"Good." Reika nodded with a satisfied smile. She grabbed the bewildered Mei Terumi and walked toward the building that was clearly the council hall.
"I know you have doubts. If you want the truth, follow me."
Inside the Minazuki clan's council hall, nearly all the high-ranking officials of the Mist Village had gathered. Minazuki Reika recounted her origins, the mission of the Ninja Sect, and how she had discovered the Mizukage was a fake.
Regardless of the others' reactions, the Minazuki clan was overjoyed. Although the appearance of a living ancestor was bizarre, her unparalleled Ice Style power was undeniable. Furthermore, by comparing her to preserved portraits, they confirmed Reika's identity.
With the Minazuki clan's full support, the other high-ranking officials, despite their dissatisfaction, had to reluctantly accept Reika's temporary leadership.
It is worth noting that after confirming the man's identity, the Kaguya clan also threw their full support behind them. They even proposed that their clan's founder take the position of Mizukage, but the man rejected the suggestion immediately.
"The Ninja Sect does not interfere in the internal politics of the various factions. You can rest assured of that," the man stated firmly, relieving everyone except the Kaguya clan.
Seeing no further objections to their origins, Reika thought for a moment, then pulled Mei Terumi, who was sitting beside her, to the front. She pointed at Mei and said, "During the enforcement of the Ninshu Decree, she will handle the internal affairs of the Mist Village. I will take command of all military deployments."
Seeing Mei Terumi pushed to the forefront, many Mist shinobi immediately voiced their approval. These were people who were already close to Mei or were her direct subordinates.
Possessing two Kekkei Genkai and standing at the pinnacle of the Mist's strength, Mei had cultivated a strong following over the years. With the tacit approval of the two great clans—Minazuki and Kaguya—the matter was settled.
To repay Reika, and under the coordination of the temporary leader Mei Terumi, the Mist Village began active preparations for war.
Rain Village, New Akatsuki Base.
"Madara-san, we can't just keep avoiding battle like this. Should I go and take care of that old man Hanzo...?" A shark-faced man, stroking the strange bandaged sword in his hand, spoke to the masked Obito, who was posing as Madara.
This shark-faced man was none other than Kisame Hoshigaki, who had recently been recruited into the Akatsuki.
"It is not yet time. Be patient," Obito's raspy voice echoed in Kisame's ears, soothing his restless heart.
Just as Kisame wanted to ask about their next move, the white half of Zetsu, who was standing silently nearby, suddenly let out a startled yelp.
"...What is it? Why are you making such a fuss?" Black Zetsu scolded the other half of his body irritably.
Kisame looked blankly at the two-in-one entity, thinking to himself, I thought I was a freak, but... as expected of the organization founded by Lord Madara, it really is unique.
"What happened?" at Obito's inquiry, White Zetsu sheepishly explained how his clone in the Mist had been exposed and destroyed.
"...It doesn't matter. The Mist Village should have been discarded long ago anyway." Obito, though nursing a headache, managed to comfort White Zetsu. He thought for a moment and asked, "How is the progress on Dark Owl's side?"
"It's going smoothly. We've located several of Orochimaru's hideouts. I believe we will find him very soon."
"Good. With Orochimaru's addition, the Akatsuki's strength will rise to another level." Hearing this news, Obito finally felt some relief.
Of course, aside from these matters, there was one thing that troubled him greatly: the sudden emergence of the Ninshu (Ninja Sect).
Upon learning of their existence, Obito had attempted to secretly ally with them to wipe out the powerful Konoha. Unfortunately, the Ninja Sect detested mercenary groups like theirs. It was a miracle they didn't attack the Akatsuki on sight; expecting an alliance was impossible.
Therefore, Obito decided to let the Akatsuki lay low for now. They would watch the impending war from the shadows while silently accumulating strength.
They would wait for the time to be ripe before beginning the capture of the Tailed Beasts.