OberonLA
patreon
Mastermind of the Akatsuki 100
🕑 Added 2024-07-25 16:00:41 +0000 UTCChapter 100: The Possibility of Forming the Akatsuki
Hanzo couldn't understand Byakuya and had no idea where Byakuya's sense of crisis came from in the first place. During his rule over Amegakure, having a qualified elite Jonin successor was already a luxury.
Now, the Akatsuki not only possesses several Kage-level combatants but its leader, Byakuya, seems intent on recruiting more subordinates, including notorious figures like Sasori of the Red Sand.
But it's best for this old man, abandoned by his time, to keep his mouth shut.
Though he had concealed his identity and stayed at the Akatsuki base for these days, he learned about the current situation in Amegakure through interactions with Akatsuki members.
During his imprisonment, not only did Amegakure not fall into chaos, but it even developed remarkably well. The Jonin and nobles who usually acted timidly in front of him now all obey the orders of the Amegakure leader, and the entire village exuded an atmosphere of prosperity and vitality.
This was something he, in his past, could never achieve no matter what.
Hearing this news, he didn't deny that he was already old, and the thought of resisting had faded away.
Byakuya glanced at Hanzo, fully aware of Hanzo's subtle thoughts and secretly disdainful of this demigod’s limited perspective.
In the future Akatsuki, there were already ten ninjas capable of capturing Jinchuriki alone.
With such combat power gathered together, even a major village like Konoha could be conquered through sheer force, but due to various reasons, the Akatsuki's combat power could not be consolidated.
Thinking about it, it was odd for a group of ruthless rogue ninjas to come together with cohesion.
However, in Byakuya's view, the greatest role of the future Akatsuki organization wasn't capturing the Tailed Beasts, but the intelligence and knowledge within their minds. He must find a way to make them serve the organization.
Recalling memories from his previous life, Byakuya pondered who would be suitable for recruitment.
Currently, amid the Ninja World War, there weren't many rogues daring to wander around the Ninja World. Byakuya could think of even fewer names.
After careful consideration, there were only three people suitable for recruitment.
First was Sasori of the Red Sand, who assassinated the Third Kazekage and was currently one of the strongest puppet masters.
Second was Kakuzu, who turned to a belief in money after failing to assassinate the First Hokage, now a renowned bounty hunter.
The last person was Orochimaru, a Leaf Village rogue. Although a contemporary of the Sannin, he was not favored by the Third Hokage and later defected due to his research into forbidden techniques.
Among these three, Sasori of the Red Sand and Orochimaru were difficult to locate.
Both Sasori and Orochimaru were research-oriented ninjas who spent most of their time hidden away in corners of the Ninja World conducting experiments, aside from occasional ventures for materials.
Only Kakuzu's whereabouts were easily confirmable.
Kakuzu was a well-known bounty hunter in the Ninja World. By patiently monitoring various black markets across countries, one could easily find Kakuzu's whereabouts.
After spending several days, Byakuya obtained information about Kakuzu from his subordinates.
Kakuzu was currently active within the borders of the Land of Fire, seemingly aiming to collect more bounties while Kirigakure and Konohagakure were still in a state of war. Kirigakure, having lost the Three-Tails and seven of the Mist Blades, no longer had the strength to continue fighting.
After learning this information, Byakuya decided to immediately head to the Land of Fire to track down Kakuzu's whereabouts.
While there, he planned to assess the situation within the Land of Fire and see if he could stir up some trouble, such as sowing discord between the Daimyo and Konohagakure.
Before leaving, Byakuya visited Amegakure Tower to inform Yahiko that he would be away.
Upon returning to the base, he briefly briefed Akane.
After the Akatsuki took control of Amegakure, Akane had been tasked with managing logistics for the Akatsuki organization. Byakuya didn't want such talent wasting away at home.
Once these matters were settled, Byakuya headed to the Akatsuki's underground base and departed from Amegakure with Hanzo.
Hanzo, with his deep cunning and considerable strength, could pose a threat if he decided to act against Yahiko and the others while Byakuya was away, potentially exposing the fact that Hanzo was still alive.
During the journey to the Land of Fire, Hanzo, dressed in a Fire Cloud robe and an animal mask, frowned and said, "Byakuya, I'm already quite old. I really don't want to leave Amegakure at this time. And if my identity were to be exposed, wouldn't that cause trouble for the Akatsuki?"
Byakuya looked at Hanzo and said frankly, "Don't worry too much, Hanzo-sensei. I'm bringing you out because I'm concerned that once I leave, you might re-establish contact with your former subordinates in Amegakure."
Faced with Byakuya's straightforwardness, Hanzo's expression turned peculiar. "With how well you've governed Amegakure, why would I want to restore it? Wait for you to come back and then fight again?"
Byakuya shook his head gently and replied, "I trust you, Hanzo-sensei. After all, you're my teacher. But I don't trust your subordinates and those corrupt elements within the Land of Rain. They will surely try to bring you back to oppose Yahiko's reforms."
Hanzo fell into silence, knowing that Byakuya was speaking the truth.
Due to the trickle-down effect, the Land of Rain and Amegakure had become significantly corrupt compared to a dozen years ago, and although the Akatsuki's reforms were beneficial to the Land of Rain, they had offended a minority.
These people would definitely be unwilling and would surely cause trouble.
Seeing Hanzo fall silent, Byakuya spoke earnestly, "Hanzo-sensei, I'm actually glad Danzo has manipulated our relationship. Otherwise, if you had truly accepted the Akatsuki, we wouldn't be able to kill so easily. I've always disliked the back-and-forth arguments in meetings. It's much easier to deal with pests."
Hanzo was seeing Byakuya this seriously for the first time, and that decisive look reminded him of his past self. But now, he seemed somewhat afraid of that intensity in Byakuya's eyes, his own resolve wavering.
Yet with wavering resolve came hesitation in action, and a blade in uncertain hands could no longer slay formidable foes.
Fifteen years ago, he would have preferred to die in battle rather than surrender. Even if Byakuya had threatened him, he would have chosen to kill Salamander, Ibuse, to continue the fight.
Seeing Hanzo lost in thought about the past, Byakuya half-jokingly, half-seriously remarked, "Actually, I could just release you now, Hanzo-sensei. You could round up the remnants of the Land of Rain organizations in one fell swoop."
Hanzo wasn't sure if Byakuya was joking, but he explained nonetheless, "I have no intention of leaving the Akatsuki. Don't test me further. Besides, Ibuse is in your hands now. At most, I can only use seventy percent of my strength. Just let me retire peacefully."
"Have you seen through me, Hanzo-sensei? My acting skills must be terribly clumsy."
Byakuya scratched his head, his expression returning to a harmless look. He stood up from the roadside stone and continued on the journey with Hanzo.
