Illusion Space
The formal members of Akatsuki had gathered, totaling nine. The newest member, Deidara, was young, but his abilities were formidable.
He possessed the rare skill of flight and his clay explosives were deadly, effective against both tailed beasts and ordinary ninjas.
Nine figures appeared in the Illusion Space. Upon seeing Pain (Tendo), Kakuzu impatiently complained, "Boss, if you call me again while I'm counting my money, I'm quitting the organization. All the tailed beasts are captured—what else is there to do?"
"It's probably because of the moves by the Sand Federation. I didn't expect them to make such a bold move. Heh, they captured three of the Five Kage, and Konoha's Hokage has joined the Federation. Looks like this nation will dominate the ninja world next. They might even unify it."
Kisame spoke with a sinister chuckle. He had grown fond of the Sand Federation newspapers. Usually, he would buy a copy at an underground exchange the day after it was released. The news was a day late, but that didn't bother him.
The Federation's newspapers seemed to undervalue intelligence, or perhaps they only published non-critical news. Either way, Kisame enjoyed reading them.
"What's going on? What happened to the Five Kage?"
Hidan asked, confused. He sensed a major event in the ninja world from Kisame's words but had no details.
"Go buy some Sand Federation papers, Hidan, instead of preaching that broken cult all day."
Hidan angrily retorted, "It's the Cult of the Divine, damn it Kakuzu! Are you trying to curse me?"
"If you can, go ahead."
"Fine! Wait for me—I'll come for you!"
"Enough!"
Tendo Pain interrupted. Akatsuki's members were all rebellious rogue ninjas. Even Nagato struggled to fully command them, especially the newly joined Hidan, who, fearless of death, constantly provoked others.
"Currently, the Sand Federation and Konoha show signs of merging. If the other three great ninja villages don't want to be absorbed, they'll unite. The next step for the organization is to facilitate their alliance and have them hire Akatsuki for combat operations," Pain calmly explained.
"Hidden Mist is too far, so we'll primarily negotiate with Iwa and Kumo, aiming to unite these villages along with smaller ones. In the ensuing war, we will take the lead."
Kakuzu, hearing this, interrupted impatiently: "What does this have to do with me? I'd rather use this time to complete a few more bounties."
"Your share from the ninja villages hiring us is fifty percent," Pain said.
Kakuzu fell silent, calculating in his mind. His attitude changed, and he said, "When the time comes, boss, remember to inform me of the arrangements."
Pain continued: "After losing their Tsuchikage and Raikage, Iwa and Kumo have lost dominance. Our reputation from the last war ensures they will choose our plan. Kakuzu, you go to Iwa; Kisame, you go to Kumo."
Other targets for Nagato included Kusa, Taki, the Land of Iron, and Oto.
After learning Konoha planned to merge with the Sand Federation, Nagato realized Akatsuki alone could not challenge them. Even Tsunade could counter his Rinnegan. Without alliances, no single faction could resist Konoha and the Sand Federation. Only by uniting all remaining forces could they oppose them.
Nagato decided to abandon Hidden Mist for now. According to Zetsu, Pakura, after defeating Kumo and Mist forces at sea, intended to eliminate the Land of Water next. Without support from the Six Paths of Pain, the Land of Water was doomed. Exposing intentions too early was unnecessary.
After the meeting, Konan approached Nagato privately, concern showing on her face.
"Nagato, do we really have to oppose the Sand Federation?"
Nagato replied coldly, "Konan, we've come this far; only one step remains to fulfill Yahiko's dream."
Konan fell silent, exhaling deeply. "I understand. I'm just worried about the civilians of the Land of Rain. If they find out, they will likely resist."
Konan had been preoccupied with internal development in the Land of Rain. She knew how prosperity was built: selling crops, employment via the KeikoTrade Association, and supply of entertainment goods. Keiko even built three medical centers for civilians. The land had almost no poor, and those able-bodied who wanted to earn a living had opportunities. If Nagato opposed the Sand Federation, she feared civilian rebellion.
"Lord Kazekage!"
Uchiha Tetsuka called from outside and was granted entry by Pakura.
At the coastal port of Sacha County, the Sand Federation ninjas rested after battle and resupplied. Inside, Tetsuka saw people photographing Pakura. They lit up upon seeing him:
"Lord Kazekage, is this Uchiha Tetsuka, said to wield the power of the gods? May we interview him?"
Pakura glanced at Tetsuka: "Tetsuka, these are Federation reporters. They want an interview. What do you think?"
Tetsuka, pleased by their admiration, said, "Sure. After reporting to you, I'll have some free time."
The interview schedule was set, and the reporters left.
Tetsuka then reported to Pakura: "The pursuit teams for the ninja coalition returned about fifty kilometers from the Land of Water. The number captured is unsatisfactory. Many escaped at sea. Only a little over a thousand were captured."
Aside from the hundreds who died, most Kumo and Mist ninjas escaped, especially Mist, where combined jutsu made capture difficult. Of the thousand captured, seventy percent were Kumo, mostly by aerial units.
"That's enough. Assign some to guard duty and prepare to attack the Land of Water."
Pakura considered delegating credit for the conquest to Tetsuka if she retired as Kazekage. "Tetsuka, you'll command this operation."
Tetsuka, shocked, protested: "No, Lord Kazekage, you should command. I lack the ability to lead such a large war."
"Don't be modest, I have confidence in you."
"I can't handle it. Lord Kazekage should command. If there's nothing else, I'll leave."
He left immediately, frowning, wondering why Pakura seemed to favor him—was it because his performance outshone her authority in the last war? He resolved to be more cautious, to avoid drawing attention to the Uchiha's position in the Federation.
"Damn it, Hyuga Mirai even took my sake!"
Tsunade, thrown from Yomotsu Hirasaka by Hyuga Mirai, was angry. She noticed a gaze on her and turned, finding Orochimaru peeking from behind a stack of documents.
"Ah, it's you, Orochimaru. I've expanded my view in the Sand Federation and asked Hyuga Mirai to return me because I was thinking about Konoha."
Feeling Orochimaru's piercing gaze, Tsunade changed the topic: "Orochimaru, how is Konoha doing?"
Orochimaru sighed, adjusting his glasses: "Shikaku has departed to the border to persuade the stationed ninja to return. Konoha's ninjas are reorganizing, starting from southern towns, though intelligence is incomplete."
"No worries, I've assigned someone to handle that!"
Tsunade assured. She then asked aloud, "By the way, Orochimaru, do you want to be Hokage?"
(End of Chapter)