[Pokémon Breeder in One Piece] Chapter 317 (Patreon)

On a certain day during Dak's third month in this world...

"I've been waiting for you. Finally, you've appeared."

Outside Akatsuki's core base, the Water Curtain Cave, a pitch-black humanoid creature was suddenly immobilized by Dak's psychic abilities.

"I can't move?! Who are you?!"

Zetsu, frozen the moment he showed himself, was completely stunned.

As one of Akatsuki's high-ranking members who had appeared publicly, Dak's name remained unknown to most. However, nearly every member of Akatsuki knew of a man who stood on equal footing with Madara.

The ninja world was in an uproar over the Land of Rain and Akatsuki's affairs. There was no way Zetsu hadn't heard of them.

When Madara's name first resurfaced, Zetsu scoffed at the idea.

He had witnessed Madara being defeated by Hashirama. How could he have returned?

But as the commotion grew louder and louder—when even Izuna and the major Tailed Beasts had been captured—Zetsu couldn't help but investigate the situation himself.

To his shock, the Tailed Beasts had indeed vanished!

This revelation frightened Zetsu immensely, as the Tailed Beasts were crucial to the revival of the Ten-Tails.

Step by step, Zetsu traced the events back to their source, eventually concluding that he had to visit the Land of Rain in person to uncover the truth.

However, the moment he arrived and showed himself, he was instantly subdued.

"Don't bother figuring out who I am. You're going to die."

Dak had no intention of wasting words on Zetsu.

He had spent enough time in this era, and just the thought of adjusting to the changes upon his return annoyed him.

"Wait—"

[Hypnosis].

Dak's eyes emitted a faint crimson glow, directed toward the back of Zetsu's head.

Unlike genjutsu, psychic Hypnosis didn't require eye contact to take effect. Unless a special countermeasure was in place, the target had no way to resist the spell—except by hoping the user failed.

In the case of human psychics, failure was almost never an option. Once mastered, the technique was nearly infallible.

Zetsu fell asleep instantly.

Dak didn't know how long Hypnosis would last on Zetsu, given his unique nature as a will-based creation, so he immediately followed up with another move.

[Dream Eater].

The crimson glow condensed into a giant mouth, engulfing Zetsu entirely.

In his dreams, Zetsu's expression shifted from calm to grotesquely twisted before eventually returning to peace.

When Dak finished, Zetsu's body stirred.

His body was awake.

His consciousness was gone.

Using his psychic abilities and aura, Dak confirmed that Zetsu's body no longer harbored any emotions or thoughts. It was as if he were an empty puppet, devoid of a soul.

Dak spared Zetsu's body for one reason: it could serve as an experimental subject for Akatsuki. Perhaps it would lead to research breakthroughs, such as recreating the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai.

Even if not, as a creation of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's will, Zetsu's body undoubtedly held significant value.

Later that night, Dak summoned Madara to his residence in the Land of Rain.

"What is it? Shouldn't you already be sound asleep by now?" Madara asked with a puzzled look as he entered.

Over the past two months, Madara had come to understand Dak's nature—a surprisingly laid-back individual.

That such a person could become the first Champion of the Pokémon League? It was baffling.

Then again, Madara thought of Hashirama, who was even more carefree than Dak, and suddenly it made sense.

Perhaps Dak wasn't exceptional in every way, but his ability to identify and empower others was enough.

"This is for you. Zetsu's consciousness has been erased, but to be safe, you should still keep a close watch on it."

Dak tossed Zetsu's lifeless body at Madara's feet.

"Hmm?"

Madara frowned as he examined the pitch-black creature. It was hard to believe he had once been outsmarted by something like this.

"Why not just kill it?"

"As a creation of Kaguya's will, it might hold clues to something useful. With your Hashirama cells, there could be synergistic effects—perhaps even accelerating your awakening of the Rinnegan or unlocking Wood Release."

Dak shared his thoughts but didn't elaborate further.

After all, he wasn't a scientist. A specimen like Zetsu would be better left to someone like Orochimaru.

"Is that all you called me for?"

"No, I'm nearly ready to leave this era."

Dak shook his head, revealing his true purpose for calling Madara.

"Oh."

Madara paused, his expression briefly flickering with surprise before settling into indifference. He tilted his head up, feigning nonchalance.

But to a psychic, "tsundere" didn't exist as a concept.

To Madara, Dak wasn't just a companion but also a confidant—a kindred spirit who shared his ideals and supported him when no one else would.

With Hashirama gone and now Dak leaving, it was only natural for Madara to feel a sense of loneliness.

Fortunately, he still had others by his side, like Izuna, the Akatsuki members, and even a Growlithe.

"Come, I won't tell you everything about the future because my presence has likely altered much of it."

Dak sat cross-legged on a tatami mat, motioning Madara to sit across from him. On the table between them were several sheets of paper.

"What are these?"

Madara leaned closer and noticed the pages were filled with densely written names.

"These are people you should watch out for in the future, categorized into three levels."

Dak slid the first sheet toward Madara.

"This one lists the most important individuals."

Madara read a few names aloud:

"Jiraiya, Dan, Hiruzen, Obito, Itachi, Shisui, Nagato, Yahiko, Konan, Mei."

"Not all of them are geniuses, but they all share a desire for peace. You should try to recruit them into Akatsuki. However, be mindful—some require careful guidance, or they might stray onto a darker path."

Although most potential threats had been neutralized, Dak wanted to prepare Madara for any unforeseen changes.

Madara nodded, understanding why these individuals were ranked as top priorities.

"This next list contains pure shinobi. They may not have grand ideals, but they can become reliable allies."

The second sheet listed names like:

"Sakumo, Might Duy, Might Guy, Kakashi, Minato, Tsunade, Pakura, Ranmaru."

"Mostly Konoha shinobi, huh?"

"Of course. Konoha is a cradle for talent," Dak replied, though the truth was he didn't know much about geniuses from other villages.

"What about this one?"

Madara gestured toward the last sheet. The writing on it seemed more cautious and deliberate, with notes on each individual's origin and time of birth.

"These are geniuses with unique talents, but unlike Obito and Itachi, their potential dangers haven't been fully addressed. Be extremely cautious in dealing with them. If you can't manage them carefully, it's better not to use them at all."

"Interesting."

Madara read through the list, noting names like Orochimaru, Hiruko, and Kabuto—individuals marked as key figures for research and development.

Others, like Sasori, Kisame, Zabuza, Deidara, Guren, and Toneri, were marked as dangerous but potentially useful assets.

Dak also shared insights about Kaguya, the Sage of Six Paths, the Tailed Beasts, the Ōtsutsuki clan, and even future events from the Boruto era.

As Dak spoke, the night passed, and dawn broke.

"That's about everything. Remember, Madara—the ninja world is in your hands now."

Dak stood up, gazing at the sunrise through the window.

"Don't worry," Madara said, rising as well, his tone surprisingly lighthearted.

"If you ever face something insurmountable, just stall for time. I'll return in 38 years," Dak said, giving Madara a hug. Behind him, Darkrai and Dialga appeared, opening a blue, shimmering time portal.

"Never forget, you have me as your ally. No matter what happens, I've got your back. So go forward without hesitation."

Madara watched as Dak stepped into the portal.

"See you in the future, Madara."

"See you in the future, Dak."

(End of Chapter)

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