OberonLA

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 330

Chapter 330: Strategic Planning and Future Plans

[Name: Byakuya]
[Age: 22 years old]

[Current Affiliated Organization: Akatsuki Organization]

[Chakra Attributes: Lightning, Water, Earth, Wind, Fire, Yang, Yin]

[Ninjutsu: Substitution Jutsu, Basic Kunai Throwing Technique, Advanced Wind Style Ninjutsu, Mastery of Water Style Ninjutsu, Advanced Paper Style, Mastery of Wood Style, Disguise Jutsu, Spore Jutsu, Mayfly Technique…]

[Kekkei Genkai: Basic Wood Style,...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 90

Chapter 90: Aftermath

Konoha’s devastating defeat in the Land of Rivers was beyond anyone’s expectations.

That day, when the surviving shinobi, led by Shibi Aburame, returned to the village, even Konoha’s higher-ups couldn’t keep the news under wraps. Before long, the entire village was filled with wails of grief and sorrow.

A thousand shinobi didn’t just mean a thousand lives lost; it meant a thousand families shattered. Each one of them had been the backbone of t...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 329

Chapter 329: Settling Matters in Sunagakure

After learning the truth about his identity, Naruto neither caused a scene nor lost control. He calmly accepted the fact that he was the son of the Fourth Hokage and the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. He even decided to continue practicing the Will of Fire moving forward.

Upon receiving this news from White Zetsu, Byakuya smiled mysteriously.

Naruto’s access to records about the Fourth Hokage and Kushina was no coincidence—it wa...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 89

Chapter 89: Evolution and Conclusion

The twelve Jōnin of Sunagakure were momentarily confused. However, when they followed Rasa’s gaze, their expressions stiffened. A realization dawned upon them, and their eyes flickered with admiration and awe as they looked at their leader. The five Konohagakure ninja who had just escaped—especially the two from the Uchiha clan—came to mind.

"Alright, clean up the battlefield. Since these fallen ninja were all Konoha Jōnin, there might ...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 88

Chapter 88: The Final Phase

A voice, dark and menacing, like something from the depths of hell, sent a violent tremor through Danzō’s entire body.

With the last of his strength, he gripped a kunai and thrust it toward Rasa.

Slash!

The blade effortlessly pierced Rasa’s back, yet it did nothing to stop his outstretched arm.

"Arg!!!"

Danzō let out a gut-wrenching scream as his right eye—the Sharingan—was mercilessly gouged out.

At that moment, ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 328

Chapter 328: Learning the Identity

No matter if it was the Third Hokage, Kakashi, or Black Zetsu, they all advised Naruto not to dwell too much on his origins. They assured him that once he grew stronger, all truths would eventually come to light. Knowing the correct answers at the wrong time wasn’t necessarily good.

But this reassurance relied on the assumption that the Third Hokage and Kakashi knew when Naruto was strong enough to handle the truth. Naruto himself, however, did...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 87

Chapter 87: Rasa vs. Danzo (Part 4)

“Guah!!!”

A mouthful of blood burst from Danzo’s lips as he stared in disbelief at the sand spear impaling his chest. This was the first time Kagami’s Sharingan had ever failed.

His vision blurred as he looked up, meeting Rasa’s unwavering gaze.

“How is this possible…?!”

Everything Danzo had learned indicated that only perfect Jinchuriki could break free from the Mangekyo Sharingan’s genjutsu. Rasa was no perf...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 86

Chapter 86: Rasa vs. Danzo (Part 3)

Among the two great dōjutsu of the ninja world, both the Sharingan and the Byakugan can perceive the flow of chakra within a ninja’s body. However, the key difference lies in how they function. The Sharingan’s perception is based on its ability to detect the presence of chakra itself.

In other words, while the Sharingan can observe the movement of chakra inside a ninja, it cannot pinpoint chakra points. If the target lacks chakra altogether...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 327

Chapter 327: Naruto's Dilemma

Standing in the clearing, Naruto formed the Seal of Opposition, looking at Kakashi and saying,
"Kakashi-san, before starting my special training, I want to see your strength."

(AN: I decided to use Japanese honorifics other than ‘sensei’ and ‘sama.’ The original author called him “Jonin Kakashi,” but it felt cringy.)

Challenging a Jōnin before even graduating from the academy?

Kakashi silently complained to himself but step...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 85

Chapter 85: Rasa vs. Danzo (Part 2) 

Amidst the wreckage of their fierce battle, the forest lay in complete disarray. Shattered trees and scattered debris marked the aftermath of their clash. High above, atop the canopies of two towering trees, Rasa and Danzo stood facing each other once more, their eyes locked in a silent, deadly standoff. 

