Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

In particular, the Raikage of each generation is known for his decisive and efficient nature; the word "compromise" simply doesn't exist in his vocabulary!

Therefore, at this stage, it is difficult for Kumogakure and Konoha to reach an agreement on certain issues. Hence, envoys from Kumogakure and Sunagakure arrived around the same time.

While Maki was still in Konoha, the envoy from Kumogakure left with a clearly unpleasant expression!

Ultimately, the threat of the Iwagakure and Uchiha merging seems real, but until it materializes, the infighting among the various ninja villages and the hatred left over from their wars make it impossible for them to truly unite.

This includes Maki, who remained to represent Sunagakure.

This is the reality of ninjas.

162. The Five Great Ninja Villages (Third Update)

The three villages failed to reach an agreement, leaving Maki, representing Sunagakure, in a state of superficial unity, just like Konoha. This is why Onoki wasn't too worried that even if his village truly accepted the Uchiha clan, it might not necessarily face an attack. This was because the strength disparity between Iwagakure and Konoha over the past few decades was evident, and the interests of the Land of Fire, where Konoha was located, were far greater than those of Iwagakure and the Land of Earth.

There's still a lingering hatred between the major powers. Do you really think they can unite? Don't be ridiculous. In the original story, it was the successive loss of the tailed beasts, coupled with Obito's appearance in the world using the name 'Madara,' that made the five great ninja villages temporarily put aside their hatred and conflicts of interest and unite. Later, it seemed like they were persuaded by Naruto to unite, but in reality? They were just following the same path as the First Hokage.

The idea of ​​mutual understanding and letting go of hatred is utterly ridiculous.

Between nations, there is only self-interest!

Humans have always been creatures that are not afraid of scarcity, but only of inequality. As long as Konoha still holds the largest share of the benefits and the Land of Fire remains the richest country, the war between the five great nations will break out again once Naruto and Sasuke's generation passes away in the original story. This is an inevitable outcome that no one can change!

It can be said that Onoki saw this most clearly. Therefore, although he had some concerns and arrangements, he was not really too worried that Iwagakure would be besieged. Given that these ninja villages each had their own hatred and concerns, and that there were too few limited benefits to be gained from the Land of Earth, a normal person would make a more rational choice!

Konoha and the Land of Fire are the real fat sheep!

At the very least, this is clearly demonstrated in the Hidden Cloud Village.

Otherwise, why did the Fourth Raikage and Kumogakure frequently cause trouble for Konoha in the original story, instead of Iwagakure? You have to understand that Onoki was the enemy who led 10,000 Iwagakure ninja to kill his father, the Raikage. In the end, it's all about self-interest; the village's overall strategy must be based on the collective interests of the village!

Waging war against Konoha would easily yield what Kumogakure desires, but waging war against the Land of Earth, a country that is only slightly better than the Land of Wind but also not particularly wealthy, would result in a disproportionate risk and reward.

Even using peace negotiations as a pretext to kidnap Hinata, intending to expose their plan, and then continuing to threaten Konoha with war after the plan failed, are the best proof of Kumogakure's blatant covetousness for Konoha and the rich resources of the Land of Fire!

Therefore, unless a major accident occurs, it will be difficult for these two great ninja villages to come together. The reason why the Fourth Raikage A and Tsuchikage sent an envoy to Konoha was to test Konoha's stance and see what their opponents would do next. It can't be said that they gained nothing; at least they saw that Sunagakure and Konoha were getting closer.

This is of paramount importance for the Cloud Village's next strategic choices.

The inevitable departure of Kumogakure and the high probability of Sunagakure remaining were developments that Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, and other high-ranking members of Konohagakure could somewhat foresee. This provided them with some valuable intelligence, giving them more options and confidence in their future plans against Iwagakure and the Uchiha clan.

However, at this time, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, and others still did not realize that although Kumogakure coveted the Sharingan bloodline limit of the Uchiha clan and was wary of Iwagakure's further growth, their primary target was still Konoha and the Land of Fire.

Given the choice between a mouthful of juicy goodness and a bad one that might break your teeth, and the choice between being number one in the present and number one in the future, the choice is not difficult for the Hidden Cloud Village. Don't think this is short-sightedness on the part of the Fourth Raikage, A, Tsuchikage, and others. Rather, from the perspective of the nation and the village, the most correct choice is to obtain the greatest benefit at the lowest cost!

