Walking out of the shelter that shielded him from the rain, Itachi gazed up at the gray sky, the predominant color in this village that seemed to absorb all brightness.
Amegakure, a village that found hope in the rain, once ruled by the La d of Fire during the third ninja world war. However, after the Nine Tails Rampage weakened Konoha, the village became the base for the organization known as 'Akatsuki,' born out of its shadows.
The icy wind and rain played with the black-bottomed coat adorned with red clouds, tousling Itachi's black hair. In this environment, the chill was unavoidable.
It had been a while since Itachi joined 'Akatsuki,' yet even in a different setting, the haunting memories of his past lingered.
On that fateful night, he thrust his blade into the bodies of his clansmen, ended his lover's life, and, with his own hands, brought about the demise of his parents. Another immature visage surfaced in Itachi's mind – his younger brother, with his vivid hatred and despair reflected in his Sharingan.
He was a sinner.
However, all these actions were for the sake of the village, preventing the eruption of another war. These sacrifices were deemed inevitable, but Sasuke couldn't be expected to view it rationally. The etched hatred would propel him, granting immense power, seeking revenge for his brother, and restoring the Uchiha clan's honor.
At least for now, the Uchiha clan no longer bore the stigma of 'rebels'; it was a clan Konoha could still proudly acknowledge.
"Sasuke..."
Itachi whispered his younger brother's name, reopened his eyes, and the Sharingan's crimson light gleamed, eerie and vibrant.
"You seem quite relaxed now, Itachi."
A voice emerged from behind – his teammate in the 'Akatsuki,' Hoshigaki Kisame.
An S-rank criminal who successfully assassinated one of the Five Great Nations' Daimyo. Kisame was once part of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen. His betrayal and involvement in the assassination of a country's Daimyo marked him as a traitor, it was an action that left Itachi somewhat repulsed.
A careless move from Kisame could plunge the Land of Water into chaos and strain relations between Kirigakure and the country's high-level officials. Did he not consider these grave consequences?
Itachi remained silent, turning to face Kisame with his Sharingan active.
Kisame, with a larger and more robust physique, maintained a strange, bloodthirsty smile, resembling a ferocious shark poised to attack.
Seeing Itachi's silence, Kisame scratched his head and said, "Don't daydream here; the leader asked me to bring you to the meeting. You've been quite reclusive lately. You probably aren't aware of the big events in the world."
"Big events?"
Itachi was puzzled by Kisame's statement. Apart from the genocide he personally carried out, was there any noteworthy event in the recent ninja world deserving recognition?
"Hehe, you seem clueless about this place; it's probably challenging for you to remain still. After all, you Konoha ninjas are quite something, especially the Uchiha – so full of themselves."
Not knowing if Kisame's words were sarcastic, mocking, or just banter, Kisame observed Itachi with interest, as if searching for something.
Kisame's words left Itachi even more puzzled. What did this have to do with the Uchiha?
Without explaining, Kisame gestured for Itachi to follow him to the meeting. Itachi pondered for a moment, then joined Kisame in the chilly rain, making their way towards the tower.
The scenery of Amegakure appeared desolate due to its sparse population, a consequence of being a heavily affected area during a ninja war. Many residents had fled to other countries to escape the war, and it was during this period that Akatsuki emerged.
As a member of Akatsuki, Itachi lived in a secluded area of Ame, undisturbed by others. He chose times with fewer people when going out and primarily spent his time in solitary training, adapting to the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan, so he spends less time with Kisame. There were no missions to partake most times. As long as it wasn't time for a mission, the members of Akatsuki do not like to spend timr with each other, tbey stay alone.
Entering the tower, the rain's sound grew fainter. The cold, hard-colored floors exuded little warmth.
Heading to the top of the tower, encountering no one along the way, they reached the summit smoothly. According to Kisame, this tall tower was once the residence of Hanzo the Salamander, Ame's former leader. Now, it served as Akatsuki's meeting room under the leadership of Nagato.
"The one responsible for wiping out the Uchiha clan, betraying Konoha, and joining Akatsuki – is that a kid like you? I can't tell at all."
A voice suddenly pierced the air.
Itachi halted, his gaze shifting back. A white-haired man stood behind him, appearing young yet emanating an old-fashioned aura.
Though the man's movements were swift, Itachi wasn't afraid. With his Sharingan, he could easily perceive and respond to such speed. Proficient in ninjutsu and genjutsu, Itachi's physical training was equally advanced.
"Hey, don't bully the newcomer right away."
