The tower submerged in the torrential rain resounded with the pitter-patter of raindrops, audible even from the innermost rooms.
"Is the task done?"
Nagato stepped out from the shadowy darkness, with Konan, her face cold and hardened, following closely behind.
Compared to a few years ago, when she was a kind-hearted girl indifferent to the world, her expression had grown colder due to this cruel world, as if her heart had been frozen solid.
"It's done, but whether it will bear fruit is uncertain. After all, the initiative is in Danzo's hands."
A White Zetsu responsible for communications helplessly spread his hands, responding to Nagato's question.
"Just do your best. To capture the Tailed Beasts, we need to utilize the power of the Sharingan."
Though, through Orochimaru's introduction, they managed to recruit Hiruko, who could blend Kekkeigenkai, in Nagato's view, compared to the pure Uchiha Clan, the blended Kekkeigenkai should have certain limitations.
Like the Mangekyo Sharingan.
It's a far more terrifying Pupil Technique than the Sharingan.
The Mangekyo Sharingan held by Tobi is the best proof.
Possessing extremely powerful space-time distortion capabilities, if prepared adequately, it can be used for long-distance assassination, resulting in certain death.
"It's a pity, the training period is a bit too long. During this time, Danzo might taint him with some unnecessary influence."
White Zetsu was referring to Uchiha Itachi.
Talent draws the gaze of others regardless of where it is.
One can only say that this young Uchiha boy's talent is dazzling.
Contacting the Uchiha Clan and looking for people to recruit was initially Black Zetsu's idea.
The reason was to better utilize the Sharingan in capturing Tailed Beasts and dealing with enemies who also possess the Sharingan.
"If that's the case, wouldn't it have been easier to find Shisui of the Body Flicker from the start?"
Nagato asked rhetorically.
Shisui of the Body Flicker is undoubtedly the most renowned ninja in Konoha at this stage, becoming a leading figure of the young generation in Konoha, akin to Hatake Kakashi back then.
"That's possible but contacting him is quite complicated. Uchiha Shisui's strength is too formidable for us to control."
White Zetsu's underlying message was that even Nagato might not be able to control such a ninja.
Though young, his strength is substantial.
In the application of the Sharingan, he might be the strongest Uchiha Ninja in Konoha today.
Several times when White Zetsu went to monitor, he was almost discovered. Afterwards, he only dared to watch from a distance, not daring to get too close.
"That indeed is a problem. I'll leave this matter for you to handle."
Nagato nodded, refraining from getting involved.
The affairs of the Hidden Rain Village were already consuming much of his energy; adding Konoha's matters would stretch him too thin.
Entrusting this to White Zetsu and Black Zetsu was the best choice.
They are incarnations of Madara's will, knowing how to deal with and guide Uchiha Clan ninjas.
"Understood. Also, regarding Chiba Hakushi and their hiding place, we have some clues."
White Zetsu's tone suddenly became serious, shedding its earlier playful demeanor.
Compared to matters involving Konoha, this was indeed an adversary warranting their serious attention.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes, it seems to be in the West Road area. It's the only place suitable for them to hide."
This was White Zetsu's response.
Nagato pondered, having some calculations in mind.
"Forget it, let's not probe them. It's hard to reach a peace agreement; provoking them now would be like tweaking a tiger's whiskers."
In Nagato's view, the trio of Hakushi, who holds influence over Uchiha, Hyuga, Uzumaki, and other unknown powers, is undoubtedly a tiger.
More fearsome is that this tiger, unlike the docile Konoha, possesses powerful aggression.
Once their vital interests are touched, Akatsuki's movements would face immense obstacles, and both the Land of Rain and Hidden Rain Village would vanish like smoke.
Maintaining a non-interference stance is of utmost importance to Nagato.
Even today, he lacks confidence in handling the trio of Hakushi.
Yet, considering the prospects of both sides, they share dissatisfaction with the current rule of the Five Great Nations, so interest conflicts are unlikely to arise for now.
Having come to this realization, Nagato felt significantly reassured.
Akatsuki was still in its infancy, unable to withstand major upheavals, requiring more strong ninjas to join.
White Zetsu was naturally well aware of Nagato's cautiousness.
From White Zetsu's perspective, revealing this information to someone in Konoha to eliminate them using Akatsuki was undoubtedly a brilliant strategy.
However, the repercussions would be dire, leading to the annihilation of both Akatsuki and Hidden Rain.
Thus, due to absolute loyalty, White Zetsu dared not send this message to Konoha without Nagato's orders.
Once Nagato's trust was lost, the consequences would be unimaginable, possibly leading to enmity.
"We understand, of course."
"You are entrusted with handling Uchiha Itachi's affair, but don't neglect the other pressing matters."
Nagato actually didn't care much about Uchiha Itachi.
Even though Black Zetsu had repeatedly mentioned to him that Itachi was a very talented ninja.
However, having talent doesn't necessarily mean growth, and even if he grows, it's uncertain if he would belong to Akatsuki.
The uncertainty was just too high.
Therefore, Nagato hoped White Zetsu would focus on other powerful ninjas.