Chapter 259: 252: Paving the Way
Rain lashed against a tower, a relentless rhythm echoing even within one of the shadowed chamber.
"Are you finished?"
Nagato erged from the shadows, and behind was Konan with her characteristically cold expression. Gone was the innocent girl who knew naught of the world a few years ago; this cruel reality had hardened her heart, leaving it seemingly frozen.
"It's done, but whether it will vear any fruit remains uncertain. Danzo controls the leadership, after all." White zetsu spread his hands helplessly
Nagato's eyes narrowed.
"Just.. try your best. We will need the Sharingan's power to capture the tailed beasts."
In Nagato's view, while Orochimaru's recruit, Hiruko, had that forbidden jutsu to fuse with different kekkei genkai, jt should have certain limitations compared to a pure Uchiha with the Sharingan.
One such advantage was the Mangekyo Sharingan, a far more terrifying pupil technique than Sharingan itself. Guruguru's mastery of the Mangekyou sharingan was proof enough. Its ability to manipulate space-ti made it a deadly tool for long-range assassination, guaranteeing a victim's death.
"Unfortunately, Itachi's training will take too long. Danzo might paint him with undesirable colors in the anti."
Genius, however, couldn't be hidden forever. The young Uchiha's talent was a beacon that drew unwanted attention.
Investigating the Uchiha clan and seeking for recruits was Black zetsu's initial suggestion. He reasoned recruiting an Uchiha would enhance their tailed beast capture efforts and counter enemies wielding the sa kekkei genkai.
"Wouldn't Uchiha Shisui be a more convenient target?" Nagato countered.
Shisui Uchiha, like Hatake Kakashi before him, stood as Konoha's rising star, a leader among the younger generation.
"It is possible, but he would be more difficult to approach. Uchiha Shisui is very powerful, and we might not even be able to control him."
The subtext of White zetsu's words was that even Nagato might struggle to control such a powerful ninja. Shisui's youth masked his undeniable strength. His Sharingan mastery made him arguably the strongest Uchiha in Konoha
Several close calls during his surveillance had forced White zetsu to maintain a cautious distance, a stark contrast to his usual nonchalance.
"This is a problem. I'll leave it to you to deal with then."
Nagato acknowledged, not offering further involvent. He was already burdened with A affairs. Konoha's matters only added to his exhaustion.
Leaving such tasks to White zetsu and Black zetsu was the most efficient course of action. They, as embodints of Madara's will, understood how to handle and guide ninjas from the Uchiha clan.
"Okay.. In addition, I've gathered so clues regarding Chiba Shiraishi's hidden stronghold."
White zetsu's tone suddenly beca serious, no longer like his previous playful expression. This, unlike the Konoha matter, was a concern deserving their full attention.
"Are you certain?"
"Well.. I'm not certain yet... I haven't fully investigated but It offers the necessary concealnt for their operations."
Nagato fell silent, his mind churning with calculations and strategies.
"Leave them be. It's probably better not to test them. After finally reaching a peaceful deal, poking the tiger's beard is unwise."
In Nagato's eyes, Shiraishi, possessing the powers of Uchiha, Hyuga, Uzumaki, and more unknown capabilities, was undoubtedly a tiger. But what made him even more wary was this tiger's aggression is a stark contrast to Konoha's docility.
Touching their true interests would severely hinder Akatsuki's operations, jeopardizing both the Land of Rain and Agakure. Maintaining the non-interference was Nagato's top priority.
Even now, he lacked confidence in facing the three of them. However, he acknowledged their shared dissatisfaction with the existing power structure, so their interests wouldn't clash for now..
Understanding this brought Nagato a asure of peace. Akatsuki was still in its infancy, incapable of weathering too many storms. They needed more capable ninjas to strengthen their ranks.
White zetsu, of course, understood Nagato's cautious nature. He saw exposing this information to Konoha as an excellent strategy, killing two birds with one stone. But the consequences would be disastrous. Akatsuki and Agakure would be utterly destroyed.