Kisame intervened, standing between them. He then explained to Itachi, "This one, like you, is the S-rank criminal from Konoha, Hiruko. You should be careful.. He enjoys hunting ninjas with kekkei genkai. And... he also has five kinds of kekkei genkai. One careless move, and you could die."
Kisame inadvertently exposed Hiruko's background to Itachi. Hiruko, hearing Kisame's warning to Itachi, shrugged it off.
"Don't worry, The Sharingan is no longer my hunting target. Compared to the Sharingan, the Byakugan is my preferred target." Hiruko remarked.
"Byakugan..."
"I'm just here to see what it felt like to be able to destroy the Uchiha clan... In general, welcome."
"Thanks."
Itachi responded simply. This 'senior' seemed relatively easygoing.
Hailing from Konoha, Hiruko – Itachi recalled seeing this name in a file inside the Anbu. Alongside being in the Sannin's generation, Hiruko had embarked on the path of evil forbidden jutsus, using humans for experiment, he later became a rogue.
The three proceeded to the innermost room. Hiruko opened the door, and they entered.
Nagato stood by the window, overlooking the rainy scene outside. Beside him, there was a young woman with blue hair. Itachi recalled her name was Konan, she was one of the Akatsuki's founding member. She had a very good relationship with the leader Nagato, the two were almost inseparable.
Someone in the room caught Itachi's attention. He saw an acquaintance.
"Ah, long time no see, Itachi-kun. I didn't expect that you, who left Konoha, would actually come here. When I first heard about it from the leader, I couldn't believe it."
A gloomy laughter echoed.
Purple eye shadows, snake-like cold-blooded vertical pupils, and the corners of the mouth wide open, completely unlike actions humans are able to make.
"Long time no see, Orochimaru-senpai."
Itachi nodded and greeted Orochimaru.
Orochimaru, a disciple of Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, and one of the legendary Sannin, defected for reasons similar to Hiruko. He strayed from the village to pursue forbidden jutsus, representing a dangerous departure from humanity's moral boundaries.
As such people were absorbed into Akatsuki, Itachi increasingly felt the fear and danger associated with the organization. Having such a terrorist group lurking in the shadows was certainly not beneficial for Konoha.
Especially with the agreement between him and Madara, the sustainability of which remained uncertain, Itachi realized he could only proceed one step at a time. He lacked the ability to limit the Akatsuki, making anyone associated with it a cause for concern.
Moreover, Nagato, the leader with the power to overcome all threats and rebellions, firmly held the top position.
"Since you've appear here, it means you have been abandoned by Danzo. Sure enough, my guess in the past was correct."
Orochimaru smiled meaningfully, having long detected Danzo's surveillance on Itachi. It was evident that Danzo had hidden motives, probably plotting something against Itachi.
Now, with the Uchiha clan exterminated, and Itachi having defected to the village, Orochimaru speculated about the role Konoha's high-level officials played in these events. The smile on Orochimaru's face hinted at intriguing political disputes within Konoha.
'What a pitiful puppet' Orochimaru thought, gazing at Itachi's slightly immature face. To burden such a child with the mission of genocide, shifting away all the blame, left Orochimaru sighing.
Konoha had really changed, it wasn't the same as before
And the Hokage no longer resembled the leaders of the past. Itachi's experiences affirmed his decision to leave Konoha.
"Orochimaru-sama, don't misjudge the priorities. I abandoned Danzo to gain stronger power; it's an inevitable result. Konoha and the clan can't be the measure of my abilities, that's all." Itachi responded calmly, stating it matter-of-factly.
Orochimaru just smiled without uttering a word, finding Itachi's words filled with lies and deceptions. To some extent, Itachi seemed quite naive. Danzo would have regarded him as a "sharp blade" to eliminate the Uchiha, Orochimaru speculated. A once-glorious family had met its end in Konoha.
Sasori just glanced at Itachi briefly, then averted his gaze. He had no time to argue with a brat and he haf serious doubts about the possibility of one person singlehandedly exterminating the Uchiha clan.
As a renowned Uchiha clan with too may Jounin, even with a surprise attack, wiping out the clan alone seemed like an implausible dream. Orochimaru's earlier hints at political disputes within Konoha only added to Sasori's disinterest.
"Alright, now with everyone here, let's officially begin the meeting."
Nagato finally spoke, redirecting everyone's focus back to the meeting's agenda. There would be time for introductions and discussions later.
Upon Nagato's words, everyone except Sasori took their seats around the rectangular conference table, with Nagato at the main seat. The emotionless Rinnegan stared like divine projections, creating an imposing atmosphere.
