OberonLA

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 249

Chapter 249: No Suspense

From the eastern coast of the Land of Fire to the shores of the Land of Snow, the journey took Byakuya and his companions two full weeks. Along the way, they encountered several bands of rogue ninjas, ranging from simple bandits to powerful A-ranked missing-nin. However, none proved to be a match for Byakuya and Konan, each falling easily to their combined strength.

Upon reaching the Land of Snow, Byakuya and the others donned thick winter coats, preparing...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 248

Chapter 248: Is Byakuya Really That Famous?

After listening to Byakuya's proposal, Koyuki fell into deep thought, carefully weighing his offer.

After a long silence, she bowed to Byakuya and agreed to his terms. She asked for Byakuya and Konan's names, then excused herself to “gather her belongings” and returned to her room.

Once inside, Sandayū—who had remained silent until now—asked, “Lady Koyuki, why did you agree to their terms? We don’t even know which coun...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 247

Chapter 247: The Script of Revenge

After several days of traveling, Byakuya and Konan finally arrived at the capital of the Land of Fire.

Although the Land of Fire didn’t have an official capital, people generally referred to the city where the Land of Fire’s daimyo resided as its capital. It was also the city with the highest number of ninja outside of Konoha.

Simply walking down the streets, Byakuya and Konan encountered numerous ninja. Most were from Konoha, with a fe...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 246

Chapter 246: Departure to the Land of Snow

Yahiko was not unfamiliar with the name of the Land of Snow.

This country, located in the far north of the continent, remained covered in ice and snow year-round. As a result, it had limited interaction with other nations, making it a rather mysterious place.

However, Yahiko had never heard that the Land of Snow had developed chakra armor capable of enhancing a ninja’s power.

As for the "Land of Sky" mentioned by Byakuya, Ya...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 245

Chapter 245: Methods to Improve the Combat Power of Rain Ninjas

After leaving the Akatsuki’s laboratory, Orochimaru respectfully walked Byakuya to the door, not daring to let his guard down again. With such an unpredictable and powerful superior, Orochimaru realized that any future plans to defect would be significantly harder to execute.

Despite the constraints, Orochimaru found himself appreciating the Akatsuki’s environment. The organization allowed substantial freedom; tho...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 244

Chapter 244: Byakuya’s Confidence

After Byakuya's figure disappeared, Orochimaru donned a white lab coat and began to analyze Byakuya’s cells using various scientific instruments, setting up comparison experiments as well.

A few hours later, the data and results came through. Orochimaru stared at the screen, deep in thought.

At first glance, Byakuya’s cells appeared no different from ordinary human cells, yet they harbored an overwhelming power. Even when compared to H...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 243

Chapter 243: Satori’s Reward and Ancient Fragments of Knowledge

After witnessing Satori flee back into the Box of Ultimate Bliss, Orochimaru glanced at Byakuya, his eyes seeming to ask, ‘Did we succeed or fail with this experiment? The creature inside the Box doesn’t seem to have fulfilled our wish.’

Byakuya ignored Orochimaru's subtle look and walked directly toward the Box.

Byakuya had his suspicions about why Satori had shown fear just now. Perhaps it was because ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 242

Chapter 242: Enlightenment

After weeks of study, Orochimaru realized that opening the Box of Ultimate Bliss required tailed beast-level chakra.

For Orochimaru at this stage, gathering chakra of such magnitude was not impossible, though it would require considerable effort. He’d need the assistance of all his subordinates and even have to seek help from Ryuchi Cave to amass enough chakra.

There were several reasons why Orochimaru didn’t actively pursue gathering the chakr...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 241

Chapter 241: The Sorrow of a Caged Bird

After Hiashi Hyuga’s questioning of Hinata ended, the turmoil surrounding the “young lady’s” disappearance was finally over.

Once he saw Hinata escorted back to her room to rest, Neji, with his forehead wrapped in bandages, smiled at his father, Hizashi, and said, “Father, I’m so glad that Lady Hinata is safe. I was really worried something had happened to her.”

Hizashi looked at Neji upon hearing this, his gaze lingering...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 240

Chapter 240: The Main and Branch Families

Black Zetsu found himself deep in thought, noting how Naruto seemed different from past reincarnations of Asura. In his experience, Asura’s reincarnations were always raised within communities, surrounded by friends and supporters, nurturing their belief in the power of camaraderie. But Naruto, like Indra’s reincarnations, was isolated and alone. Could it be that Naruto was actually Indra’s reincarnation? Yet his bright, optimistic nature ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 239

Chapter 239: A Different Perspective

After leaving the Hokage Tower, Jiraiya strolled aimlessly down the street by himself. Besides wanting to find a nice bathhouse to unwind after months of traveling, he also wanted to check in on Naruto, see how he was doing, and if there was any way he could help him out.