Of the five great ninja villages, Kumogakure is the most steadfast in implementing this strategy.

They might even take advantage of the Uchiha clan's departure and Konoha's weakened state to do something, which is very much in line with the style of Kumogakure!

However, their mission this time gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a wrong understanding, and what kind of foreshadowing and development this completely opposite understanding will bring is something that only the gods can know at this moment!

After a period of great upheaval, the ninja world, which had been in turmoil, seemed to have returned to a state of calm. However, this was merely a temporary tranquility before the arrival of the next storm. The four corners of the Hidden Cloud Village, Hidden Sand Village, Hidden Leaf Village, and Hidden Stone Village presented an eerie calm. Since the three major ninja villages did not take the initiative to cause trouble, the Hidden Stone Village and the Uchiha clan were even less likely to take the initiative to do anything. The next two or three years would be the most important period of adjustment for the Hidden Stone Village and the Uchiha clan.

If they can successfully get through this stage, what will follow is the true explosion of Iwagakure's strength and a period of frenzied expansion of their 'Will of Stone'!

The four major ninja villages have remained relatively quiet, seemingly entering a period of dormancy. However, Kirigakure, located far to the east of the sea, has entered into an internal conflict that is far more bloody than the usual Blood Mist policy!

Although the Blood Mist policy had long existed in Kirigakure, its internal environment was far more terrifying than that of the other four great ninja villages.

However, it was still within the realm of barely normalcy. Everything was under the control of the Hidden Mist Village's higher-ups, preventing any imbalance. The various ninja clans were able to maintain a relatively delicate balance. However, after Obito infiltrated and used his Mangekyou Sharingan and the special methods left behind by Madara to control the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, the Hidden Mist Village slid into an unpredictable abyss, catching everyone, including the Master, completely off guard!

Just as Obito had completed all the preparations and was about to begin,

It all started with the destruction of two small families.

Kirigakure has officially entered a bloody internal conflict!

The powerful ninja clans of Kirigakure, such as the Yuki clan, Kaguya clan, and Hozuki clan, all became wary.

Although the atmosphere in Kirigakure was never great under the Blood Mist policy, and each Mizukage would inevitably eliminate dissidents after taking office, the behavior of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, during this period was filled with a certain strangeness.

This wasn't just the opinion of those who weren't close to the Fourth Mizukage; even the Mizukage's direct subordinates in the Anbu, the Jonin squad, the intelligence squad, and other trusted confidants of Yagura Karatachi all felt that their Mizukage had been acting strangely lately!

163. Hidden Mist Village, Obito, and Black Zetsu

However, this sense of incongruity is not very strong.

In addition, the orders issued by Obito, who controlled Yagura Karatachi, were somewhat traceable. The two small clans that were destroyed had indeed committed 'criminal acts' during the Third Shinobi World War. Even though the punishment now seemed a bit strange and the severity was excessive, no one really doubted their Mizukage during this period. Even powerful clans like the Hozuki, Yuki, and Kaguya clans, who held significant positions in Kirigakure, were only slightly more vigilant.

There's no question of anyone suspecting that something is wrong with their Mizukage. Instead, people are wondering if the two small families that were wiped out did something behind the scenes that their Mizukage discovered, which led to his ruthless killing.

This has happened before, but what's surprising is that the methods are even more ruthless, and there was no prior warning. While these ninja leaders are choosing to play it safe, they also plan to use a two-pronged approach, trying to probe with Yagura Karatachi and Master Genji to see if they can obtain any useful information.

In the original story, it wasn't until Obito's orders became increasingly insane and perverse that the patriots of Kirigakure truly began to doubt him. By then, Kirigakure had already been ravaged by Obito for several years. Of the three top ninja clans, only the Hozuki clan had retained some strength; the Kaguya and Yuki clans had been wiped out.

The Hidden Mist Village was also severely weakened.

They almost fell to the point of being on par with Sunagakure.

Therefore, in this very early stage, Obito's Yagura is not at all at risk of being exposed!

He could carry out his plans without any scruples, and unleash his vengeful fury at will. The two small families were just the beginning. Next were the families with certain shady issues, and then it slowly extended to the key figures in the village, the ninja clan.

