OberonLA

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 219

Chapter 219: Naruto Gradually Going Off Track

“A hand can’t clap without the other. I should reflect on my own issues?!”

Upon hearing this, Naruto's eyes widened in shock. He never expected Black Zetsu to say such a thing. They were friends, weren’t they? Shouldn’t he be on Naruto's side?

Since birth, Naruto hadn’t done anything particularly wrong. Why was he treated with disdain by the villagers? He never asked for any special treatment; all he wanted was to be ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 218

Chapter 218: Naruto, You Should Reflect on Your Own Issues

After spending a few days together, Naruto and Black Zetsu became close friends, sharing everything with each other.

This outcome was anticipated by Black Zetsu. With an orphan like Naruto, who lived alone, it only took a little show of kindness for him to trust someone wholeheartedly.

All of this was thanks to the upper echelons of Konoha. Without them, it would have been quite challenging to approach the reincarnat...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 217

Chapter 217: The Old Man Black Zetsu in the Pendant

After sending Naruto home, the Third Hokage hurriedly returned to the Hokage Tower.

As Hokage, he didn’t have much time to waste on Naruto there were many orphans in the village that needed care, and Naruto was just one of the more special cases.

He also needed to focus on maintaining the balance of power.

After granting several Jonin slots to the Hyuga clan, he initially intended to appease them while subtly inciti...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 216

Chapter 216: Hiruzen Sarutobi and Naruto

Byakuya and Black Zetsu talked for a long time, from the current state of the Jinchuriki to how to properly cultivate them.

After listening to Byakuya's training plan, Black Zetsu had big question marks all over his small head, but due to his recognition of Byakuya's abilities, Black Zetsu chose to believe him.

After all, in the past thousand years, he had never had a subordinate as reliable as Byakuya.

Not wanting to waste any ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 215

Chapter 215, Next Steps

Byakuya had always considered recruiting a scientific genius like Orochimaru.

Orochimaru’s talent in biology could be considered the best in the ninja world. Whether it was simplifying the Sage Mode with the Heavenly Curse Seal technique or the technology for implanting and merging bloodline limits, he could mass-produce subordinates with the strength of elite Jonin.

In addition, Orochimaru had also improved the Reanimation Jutsu.

He transform...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 214

Chapter 214, Byakuya Reviewing Intelligence

It had been several days since returning to Amegakure.

After arranging for Kakuzu and Hidan to be in the same team, Byakuya leaned back on the sofa in his office to take a brief rest while recalling the process of visiting the Cult of the Evil God with Hidan over the past few days.

The Cult of the Evil God was a cult organization active within the Land of Hot Water, known for its penchant for killing and sacrifices.

Initially...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 213

Chapter 213, Jiraiya's Departure

Upon hearing that Jiraiya wanted to leave to bring back Orochimaru, the Third Hokage pondered for a few seconds before slowly responding,

“Jiraiya, you should know that Orochimaru won’t come back easily. Moreover, he has harmed comrades in the village and is now a dangerous rogue ninja. Even if you manage to bring Orochimaru back, he will receive the punishment he deserves.”

“I understand…” Jiraiya said with a determined look. “...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 212

Chapter 212, The Discrepancy Between Master and Apprentice

“If Shisui really had any ulterior motives, he wouldn’t be using the Mangekyō Sharingan.”

Upon hearing the Third Hokage’s statement, Danzo opened his mouth to say something but ultimately gave up and obediently sat back in the corner.

The other Konoha jonin present also stopped whispering and turned their gaze toward the Third Hokage.

Clearing his throat, the Third Hokage continued,

“In this de...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 211

Chapter 211, The Means of the Third Hokage

Half a month later, Jiraiya led Konoha ninjas back to the village.

As the heroes who ended the war, Jiraiya and the other ninjas were warmly welcomed by the villagers lining the streets.

The villagers were indifferent to whether Konoha and the Land of Fire had lost anything in this war, nor did they care if the title of the first ninja village had been shaken.

After experiencing the Third Shinobi World War, the Nine-Tails Nigh...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 210

Chapter 210, The Ambitions of Uchiha and Hyuga

Under the full force of Kakuzu and Sasori, Hidan was defeated within a few exchanges.

During this time, he managed to obtain some of Kakuzu's blood, but before he could perform the sacrificial ritual, Sasori forcibly interrupted him.

His immortal body was firmly pressed to the ground, rendering him unable to move.

