Zetsu, The Akatsuki Spy

Name: Zetsu

Age: Unknown
Gender: Male
Species: Unknown

Rank: S-rank
Classification: Missing Ninja
Village/ Affiliation: Akatsuki
Alignment: Evil

Personality: Zetsu is easily distinguished by two large venus fly trap-like extensions enveloping his head and upper body. These extensions can envelope the rest of his body as well, giving him a plant-like appearance. When his extensions are open and his head is visible, it is revealed Zetsu has two different colored halves of his body, the left side completely white and the right side black. To go with this, Zetsu seems to have a split personality, as in the Japanese version of the manga the black half of his face speaks only in Katakana while the white side uses Kanji and Kana, and in the English episodes the black side has a different voice actor than the white side. The two halves also seem to converse with each other, and occasionally differ in opinion (the black half is more serious and intelligent while the white half is carefree and easygoing).[1] They also seem to communicate with their thoughts. To further his venus fly trap theme, Zetsu is also a cannibal.

Zetsu's main role within the Akatsuki is to function as a spy, often acting as a hunter-nin for Akatsuki. He has been shown able to move his body and take part in the tailed beasts sealing ritual simultaneously which, in addition to being unique to him, allows him to act as a lookout while the sealing takes place. This might refer to the split personality theme; since he acts as two different people, one side might focus on the sealing jutsu while the the other side might patrol the surrounding area. [2] When an agent to Akatsuki, or possibly even a member, dies, Zetsu is sent to devour their bodies as to not have their secrets revealed.[3] Due to the role he plays, Zetsu is the only member of Akatsuki to act without a partner on a regular basis. Despite this, Zetsu serves as a sort of superior to other members, as they often report directly to him instead of the actual leader, Pain.[4] Zetsu is also the one sent to retrieve the rings of dead Akatsuki members.[5]

Zetsu has been shown having his complete loyalty to Akatsuki, to the extent that the leader, Pain, trusts Zetsu with the knowledge of his identity. As a possible reward for his loyalty, Zetsu was once given a subordinate, Tobi, who would later become a member of Akatsuki himself. Zetsu is also shown knowing that Madara Uchiha is the founder of Akatsuki. He knows Tobi is Madara, since in chapter 395 he reports to Madara who at the time is wearing the mask that is identified with Tobi. During a conversation with Madara, Zetsu mentions that "It's been so long..." implying that he has known Madara and been part of his plans for some time.

Background: Very little is known about Zetsu's history before his time in the Akatsuki. So far, there have been no flashbacks or mentions about his village of origin or his crime that led to his defection, or if he even is a missing-nin in the first place. Many fans believe that he is from Kusagakure, but that has yet to have been made official.

Sasuke Retreival Arc: Zetsu's first appearence in the series was just after Naruto Uzumaki's and Sasuke Uchiha's battle at the Valley of the End. Just as the two delivered their final attacks, Zetsu appeared in the distance, as if surveying their power. He later appeared with the other Akatsuki members during a meeting about their plans and the situations of the world around them, commenting on how Orochimaru now had access to the Sharingan via Sasuke.

Rescue Gaara Arc: Zetsu makes a Part II appearance while Akatsuki seals the One-Tailed Shukaku to tell Pain that a rescue attempt for Gaara, whom the Akatsuki had captured, is already in motion. Following the defeats of Yura and Mukade from Sunagakure, Zetsu travels to their dead bodies' locations to devour them and destroy any secrets their bodies left behind. Following Sasori's death, Zetsu and Tobi travel to their former headquarters to retrieve Sasori's and Deidara's rings, where Zetsu sees Sasori's true form for the first time. While Deidara still lives, Tobi finds Sasori's ring, and believes he could be a member with it - Zetsu remarks that it's not that simple (Zetsu appears to be hiding Tobi's true identity to Deidara by mentioning this).