Therefore, bound by absolute loyalty, White Zetsu wouldn't dare send this ssage to Konoha without Nagato's order. His trust lost, the consequences could be catastrophic, potentially leading to mutual betrayal.
"We understand."
"Uchiha Itachi is your responsibility, but don't neglect the other missions."
Nagato held no particular interest toward Uchiha Itachi. Even Black Zetsu, who rarely spoke highly of others, had ntioned his talent only once. However, talent didn't guarantee growth, and even if he matured, Akatsuki might not benefit.
The uncertainty was simply too high.
Therefore, Nagato preferred White zetsu to focus on other powerful ninjas.
After White zetsu withdrew, Konan's voice echoed from behind:
"They seem to have their own agenda."
"It's an agreent between Madara and . Their thoughts matter little as long as they perform their duties."
Nagato was aware of White Zetsu and Black Zetsu's independent thoughts, and he had accepted it. No matter their motives, as long as they completed their assigned mission effectively, that was enough.
As for Madara's what... No, there should be sothing.
As for what Madara left behind, however, remained unclear to Nagato. He wasn't sure whether it would benefit him or if Madara intended to break their agreent or support him. It was an unknown variable.
"Does the sa apply to Orochimaru?"
Nagato fell silent at Konan's question. He knew Konan had always been skeptical towards Orochimaru joining the Akatsuki
Orochimaru's betrayal of Agakure at that war had caused A to suffer heavy losses, and he even took advantage of A's trust in Konoha which had led to Yahiko and their Akatsuki comrades' tragic death at Konoha's Root hands.
"In tis of war, alliances are temporary. Konan, personal feelings have no place in our work. We have no choice."
Its truw that Nagato, as an A ninja, had every reason to had ten thousand reasons to seek vengeance against Orochimaru, he also had ten thousand reasons not to kill him.
Orochimaru's strength and talent were invaluable to Nagato. Furthermore, during the war, as a Konoha ninja, Orochimaru's loyalty and contribution to Konoha were undeniable.
With a agre force, he held off Sunagakure, fighting to the death without retreat, buying enough ti for Konoha troops on the Iwa front to prevent Suna and Iwa from joining forces.
The advantages of recruiting such talent outweighed the disadvantages.
As for hatred... it was perhaps the most useless emotion, Nagato laughed at himself.
"I see."
Nagato had indeed changed. And not just him, Konan realized.
Pain had made them grow.
In the past, she might have been consud by a desire for revenge against Orochimaru.
After all, when Yahiko was killed by Root, it was when Orochimaru and Danzo's Root cooperated most closely. Even now, Orochimaru may secretly have been contacting Danzo.
Nagato had also done sa. Though the contact with Danzo involved Guruguru disguised as 'Madara', White zetsu wouldn't initiate contact without Nagato's consent.
The growth of the Danzo's Root ant that within Konoha, there was one more person who was equal to the Third Hokage Hiruzen.
As long as Danzo continued to increase his power, Akatsuki's operations will beco much smoother. Based on the result, Nagato will approve of White zetsu's contact with Danzo.
....
The team's atmosphere had changed, which Itachi had expected. Tenma's death, after all, ant the loss of a comrade who had been by his side for a year. He, too, had envisioned their team bond lasting much longer.
Seeing Inari again, Itachi noticed a shadow clouding her eyes. Tenma's death seed to have shrinked the kinder, gentler mber of their team.
Reuniting held an important purpose for Itachi, to ask their team leader sothing important.
"The Chunin Exams?"
Listening to Itachi's request, Minazuki scratched his head in difficulty, as if he was very distressed by it.
"Is sothing wrong?" Itachi asked puzzledly.
In fact, his strength had already advanced. Especially after awakening his Sharingan, Itachi was confident of passing the Chunin Exams and becoming a Chunin. Only by becoming a Chunin could he take on more advanced missions and further hone his abilities.
