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Mastermind of the Akatsuki 404
🕑 Added 2025-06-10 15:39:22 +0000 UTCChapter 404: Obito’s Arrival
After mentioning the Masked Man and the Jinchuriki, the atmosphere in the meeting hall gradually grew serious.
Previously, whether it was the quarrels during the Six Kage Summit or the old grudges between Iwagakure and Kumogakure, none of these affected the current interests of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. They were merely disputes over pride.
But the Masked Man was different. His actions targeting the Jinchuriki posed a tangible threat to the survival of the shinobi villages.
If the Masked Man succeeded in hunting down all the Tailed Beasts, the ninja world would face a crisis even greater than the era of the Legendary Sannin. Even the Five Great Shinobi Villages would become a thing of the past.
Exchanging glances, everyone hesitated, uncertain whether to share intelligence.
The grudges between the Five Great Shinobi Villages were too deep. Even with the threat of the Masked Man, they found it difficult to trust each other, fearing that someone might take advantage to attack their own village.
Seeing that no one was willing to share information, the meeting initiator, the Fourth Raikage, spoke slowly, “Since no one is willing to disclose intelligence on their Jinchuriki, Kumogakure will start. The Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer Bee, was attacked half a month ago. According to Killer Bee and the Eight-Tails’ feedback, besides the Masked Man, there was an even stronger ninja hiding in the shadows.
If it weren’t for Killer Bee’s early response, I estimate he would have been lost. However, this is not Kumogakure’s first attack. Ten years ago, during the war with Konohagakure, Kumogakure lost the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
At first, we thought it was Konohagakure or Akatsuki behind it, but now it seems to be the Masked Man’s plan. He has had his eyes on the Jinchuriki for a long time. If everyone is willing to join forces against the Masked Man, Kumogakure will send 500 shinobi.”
After the Fourth Raikage finished, Onoki considered before speaking, “Iwagakure has not been attacked by the Masked Man, but Old Violet and Han have mysteriously disappeared recently. Though they often disagreed with me, they would never vanish without reason. I suspect they have been attacked by the Masked Man, and are likely already dead.”
Admitting the loss of two Jinchuriki was a challenge for Onoki, since Iwagakure’s shortage of strong successors was well known in the shinobi world.
Losing two Jinchuriki in a row meant Iwagakure would have no major moves for the next decade.
After some thought, Onoki said, “To avenge the Masked Man’s attacks, Iwagakure is also willing to send 500 shinobi.”
The Fifth Kazekage, Sasori, glanced at Byakuyа, then said, “Suna’s Jinchuriki have not been attacked by the Masked Man, but I suspect the Fourth Kazekage has ties to him. If you encounter Rasa during operations, feel free to act regardless of Suna’s stance. Also, Suna can send 200 ninjas to join the operation.”
Hearing this, the other Kage frowned.
They didn’t care about Suna’s attitude. Besides, the rogue Kazekage was still a Kazekage; except for a few top-tier shinobi, who could challenge Rasa?
Even if someone could defeat Rasa, who could stop him from fleeing?
Also, compared to Iwagakure and Kumogakure, Suna’s deployment seemed small—only 200 shinobi, less than half of the others. But considering Suna’s overall strength, this number was not negligible.
The Mizukage, Mei Terumi, thought for a moment and said, “Kirigakure’s Six-Tails Jinchuriki was kidnapped by the Masked Man years ago, but the Three-Tails is still under our control and safe for now. If we reach an agreement today, Kirigakure will send 300 shinobi to fight against the Masked Man’s organization.”
After Mizukage’s statement, it was the Fifth Hokage Tsunade’s turn. She spoke, “The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is currently in the fortress. Konohagakure was probably the first village to encounter the Masked Man’s attack. During the Nine-Tails’ assault, Konoha lost many shinobi, including the Fourth Hokage and his wife. To defeat the Masked Man, Konoha will send 500 shinobi to join the operation.”
