"There's something clearly wrong with him. Why are we still letting him join?" Nagato's Deva Path stared coldly at Zetsu before him, his tone devoid of warmth.
"He's useful for our future plans. Under the gaze of the Rinnegan, he won't be able to stir up any real trouble... Besides, his Mangekyō Sharingan will be a great asset in capturing the Tailed Beasts."
Faced with Nagato's murderous gaze, White Zetsu—especially the half resembling a pitcher plant—looked visibly nervous. Black Zetsu, on the other hand, remained calm and indifferent.
"Akatsuki is my organization. My collaborator is Madara—not you." Casting one last glance at the pitcher-plant-like form, Nagato turned and retreated into the depths of the tower.
Watching him leave, a rare solemnity flickered across Black Zetsu's eyes.
"That guy is becoming more and more terrifying..." White Zetsu finally dared to speak, still shaken by the killing intent from earlier.
"Looks like he's really starting to see himself as a god. He's becoming harder to control..."
...
The Land of Water—a nation composed of countless islands, blessed with fertile land and abundant resources, making it one of the wealthier regions.
However, due to its long-standing isolationist policies, it has remained cut off from the outside world for years, shrouded in secrecy. Only a select few nobles and high-ranking officials are permitted to trade with neighboring countries. The majority of the populace harbors deep hostility toward outsiders, believing they bring disaster and war.
On a secluded forest path, two figures in black cloaks adorned with red clouds strode forward, their wide-brimmed straw hats casting shadows over their faces.
"Never thought I'd set foot here again... Damn, this place still pisses me off."
Jūzō Biwa tightened his grip on the massive blade slung over his shoulder.
"You're from Konoha. Ever heard of a guy named Might Duy?"
"I only know Might Guy," Itachi Uchiha replied flatly.
Jūzō sighed, his gaze lingering on the cold and unreadable Uchiha beside him.
"Listen up—never underestimate someone just because of their appearance. You never know what they might be capable of."
He exhaled sharply. "I really hate taking on these kinds of missions... If I get captured, make sure you kill me. We of Kirigakure aren't as soft as Konoha, letting rogue ninja like you and Orochimaru roam free."
As they walked, Jūzō did most of the talking, occasionally pausing to complain. Itachi, in contrast, responded only when necessary, subtly gathering information about Akatsuki along the way.
"Are you sure the intel is reliable? Why would the Mizukage leave the village alone?"
"I don't know. Just follow orders and get the job done."
Jūzō snorted. "I still don't get why you slaughtered your entire clan and ran. From what I hear, life in Konoha wasn't half bad. Whatever, I won't ask, and you better not ask about me either."
...
The two reached the edge of the forest. According to their intelligence, this was where the Mizukage often came to train in solitude.
They lay in wait for several days until a small figure slowly emerged from the depths of the woods.
Exchanging a glance, Jūzō gave a signal before vanishing in a blur of motion, launching his attack.
Clang!
The Fourth Mizukage blocked the strike and deflected it in one fluid motion.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire!"
From the shadows, a barrage of flames shot toward the Mizukage.
He swiftly dodged, only for Jūzō's Executioner's Blade to come swinging down once more.
Despite their recent partnership, the two lacked true coordination. For now, their strategy relied on a simple close- and long-range assault combination.
Itachi's shuriken and fire techniques were exceptionally precise, providing Jūzō with multiple openings. Yet, even while parrying hidden attacks and engaging in close combat with Jūzō, the Fourth Mizukage remained unfazed.
"Executioner's Blade? Rogue ninja must die."
A red aura of chakra erupted around Yagura's body.
Jūzō was suddenly sent flying, crashing into the dense underbrush.
Behind Yagura, three chakra tails sprouted, and a Tailed Beast Ball began forming at his mouth—its target, Itachi's concealed position.
Itachi's Sharingan spun rapidly, the crimson glow reflecting eerily in the dim forest light.
"Tsukuyomi."
Yagura, now partially transformed into his Tailed Beast state, suddenly froze, his chakra dissipating as his body stood motionless.
Itachi frowned slightly. "Something's off..."
Despite being caught in the illusion, Yagura's reaction was abnormal. When he had used Tsukuyomi on the Konoha elders before, their suffering had been immediate and obvious. This time, however, something felt different.
"No need to be confused, Itachi... The Fourth Mizukage is nothing more than a neatly wrapped package."
A voice came from the shadows. Danzo emerged, dragging the unconscious Jūzō behind him.
After receiving Itachi's intel, Danzo had come to the Land of Water alone.
"Package?" Itachi murmured.
"Yes, a package. And it looks like it's finally reaching its expiration date." Danzo stepped forward, sensing the Mizukage's condition.
Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan had been damaged, meaning he likely hadn't reinforced Yagura's control in some time. While the Mangekyō had served as a key, the true mechanism keeping the Mizukage under control was a jutsu planted by Uchiha Madara himself.
However, that jutsu was beginning to show cracks.
Yagura's consciousness was likely starting to resurface, and the Tailed Beast within him was awakening as well.
Recalling the events from the original story, Itachi noted that the Mist ninja Ao had eventually broken Yagura's illusion, leading to a coup in Kirigakure. The upheaval resulted in Yagura's death and left the village severely weakened—so much so that they couldn't even capture the Three-Tails after it went wild.
Observing the jutsu closely, Danzo scoffed. "No way a simple Byakugan was enough to break this. The original story made it seem like it was just Obito's final act of spite—disposing of a spent pawn and leaving Kirigakure in ruins."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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