Obito wouldn't let any of the ninja clans like Hozuki, Yuki, and Kaguya go. He had seen all the actions of these ninja clans, as well as some of the elders from Kirigakure like Genshi, but he didn't care at all, and he certainly wouldn't have any worries.

As long as Yagura Karatachi remains under his control, no one will be able to interfere with his plans. Before executing his and Madara's final plan to seize the nine tailed beasts and initiate the 'Eye of the Moon Plan,' he intends to completely destroy Kirigakure!

This not only satisfies his personal desire for revenge, but also lays the groundwork for capturing the tailed beasts in the future. This also means that even if things deviate from the original plan, Black Zetsu turns a blind eye, as long as Obito doesn't mess things up.

What does it matter what about the rest?

However, necessary admonitions and reminders are still needed, especially given the growing suspicion that the three powerful clans of Kirigakure—Kaguya, Yuki, and Hozuki—are making moves. This is in accordance with Madara's will.

Black Zetsu, representing the group, also appeared immediately.

He went straight to the Mizukage's office in Kirigakure and reported the information he had gathered to Obito, while also giving Obito a rather tactful warning.

"Hmph, these three major ninja clans are just being subconsciously wary. There's no need to worry about them. As long as the Fourth Mizukage is under our control, Kirigakure will not cause any trouble. Once we destroy Kirigakure, the Three-Tails and Five-Tails can be secured in advance! It won't affect our plan at all!"

Obito coldly looked at Black Zetsu, whose body was only half-emerging from the ground, and spoke in a very indifferent tone.

"Hmph, it's best if you can handle it yourself, Obito. You should know very well that Lord Madara has been preparing for this plan for many years. This is the only correct path to truly realize humanity's long-cherished wish for peace. You can't let your personal desires ruin it!"

Black Zetsu remained faithfully playing the role of 'Uchiha Madara's Will', his dark yellow eyes fixed on Uchiha Obito, speaking in his signature hoarse voice.

"I've already said it, everything is for the smooth execution of the Eye of the Moon Plan. And Black Zetsu, I've already said it before, from that day on, I am Madara. Watch your tone and attitude, you are the one who shouldn't interfere with 'my' plan!"

Obito, who was no longer as warm as he once was, still looked at Black Zetsu with extremely cold eyes. His words were cold, and the chilling aura emanating from his body seemed to cause the temperature of the entire space to drop sharply.

"It's good that you understand!"

Black Zetsu chuckled, completely unconcerned about Obito's tone. In his eyes, Madara and Obito were merely the best pawns for him to rescue his mother. The plan, which had lasted for thousands of years, finally saw true hope decades ago with the generation of Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama. Although he had successfully come into contact with those possessed by the reincarnation of 'Indra's Chakra' in the past, he had always been unable to advance the plan smoothly due to numerous obstacles, the most crucial of which was the 'Rinnegan'!

Since the death of that rebellious son, Hagoromo Otsutsuki, no one has been able to obtain it until decades ago, when Madara Uchiha arrived. His talent and gifts gave Black Zetsu hope for himself and his mother.

As expected, after his own 'earnest teachings' and deliberate guidance, Madara Uchiha finally awakened the Rinnegan and summoned the 'Gedo Mazo', the body of the Ten-Tails, from the moon. It can be said that all external measures were ready!

Now we're just one last, and most crucial, step away—to reassemble the Tailed Beasts' chakra and revive the Ten-Tails!

Black Zetsu cannot allow this final step to go wrong. As the most crucial piece in the execution of the plan, Obito must be firmly 'controlled' by Black Zetsu.

Black Zetsu has his own ideas.

Obito also had his own plans.

Although he doesn't know, and couldn't possibly know, Black Zetsu's 'true identity,' in appearance, Black Zetsu is still the embodiment of 'Uchiha Madara's' will, and in a sense, he can represent 'Uchiha Madara'!

When dealing with Obito, it's essential to pay attention to certain dimensions.

"Hmph, you don't need to worry about Kirigakure. Have you figured out everything I asked you to investigate? If we want to carry out the plan, Akatsuki is still too short-handed. We must find out the whereabouts of those people immediately. Only in this way can we start the Tailed Beast Capture Plan in a few years. Otherwise, relying on me and Nagato will be too inefficient and will easily attract the attention of the Five Great Shinobi Villages!"