Although the old man (the Third Hokage) was surely doing his best to look after Naruto, he was a busy man with little time to spend with him personally.

Not long into hi...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 238

Chapter 238: Third-Rate Ninja

If Jiraiya’s words were accurate and Amegakure truly implemented widespread ninja education, then its overall strength would undoubtedly see a significant surge, potentially putting it on par with the Five Great Ninja Villages.

For Konoha, this wouldn’t exactly be good news since it would mean another formidable rival emerging to its northwest.

However, the first to feel the pressure of Amegakure’s rise would likely be Iwagakure, as Amegak...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 237

Chapter 237: The Third Hokage’s Surprise

"Endlessly pursuing peace means the Akatsuki will never see true peace."

Hearing these words, Byakuya and Nagato exchanged a surprised glance, both taken aback.

The statement itself was unproblematic, but the issue lay in who said it—Yahiko.

Yahiko was the Akatsuki’s idealistic leader, someone who would rather sacrifice himself to save Konan and secure cooperation with Amegakure. Yet now, he was displaying a hardline stanc...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 236

Chapter 236: Yahiko’s Transformation

"Could it be that, a long, long time ago, the Uchiha and Senju clans were actually one family?" Orochimaru suddenly found this thought popping into his mind, but he quickly shook his head, trying to dismiss the absurd notion.

The Uchiha and Senju clans being related seemed impossible.

These two clans, who founded the village of Konoha, had been enemies since the distant Warring States era, with their hatred persisting over centuries. 2024-11-21 12:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 235

Chapter 235: Negotiation and Orochimaru

Hearing the Kusagakure leader's explanation, Mui frowned. Kusagakure's Hawk and Dove factions only differed in their approaches: the Hawks wanted to take proactive action to improve the village's unfavorable trade situation and secure more missions, while the Doves preferred to maintain the status quo, believing stability would ultimately lead to improvement.

In the end, both factions cared about Kusagakure, just with differing methods. But ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 234

Chapter 234: Nagato’s Social Anxiety and Good Health

When Byakuya arrived at Kusagakure with Mui and Muku, the battle inside the village had already ended.

Passing through the main street of Kusagakure, Byakuya soon reached the Kusagakure Headquarters and found Nagato, wearing his Akatsuki cloak, looking bewildered. Around him lay defeated Kusagakure shinobi, unconscious on the ground.

Witnessing the scene, Mui felt a chill down his spine. Watching his fellow Kusagakure sh...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 233

Chapter 233: Lord Byakuya Is Right

After thoughtfully preparing a smaller chain for Muku, Byakuya threw both father and son together in the same spot, then leapt to the top of the Box of Ultimate Bliss, beginning a serious examination of this treasure from the era of the Sage of the Six Paths.

According to legend, the Box of Ultimate Bliss contains a creature named "Satori." It is said to grant a single wish to whoever opens the box, but the wish is often granted in a way that con...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 232

Chapter 232: Why Do You Think I’d Give You a Chance?

Upon seeing Byakuya’s appearance, Mui’s expression shifted. He quickly evaluated the situation, and once he confirmed Byakuya’s identity, his face grew even more serious. Byakuya was no ordinary ninja.

Since the Battle of Kumogakure, the major ninja villages across the world had all come to know of Byakuya. Though young, he could hold his own against the Fourth Raikage in a short amount of time. Such strength was intimid...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 231

Chapter 231: The Box of Ultimate Bliss

Upon arriving at Kusagakure, Byakuya and Nagato used transformation jutsu to enter the village as merchants, blending in with ease.

This wasn't their first time infiltrating Kusagakure; their last visit had been to rescue Karin.

Five or six years had passed since that last infiltration, yet Kusagakure remained largely unchanged. The only noticeable difference was a reduced flow of people due to internal unrest. Otherwise, everything see...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 230

Chapter 230: Revisiting Familiar Territory

The Land of Grass bordered the Land of Rain, so it only took Byakuya a few hours to reach it. Once there, he quickly subdued a few rogue Kusagakure shinobi who were pillaging the area.

Using genjutsu, Byakuya read their memories and uncovered crucial information about Kusagakure’s recent activities. Their recent incursions at the border were indeed linked to the Box of Ultimate Bliss. However, the attacks on the Rain Country's border we...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 229

Chapter 229: Attack from Kusagakure

After touring the ninja academy, Jiraiya, led by Yahiko, continued visiting other areas of Amegakure, covering nearly the entire village except for the Akatsuki base.