Hidan and Kakuzu Arc: Zetsu's only notable appearance in this arc is to retrieve the body of Yugito Nii, the jinchūriki Hidan and Kakuzu successfully captured, and take it to their new headquarters; This has allowed the two to track other targets, particularly Naruto Uzumaki. However, Zetsu is also shown appearing in all Akatsuki meetings during this arc.

Hunt For Uchiha Arc: Zetsu, following the death of Deidara, tells the other members that both Deidara and Tobi have died alongside Sasuke Uchiha (though only Deidara died in reality). Zetsu is also shown having watched Pain's battle with Jiraiya, and following the battle Zetsu's two halves argue over whether to watch Pain's battle with Jiraiya or Itachi Uchiha's battle with Sasuke Uchiha. He chooses Itachi's fight. As they watch the fight, Zetsu's white half wonders how Sasuke beat Itachi using only the normal Sharingan, while his black half claims that the Sharingan is just a weapon, and the skill of a weapon depends on its user. After Itachi dies and Sasuke passes out, Zetsu leaves the area, and reports to Tobi. After a short battle with the 8 Man Squad containing Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi, Sai, Yamato, Kiba, Shino, and Hinata, the two returned to the battle area where Sasuke and Itachi's battle was although Zetsu did consider about having revenge against Naruto for being called 'aloe'. They retrieved the two bodies before the 8 Man Squad did and took their leave. Zetsu is last seen at an unknown Akatsuki hideout.

Sasuke and the 8 Tails Arc: Zetsu is seen with Madara and Kisame sealing the Eight-Tails (which Sasuke successfully captured) in another hidden Akatsuki hideout. In a surprised twist of events, the host explodes into smoke, reverting back into a tentacle of the Eight-Tailed beast. Madara is shown to remain silent, as Zetsu's white half bursts out laughing, which his black half scolds him for. Kisame merely states that Sasuke had been fooled by the Jinchuriki, with a smirk.

Invasion of Pain: After Naruto's fight with Nagato, Zetsu appears on a far-off tree, watching Naruto being cheered by all of Konoha's inhabitants. Zetsu's white half says he never thought that Pain would be killed. The black half then says that he should report this news and he goes to tell Madara. After reporting, Zetsu also mentions that Konan will not be returning. Madara says that they'll need to find a replacement for her to synchronize with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. He then orders Kisame to hunt the Eight-Tails while he tends to other matters.

The Summit of the five kages: While Taka is heading to the Konohagakure, Tobi appears and tells them if they betrayed the Akatsuki they would die. Shortly after Tobi's arrival, Zetsu appears stating that Danzo is the new Hokage. Zetsu then splits apart and guides his Taka with his white half and his black half stayed behind with Madara.

Abilities: Little is currently known about Zetsu's abilities, though it has been seen he uses whatever abilities he has to help his hunter-nin role within Akatsuki. The only technique he has been shown using is his Mayfly technique, with which he merges with the ground to instantly travel to a new location. It has also been noted that Zetsu has the ability to "record" the things he sees. After the battle with Sasuke and Itachi, Madara Uchiha asks him "Did you make sure to record the whole thing while you watched?", and Zetsu replies, "Relax, I got everything". He may also be able to allow anyone to view what he's seen, noted when Madara says he'll "enjoy the viewing later", or it could just be Madara, with the use of his Sharingan, reading Zetsu's mind.[6] He has also shown the abillity to split in two, when the white side leads Taka to the Kage meeting while the black half stays with Madara.

Jutsu:
Mayfly (蜉蝣, Kagerō)
Type: No rank, Supplementary, All ranges
User: Zetsu
Debut (Anime): Naruto Episode 134
Debut (Manga): Chapter 234
Zetsu can merge his body with the ground and plants to move at very high speeds through the networks of roots and water veins. Once merged, Zetsu's presence is completely concealed, making it almost impossible to detect him. This makes this jutsu perfect for up-close spying and infiltration.

