Chapter 109: Dangerous Genius and Shadows of Conspiracy

Within the shadowy depths of a secluded hideout, the dual-toned Zetsu—Black and White—murmured with a grave tone, his twisted face contorted into a mask of fascination and worry.

"What terrifying lightning…" he muttered, his expression solemn as he looked over a map of the Rain Country's battlefield, saturated with chakra signatures. "Even though they tried to erase the traces, the power still lingers... It's monstrous."

He turned to the massive figure of Madara Uchiha, his voice weighted. "With one blow, Uchiha Gin obliterated over a thousand Amegakure shinobi. Two strikes—more than two thousand dead. And he's only ten years old."

The black half of Zetsu chuckled darkly. "And he's mastered the Hiraishin no Jutsu… Tobirama's Flying Thunder God technique. Killed Hanzo of the Salamander instantly."

Madara's brow furrowed slightly. He said nothing, listening intently.

"Though I couldn't get close due to their barrier, I saw it clearly from afar," Zetsu continued. "He used the terrain of Amegakure to his advantage—merged with lightning, struck from the clouds. He didn't just win—he dominated."

Zetsu gave a rare grimace. "At first, we thought he could be manipulated. Young, gifted, emotionally bound to friends and clan... it was a perfect recipe. A few provocations, we thought, and he'd become Madara-sama's tool. A performer."

"But we were wrong. He's far too capable. Not a tool… a threat."

He continued his report. "I infiltrated Konoha's front-line camp. Gin exposed the crimes of Danzō and the Sandaime Hokage. And more importantly—Uzumaki Mito and Uchiha Hikari are making moves. With the full-body Susano'o and control of the Kyūbi, they crushed the Sarutobi and other resisting clans. The balance of power has shifted."

Madara narrowed his gaze, finally responding. "So even Mito… She still holds such power?"

Zetsu nodded. "You would not believe how young they look—Mito and Hikari. Full of vitality. Their chakra—oppressive, almost on your level."

Madara stood, folding his arms. "I don't believe it. No one but I can be at that level. Not unless… they've found a way to prolong life."

Zetsu answered slowly. "Possibly. Rumors point to special nutritional pills from the Uchiha. But I couldn't verify anything. Two years ago, Mito and Hikari created a barrier—no Zetsu can pass. It covers the territories of the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki."

Madara's scowl deepened.

"This—this is unacceptable," he spat. "Not only Gin, but Hikari and Mito too… all must be removed. If Konoha becomes too powerful before my resurrection—my entire plan will be undone."

Zetsu bowed slightly, but his thoughts darkened. He must not find the secret to prolonging life. If Madara lived indefinitely, Zetsu's long scheme—the resurrection of Kaguya—would be ruined.

"I suggest," Zetsu said aloud, "that we strike now. Use Gin as bait. He cares for his comrades. We threaten them, and he will call for Hikari and Mito using Hiraishin. Once they're together, we strike with three Mokuton clones."

Madara's expression remained unreadable.

"What makes you think he won't simply run?"

"He won't," Zetsu grinned. "He's preparing to become Hokage. His reputation is his life. If his comrades are endangered, he will not flee. He must act. And if you, Madara-sama, reveal yourself... fear will force his hand."

Madara smirked. "Very well. Prepare it."

Zetsu bowed. "I will return with your clone."

Far from this dark chamber, in the stone-cold command tent of Iwagakure, the Tsuchikage Ōnoki listened in stunned silence.

"What did you say?" he finally barked.

A kneeling scout trembled. "It's true. Hanzo and Danzō… both dead. Uchiha Gin annihilated over 2,000 Ame-nin with lightning. Danzo's men were also poisoned by Hanzo's mist, but our theory is—Tsunade may have altered the poison."

"Impossible… Weren't Hanzo and Danzō allies?" Ōnoki growled.

"We believe the betrayal occurred after the defeat of the clans. But the exact sequence—uncertain."

"And this boy—Gin—you say he used the Flying Thunder God technique? Instantly killed Hanzo?"

"Yes, Tsuchikage-sama," the scout confirmed. "We witnessed it. Two strikes of lightning. Then teleportation and decapitation. It was terrifying."

Ōnoki's eyes narrowed.

"I've never heard of such a child. And you're sure he's a child?"

"Looks young—face still youthful, maybe 14 or 15 at most. But tall—around 170 cm."

"Could be like Yagura—just appears young?"

"No, Lord Ōnoki. We confirmed it. He is the son of Uchiha Hikari—the de facto head of the Uchiha clan. The one who crushed the rebellion after awakening the Mangekyō."

Ōnoki stared into the flickering torchlight.

"A boy with lightning that can kill armies. A mother who commands Susano'o and has ties with both Senju and Uzumaki. And a nation that dares to rebuild itself stronger. Why does Konoha get all the monsters?"

He clenched his fists.

"No... this child cannot be allowed to live."

The intelligence commander hesitated. "There's more. We believe Konoha is preparing to occupy Amegakure entirely. They'll move quickly to avoid our intervention."

Ōnoki's voice hardened. "Then we intervene. Get me the Kazekage. We move now."

Just hours later, in the Suna border camp, the Third Kazekage stood with his arms crossed, listening carefully.

"So Hanzo is gone. Danzō is dead. And Konoha prepares to take Ame."

Ōnoki nodded. "We must act now. This Gin… he is too dangerous. Hiraishin makes him nearly untouchable. If he lives, he could tip the balance for decades."

Kazekage considered this, then nodded. "We agree. We'll strike now—before Konoha secures Ame. We'll meet there."

As they parted ways to prepare their forces, both Kage understood: this was no longer about winning a war. It was about preventing the rise of a legend. A legend named Uchiha Gin.

And far away, in the darkness, Madara's clone began to take form—an avatar of destruction, guided by vengeance and manipulated by a being older than time.

The pieces were set. The storm was coming.