After a brief hesitation, Itachi asked, "I heard from Kisame that a major event occurred outside. Is this meeting about that supposed major event?"
After Itachi finished speaking, Orochimaru laughed and responded, "It seems Itachi-kun is unaware of what's happening on the outside. The outside world has been turned upside down. The impact of this event is even more shocking than your own extermination and defection. I never expected that, since the third ninja war, the Land of Demons which had been in a phase of rapid development, would have them pulling the strings behind the scenes."
"Them?" tachi caught the keyword.
"The Land of Demons has officially declared war on the Land of Wind. Nor only that, the signature on the declaration of war is Chiba Shiraishi. Itachi-kun, you know what this means, right?"
'Chiba Shiraishi!!!?'
At the mention of this name, Itachi's expression froze.
Nagato glanced at Itachi and continued, "As Orochimaru said, Chiba Shiraishi, Uchiha Ruri, and Hyuga Ayane have been orchestrating events in the Land of Demons. The fourth Kazekage's reinforcements suffered heavy losses under Uchiha Ruri's attack. Now, Suna plans to mobilize more troops against the Land of Demons."
Another familiar name. Another also a member of the Uchiha clan.
Even though Konoha had thoroughly removed him when he left the village, Itachi found it unbelievable. However, his face remained indifferent, revealing no cracks.
He felt q group of traitors manipulating a small country from the shadows and declaring war on major country – regardless of the outcome, the war's end would only bring countless pains to the world. Itachi felt a deep-rooted rejection of the concept of war.
"I don't know how long this war will last. If doesn't end, it would probably spread to other countries, triggering the fourth ninja world war," Orochimaru speculated with a chuckle.
"Perhaps, the war might affect the Land of Rain... Leader, what do we need to prepare next?" Hiruko asked.
With war on the verge of erupting between the Land of Demons and the Land of Wind, there was a high probability of involving the Land of Rain. The Akatsuki's headquarters being in the Land of Rain meant that the organization's actions could be hindered if forced into the battlefield.
"No, since Chiba Shiraishi intends to make a move, he must have already made sufficient preparations, he has a firm control of the situation on the battlefield. He would only make a move he's sure of being in full control. He's that kind of man," Nagato thought for a moment, then shook his head, displaying a thorough understanding of Shiraishi.
"Then..." Orochimaru looked at Nagato.
"Well, how should I put it, there's something else that needs your assistance," Nagato said solemnly.
"Oh? Do tell." Sasori asked with interest.
Nagato's strength had always been a mystery within the Akatsuki. All of them knew he was formidable, perhaps even stronger than all Akatsuki members combined. Therefore, his request for assistance hinted at a matter of significance.
"Come with me," Nagato glanced around, taking the lead to walk outside the meeting room.
"How mysterious...," Hiruko said in a low voice.
"It's probably that thing," Orochimaru chuckled, seemingly aware of something.
"That thing... Orochimaru, do you know what it is?" Hiruko asked, surprised.
Itachi and Kisame also looked at Orochimaru, intrigued by the mention of 'that thing.'
Sasori said, "This snake has studied forbidden jutsu deeply. It just so happens that the leader is very interested in his abilities, and he needs his help to create something. Although the Leader has doubts, the snake is the one closest to the leader except for Konan. It's reasonable he would know certain matters in advance."
"My mu, is that jealousy I sense, Sasori?" Orochimaru teased.
"Shut up or I'll kill you!" Sasori snapped, his eyes cold and an impatient tone.
...
At the bottom of the tower was a vast space, completely vacuum. It was unimaginable that such a magnificent 'secret room' was hidden under the tower. Candles burned on the surrounding walls for lighting.
A colossal half-human figure protruded from the ground, resembling dead wood, with many pillar-shaped objects behind it. Humans appeared as small as bugs in its presence. The atmosphere it exuded was long and deep, capturing everyone's attention.
"This is..."
Kisame frowned, feeling a dangerous aura from this dead wood-like humanoid monster.
"The Gedo Statue is the container which will be used for sealing the tailed beasts," Nagato revealed without hiding.
"Is this is?" They looked thoughtfully.
Although Nagato had previously mentioned that the organization's goal was to gather thr tailed beasts, the detailed process and purpose remained unclear. Seeing the heretic golem now dispelled their doubts. Yet, they wondered if such a creature could truly be used to seal a tailed beast.
"The golem was in a damaged state before, but after I repaired it for some time, it has regained some function. However, it still lacks the energy to operate. I hope to borrow your chakra to temporarily restore some vitality to the golem. This way, excellent 'soldiers' can be created in advance," Nagato explained.