Split Body (裂変わ,Retsūwan)
Type: No rank, Supplmentary, All ranges
User: Zetsu
Debut (Manga): Chapter 453
Between Zetsu's two split personalities, Zetsu was seen able to pull apart his body seperating him into a black and white half. Not much is known about the black half since it stayed with Tobi but the white half was seen growing wings and another pair of arms and legs, leaving half his face still missing. It is unknown the full capabilities of this jutsu.

Mind Tracking Detection (心追班, Shin Tsuiden)
Type: No rank, Supplementary, All ranges
User: Zetsu
Debut (Manga): Chapter 386
Of the two split personalities Zetsu carries, the White side has a better tracking range. Using a unknown ability which the white half has, Zetsu is capable of sensing targets coming like a radar, picking up the slightest movement or chakra around the area. It is unknown how wide this range is.

Ten Outer Leech Hands (十拳魔ヒル, Tosuka Hiruge)
Type: No rank, Offensive, Short- Mid range
User: Zetsu
One of the hidden abilities of the black half of Zetsu's body, allowing zetsu to press his arm on the ground, and images of him rising up and forming one arms. All of the creations from the ground are only showing the black half, creating only half a body as they reach for the target, also can be used in a fast reaction to strike the target with ten hand strikes.

when rank is changed all is approved

The Earths Blessed Leech Child (蛭子地鄽垂, Chi no Hiruko Nettin)
Type: No rank, Offensive, Supplementary, Defensive, Short to Long range
User: Zetsu
The Earths Blessed Leech Child is a barrier jutsu which summons multiple vine like webs of plants to emerge from the ground. These vines are able to entangle themselves and form a large venus fly trap like cacoon wall around Zetsu or another ninja, blocking out a attack and protecting them or himself. Also this move can be used to trap people in a massive fly trap like a prison, but inside Zetsu can release a special gas from the Fly trap to fill the prison, knocking the target out.

Leech Projection Image (映魔身, Eigyo Hiru no Gentō)
Type: No rank, Supplementary
User: Zetsu
Using chakra from his black half, Zetsu creates a mirage to emerge fromt he tree which in all reality and un-detectable is a fake image. The image can gain info as well as Zetsu can watch through it to veiw targets while he stays at a long distance, feeding info to himself or a fellow ninja. This move was seen as zetsu was in the akatsuki base and was sealing the one tailed bijuu, he sent out a leech projection image to watch the konoha ninja coming with it. This image is able to turn there veiwing around and watch from the sky and even eye sight can zoom in like the real zetsu.

Seed Growing Skill (種子術, Shyushi Kasei no Jutsu)
Type: No rank, Offensive, Supplementary, All ranges
User: Zetsu
Zetsu's white side having his secret ability to control plants, places his hands to the ground drawing seeds. As the seeds emerge on the ground they launch toward the target. Using this jutsu as a net throughout the ground, Zetsu is able to summon multiple seeds in the ground to emerge.

Seed Entanglment Technique (種子育つ術, Shyushi Karamari no Jutsu)
Type: No rank Offensive, Supplementary, Short rank
User: Zetsu
Zetsu's white side having his secret ability to control plants, gathers his plant ability in his chest. As the plant forms in his stomach, vines wrap through his throat and form a tunnel in his mouth. Through this tunnel Zetsu can gather and fire seeds from his mouth. As the seeds shoot out they quickly change into plant vines, flying at the target and striking them violently.

Vibrating Earth Skill (地球技能振動, Kyouchi no Jutsu)
Type: No rank, Supplementary
User: Zetsu
A secret technique used by Zetsu to channel chakra into the earth, shaking it. The technique is used as a web as Zetsu places his hand to the ground, webs of chakra shaking the ground violently.

Vine (つる, Byou)
Type: No rank, Offensive, Supplementary
User: Zetsu
A very simple Ninjutsu used by Zetsu to summon a vine. This technique may be very simple but at the same time it is very complex. Using a net of chakra through seeds in the ground, or his body, Zetsu releases it through a complex process of growth. Quickly the seed transforms and moves through the process of creation, growing as a vine. Zetsu is able to control the vine to attack the target.