Upon returning to the Amegakure building, Jiraiya felt deeply conflicted.

He was happy to see Yahiko, Nagato, and the others having developed Amegakure so well, realizing his own former dreams. But Amegakure was not Konoha, and in Jiraiya’s heart, nothing could take the pla...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 228

Chapter 228: Jiraiya's Inner Gap

The next morning, after a night of rest, Jiraiya arrived at the Amegakure building. Yahiko, who had been waiting for quite some time, came forward, ready to guide Jiraiya on a tour of Amegakure to showcase the village's growth and changes over the years.

Jiraiya did not decline Yahiko's offer; he also wanted to walk around Amegakure and see firsthand how this village had transformed from a small, poor shinobi village to its current state.

If ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 227

Chapter 227: Jiraiya’s Observations

For ordinary people, learning ninjutsu isn’t always a blessing. According to the standard rules of the shinobi world, ninja are not supposed to harm civilians. However, once someone learns even a simple jutsu like the Body Replacement Technique, they’re viewed as ninja, and the protections they previously had as civilians may no longer apply.

Jiraiya felt compelled to warn Yahiko. On one hand, he worried about the safety of the Land of Rai...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 226

Chapter 226: Jiraiya goes to Amegakure

“Jiraiya-sensei?” Nagato’s voice carried a hint of surprise.

Despite Jiraiya's attempt to disguise himself with a transformation jutsu and a straw hat, Nagato recognized his former teacher at once. However, Nagato was somewhat puzzled. Why would Jiraiya be hiding his identity while entering the Land of Rain?

Hearing Nagato call him by name, the Rain shinobi around him turned their gaze on Jiraiya. For them, the name “Jiraiya” ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 225

Chapter 225: Jiraiya's Curious Journey

With Orochimaru no longer his target, Jiraiya found himself at a loose end.

He wandered across the nations, seeking inspiration for a new book and awaiting missions from the Hokage’s office so he could continue contributing to his village.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, three months had passed.

In those three months, Jiraiya had traveled through much of the shinobi world, experiencing various cultures and landscapes.<...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 224

Chapter 224: Special Talent – Scientist of the Shinobi World

Upon learning of Byakuya’s ambitions and the true goal of the Akatsuki, Orochimaru licked his dry lips.

If it were any other rogue ninja in the Shinobi World, they might be terrified of Akatsuki’s goals. After all, in a way, Akatsuki was setting itself up to oppose the Five Great Nations, ultimately becoming an organization that everyone would want to destroy.

However, Orochimaru understood that, given Byakuy...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 223

Chapter 223: Akatsuki's Objective

After Byakuya agreed to Orochimaru’s condition, Orochimaru joined the Akatsuki without hesitation. He was already intrigued by the organization, and members like Kakuzu and Sasori of the Red Sand presented excellent research subjects.

Besides, refusing the offer would likely mean he wouldn’t leave this forest alive. Until his Reanimation Jutsu was perfected, Byakuya could kill him completely, denying even the chance of resurrection.

Once...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 222

Chapter 222: Recruiting Orochimaru

From the first moment Orochimaru laid eyes on Byakuya, a sense of alarm filled his mind. He instinctively took a few steps back to keep a safe distance.

This seemingly cheerful young man was anything but kind. Heck, he was more like a cunning old fox.

In a few short years, he had not only allied with the Akatsuki members to bring down Hanzo the Salamander from his position as the leader of Amegakure, but he also managed to fight the Fourth ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 221

Chapter 221: The Meeting between Byakuya and Orochimaru

"Ninjutsu: Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"

"Ninjutsu: Needle Jizō!"

With two low shouts, Jiraiya and Orochimaru clashed. One transformed his limbs into venomous snakes for offense, while the other hardened his hair as a defensive shield.

Despite their fierce words, both held back during the fight, each cautious not to truly injure the other. Their jutsu were all flash and little substance, like a thunderstorm without...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 220

Chapter 220: Jiraiya and Orochimaru

Inside the Akatsuki office.

After placing a cup of brewed coffee on the table, Byakuya opened the first letter sent by Black Zetsu. The contents were quite simple.

After two weeks of interaction, Black Zetsu had already gained Naruto's initial trust. Now his standing in Naruto’s eyes was now comparable to that of the Third Hokage.

This was entirely expected by Byakuya. Having been an orphan himself, he understood what orphans truly...