When facing elite Jonin-level enemies, Hidan’s immortality could serve as a surprise tactic, but against sha...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 209

Chapter 209: Forbidden Techniques of the Evil God and Hidan

[Yugakure has joined the Akatsuki. You have gained Basic Water Release, Basic Fire Release, Basic Earth Release…]

[Yugakure has joined the Akatsuki. You have acquired the Forbidden Techniques of the Evil God Cult.]

After hearing the system notification in his ears, Byakuya frowned.

Yugakure was just a minor ninja village, so it was normal for the rewards to be less impressive than those from Amegakure. After...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 208

Chapter 208, Expansion of the Akatsuki Organization

With the efforts of Byakuya, Yahiko, and Jiraiya, both Kumogakure and Konohagakure agreed to withdraw their troops from the Land of Hot Water.

As long as Yugakure remains neutral and does not ally with other ninja villages, both Konohagakure and Kumogakure will not take the initiative to attack the Land of Hot Water.

Upon learning this outcome, the leader of Yugakure was very excited.

After the talks had just conclude...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 207

Chapter 207: Pressing Issues

“Shikaku, Raikage-sama, shouldn’t we hear what Yugakure has to say?”

At these words, both Shikaku and the Fourth Raikage were taken aback. When did the negotiations between Konoha and Kumogakure require the input of Yugakure?

Although the Land of Hot Water behind Yugakure is not small in area, its overall strength is negligible. If it weren't for the need for a buffer zone between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning, Yugakure would h...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 206

Chapter 206, The Meeting

After a moment of contemplation, the Fourth Raikage spoke to Byakuya, "Byakuya, I'm just being honest. I definitely don't believe that Amegakure will firmly side with Konoha. Don't forget, Konoha invaded the Land of Rain over 20 years ago, while Kumogakure has no grudges or conflicts with Amegakure."

Hearing this, Byakuya fell into deep thought, then nodded,

"The Raikage-sama makes a valid point. Konoha did indeed invade the Land of Rain. So, what sh...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 205

Chapter 205: Three-Party Talks

On the night before the official talks, Jiraiya received a message from the Hokage Building. 

After carefully reading the contents of the letter, Jiraiya's expression became extremely serious. He slammed his hand hard on the table, leaving a clear palm print on its surface.

A few days earlier, he had reported intelligence to the village, seeking support from them. 

Unexpectedly, during these few days, a major event occurred in t...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 204

Chapter 204: Intelligence

In the Land of Hot Water.

Due to a strong recommendation from Amegakure, the location for the peace talks between Konoha and Kumogakure was officially set in Yugakure.

The Land of Hot Water, where Yugakure is located, is a country extremely rich in natural resources. However, despite these favorable conditions, the strength of its ninja is far below the average for the ninja world, even weaker than Kusagakure.

After arriving here, Yahiko and K...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 203

Chapter 203: Orochimaru's Defection (Part 2)

Orochimaru's strength was not to be underestimated. 

During the Third Great Ninja War, he had assassinated the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki, B, and led Konoha's forces to victory against Sunagakure in the Battle of Kikyo Pass, making him one of the most powerful figures in the ninja world.

But even with such strength, he was gradually falling behind in the seamless staff techniques of the Third Hokage.

Looking at the still-...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 202

Chapter 202: Orochimaru’s Defection

Three days later, at the Hokage building.

The Third Hokage pulled out a box of cigarettes from his pocket, took one out, lit it, and inhaled deeply, exhaling a ring of smoke.

Soon, he frowned.

This box of cigarettes was a gift from his eldest son, Shinnosuke, who claimed it tasted better and was healthier than his traditional pipe.

But he still wasn’t used to these modern products and missed the pipe that had been with him ...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 201

Chapter 201: Tenzō and Anko

Tuning out his wandering thoughts, Danzō walked toward the Wood Release experimental subject, who was just a child, appearing only seven or eight years old.

Sensing Danzō's approach, the child suddenly opened his eyes and looked at him.

"Who are you, old man?"

Danzō instinctively took a half-step back and then slowly replied, "I am Danzō, leader of Konoha’s Root. And you, little one, who are you? What’s your name?"

The child h...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 200

Chapter 200: Results of the Wood Release Experiment

When Byakuya and Amegakure were mentioned, the Third Hokage didn’t want to consider the threat posed by Amegakure.

No matter how powerful the upper echelons of Amegakure might be, their growth would be constrained by the number of ninjas and geographical limitations, preventing them from developing into a village on the level of the Rock or Cloud Villages.

Even if they achieved a status comparable to one of the Five Great...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 199

Chapter 199: Danzo's Suspicion

Hokage Building

As the Third Hokage stepped through the door of the Hokage's office, he felt a wave of unease wash over him as he glanced at the urgent report scroll sent by Jiraiya.