Jutsu Used When Both Sides Are Combined:
• Mayfly (Kagerō)
• Split Body (Retsūwan)

Jutsu Used By The White Side:
• Mind Tracking Detection (Shin Tsuiden)
• The Earths Blessed Leech Child (蛭子地鄽垂, Chi no Hiruko Nettin)
• Seed Growing Skill (Shyushi Kasei no Jutsu)
• Seed Entanglment Technique (Shyushi Karamari no Jutsu)
• Vine (Byou)
• All Seeing Eye (Kukumi no Jutsu)
• Poisonous Jumping Grass Spike (Dokukusa Kasui no Tobi)
• Gathering Acid Bullet (Kesshū Nendan)
• Acid Spray (Nensei)

Jutsu Used By The Black Side:
• Leech Projection Image (Eigyo Hiru no Gentō)
• Ten Outer Leech Hands (Tosuka Hiruge)
• Vibrating Earth Skill (Kyouchi no Jutsu)
• Demon Bull Leech Face (Shiki Buru Menhiru)
• Poison Mist Technique (Dokugiri no Jutsu)

New Jutsu
All Seeing Veiw Technique (すべてを見景色, Kukumi no Jutsu)
Type: Unknown rank, Supplementary
User: Zetsu
Debut (Manga): Chapter 255
A special technique used by Zetsu which allows his vision to transform into a all seeing range. This move is a tracking technique which was first seen in chapter 255 as the Konohagakure ninja approached the base to save gaara. Pein noted "Zetsu use you real body and the longest range" hinting that zetsu is capable of splitting into a new body. Zetsu was seen using this from a distance as he summoned his vision into the sky, making a large range of All Seeing Vision, which is supposed to be better then the Byakugan. This move is a technique of the White half of zetsu.

Poisonous Jumping Grass Spike (毒草トビ, Dokukusa Kasui no Tobi)
Type: D-rank, Offensive
User: Zetsu
A special technique used by Zetsu's White side, Using his unknown ability of plant control. Using a web of chakra which can be placed on all terrains, Zetsu releases a growing spurt through the ground, causing seeds to form and rapidly evolve into grass. Chakra fills the grass making it harder and jutt out of the ground, striking the target with chakra filled grass.

Demon Bull Leech Face (デーモンヒルの雄牛の顔, Shiki Buru Menhiru)
Type: No rank, Offensive
User: Zetsu
A special technique which was invented by Zetsu's black side, Using a form of the Mayflower and Leech Projection Image, Zetsu creates a clone like form of his black half. As the clone like profection, The black form emerges from the earth but instead of a look alike this is a complete black form. The clone emerges up, its mouth opening largely and spikes for teeth, latching onto the target and literally eating them alive.

Poison Mist Technique (毒霧, Dokugiri)
Type: B-rank, Offensive, Short to mid-range (0-10m)[1]
User: Multiple ninja
Debut (Anime): Naruto Episode 94
Debut (Manga): Chapter 166
Chakra is kneaded within the body and then changed into special chemical substances. It is then ejected through the mouth. When this substance comes in contact with the air outside the body, it instantly changes and is transformed into a mist of deadly poison. As this techniques combines ninjutsu, chemistry, and medical knowledge, using it requires fine chakra control and advanced ability in medical ninjutsu.

Gathering Acid Bullet (Kesshū Nendan)
Type: A-rank, Offensive
User: Zetsu
Using his bodies acidic nature in the plants, Zetsu releases a powerful spinning blast of acid from his mouth to come crashing into the target.

Acid Spray (Nensei)
Type: A-rank, Offensive, Supplementary
User: Zetsu
As zetsu gathers chakra through his body he slowly begins to form a acidic formation in his chest. Zetsu pulls all of the acid into his mouth then releases it in a strong spray which splashes like a wave across the ground. The acid is made to eat anything it touches.