"Shiraishi-sensei, you seem a little down."
When Rin arrived at the lab, she immediately spotted Shiraishi sitting on a chair, not engaged in any research. His eyes were lackluster, hinting at something on his mond. He only snapped back when Rin prodded him.
"Oh... It's you, Rin. Why are you here?" Shiraishi asked.
If his memory served him right, Rin wasn't supposed to be working in the laboratory at the moment, her focus should be on her current training.
Rin gave Shiraishi an odd look before responding. "You're still asking why why I'm here? Kiriko-san submitted a report a few days ago, right? I've almost completed my training. I only need to keep doing it for a bit longer."
"Uh, did that happen? Maybe I didn't pay attention... Right, it's been over two years since the start your training, nearing the originally anticipated time. Congratulations, Lin."
Shiraishi acknowledged, finally realizing. But, at that time, his attention was diverted due to other matters.
"So, Shiraishi-sensei, are you really okay?"
Rin pondered; Shiraishi appearing so despondent suggested that something might have happened at home. She had never seen him lose composure in matters of work and research.
"Nothing, just a minor issue."
Shiraishi stood up waving his hands.
A minor issue? Rin tilted her head, skeptical.
"If you're feeling down, take a break. I can handle the work here." Rin suggested.
"Hasn't it been a long time you touched any of these equipment?"
"It's fine. This is my job, and I can catch up quickly." Rin replied confidently.
"Never mind, I'll stay. Government affairs are sorted out there, and only this side needs my attention."
Shiraishi decided to remain in the laboratory. Government affairs, essentially, were managed by competent subordinates, and the surveillance personnel were trustworthy. Moreover, several of his clones played important roles. If something went weong, he could resolve it as soon as possible.
Most of the time, Shiraishi believed in delegating power. Taking everything upon himself would not only make his subordinates seem incompetent but also leave him drained.
Subordinates, motivated by beliefs and goals, earned his trust. When it came to significant issues, they wouldn't slack off. Moreover, heavy penalties awaited any speculators.
"Okay, but it's really rare to see Shiraishi-sensei this way. Is it because of Ruri-senpai or Ayane-senpai? Or bothof them?"
Rin said while putting on her white coat and gloves for formal research. Since the Seven Tails inside her was mostly tamed, researching Tailed Beasts became more efficient.
"Since when did you become a gossip, Rin?" Shiraishi was speechless.
"It's genuinely concerning to see Shiraishi-sensei this way."
"Rather than worrying about me, you should pay more attention to Obito. His sluggishness is truly alarming."
"Even if he's a stupid, he's better than Shiraishi-sensei playing both sides."
Pfft! Having been mercilessly stabbed in the heart by his disciple's words, Shiraishi felt a twinge of pain.
"Sorry, sorry, Shiraishi-sensei, I didn't mean it."
Rin apologized, though he couldn't tell if her apology was sincere, and she seemed to be smiling. This disciple of his was quite sly. Back in Konoha, she was like a pure and innocent white lotus.
"Recently, Feng Shui has been really bad." Shiraishi sighed once more.
"Is Shiraishi-sensei saying he has become superstitious lately?" Rin smiled amusedly.
Shiraishi hummed lightly but didn't refute. It had truly happened recently, making him feel his family's Feng Shui wasn't good.
He thought that after the little witch was sent away, his family would usher in a relatively peaceful life. However, the matter of the women clothing was revealed, and his adoptive daughter, for some unknown reason, wanted to be a movie actor instead of becoming a daimyo.
"Then why don't you go to the shrine to get rid of the evil spirit? Shiraishi-sensei and Miko-sama should have a good relationship, right?" Rin recalled
"I'm considering... but since you're here, you'll be handling the research on the tailed beast. After work, remember to try connecting with the tailed beast, and don't let your guard down." Shiraishi reminded Rin.
"Is it because of 'Akatsuki'?"
The Akatsuki organization in the Land of Rain had been revived. Although there was no definite news for the Five Great Nations, the Land of Demons and Kirigakure had launched a secret investigation.
However, due to the secret cooperation between Shiraishi and Nagato, the investigation of Akatsuki by the Land of Demons had also been suspended recently, which could be regarded as a kind of promise to Nagato.
But this didn't mean Shiraishi would relax his surveillance on Akatsuki. He promised he wouldn't to take action against them, but Kirigakure didn't sign the same contract with Nagato, promising the same.
Yagura had secretly dispatched his subordinate, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Kisame, to the military for spy training, in order to spy on Akatsuki.
In order to achieve Akatsuki's goal, Nagato would definitely attack the tailed beast.
Rin's existence couldn't be said to be without threat.