The Third Hokage had been closely monitoring the situation on the Cloud Battlefield, where Jiraiya was stationed.

If the battle against Kumogakure went poorly, Konoha wouldn't just lose an ally; the already signed peace agreements with the Iwagakure and Kirig...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 198

Chapter 198: The Reputation of Amegakure

Since the First Hokage quelled the chaos of the warring states, Konoha had never seized any land in the three great wars.

On one hand, Konoha often faced attacks from two or three other ninja villages, making it extremely challenging just to defend their territory. They simply didn't have the manpower to occupy additional lands.

On the other hand, Konoha had consistently expressed a preference for peace and never initiated conflict. A...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 197

Chapter 197: Amegakure and the Demigod

Jiraiya glanced at his two disciples in front of him, then looked at Byakuya and the Fourth Raikage in the distance, slowly saying, “Byakuya, Konoha agrees to stop this war.”

For Jiraiya, agreeing to peace wasn't difficult. Konoha was already on the defensive in this war; had it not been for Kumogakure's attack on the Land of Hot Water, Konoha wouldn't have been forced into this conflict.

As for the Fourth Raikage's claim that Konoh...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 196

Chapter 196: Do You Still Want to Continue Fighting?

After reluctantly agreeing to Byakuya’s plan, the group made their way toward the center of the battlefield.

On the way, they encountered Konoha ninjas engaged in combat with Cloud ninjas. Upon seeing Byakuya and his companions, who were dressed in Fire Cloud attire, the ninjas immediately halted their fighting.

One Konoha ninja recognized Yahiko and quickly said, “Yahiko-sama, are you here to support Jiraiya-sama? Wit...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 195

Chapter 195: Byakuya, the Peacemaker

For the Konoha shinobi, the Sharingan wasn't a rare sight. It was common enough that you might even pass by a jōnin with activated Sharingan while shopping for groceries in the village.

However, once the word Mangekyō was added in front of Sharingan, the significance changed entirely.

Ever since the rogue ninja Madara Uchiha was supposedly killed by the First Hokage, the Uchiha clan hadn’t produced another Mangekyō Sharingan user. Af...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 194

Chapter 194: The Ridiculous Cloud and Konoha

Emerging from the explosion of the ink clone, Shisui did not pursue the retreating Killer Bee. Instead, he turned to Byakuya, who had been watching the battle for some time, and curiously asked, "Lord Byakuya, why didn’t you stop Killer Bee?"

Byakuya, remembering something, replied, "Killer Bee’s strength is not on the same level as Yugito’s. Even if the two of us joined forces, it would be a tough battle. There’s no need to com...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 193

Chapter 193: Shisui vs. Killer Bee

On the other side, after dealing with the weaker Cloud ninjas on the ground, Byakuya gently descended with Shisui.

The Cloud ninjas, who had suffered heavy losses, gripped their weapons tightly as they surrounded the two with bloodshot eyes and gritted teeth, their resolve burning fiercely.

Seeing this, Byakuya patted Shisui's shoulder and casually said, "I’m not really good at fighting. I’ll leave the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki to you. I'...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 192

Chapter 192: The Advance of the Fourth Raikage

For Shisui, it was his first time experiencing the feeling of flying.

As they flew higher and higher, the ground beneath them gradually became distant and insignificant. The battle between the Konoha and Cloud ninjas below seemed like nothing more than ants fighting, completely detached from him.

At that moment, Shisui suddenly thought of Byakuya, who was carrying him through the sky. He finally began to understand Byakuya’s p...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 191

Chapter 191: Eight-Tails Beast Bomb

"Shisui, a big battle is about to start. Are you ready for it?"

After hearing this, Shisui didn't immediately reply to Byakuya. Instead, he focused intently on the distant forest, also sensing the tense atmosphere in the air.

After spending time together over the past few days, Shisui had come to understand that beneath Byakuya's harmless appearance, there was a hidden devil.

Byakuya was like a devil, manipulating both him and his cl...

Mastermind of the Akatsuki 190

Chapter 190: Are You Ready?

A few days later, the Konoha front faced a large-scale attack from the Cloud ninjas.

At first, Jiraiya, Fugaku, and Kakashi, among other Jonin, thought this was just another feint by the Cloud ninjas, similar to previous feints. The purpose was to distract Konoha’s elite forces and then take the opportunity to assault the Konoha camp.

However, as outposts along the border began to go missing one by one, Jiraiya and the others gradually realized ...