After Konoha expressed its position, only Yahiko remained silent.
At this moment, the Fourth Raikage seemed to remember something and asked Yahiko, “Leader Yahiko, you haven’t spoken about the Six-Tails. I recall the once neutral Snow Village has joined Amegakure?”
Yahiko shook his head and said, “They joined Akatsuki. Snow and Amegakure are both members of Akatsuki; neither is superior to the other.”
Hearing this, the Fourth Raikage snorted and said, “Akatsuki is just Amegakure, isn’t it? Can’t you Amegakure control Akatsuki? After all, the Six-Tails belongs to you Ame.”
“There is a distinction...”
Yahiko tried to explain but gave up, “Raikage-sama, if you think Akatsuki is Amegakure, so be it. In short, the Six-Tails is currently very safe within Akatsuki.”
He paused, then continued, “As for joining the joint operation, Amegakure will also send 300 shinobi to assist and maintain stability and peace in the ninja world.”
The other villages were not surprised by Ame’s claim of possessing the Six-Tails.
If it had been ten years ago when Amegakure obtained the Six-Tails, the Five Great Shinobi Villages would have united to force Amegakure to hand it over.
But times had changed; Ame’s power now allowed them to hold a Tailed Beast.
As for the fate of Ringo, no one cared. Over decades, many villages had disappeared from history within the system of one country, one village.
Once all six shinobi villages agreed on forming a united ninja force, the discussion shifted to its structure and choosing a commander.
A newly established ninja alliance needed a supreme leader for smooth operation.
No village was willing to give up the position of alliance commander.
Although the commander’s title was temporary and only commanded the joint forces against the Masked Man, the ninja who held this post would become the most brilliant star in the shinobi world.
The impatient Fifth Kazekage Sasori stood up first, “I believe I am suitable for the position of alliance commander. Managing logistics is essential, and my puppet army can guarantee the alliance’s logistics.”
Before Sasori finished, Byakuyа stood and retorted, “Fifth Kazekage, you should rest. Which Kage here has less experience than you? Only Suna could tolerate such a young Kazekage.”
Sasori snapped back without hesitation, “Byakuyа Jonin, do you want to be commander? You’re not even leader of Ame. Don’t embarrass yourself.”
“I’m not aiming for commander, just don’t like you.”
With that glance, Byakuyа and Sasori began bickering, their goal simple, to make other villages believe there was tension between Suna and Akatsuki, lowering their guard.
Others shook their heads watching this.
Byakuyа and Sasori were both young and powerful but lacked the composure to lead the alliance.
Mizukage Mei Terumi and Zabuza, although strong and famous, were also excluded from consideration.
They were respected but not yet at Kage level.
There were only four ninja present who had the qualifications to contend for the position of commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces, Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage; the Third Tsuchikage; the Fourth Raikage; and Yahiko, the leader of Amegakure. Among them, the fiercest competition was between the Third Tsuchikage and the Fourth Raikage, both eager to claim the leadership.
Tsunade also wanted to vie for the commander’s position but was quickly shut down by the Third Tsuchikage and the Fourth Raikage together. Their reason was straightforward, Konoha had too many rogue ninjas who had already caused huge problems throughout the shinobi world. Both Uchiha Itachi and Orochimaru were infamous S-rank rogue ninjas; the latter even launched the Konoha Collapse Plan, which drove out the Third Hokage.
Tsunade was very displeased but had no choice to argue because what the Third Tsuchikage and Fourth Raikage said was true. Still, she believed deep down that she could become the commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces. After all, she was the Hokage of Konoha.
Konoha was the only one among the Five Great Shinobi Countries that did not covet other nations’ lands. Even if Tsunade obtained the commander’s position, she wouldn’t pose a threat to the other villages.
Yahiko did not express any opinion. Partly because he was aware that although his reputation was decent, his experience was lacking. For Amegakure, becoming one of the Six Great Shinobi Countries by this opportunity was already a huge achievement. Dreaming of directly obtaining the commander’s position was unrealistic. He also knew that Byakuya and Menacing Mask (the masked man) would soon make their moves.
