Before Sasori could go on suggesting even more absurd names, Anya took control and settled on a single-character name for the organization—Zero—symbolizing a new beginning from scratch.
Seeing how firmly Big Brother Kurotsuchi insisted, Sasori had no choice but to swallow the handful of carefully crafted names he had been pondering for so long and reluctantly agreed to the name. Thus, the new organization "Zero" was officially established in Takigakure, with Anya, Kakuzu, and Sasori as its founding members. The rest remained as external members, not considered full-fledged members yet.
After completing the registration of everyone involved, Anya began conducting basic training among them to identify any promising individuals worth cultivating. During this process, he discovered an interesting Ninjutsu technique called [Camouflage Hiding Technique]. The ninja who used it had once nearly succeeded in getting close enough to strike King, but unfortunately was seen through by Anya's Sharingan.
It was essentially a simplified version of Transparent Release. Definitely a useful asset, especially for espionage and intelligence gathering. He would be retained as part of the team.
While Anya was organizing and planning the structure of Zero in Takigakure, two full months had already passed since his departure from Konoha.
Back in Konoha, two Anbu arrived outside the luxury mansion where Anya had once been imprisoned. They bore orders from the Third Hokage, officially announcing that Anya's three-year imprisonment had now expired. His freedom was restored.
The "Anya" inside the mansion casually strode out and accepted the order, but there was no trace of joy on his face at having regained his freedom. Instead, his expression carried a hint of gritted teeth and suppressed rage.
Clearly, this "Anya" was actually Tsunade in disguise using Transformation Jutsu. When she sobered up, she found the note that Anya had left behind—but he believed it was from her. Her fury, of course, was beyond words. Her first instinct had been to chase after him immediately, but the moment she stepped out of her room, Tsunade stopped herself—she couldn't go. If she did, the village would surely find out that Anya had escaped, and the remaining two months of his sentence might turn into two whole years.
Helplessly, Tsunade could only bear it alone, hoping only that Anya would truly return quickly as his note had said. In reality, however, Tsunade's hope was once again dashed. All talk—men's promises are just ghosts in the wind.
Now, two months had already passed since he left Konoha, yet he still hadn't returned. Tsunade's initial anger had gradually turned into worry. What if he actually ran into trouble out there? Tsunade exhaled slowly, staring down at the scroll in her hand. Anyway, she needed to leave this place first. She had finally escaped the prison. When Anya comes back… I'll make sure he never pulls something like this again.
As Tsunade pondered these thoughts and stepped out of the mansion, a whistling sound sliced through the air.
Reacting instinctively, Tsunade caught it barehanded—it was a kunai, wrapped in an already ignited explosive tag.
Who dared to attempt an assassination within Konoha? Shocked and furious, Tsunade crushed the explosive tag directly with her Monstrous Strength, causing a burst of thick smoke to engulf her completely.
At that moment, a voice filled with hatred roared out, "Anya! Die!"
Upon hearing the voice, Tsunade realized the truth—she was still in the Transformation Jutsu form. So this wasn't an assassination attempt on her—it was meant for Anya. But who could it be?
Forget it, whoever they are—if someone dares to attack within the Hidden Leaf Village, they cannot be tolerated.
Tsunade saw through the smoke a tall man charging forward with a ninja blade. His aura was incredibly imposing. With every heavy stomp, the ground trembled. His body didn't seem human either—it carried hints of beastly characteristics. Even before he swung his blade, its pressure already sent chills down people's spines.
Fearless and calm, Tsunade surged her chakra and gathered Monstrous Strength into her right hand. She directly countered the incoming blade using only her bare flesh-and-blood arm.
"Boom!"
Along with a thunderous sound, Tsunade stepped back one step, while the tall man flew backward violently. The ninja blade in his hand snapped cleanly in two.
As Tsunade prepared to chase him down, she suddenly noticed that the once ferocious man had already collapsed on the ground. His massive build began shrinking, his hair turning gray-white, until his towering form diminished into that of a half-grown teenage boy.
"What is going on?" Tsunade approached with great confusion for inspection. One glance at the young face and she immediately recognized this youth—now understanding instantly why he had attempted to assassinate Anya.
Sighing deeply, she murmured, "It was Hayate Gekko." No wonder then—his father, Ye He, had been killed by Anya. It's no surprise he'd lain an ambush here. But how could he have grown so strong? And what exactly is happening now?
Tsunade applied Medical Ninjutsu to Hayate Gekko's chest, examining his condition. She soon discovered his body was practically on the verge of collapse. All his organs were nearly failing; even his muscles had started dissolving. His life force had been completely drained. There was nothing more that could be done.
The commotion quickly drew attention from nearby ninjas, some of whom had already arrived—among them were Anbu agents who had just left earlier.
Tsunade shot them a serious glance and ordered, "Seal off this area. Inform the Hokage."
The two Anbu agents understood immediately and followed the command without hesitation.
Five minutes later, the Third appeared on the scene. He found Tsunade still applying Medical Ninjutsu to keep Hayate Gekko barely alive—but unfortunately, the boy's chakra flow was fading fast.
Immediately sensing something unusual, the Third first recognized Tsunade's Transformation Jutsu. After driving away all unrelated personnel, he addressed her solemnly: "Drop the Transformation Jutsu. Tell me everything that happened."
With a puff, Tsunade released the jutsu and sighed, "This is Nocturne's child."
Hayate Gekko, whose eyes had held hatred until now and who had endured with sheer willpower, instantly realized the truth when he saw the figure of his enemy transform into someone else. His expression changed to profound confusion, his face bitter. With the last bit of breath he had sustained, he finally departed from this world, leaving behind only deep regret.
Tsunade ceased her medical efforts and gently closed Hayate Gekko's eyes. Her tone grew extremely grave as she spoke: "Old man, there are people conducting forbidden experiments within the village. Hayate Gekko couldn't have possibly obtained such forbidden drugs alone."
The Third slowly nodded, a cold dread settling in his chest. Then he asked gravely, "Where is Anya now? Where has he gone?"
Tsunade replied somewhat hesitantly, "I don't know either. He said a friend might be in danger, so he went after them."
"How long ago did he leave?"
Tsunade responded honestly, "Two months."
"The Third said with frustration, "You're always coddling him like this. Something's bound to go wrong sooner or later."
Tsunade murmured to herself, "Shouldn't we focus on finding the one behind these forbidden experiments first?"
The Third had no time to continue complaining and quickly analyzed, "This kind of forbidden experiment requires a large number of human subjects and must be a long-term process. The person involved likely seldom appears publicly or participates in village activities. Hand over the analysis report of the residual drugs in Hayate Gekko's body, and I believe I can track down that person soon."
Tsunade nodded and replied, "Fine."
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