Drip.

Danzo felt a sharp sting on his cheek and instinctively reached up to touch it. His fingers came away stained with crim...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 326

Chapter 326: Kakashi's Concerns

Before witnessing Kakashi effortlessly overpower two chunins, Naruto had a vague understanding of the hierarchy of ninja ranks. He assumed there might be some differences in strength, but not to a significant degree.

For instance, while he had confidence in defeating a Chūnin, he believed that several Chūnin together would always be able to overcome a Jōnin.

The usually kind and grandfatherly Third Hokage, no matter how strong, could at mos...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 84

Chapter 84: Rasa vs. Danzo (Part 1)

Outside the Four Purple Flame Formation

After adapting to the battlefield and shedding blood in the process, the jōnin of Konohagakure finally figured out how to counter the massive tanuki warriors.

However, understanding their weaknesses was one thing. Defeating them was another. Their absurdly strong defenses and overwhelming destructive power made it nearly impossible for the jōnin to take them down in a short time.

Just as the ...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 83

Chapter 83: A Trap

Rasa’s words made Danzo’s pupils contract sharply.

He looked up to see Rasa hovering in the sky, his gaze filled with disdain. Danzo’s face tensed, his expression turning grim.

"I've been discovered!?"

Being called a "rat in the sewers" did little to rattle him. He was not the type to be provoked by mere insults. Remaining composed, he tilted his head slightly and squinted his lone eye at Rasa.

"You’re mistaken, Kazekage of Sunagakure. ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 325

Chapter 325: Kakashi’s Naruto Observation Diary

After receiving a mission from the Third Hokage, Kakashi didn’t rush to meet Naruto.

He decided to observe Naruto in secret for a few days first. Only by fully understanding him could he tailor the training to help Naruto grow into a great ninja.

His first stop for observing Naruto was the Ninja Academy.

Wearing his jonin vest, Kakashi entered the academy and found his old classmate, Iruka.

Iruka was Naruto’s ...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 82

Chapter 82: Tanuki Warriors

"Be careful!"

The Konoha Jonin at the front felt the overwhelming power radiating from the massive creature and instinctively stepped back.

Boom!

The several-ton tanuki warrior crashed down with earth-shattering force. The ground trembled violently, sending shockwaves rippling through the forest. Its enormous blade cleaved through thick trees, each as wide as two people embracing, slicing them cleanly in half.

Cold sweat trick...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 81

Chapter 81: White Zetsu’s Tailing

Deep within the forest.

On a massive tree branch in a secluded area, a figure emerged from the ground as if the earth itself had given birth to it. Pale white from head to toe, its head bore a distinctive spiral-like design, resembling a mask.

In a voice both childish and curious, it muttered, "Why… why is Danzo here?"

This figure was none other than White Zetsu, a subordinate of Uchiha Madara, tasked with keeping a close watch on ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 324

Chapter 324: A Mission Concerning Konoha’s Future

After returning to the Hokage’s office, the Third Hokage angrily swept everything off his desk.

Staring at the now-empty surface, he took a deep breath to calm himself and began recalling his conversation with Danzo from half an hour ago.

In order to minimize casualties on the front lines, he had agreed to all of Danzo’s conditions in exchange for his commitment to head to the battlefield.

To be honest, Danzo’s ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 323

Chapter 323: The Third Hokage and Shisui

Shinnosuke Sarutobi was his son and the current head of Konoha’s Anbu, possessing the strength of an elite jonin. If he continued to hone his skills for several more decades, it wouldn’t be impossible for him to reach the Kage level.

All along, the Third Hokage had considered grooming Shinnosuke to compete for the position of the next or even the one after the next Hokage. Unfortunately, whether in terms of strength or accomplishments, ...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 80

Chapter 80: Perception

At the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers, near the edge of the Land of Rain, Danzo led a group of Konoha Jonin, positioned in a carefully planned ambush.

While the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers stretched long and vast, it was the quickest route for the Sunagakure ninja to return to the Land of Wind. Danzo had considered the geographical advantages and strategically chosen this location.

He had also thorough...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 79

Chapter 79: Hana Uzumaki

It was no wonder that she would one day become the future mother of Karin. Standing before Rasa was a young girl who bore a striking resemblance to Karin, around eighty percent alike.