The position of commander was not something to be won by mere talk; it required a brutal trial of strength and leadership to convince the other villages.
The admiral Misafune, who sat at the main seat, was also carefully considering the candidates. As the host and the greatest neutral country in the shinobi world, he understood that his support would be the decisive factor, and the decision would be made soon. Therefore, he was extremely cautious and reluctant to make a hasty decision.
His top choice was Tsunade. She was known as the “Slug Princess” throughout the shinobi world. During her travels, she saved countless ninjas, even earning the respect of some enemies. Her status was also special — she was recognized by the Land of Fire as a princess and was the granddaughter of the First Hokage.
When the first Five Kage Summit was held decades ago, the main figure was the First Hokage. Even after many years, the name “Senju” still held tremendous prestige, reminding everyone of the one who had pacified the chaotic era, Senju Hashirama.
Next were the Third Tsuchikage and Fourth Raikage, but both had significant drawbacks. Both were known for their aggressive rule, launching multiple invasions against smaller neighboring countries during their leadership. If either became the commander, the shinobi world might be dragged into more wars.
The last candidate was Yahiko. He deeply loved peace but was too weak in terms of power. Admiral Misafune doubted that Yahiko could command the respect needed to be the leader.
After much thought, Admiral Misafune made his decision, he would recommend the Fifth Hokage Tsunade as the commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces. In his mind, she was the best candidate; all others had more or less flaws.
Just then, ripples appeared in the void, and a figure appeared in the center of the meeting hall. The man wore a black-and-white robe, a conspicuous spiral mask, and carried a giant fan on his back, signifying his Uchiha heritage.
Seeing this, the ninjas quickly guessed his identity, none other than the Masked Man who had hunted down multiple jinchūriki — the very ninja they had gathered to fight.
Upon seeing Obito, the Fourth Raikage furiously shouted, “Masked Man, how dare you show up here! Do you know what we’re discussing? Are you deliberately coming to die? If you surrender now, we’ll let you die a quick death.”
Under the watchful eyes of all the Kage-level ninjas, Obito glanced at Byakuya briefly and then calmly said, “Is it just about attacking Killer Bee? Why did the Fourth Raikage even bother calling this meeting to discuss dealing with me, a lone rogue ninja? Isn’t Kumogakure supposed to be invincible?”
The Fourth Raikage scowled and said, “If you didn’t run away all the time, Killer Bee and I could have finished you off on the spot!”
“You can’t catch me, so who says a ninja can’t run? You should reflect on yourself, Kumogakure. Have you trained seriously these years? Have you developed tactics to counter Namikaze Minato?”
When Minato was mentioned, Tsunade and Jiraiya couldn’t hide their emotions. They stared at Obito and said, “Masked Man, you didn’t defeat Minato back then, and the Nine-Tails is still in our control. This time, we won’t let you escape.”
“I’m standing right here. You want to attack now?” Obito said disdainfully. As long as he didn’t fight Byakuya, his Kamui made him practically invincible. Besides, he wasn’t the strongest ninja in this operation.
On the side, Onoki silently concentrated and without hesitation unleashed Dust Release.
Onoki had few encounters with Obito, but since Obito had hunted down Tsuchikage and Han from Iwagakure, they were already mortal enemies with no chance for reconciliation.
In an instant, the Dust Release formed a cube of swirling dust, enveloping Obito’s entire body. The technique lasted for several seconds before dissipating.
Onoki smiled slightly at the sight.
No one in the shinobi world could withstand Dust Release — even the physically strongest Fourth Raikage was no exception.
But the next moment, Onoki froze.
When the Dust Release’s light faded, Obito was standing there completely unharmed, smiling and saying, “So this is the legendary bloodline elimination Dust Release? Not so impressive after all.”
