Although six White Zetsu had fused into his body, Uchiha Tensei's strength didn't increase much; he only reached mid-Kage level. Seeing that the boost fell short of his expectations, he couldn't help but complain inwardly. Fusing with so many White Zetsu and only gaining this much power? What trash. A White Zetsu body is still a White Zetsu body—it simply can't compare to my real body.
Uzumaki Mito was slightly surprised when she saw the white creatures fuse together. It was strange that they could increase their strength through merging. Still, it was only mild surprise—this level of power wasn't enough to change anything.
With the Six Purple Flames Formation gone, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others guarding outside rushed in. The moment they entered, they saw Uchiha Tensei confronting Uzumaki Mito, and they were instantly shocked.
"Uchiha Tensei? Why are you here? Weren't you seriously injured and lying in a coma?"
"Hey, Brother Hiruzen, Orochimaru, Jiraiya… it's been a while," Uchiha Tensei greeted them casually, even though his situation was far from ideal.
"It really is you, Uchiha Tensei—you…"
Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others were about to approach him, Uzumaki Mito's voice cut in sharply.
"Monkey, don't be fooled. He is not Uchiha Tensei—he's an enemy in disguise! The real Uchiha Tensei is still lying at home!"
"No way. His Chakra and appearance are exactly the same," Jiraiya said, frowning in confusion after sensing him. The others didn't speak, but they shared the same doubt. Everything about this person matched Uchiha Tensei perfectly—it was impossible to tell he was a fake.
"His appearance and Chakra may match, but I can sense his malice. The real Uchiha Tensei doesn't have that. Monkey, you understand what I mean, don't you?" Uzumaki Mito said firmly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. Others might not know, but he clearly understood Uzumaki Mito's ability to sense malice—and it had never been wrong. If she said so, then this person had to be fake.
"Who are you? Why are you impersonating Uchiha Tensei to infiltrate Konoha?" he demanded.
Seeing that even Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't believe him, Uchiha Tensei gave a bitter smile.
"Brother Hiruzen, how can even you doubt me? Have you forgotten the time you trained me? Or when we went out for barbecue together? And there's more…"
"Hm…?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi froze. Some of the things Uchiha Tensei mentioned were known only between the two of them. How could this person possibly know them? For a moment, he even wondered if Uzumaki Mito's judgment might be wrong.
Seeing his hesitation, the others began to waver as well. Everything this man said lined up perfectly. Compared to him, Uzumaki Mito, covered in golden Chakra, almost seemed more suspicious.
Seeing their reactions, Uzumaki Mito grew furious. Especially when she noticed the doubtful looks directed at her.
"Monkey, don't tell me you believe this fake too?"
"Lady Mito, this…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated. On one side was someone who seemed undeniably real; on the other was Konoha's respected elder, the First Hokage's wife. He didn't know who to trust.
"You fool! When have I ever lied? And yet you doubt me? You've truly disappointed me!" Uzumaki Mito snapped.
At that moment, the female Jonin stepped forward.
"Hokage-sama, you must trust Lady Mito! That man is definitely a fake—we've seen his true form!"
"That's right! His real body is completely white. This appearance is just a transformation!"
"Please, Hokage-sama, see through him!"
Hearing them, Hiruzen Sarutobi grew even more conflicted. These Jonin were handpicked by him—there was no way they would all be mistaken.
Taking a deep breath, he looked at Uchiha Tensei with a hardened expression.
"I was almost fooled by you. I don't know how you learned so much about me and Uchiha Tensei, but a fake is still a fake. With so many people confirming it, I won't believe another word you say."
Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the others immediately drew their kunai, their eyes fixed on the imposter.
Seeing this, Uzumaki Mito finally nodded in satisfaction. At least Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't been completely misled.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Tensei silently cursed those troublesome female Jonin.
Why do these idiots always ruin things at the worst moment? I was so close! Just a little more and I would've convinced them… Do I owe you something or what?!
"Heh, what a pity," Uzumaki Mito sneered. "You tried to deceive Konoha's ninja, but failed. Did you really think we were that easy to fool?"
Uchiha Tensei didn't argue. Instead, he spoke calmly:
"When the false is taken as true, it becomes truth. When the truth is taken as false, it becomes false. Truth and illusion… in the end, who can really tell the difference?"
He stopped trying to explain. He already understood—arguing with them was pointless.
Better to spend that effort figuring out how to escape.