She appeared to be no older than thirteen or fourteen, youthful and fragile. Her hair and pupils were both the distinct red of the Uzumaki clan. She wore what seemed like prison garb, and her exposed skin bore the marks of past torment—bite marks that marred her innocence. ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 322

Chapter 322: I Want to Live Under the Sun

While the Fourth Kazekage was coming to terms with his status as a rogue ninja, the Third Hokage, one of the Five Kage, was in the Hokage Office, overwhelmed by the ongoing war on the frontlines.

The war between Iwagakure and Konohagakure had been going on for three months.

During this period, there had been no large-scale direct confrontation, but small-team skirmishes had never ceased. The casualties continued to rise daily.

...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 78

Chapter 78: A Salvation

Danzo had never imagined that one day, Minato Namikaze, someone he had always considered to be without any substantial foundation, would become his greatest obstacle to obtaining the position of Hokage.

It wasn’t until Minato successfully convinced the Uchiha clan to join the battle to prevent the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki from entering the fray that Danzo’s suspicions were finally aroused. In that moment, he realized that something was deeply amiss.

...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 77

Chapter 77: The Uzumaki Clan

"What does that mean?"

All eyes immediately turned toward the speaker.

"If we can't claim the power of the Uzumaki clan for ourselves, then we must ensure Sunagakure doesn't get it either. Otherwise, where would that leave our village’s pride?"

"We understand that, but how exactly do we create trouble? The Kazekage is far beyond our capabilities."

"We may not be strong enough, but there are others who are. Have you forgotten about K...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 321

Chapter 321: A Change in Mindset

Sasori wasn't lying—he did know a Ninja skilled in Wind Release.

That person was none other than his colleague in the Akatsuki, Kakuzu. While Kakuzu's proficiency in Wind Release wasn’t on par with the Kazekage, he was at least at the level of an elite joNinja, more than capable of instructing a young girl Temari. More importantly, Kakuzu was a Ninja who worked for money. As long as the price was right, Kakuzu would do anything… except for as...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 76

Chapter 76: Kusagakure

Kusagakure sprawls across an immense plain, its vast landscape dominated by fields of ryūjō flowers. These blossoms, with their crimson-hued buds, resemble flickering flames, making the entire terrain appear like a sea of fire under the sun’s glow.

Lacking natural defenses, Kusagakure has been fortified into a near-impenetrable stronghold. Towering walls of solid rock encircle the village, forming concentric layers of protection. Within these walls, the ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 320

Chapter 320: Rasa’s Awakening

“Did I really go to all the trouble of framing you, turning you from Kazekage into a missing-nin, just to kill you?”

Rasa froze, staring at Byakuya with confusion. If not to kill me, then what was all this scheming for? He thought, struggling to comprehend.

The awkward silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity.

Finally, Rasa broke it. “In the ninja world, only the dead can keep secrets. You told me so many s...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 319

Chapter 319: Leaving the Future of Sunagakure to You

Facing the overwhelming Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence, the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, attempted to resist. He believed that even against Byakuya and Orochimaru, he had a fighting chance due to his Magnet Release Bloodline Limit.

Magnet Release was an exceptionally versatile and powerful ability, granting control over gold dust and enabling flight. Historically, every Sand shinobi who mastered Magnet Release had risen to the po...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 318

Chapter 318: Aftermath

The next morning.

As the shinobi of Sunagakure woke up and prepared to head to the Kazekage’s office to receive their missions, they were greeted by an unexpected scene.

The shinobi discovered that the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, was not in the Kazekage's office. Instead, Chiyo and Ebizō, two retired elders, were temporarily managing the village's affairs.

Simultaneously, they noticed a fearsome and unfamiliar middle-aged man sitting in the Kazekag...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 75

Chapter 75: The Land of Grass

The Land of Grass.

A small nation ensnared in a web of danger.

Surrounded by the Land of Fire, the Land of Earth, the Land of Rain, and the Land of Waterfall—each posing its own threat.

The Land of Fire and the Land of Earth were undisputed great powers.

The Land of Rain, though small, had produced Hanzō of the Salamander, the legendary “Demi-God” who had shaken the world during the Second Shinobi War.

The Land of Waterf...

My Journey as Fourth Kazekage 74

Chapter 74: Despair

"Ah... my leg..."

"Help me..."

"Cough... cough..."

The relentless explosions had collapsed the riverbanks, cutting off the entire ravine. The scene was one of chaos and despair. Some were buried alive under the rubble. Others had their legs crushed by falling debris. A few, caught in the shockwaves, coughed up blood as their lives slowly slipped away.

Shisui Uchiha’s dark eyes widened in shock. This was the first time he had witnessed such d...