Moreover, the Uchiha clan expected him to advance quickly.
The Uchiha's current reputation within Konoha wasn't favorable, they needed him to accumulate fa to prepare for the position of the Fifth Hokage.
With the Fourth Hokage gone and the Third Hokage getting older, the radical Uchiha faction saw a chance for their clan to claim the Hokage position.
While his father, Fugaku, advocated for a gradual approach, he barely managed to keep the Uchiha's ambitions in check. Moreover, Itachi knew his father craved the Hokage position as well.
Securing the Hokage seat could significantly improve the Uchihas' standing in Konoha, like changing the police force system.
For these reasons, Itachi had beco, to so degree, the Uchiha clan's mouthpiece.
"Actually, Inari ca to resign today. She doesn't want to be a ninja anymore." Minazuki said regretfully, glancing at Inari.
Itachi also looked at Inari in surprise.
Inari offered Itachi an apologetic smile, her eyes filled with sadness. "I'm sorry, Itachi. You can say I'm weak, but I'm really afraid that one day i will be killed like Tenma... After Minazuki-sensei's words, I've finally understood..."
In the ninja academy, she had fantasized of becoming a ninja. It was a point of imnse pride. But seeing Tenma's mutilated corpse after his death in the line of duty abruptly revealed the cruel and harsh reality of the ninja world.
Though older than Itachi by a few years, her endurance has always been the weakest in their team. She couldn't bear the thought of her own death or that of her comrades.
"Is that so? Then it's alright."
Itachi always knew Inari was a kind soul. Retreating when faced with such challenges was comndable. In Itachi's eyes, Inari, with her self-awareness, far surpassed many ninjas who were blind to see their limitations.
Yet, Itachi still had a nagging doubt. There was still plenty of ti before this year's Chunin Exams. In that tifra, Minazuki-sensdi could easily find two new teammates, who woukd form a new team with him to participate in the Chunin exam.
In the previous Chunin exams, many teams had faced similar shortages, had scrambled to fill their ranks before the exams. However, Minazuki-sensei readily gave up on this year's opportunity, which was increasing Itachi's suspicion about sothing.
"Yeah, it's a sha about this year. I'm searching for suitable replacents, and I'm not sure if Hokage-sama will agree."
Minazuki nodded, his gaze distant and troubled.
....
"Will Uchiha Itachi not be participating in this year's Chunin Exams?"
The speaker in the Hokage's office was Shimura Danzo. His visit, seeking information on a burgeoning Uchiha ninja whcih jad surprised the Hokage, Hiruzen.
Hiruzen reviewed the list of ninjas participating in this year's Chunin exam. There are a total 41 groups, comprising a total of 123 Genins taking part in the Chunin exam. However, among these 123 ninjas, the na Uchiha Itachi wasn't among them.
Hiruzen paused, then responded, "In Minazuki's team, one mber recently died in the line of duty, and the other seems to have been haunted by the incident. She had resigned and she's no longer a ninja. Therefore, the only remaining ninja in Minazuki's team is Uchiha Itachi, and there is no way for one person to participate in the Chunin exam."
Because the exam not only assessed a ninja's individual strength but also assessed their leadership abilities. So ninjas are powerful but lack leadership abilities.
Allowing Itachi to participate in the Chunin exam alone would be unfair treatnt to both him and the other candidates.
"Is that so? But what's your opinion on Minazuki Yuki, the jonin?" Danzo asked, diverting from the current topic.
"Minazuki Yuki?"
Hiruzen was surprised; he didn't anticipate Danzo bringing up Itachi's leading Jonin.
"What about him?"
"He has a dark side."
Danzo said this without hesitation, with a sneer at the corner of his mouth, as if he had discovered so important secret.
"What?" Hiruzen was stunned.