Therefore, after expressing the proper attitude.

Obito immediately steered the conversation back to the 'main topic'!

That is the issue of personnel and funding for the Akatsuki organization, which is the most crucial element in capturing the Tailed Beasts. The latter is relatively easy to resolve, as it will only take a little more time. However, the former is very difficult to find suitable people to participate in the Tailed Beast capture battle!

Minimum standard for film-level quality!

Or rather, only ninjas with powerful restraining and sealing abilities against tailed beasts, like the Uzumaki clan, can do it!

The Akatsuki organization is still in its early stages.

With only Nagato, Konan, Obito, Black Zetsu, and the newly recruited Kakuzu in such a large organization, the difficulty of capturing the Tailed Beasts is several levels higher than before!

164. Target Person

Efficiency and strength, making all the necessary preparations in the shortest possible time, and then capturing all nine tailed beasts in one fell swoop—this is the main reason why Madara Uchiha and Obito continued to support Nagato and the Akatsuki organization from behind the scenes.

The deliberate exposure of the target, allowing Hanzo and Danzo to join forces to kill Yahiko, was partly to use this harsh reality to shock Nagato and Konan, causing them to become even more corrupted. More importantly, Yahiko was too clever; although an idealist, he was also a down-to-earth person. Nagato and Konan trusted Yahiko immensely, and without killing Yahiko, it would be difficult to continue deceiving Nagato!

The Akatsuki organization, which seemed to be rebuilt around Nagato, only completed the first step of its plan after taking control of Amegakure. The next step was the second step: to earn the necessary funds to operate the organization and to recruit powerful members, the latter being the most crucial.

In the original story, after the Third Shinobi World War ended and Obito officially turned to the dark side, Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu's plan took its first step. It took them fifteen or sixteen years to prepare in terms of manpower and resources!

Then, in just a few months...

Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, Kakuzu, Hidan, Deidara, Sasori, Nagato, and even Obito all took turns capturing the seven tailed beasts with lightning speed. In this life, Obito naturally had to follow the original plan and recruit enough people. Kakuzu had already joined the group, while Itachi Uchiha and Deidara were still too young to be noticed by Obito. At this time, Kisame Hoshigaki was still the most loyal 'Seven Ninja' of Kirigakure!

Therefore, at this stage, the best targets for Obito are naturally Hidan, Sasori, and Orochimaru. Although the former two are elusive and difficult for ordinary people to find, the latter is still unknown to outsiders in the ninja world that he has betrayed Konoha.

But for Obito, who possessed countless intelligence reports on White Zetsu scattered throughout the ninja world, none of these were problems!

During this short period of time, the White Zetsu under Obito's orders were doing their best to search for the three of them. Unless they were really going to stay in one place for their entire lives and hardly ever came out, as long as they were active in the ninja world, they would have a lot of traces.

Even White Zetsu can detect them!

Ordinary people cannot perceive the existence of White Zetsu.

The search, which lasted for more than half a year, did not disappoint Obito. The whereabouts of Sasori of the Red Sand, Hidan, the most loyal follower of the Jashin Cult, and Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, were all tracked down by the White Zetsu. After the Black Zetsu reported the whereabouts of the three to Obito, a hint of satisfaction appeared in Obito's exposed crimson Sharingan.

"Very good! Now that we have confirmed the whereabouts of the three, let Nagato and Konan make contact with them personally immediately! The organization's plan must get on track as soon as possible, and we must complete all preparations for the operation within five to ten years!"

Obito stared at Black Zetsu in front of him and said in a deep voice.

"Aren't you going to personally recruit those three? It seems like that would be more beneficial for the rest of the plan, right? After all, we still need to be a bit wary of Nagato!"

"Hmph! It's not time for 'Madara' to show himself yet. Let Nagato go in person, that's enough. And there's no need to worry about Nagato. Right now, he can only choose to follow the path we've laid out for him. Even if something goes wrong, it's all within our control!"

Others might not know, but surely Obito knew whose Rinnegan Nagato possessed?

He's just a guy who got carried away and started calling himself a god.