When he referred to "excellent soldiers," Orochimaru's mouth split open like a snake, adding an enigmatic touch to the unfolding events.
...
A door creaked open.
The elderly man in the interrogation room stirred from his lethargy at the sound, opening his eyes to reveal a pair of Sharingan gleaming with red light.
"..."
The newcomer exuded a dark and gloomy aura, with deep wrinkles etched onto his face over time. Bandages covered his forehead, right half of his face, and right arm, which lay in front of him.
Moving steadily with a cane in his left hand, despite his seemingly slow pace, each step exuded a calm and capable demeanor. Despite being in his fifties, approaching sixty, his hair retained its black hue, devoid of any white strands.
The leader of the Root—Shimura Danzo.
"Why did you come? To mock me, to flaunt your victory?" The old man with Sharingan questioned, lifting his head to gaze at Danzo with a flat expression.
Danzo remained silent for a moment before responding, "No, this time Root failed. It not only failed to achieve the expected effect, but on the night Itachi acted, thirty-seven Uchiha children disappeared."
The Sharingan-bearing old man, Uchiha Sora, pondered for a moment, realizing something, and snorted softly. "That fool Rindo is always doing meaningless things. He could have left, concealed his identity, and been fine. But he's already dead."
Facing Uchiha Sora's bland reprimand, Danzo took a light breath, fixing a serious gaze on him.
"Not long ago, the Land of Demons declared war on the Land of Wind... Do you understand what this means?"
If Danzo was previously uncertain about how Rindo Lihuo escaped Konoha Village with thirty-seven Uchiha children, now he understood. He also knew where Uchiha Rindo had sent those children.
Hearing Danzo's words, Uchiha Sora understood that the other party sought to confirm an answer.
"Has the action already started? I knew those young people wouldn't want to stay idle," Uchiha Sora said, a smile playing on his face. From Danzo's perspective, it seemed like contempt and ridicule directed at Konoha, though unintentional. Uchiha Sora was merely stating his viewpoint.
"Sure enough, when Uchiha Ruri defected, you retired and secluded yourself to push Uchiha Fugaku to the forefront, attracting attention. Those Uchiha who stayed in Konoha were not your choice." Danzo's expression remained stern as he took a deep breath, attempting to calm the restlessness within him.
Uchiha Sora looked at Danzo, smiling self-deprecatingly. "If the Uchiha clan were powerful enough, why would I sever my own arm and let Ruri and others go? It was due to lack of strength. In the end, my incompetence caused this, as I couldn't save more clansmen, leaving Fugaku as an abandoned son."
It sounded absurd.
Despite the establishment of the one-country, one-village system, the Uchiha clan's power hadn't improved since the Warring States period; it had seriously declined. Konoha's conservative foreign policy, leading to frequent wars, resulted in significant sacrifices by the Uchiha. The Uchiha clan faced exclusion despite these sacrifices. The clan naively believed that the appearance of a Hokage would change everything, placing the clan at Konoha's core.
For Uchiha Sora, however, this was a beautiful yet cruel illusion.
Analyzing the situation, there was no fertile ground for the Uchiha clan within Konoha. This was the reason Uchiha Sora insisted on letting some clan members depart.
The Senju's love only sickened him, leading Uchiha individuals, devoid of subjective consciousness, into naive fantasies that ultimately ended in the death of these dreamers. The love of Senju beamed high on a castle in the air, a beauty beyond human understanding.
All illusory love deviating from reality warranted doubt and opposition.
"Do you know? It's often some beautiful illusion that leads people to hell,"
Uchiha Sora sighed. His plan was imperfect and brutal. If Uchiha Itachi became the butcher's knife wielded by others against the Uchiha, then he, who abandoned so many in Konoha, was also an Uchiha sinner. He lacked the ability to save all the clansmen. He was a relic of an old era.
"The blood and tears of the Uchiha clan have already been shed. Now, you can no longer use the so-called will of fire to restrain the Uchiha 'power.' The revenge of the Uchiha will come sooner or later," Uchiha Sora proclaimed, fearlessly meeting Danzo's gaze.
Danzo's eyes harbored gloom, revealing a chilling intent.
"Why... do you want to kill me with such expression? Then do it quickly. You must have obtained many Sharingan from those dead Uchiha. You, whi covet Uchiha's power, can't deny it. My Sharingan also holds value for you. No, perhaps for you, my Sharingan carries a more special meaning." Uchiha Sora's mouth curled up, casting an odd smile at Danzo's increasingly flustered and terrified face.
"Because these are the eyes of your friend... Kagami."
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