As far as Shiraishi knew, the limit of the Sharingan was the Rinnegan, with a terrifying suppression power against a tailed beast and the jinchuriki. This suppressive force was probably even higher than that of Sharingan and Wood Release.
Although Rin was a researcher with medical skills, she still needed to master a little bit of necessary combat ability.
The many abilities of the Rinnegan were still unknown, so they needed to be careful.
Shiraishi's silence was the best answer..Rin was a smart girl who knew exactly what her situation was.
"Infinite Tsukuyomi... is it really so good?" Rin asked.
As Shiraishi's direct disciple, Rin had access to far more information than outsiders. Otherwise, she wouldn't be standing here to conduct research on tailed beasts.
In her opinion, the Infinite Tsukuyomi was just a way of deceiving oneself and others. Such peace could not be called peace at all.
"Nagato's goal isn't the Infinite Tsukuyomi, and even if it is, we don't know much about it. Katsuyu didn't personally witness the battle, and what she knows is limited."
Most of the world was shrouded in secret, Shiraishi knew. There was still no way to get a suitable explanation for several places.
Compared to losing one of his own people to test Akatsuki's depth, it was more in Shiraishi's interest to let Akatsuki fight with the five great powers, with both sides securing losses.
As long as Kisame could smoothly enter the Akatsuki, at the right moment, Akatsuki's threat could be disintegrated from the inside.
.....
Shiraishi was situated in a secluded laboratory, conducting experiments alone.
After his exchange with Nagato that day, he had developed an interest in Yin and Yang. Alongside his work and research, he made sure to train in using the secret method. Despite its name, Yin-Yang Release was different from both Yin and Yang Releases. Its esoteric nature surpassed the understanding required for the separate Yin and Yang Releases.
Yin-Yang Release, the legendary jutsu of creating something from nothing, complementing one's soul to a certain extent. This was why Shiraishi had struck a deal with Nagato, as Yin-Yang Release could enhance all of his ninjutsu systems, not only to increase the power of his clones but also making it applicable to medical ninjutsu.
His medical ninjutsu had already seamlessly integrated into his Sage Mode. If he incorporated the life-creating Yin-Yang Release into it, would it be possible to regenerate severed limbs? Or perhaps, could it further delay aging and increase lifespan? From his perspective, it presented tremendous opportunities.
In essence, Shiraishi hadn't yet reached an advanced level in exploring life. His medical ninjutsu could only reattach severed limbs at best. If the vital organs were damaged, death would still occur. However, with Yin-Yang Release, everything could change.
In Shiraishi's eyes, Yin-Yang Release was the secret of exploring life. Creating something from nothing. Combined with his sage mode, it could even lead to immortality. But, the possibility was theoretical, considering the human body's innate limitations.
To be honest, without chakra or natural energy as an external force, creatures in the ninja world were quite weak. Essentially, humans who were borrowing these external powers to transform themselves, accumulating jutsus, sooner or later they would eventually face repercussions. From Shiraishi's perspective, this followed the laws of nature.
When he thought about immortality, Shiraishi recalled Kakuzu. He was a ninja from the warring states period, he had witnessed Senju Hashirama's death and Uchiha Madara who had gotten old.. Yet the power of time didn't seem to affect him at all.
The Earth Grudge Jutsu allowed the user to sustain their life by constantly acquiring new hearts. From his view, this was a means of harvesting vitality to maintain bodily functions.
After studying Kakuzu's body, he found that all of his life sources were located in the tentacles of his Earth Grudge. Kakuzu was essentially inhuman, making him a poor example. Moreover, replicating the Earth Grudge was challenging.
Playing with life would inevitably incur backlash at some point due to the jutsu. Having used the spiritualization jutsu to split his soul creating a soul clone, Shiraishi could be considered among the most daring ninja exploring life.
Yin-Yang Release could strengthen his soul clone, enhance his medical ninjutsu, and also help counteract bodily backlash from forbidden jutsu. Not to mention exploring immortality, an idea he contemplated long ago. At less than thirty years old presently, he had not felt the passage of time yet.
"Yin-Yang Release is still chakra-based. Sure enough, my initial guesses were indeed correct. Let's test it out... If it works, things could become more interesting than I imagined."
Many sciences in the ninja world were founded on chakra and natural energy. However, for more convenient and rapid exploration, research into jutsus was essential. Chakra and natural energy formed the basis, but jutsus served as tools for deeper scientific investigation. With existing scientific instruments, exploration was limited without advanced knowledge of chakra flows and transformations. For manifestations of the soul and life, jutsus were often necessary for manipulation and maintaining it.
