Itachi Uchiha really cared about the big picture. Konan couldn't be more satisfied with him as a member of the Akatsuki.
In terms of appearance, Itachi Uchiha ranked among the top in the entire organization. Every move he made carried the noble air of someone from a distinguished clan. In terms of strength, Itachi was surprisingly powerful; he was even able to fight the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, who had defeated several Akatsuki teams, to a draw. And in terms of work ethic, Itachi was diligent and responsible, almost never cutting corners or complaining while carrying out missions.
Even though he had been brought into the organization by 'Mr. Madara,' Konan couldn't help but want to win him over to her side. Unfortunately, she didn't know that this ideal member was actually a spy.
In a sense, 'double agent' wasn't even enough to describe Itachi Uchiha. He could be called a quadruple agent, juggling allegiances between Konoha, Naruto, Obito Uchiha, and the Akatsuki. This was espionage of the highest level.
And all the while, he was still deceiving Kisame Hoshigaki, the partner right beside him. The shark-faced youth took such good care of Itachi, but all Itachi thought about was one day using Kotoamatsukami on him.
Kisame, completely oblivious, carried his Samehada greatsword and diligently cleared the path ahead. He would ask from time to time, "Mr. Itachi, do you want to go kill Orochimaru? We can have Zetsu pass on information about him."
Zetsu was the Akatsuki's intelligence officer. However, the information he passed on was selective. He would never report any information that was unfavorable to 'Madara' or himself.
Itachi nodded indifferently. The intelligence was free to use, and Zetsu wouldn't hide information about a simple rogue ninja. He said in a low voice, "Let's complete the organization's mission first. Have Zetsu find Orochimaru's tracks."
Unexpectedly, not long after Itachi and Kisame arrived in the Land of Rice Fields, they heard some terrible news from Zetsu. Or rather, two pieces of news.
A White Zetsu clone emerged from the ground, its voice hoarse. "Things are not looking good. Konoha's Fifth Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki, has come to visit the daimyo of the Land of Rice Fields..."
This was a big problem. The Fifth Hokage was powerful, having single-handedly repelled three teams of Akatsuki members, including their leader. A regular Akatsuki team would have a very hard time defeating him.
Kisame grinned, revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth. "Mr. Itachi, it seems our mission depends on when this Fifth Hokage leaves..."
"Let's wait and see, then," Itachi said, pondering for a moment before agreeing with his teammate.
The White Zetsu clone, however, proposed another course of action. "No, I suggest you leave first. Withdraw from the Land of Rice Fields."
"Is someone from the organization being hunted?" Itachi asked.
"Yes!" the White Zetsu clone chuckled. "Itachi's younger brother, Sasuke Uchiha, is also in the Land of Rice Fields gathering information. Besides looking for Orochimaru, he is also tracking Itachi's whereabouts."
"..."
This was not good news.
Kisame's brow furrowed. "Mr. Itachi," he said in a low voice, "you should have listened to my advice back in the Village Hidden in Hot Water and killed your brother. Sooner or later, he will come for revenge."
Two members of Team 7 were now in the Land of Rice Fields: Sasuke and Naruto. The shark-faced man's expression grew grave. If they wanted to create a one-on-one battlefield for the Uchiha brothers, someone would have to hold back Sasuke's friend. It would have been fine if it was the pink-haired girl, but this was Naruto Uzumaki, who had been promoted to Hokage of the strongest ninja village. The level of difficulty was incredibly high.
According to Zetsu's intelligence, the Fifth Hokage also possessed an ability similar to Samehada's, which could absorb chakra. If the two of them were to fight, Kisame would have no advantage.
Even Black Zetsu was not optimistic about this fight. He didn't think it was necessary. Itachi and Kisame were important for the Akatsuki's future Tailed Beast captures. If they were to fall here, it would be a considerable loss for their plans. That was why Black Zetsu had sent a White Zetsu clone to persuade them to leave.
However, after a moment of silence, Itachi slowly lowered his head. "Now, tell me Sasuke's location."
"Itachi?" The White Zetsu clone was confused.
"Mr. Itachi!?" Kisame's expression turned ugly after a moment of shock. He tried to persuade him, "If you want to kill your brother, now is not a good time. The probability of an accident is very high..."
As a ninja, one should be rational, and Itachi didn't seem like an irrational person.
Kisame watched as Itachi remained silent, his face showing a hint of pain. "Mr. Itachi, you used your Mangekyo Sharingan several times when you faced the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Your body..."
"I'm fine," Itachi interrupted, shaking his head. After another moment with his head down, his expression gradually turned cold. "My visual prowess is almost exhausted. I must have Sasuke awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan as soon as possible... and then take his eyes!"
"..."
Kisame was stunned for a second time. He looked at his teammate's cold face and suddenly laughed. "As expected of you, Mr. Itachi... No wonder you've kept your brother alive all this time. You were just using him as a breeding ground for new Mangekyo Sharingan?"
"Hmph," Itachi didn't deny it.
The White Zetsu clone next to them, however, scratched its head. After a moment of internal conflict, its face suddenly became enthusiastic. "By the way, Itachi, do you need our help? We are very good at helping Uchiha awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan... We've only done it with one pair, but those eyes are very magical!"
When it comes to helping Uchiha awaken the Mangekyo, White Zetsu thought, we are very professional! That feeling of acting... it's a bit addictive!
"Can that kind of thing... be assisted?" Kisame asked, bewildered.
"Of course," the White Zetsu clone said as it slowly rose from the ground. Its figure began to change, morphing into the likeness of the Fifth Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki. Compared to a ninja's Transformation Jutsu, this was more like a complete metamorphosis. The aura was a perfect match. Only the evil smile on its lips revealed its true identity.
Itachi's brow twitched. "What do you plan to do?"
"Now that Naruto Uzumaki is the only thing supporting Sasuke's quest for revenge, it shouldn't be too much trouble to make him abandon Sasuke, right? Or we could let Sasuke personally see Naruto die in front of him. Either way, once he falls into the abyss of despair, he'll awaken it."
White Zetsu made it sound so easy, and the plan he proposed was frighteningly feasible. This creature was truly evil. It was entirely possible that the Uchiha clan had been guided by these kinds of tricks to awaken their eyes for generations.
Itachi's expression changed slightly. Based on his understanding of his clansmen, if Sasuke valued his friend Naruto deeply, then this plan was almost certain to awaken his Mangekyo Sharingan.
"Then from now on, I will act with you..." the White Zetsu clone continued with a laugh. "Should I go meet Sasuke Uchiha with this face... or should we go all the way, and have you kill 'me' in front of him?"
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Bonus:
Naruto Uzumaki (White Zetsu version): Sasuke, get lost. Konoha doesn't need you anymore.
Sasuke Uchiha: What? Who is this imposter!
Naruto Uzumaki (White Zetsu version): How did you figure it out?
Sasuke Uchiha: Naruto would never talk like that...
Naruto Uzumaki (White Zetsu version): Darn it. Well, so much for that trick