Path Of War

Zetsu was a unique hybrid, easy to identify by his two halves. The first half, White Zetsu, had short green hair and a single yellow eye, along with man-like features and rounded teeth. The second half, Black Zetsu, was a dark mass that merged with White Zetsu.

Surrounding them were Venus flytrap-like extensions that enclosed their head and upper body, creating a shell-like look.

Rin's gaze was drawn to the green Akatsuki ring on Black Zetsu's little finger, marked with the kanji for "sign of the boar." Even the small details were striking; the pink fingernails and blue toenails added an unusual element to their intimidating shape.

"You?!" she managed to ask. "What are you two doing here?!"

With a deep, resonant tone, Black Zetsu replied, "That is our line..."

"Ah," White Zetsu chimed in an almost playful tone. "We sensed a strange chakra in this area and wanted to take a look. But by the time we arrived, the chakra was gone. We decided to stay because we heard you mention Arthur."

Rin's chest tightened at her mistake. She felt a cold dread. These creatures, whatever they truly were, were enemies of Arthur, and if they were his enemies, then without a doubt, they were also hers.

There was only one solution in her head: run.

"That's not very nice!" White Zetsu called after her as she dashed off against the rain-soaked ground.

In the midst of her run, she felt sudden resistance pulling at her legs. Vines erupted from the earth, wrapping tightly around her ankles and halting her escape.

"Wood style?!" she gasped, recognizing the technique instantly.