The experimental goal was clear in Shiraishi's mind. Walking to the glass cylinder at the side, a cultivated human body floated within, or rather, an embryo. Its bones, flesh and blood were still in their embryonic form.
Shiraishi felt a gaze staring straight at him.This gaze came from the unformed embryo, "It seems you already have enough wisdom to distinguish the world, you took shape even faster than I expected. Yin Yang Release.... Nagato truly gave me a great gift..."
Without Nagato negotiating Yin Yang Release, it would have taken at least ten more years to bridge this gap.
"I really want to see how you will take form..."
The Yang clone was Shiraishi's final clone, signifying his explorations into chakra and natural energy had temporarily peaked. However, Yin-ang Release paved the way forward once more. He felt he could progress even further now.
After murmuring to himself, the embryo suddenly writhed within the glass cylinder. Its narrowed red eyes glowed with an eerie blood-colored light, bubbles churning in the solution. "Don't worry, it's not time for you to be born yet. As a 'Ninja Killer,' I have high hopes for you..."
This was his trump card against Nagato's Rinnegan.
Preparing contingencies had always been Shiraishi's specialty. He disliked the notion of "undefeated invincibility." No matter how powerful, everyone would fail one day.
Devising various means simply increased the odds slightly. Although he was highly confident in the unborn Yang clone, there far too many secrets still hidden within the world. The legendary Rinnegan shouldn't be underestimated either. Therefore, Shiraishi welcomed anything that could tilt the scales.
"Shiraishi-sensei."
The door was pushed open, Rin showed a head on the other side. Although the laboratory was relatively secret, Rin was allowed entry at any time.
"What's up?"
"I have some questions."
"Are you having any issues?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll be there right away."
Rin nodded and turned to exit when her eyes met the blood-red orbs of the embryo. An involuntary shudder overtook her body.
Somehow, it was deeply unsettling. Clearly just an embryo, yet it gave her such intense danger. The Seven Tails within her also roared violently, as though it had met a mortal enemy.
'This is far more terrifying than the Mangekyou Sharingan or Wood Release. What exactly is your sensei creating?'
The Seven Tails conveyed through trembling breaths, unable to stay indifferent.
Without even power of the Sage of Six Paths or Kekkei Genkai, it was but an ordinary mortal who had luckily learned the secrets of Sage Mode... Yet to the Seven Tails, that embryo instilled greater dread than even the Sharingan or Wood Release.
Rin knew it was the Yang clone Shiraishi created years ago, it's just that compared to then the clone had undergone some earth-shaking changes. However, this wasn't something she had the authority to intervene in. Shiraishi had clearly endowed his Yang clone with a far more powerful system.
Recalling that Shiraishi had recently mastered Yin Yang Release, Rin felt some relief. Its fearsome presence probably stemmed from that.
After Rin's departure, Shiraishi soon exited as well. The path revealed by Yin Yang Release needed no rushing for now. Only after the Yang clone had fully formed could he judge the accuracy of his speculations.
Looking at the embryo for a while longer, Shiraishi left the lab. Behind him, the glowing eyes closed, entering a steady yet mighty slumber.
.....
Amegakure
The sorrowful rains poured incessantly.
Seated on the rain platform of a high tower, with long red hair draped down, eyes devoid of all emotions and desires, gaze indifferently upon the entirety of Amegakure.
After a few years, Amegakure had slowly regained its vitality. Businesses, the ninja academy, and various livelihood matters had gradually improved, thanks to the support of Orochimaru and the others. With sufficient spare power, they've extended their influence to the surrounding areas.
If this progress continued, it won't be long before the Land of Rain could reclaim control. At least, the common people would no longer need to worry about food.
Nagato increasingly felt that recruiting Orochimaru into Akatsuki had been an extremely wise decision. Orochimaru's abilities was second to none. But more importantly, Nagato valued his brilliant mind, the genius-like uninhibited ideas, and the ability to translate those ideas into action. This was Orochimaru's true strength lay."
Past conflicts now seemed trivial next to their shared ambition.
Nagato believed he needed to discard some of the conventional worldly rules. The stronger he became, the more he realized that rules were established by the powerful.
Like the five great nations eho had established rules for smaller countries but they freely violated these same rules repeatedly. Such was the privilege of power.
If, one day, he can devise a way that even the strong must adhere to the 'rules'...
Nagato stood under the grey weeping sky, lost in thought. The path towards peace remained long and unclear. At the very least, the new 'ruled' still eluded him.
Pure violence definitely wasn't a good idea, but excessive tolerance and compassion would only indulge human selfish desires. But regardless, on the path towards peace, strength was indispensable.
Just like the legendary god of ninjas. Nagato aspired to match or even surpass him, rather, to create a more rational system than that god of ninjas, have everyone adhere to it, and then eradicate war.