"Although on the surface, he appears dedicated as a jonin. However, he's been consud by jealousy, he's been secretly suppressing talented ninjas. He even creates psychological shadows on his subordinates, forcing so of them to give up becoming ninjas."
While one of Itachi's team mbers died and another resigned, neither was necessary. If Minazuki Yuki had acknowledged the matter, high-level officials would undoubtedly have taken notice given a mber of the team's na was Uchiha Itachi.
However, Minazuki Yuki hasn't made them aware of the matter, raising suspicions.
"Is this information accurate?" Hiruzen beca serious.
"Do you doubt my intelligence with sothing like this?" Danzo asked rhetorically.
Hiruzen was speechless. He knew better than to argue Danzo has always operated in the shadows. If Minazuki Yuki had indeed truly engaged in such activities, it wouldn't escape Danzo's notice.
"I see, I will thoroughly investigate Minazuki Yuki."
If Danzo's information held true, it was critical. A ninja leading others in missions with such behavior could destroy more talents.
Perhaps, Minazuki Yuki had been secretly planning on how to suppress Itachi preventing him from qualifying for the Chunin Exam.
"It doesn't matter about Minazuki Yuki. Uchiha Itachi will participate in the Chunin Exams, one way or another. I have plans for him. He could even bypass the exams and directly beco a Chunin through a high-level council decision."
Danzo made no secret of his covetousness for Itachi. After interacting with Itachi, he realized Itachi belonged to his cause, and it could only be his side.
Neither Hiruzen nor the man claiming to be 'Madara' understood the darkness in Itachi's eyes. Only him, also dwelling in darkness, could understand the darkness borne by Uchiha Itachi.
Itachi perfectly aligned with the Root's concept.
"No, Chunin requires leadership skills, and one person cannot pass the test alone."
Hiruzen shook his head and refused. He didn't know of Danzo's plans, but Root's power couldn't be further superimposed.
Due to the trouble caused by Kumo, Hiruzen suspected collusion between soone in the Hyuga clan and Danzo, aiming to save the Hyuga clan at any cost. Adding a ninja from the Uchiha clan would increase Root's authority. He couldn't tolerate such an occurrence.
"Itachi is not suitable for forming a team. An incompetent leader and diocre teammates will only hinder his progress."
"He's just a kid."
Hiruzen understands the hidden aning behind Danzo's words. Danzo was insinuating that Itachi, like White Fang and Yellow Flash before him, possessed the potential for greatness.
But for now, that's all it was 'potential'.
"Yes one day, he will grow up. A genius deserves cultivation, but replicating the White Fang team's model is impossible."
Back then, to maximize the White Fang team's potential, Uchiha and Hyuga were assigned as teammates, and the village's limited dical ninjas were equipped to cater to Sakumo's every need. This setup led to the White Fang's legendary reputation.
However, such level of success wasn't easily replicated.
Instead, Danzo believed it was more appropriate to mold Itachi into a lone ninja similar to the Yellow flash. So, a decision needed to be made to permit Itachi to participate in the Chunin Exam alone.
Itachi who had awakened his Sharingan should possess the ability to pass the exam on his own.
"I'll need ti to consider it."
Hiruzen acknowledges Danzo's honesty, yet he remains uncertain about Uchiha Itachi's stance. He didn't want the highly respected Uchiha genius to beco a tool in Danzo's hands.
"As soon as possible. Also, one more thing."
Danzo recognized the need for patience in this matter, providing Hiruzen with ti.
"What?"
"About Orochimaru..."
"Orochimaru?"
Hiruzen's eyes reveal complication at the ntion of the na, and his aura diminished slightly, eliciting a sneer from Danzo.
Sure enough, he was getting old. Just the ntion of the na was enough to unsettle him. This vulnerability presented an opportunity. Unfortunately, now wasn't the ideal ti to act on it.
"He has joined a dangerous organization comprised of rebels."
"Orochimaru joined a rebel organization?"
