The meeting between Haseo and Orochimaru lasted only briefly. Though he had clearly pointed out the potential dangers of the future to the other man, he didn't go into any further detail.
This wasn't because he was holding anything back or planning to betray him—it was simply because even Haseo himself no longer had a clear idea of what that so-called "future" held.
Black Zetsu was still alive, which meant there was a strong chance he'd try to carry out the Infinite Tsukuyomi Plan to resurrect his master once again. But the questions were how, and who would carry it out—Haseo currently had absolutely no clue at all.
Nagato had already lost his Rinnegan, and in this world, there had never been a "Battle of Kannabi Bridge."
But one thing was certain—if in the future someone was still gathering Tailed Beasts, then whoever was carrying out the plan must be incredibly powerful. So Haseo warned Orochimaru to stay cautious and back down when necessary... Well, in hindsight, it might have been a rare act of goodwill from him.
Though Orochimaru probably hadn't felt even a hint of kindness in it.
At the very least, Haseo still knew more secret and critical information—but he kept it to himself. If someone did start collecting Tailed Beasts again in the future, then Orochimaru would suspect that Haseo had known about it long ago and started preparing accordingly.
Isn't that fascinating? Could Haseo actually see the future like some mystic oracle?
Over the years, Orochimaru had slowly started to realize the truth—that the Nine-Tails wasn't unique. At the very minimum, chakra resonance existed between different individuals of the Nine-Tails.
In other words, the original full-bodied Nine-Tails had been brutally divided, and this division significantly weakened its power.
That's why the Nine-Tails sealed inside him was so much easier to handle than he'd ever imagined.
Add to that the fact that Haseo had previously told Orochimaru to leave Konoha when the time came. When putting everything together, didn't Orochimaru already understand the whole situation by now?
Clearly, even if he had been extra cautious, Orochimaru knew he had still been tricked by Haseo.
"Kagenami" was an organization led by Haseo; the Uzumaki were the main force controlling the Nine-Tails. Although the method of splitting the Nine-Tails remained unknown, it was clear that Haseo was behind it all.
However, being deceived wasn't something Orochimaru really cared about—he was already used to it by now. What truly concerned him was the fundamental reasoning behind Haseo's arrangements. Even someone like Haseo wouldn't just randomly start slicing up Tailed Beasts on a whim.
It had to be extremely important intelligence—perhaps something that even affected the foundation of the entire ninja world... Orochimaru had a vague suspicion about this.
Therefore, despite Haseo warning him about potential dangers, Orochimaru found himself becoming increasingly intrigued. Instead of staying away from the danger, he chose to get closer to it—to uncover its true face.
Still, asking Haseo directly for related information was impossible—after all, Orochimaru couldn't force him to talk. Fortunately, he had another source of information:
The Nine-Tails.
Orochimaru thought that perhaps he could extract some valuable intelligence from the Nine-Tails sealed within him. No matter what the true nature of the matter Haseo mentioned was, the Tailed Beasts were clearly at the heart of it.
Previously treating the Nine-Tails merely as a "power battery" had obviously been a mistake. Orochimaru now recognized his own shallowness and ignorance. Thus, he decided to have a serious "conversation" with the Nine-Tails afterward.
From this, we can see that Haseo's upbringing of his own daughter was right…All humans are no good deep down.
A Tailed Beast in Orochimaru's hands would probably not fare much better than one in Haseo's possession.
No, it might even be worse?
…
According to Haseo, the danger lay far in the future, which made sense because the conspirators wouldn't start moving against the Tailed Beasts and their Jinchuriki so soon. However, this did not mean they were still inactive now.
In fact, they had already started moving…
Gathering strength.
"This situation feels way worse than things were in the Land of Wind."
Two figures strolled through the Land of Water, chatting idly while keeping a close eye on their surroundings.
"While the Land of Wind and Sunagakure have various problems, in terms of strength and influence, they're still undoubtedly regarded as major countries and great ninja villages by the Ninjutsu World… Despite Suna never having won any of the previous great wars,
It wasn't as if they were outright losers either.
But Mist is different from Sunagakure. Mist fought against Konoha during both the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars, and both times ended in devastating defeat… The Second War was due to Konoha's trickery and surprise attack, but during the Third War, Mist suffered overwhelming destruction in direct confrontation.
They even lost the title of Mist Village and Mizukage."
"That's right. According to the agreement between Konoha and Kirigakure, the restrictions placed on the latter lasted only ten years. Now, Kiri has basically regained its village name and the 'Kage' title. However… the other Four Great Ninja Villages no longer treat Mist as an equal anymore.
Not much to say about it—it brought it on itself by being so pathetically weak.
Still… the village lost far too much in the war, so now, the entire nation has fallen into complete disarray.
The Land of Water seems like it's sitting on a powder keg.
This definitely isn't the Fourth Mizukage's fault. In fact, I'd say the one who holds that position has done pretty well just to keep things stable at this point."
"Oh? Now you're thinking like a Kage? Can't be one yourself, but you still dare to judge a Kage's decisions and leadership skills?"
"You…" That's quite a sharp jab indeed.
But fair enough. I really am a loser in the power struggle. And now I must admit—the Fourth Kazekage performed admirably in his role. Sasori of the Red Sand truly lived up to his "genius" reputation.
At this point, this man's identity became obvious—he was Rasa, the powerful Jonin who opposed the policies of the Third Kazekage, attempted assassination, and ultimately became a rogue ninja of Suna.
As for the other person...
He was merely a 'Tobi'.
That calm demeanor actually threw Tobi off guard for a second.
"Will you feel regret or remorse?"
So, was this question being asked to the other person or to oneself?
"Regret? Remorse? How could I possibly have such emotions? That was just an objective statement and a natural expression based on the facts.
If I really had these feelings, do you think I'd still be here?
The past is the past. Life has to go on."
"...That makes sense.
If this country gets any messier, it might actually make a decent hiding spot—quiet enough for someone like us."
"Yeah."
The two clearly had someplace in mind. So once they arrived at that location, they stopped and began their long wait.
"Are you sure that ninja will pass through here?"
Although not exactly impatient, Rasa couldn't help but ask after a full day had passed.
"Of course. Don't underestimate my information network. Just keep waiting."
"He's here."
Half a day later, their target finally passed by this location.
Tobi and Rasa didn't conceal themselves. Instead, they straightforwardly stepped forward. After all, their purpose was persuasion, not assassination.
"Who are you people?"
The Mist ninja, suddenly blocked by these two strangers, naturally became extremely vigilant and prepared to fight at any moment. Up against two enemies alone, his first reaction wasn't to run—but rather to counterattack aggressively. From this alone, one could imagine what kind of ninja he was.
Though he looked no older than twenty.
"We...? Hmm, how should we properly introduce ourselves?
Ah, right. We should say...
We are your chosen guides.
We've heard that you're the most powerful ninja among the younger generation of Mist. We highly value your talent, so we hope you will join us. That is, unless you are nothing but reputation without real ability.
You can either cooperate now… or lose first and then cooperate. These are the options we leave for you."
Hearing these words, the other snorted contemptuously.
"I hope your strength matches your words. But... just to make sure, do you even know who I am? I'd hate for you to suffer misfortune from mistaking someone else for me."
"Of course. We wouldn't be careless enough to get our target wrong...
You're Terumi Mei, Mist's dual Kekkei Genkai ninja.
Am I right?
Your name isn't difficult to hear around."
Indeed, the person standing before them was the finest Mist ninja available.
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