He had once believed that Chiba Shiraishi could provide him with insights, but it turned out that he was no pacifist but a tyrant more terrifying than the five major powers.
'Was he himself not also a tyrant imposing his will on others? '
Nagato chuckled at himself at the realization. He was straying from the path Yahiko established.
Perhaps this was the true hell. Even if it is a bitter experience, he was ready to endure it. Humans only geow through pain.
"Nagato."
Konan's voice came from behind.
"Yes Konan?"
"They've arrived."
"I see... i must have lost track of time while here..."
Ever since Yahiko's passing, Nagato had found solace in the rain's lament. However, this melancholic rain could never extinguish the flame of hope in his heart.
He chose to stand in the downpour to prove that no matter the frustration, no matter how many died before him, even if Konan was to die... he would never yield to despair.
Fighting to the very last moment for the great cause of peace... Just like Hanzo-sama, who had brought back courage and determination to this village and country.
He was prepared to die watching his friends sacrifice themselves one by one.
Entering the tower, the signs of rain on their clothes had disappeared.
Black Zetsu, White Zetsu, Orochimaru, Sasori, Hiruko and Konan had gathered before him.
Nagato glances at Orochimaru, asking somewhat oddly, "Who did you fight on your way here?"
Orochimaru looked a bit disheveled, his Akatsuki robe slightly damaged, he appeared a bit tired after a big battle. "I had a fight with Konoha's Anbu. They've been bothering me lately... With no sign of Chiba Shiraishi or the other two, I had to serve as their punching bag."
Orochimaru laughed mirthlessly. Because he was alone, he seemed like an easier target in Konoha's eyes. An S-rank rogue ninja loose was clearly detrimental for their control. Moreover, Orochimaru knew far too many village secrets for their comfort.
"Do you need assistance from us?"
While the members were prideful and arrogant, Nagato wouldn't sit idly in the face of threats.
"No need. Without teaming up with Sasori recently, Konoha took advantage. Who knows, next time I might be the one hunting them down." Orochimaru chuckled sinisterly.
"Very well. But be careful of the Anbu still..There are still elites not to be taken lightly."
Nagato warned. While other enemies concerned him more, he didn't underestimate Konoha. Despite its current decline, the legacy of the god of ninjas made it an unshakable behemoth in for Akatsuki and Ameyakure's path.
To defeat Konoha, it was a good strategy to dismantle them from the inside rather than outside, hence his support for Black zetsu fanning the flames between Konoha and Uchiha.
To take down Konoha, they needed destabilize it from inside. The Uchiha are the most vulnerable element within. Once removed, Konoha would be severely weakened.
"So, what's the point of summoning us this time?" Sasori interjected.
"The next course of action will differ slightly from before. But for everyone, it won't be challenging." Nagato spoke calmly.
A calmness that unnerved everyone. The inability to sense pressure from Nagato was his most dangerous trait.
"That's acceptable, as long as the payment is sufficient."
Hiruko chimed in. He had joined Akatsuki for practical reasons rather than Orochimaru's whims. In exchange for various support, Akatsuki would provide him information and research assistance.
"Of course. Konan."
Nagato turned to Konan. Understanding his intent, Konan extended her palm. From the darkness emerged a body wrapped in white paper, landing before Hiruko's feet.
Under Konan's control, the sheets of paper scattered, revealing the ninja's true face. Still breathing, the ninja wasn't dead.
"This is a kekkei genkai ninja who possesses Dark Release. It's your first reward. The next four kekkei genkai will be sent to you in the next few months."
"Thank you very much. I'll work hard in the future." Hiruko said, deeply satisfied with such a rare kekkei genkai.
"Dark Release? It seems to be a kekkei genkai capable of absorbing ninjutsu..." Orochimaru muttered thoughtfully, having heard of the kekkei genkai before.
Nagato nodded and then released two scrolls from his sleeve, sending them towards Orochimaru and.Sasori.
"This is a gift for both of you. I hope it's to your liking." Nagato said.
"How thoughtful." Orochimaru accepted it naturally. Unfurling the scroll, his eyes lit up at the three characters for Yin-Yang Release. His smile widened, he was now one step closer towards immortality.
"Please continue serving Akatsuki devotedly for the next few years." Nagato concluded, before moving on to organize future operations - recruitment, team assignments, expanding manpower.
Regular members and unofficial allies were all indispensable for Akatsuki's urgent needs.
The meeting adjourned soon after and Orochimaru's team dispersed towards different directions from Amegakute.
Watching them leave, Nagato moved to the rain-drenched terrace outside, enveloped once more in its weeping melody.