Hiruzen knew Orochimaru's arrogance. Even if he defected from Konoha, his pride wouldn't allow him to associate with just any rebellious group. This organization must be sothing truly remarkable, sothing capable of attracting his most brilliant student.
"Yes. The organization's na and motives remain shrouded in mystery, but its danger is undeniable. Have the Anbu prepare for potential conflict."
Danzo, while lacking concrete details about the organization's ties to Madara, knew the Uchiha leader harbored ulterior motives. He couldn't simply rely on Itachi's lineage to combat this unseen threat. He needed his own contingency, and disclosing snippets of intel to Hiruzen was his way of mobilizing Anbu's resources against this unknown organization.
"I understand." Hiruzen responded, his voice resolute. "I will task both Anbu and Jiraiya with investigating this matter."
"Root will assist as well." Danzo added.
By working together, they hoped to contain this looming threat.
However, both Hiruzen and Danzo knew that apprehending the traitors involved in the original defection incident, a tragedy that occurred nearly a decade ago, was no longer a viable option.
Unlike Orochimaru, whose reach within Konoha remained limited, the other three had garnered support from both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. Such a force was beyond the scope of Anbu's capabilities.
...
"Hoo..."
Itachi hadn't smiled so genuinely in a long ti.
"It's true see... only when I'm with you, Shisui, can I beco stronger."
Since he was unable to participate in the Chunin exam, Itachi focused on honing his skills. Every battle with Shisui brought him extre satisfaction.
Their latest battle left Itachi breathless, half his chakra depleted. Yet, he couldn't deny the improvent in his Fire Release and Sharingan usage.
"In fact, the clan head is a more powerful ninja than ." Shisui said with a smile.
"Father is occupied with the clan affairs, making it impossible to instruct
all the ti."
Itachi shook his head helplessly. Though he knew Shisui was rely being humble. In truth, Itachi suspected Shisui's strength rivaled, if not surpassed, his father's.
This feeling intensified with each encounter Whenever he t Shisui's Sharingan, his heart hamred with an inexplicable fear. It was as if Shisui's Sharingan harbored a hidden power, a terrifying depth that sent shivers down his spine.
"Right, being a Jonin grants
access to the Core eting at Naka Shrine…" Shisui sighed, his expression darkening.
The discussions usually revolve around the Fifth Hokage or venting various dissatisfactions with the village. It lacked the restraint expected of an esteed clan and resembles a group of undisciplined thugs rather than a noble clan.
Since the Fourth Hokage's death, this wasn't the first ti such events have occurred, they were escalating. Shisui genuinely feared that if it continued, irreversible disasters would unfold.
"You must be under a lot of pressure, Shisui."
Itachi said even though he didn't know of Shisui's current mission, but noting the fatigue evident on his face and in his eyes.
"I'm fine."
Shisui smiled, masking the tiredness. Joining the Anbu and monitoring both the village and the clan, he does so according to his own will.
He couldn't completely sever ties with the clan and align solely with rhe Hokage's banner. Similarly, focusing solely on the clan's perspective would be too narrow.
He wanted to strike a balance between the village and the clan, fostering an environnt where both can release their prejudices and coexist peacefully. Currently, reconciliation seems hopeless. Radicals in the family and Danzo from the root resist any such efforts.
A compromise was necessary.
"Enough about . Speaking of which, have any strangers approached you lately, Itachi?"
Shisui thought of the Third Hokage Hiruzen's assignnt, hoping Itachi had no dealings with Danzo, as it would complicate matters.
Itachi was a brilliant talent. Joining the Hokage's personal Anbu, his prospects were unlimited. Though Root was Anbu's branch, their affairs differed completely. Getting too involved with them would only ruin Itachi's future.
Hearing Shisui's sudden question, Itachi quickly recalled a visitor from days prior.
The gloomy man who called himself Shimura Danzo.
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Sorry I haven't been posting for a while.... Went through my first heartbreak.. haven't been good for a while now... But I'm getting better ????.
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