Chapter 176: Destination: Konoha
"According to your report," Ren began, "you managed to attach the collector to the Three-Tails during your fight and it absorbed a significant amount of its chakra. But when you moved to capture the beast itself, Akatsuki intervened. You defeated one of their members but sustained heavy injuries, forcing you to retreat. Thus, the primary mission failed."
Sasuke nodded grimly from his bed.
Ren shook his head. "No. Bringing back the Tailed Beast's chakra is not a failure. My original objective was always the chakra itself. Akatsuki's goal is to capture the actual beasts. Our purposes are different."
This clarification seemed to confuse Sasuke. He frowned. "If that's the case, then why did you capture the Two-Tails Jinchuriki and seize the Four-Tails from Akatsuki? Isn't that redundant? And by doing so, we've drawn the full attention of the Five Great Shinobi Villages."
"The reason is simple," Ren explained calmly. "Since Akatsuki is our enemy, and their goal is to gather the Tailed Beasts, I will not make it easy for them. Holding the Jinchuriki not only hinders their plans but also gives us leverage. As for the great villages, there is no need for excessive concern. Unless they achieve a true, unwavering alliance, they pose little threat. And such an alliance is a pipe dream. The historical grievances and mistrust between them run too deep. Even if their Kage desire unity, their shinobi forces would never fully cooperate. Any alliance would be fragile and easily broken. For now, we need not worry about that."
"Hmph. You seem overly confident. None of the Five Great Villages are to be underestimated," Sasuke retorted coldly.
"Let us not dwell on that," Ren said, shifting the topic. "Tell me more about the Akatsuki members you encountered. You have awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan and can even manifest the Susanoo. For you to be injured this severely is... unexpected."
"They appeared just as I was about to secure the Three-Tails," Sasuke recounted. "Only one engaged me; the other acted strangely, hiding far away as if afraid of the battle. The one I fought used Earth Release techniques, which were easily countered by my Lightning Release. I defeated him, but in his final moments, he chose to self-destruct. The power of the explosion was immense. Even with my Susanoo, I was severely injured." A hint of lingering fear was evident in his voice. The scale of Deidara's final art had been terrifying.
"Deidara... he is of little interest to me," Ren dismissed. "The other one—the one who hid. Did he wear a mask with a spiral pattern?"
"Yes," Sasuke confirmed. "But his behavior was perplexing. He seemed like a coward. I was surprised he survived the blast. When he faced me afterward, I was wounded and vulnerable, yet he did not attack to avenge his comrade. He simply took the Three-Tails and left. I don't understand how such a person could be a member of Akatsuki. Why do you ask about him?"
"You underestimate him gravely," Ren said, his tone serious. "His bizarre demeanor is a carefully constructed facade. He is, in fact, the true mastermind pulling the strings behind Akatsuki. His identity is far from simple. He was responsible for the Nine-Tails attack on Konoha over a decade ago. He once controlled Kirigakure in the Land of Water from the shadows..."
Ren proceeded to reveal what he knew about "Tobi's" true identity as Uchiha Obito. Although Sasuke had learned the truth about the Uchiha massacre from Ren years ago and had chosen to stand with his brother, Ren knew Sasuke could still be easily manipulated. This warning was a necessary precaution.
"Uchiha Obito..." Sasuke muttered, processing the information. "He does sound like a formidable opponent. But if that's true, why did he spare me when I was injured?"
"Likely because he sees potential value in you," Ren reasoned. "A Sharingan user capable of wielding the Susanoo is a rare asset. He may believe you can be used."
"Value? Hmph!" Sasuke's expression darkened with disdain.
"Enough of that for now," Ren concluded. "I came primarily to check on your recovery. And to warn you about Obito. Rest and heal completely over the next few days. Once you are fully recovered, we have a destination."
"Where?"
"Konoha."
At the mention of Konoha, Sasuke's body stiffened. A complex wave of emotions—a flicker of nostalgia quickly drowned by a deep, smoldering hatred—crossed his face.
"Konoha..." he whispered, the name tasting like ash in his mouth.
"Indeed," Ren's voice was cold and decisive. "The old fools in Konoha have lived long enough. It is time they repaid the debt they owe us."
He looked directly at Sasuke. "We will settle this matter before the great villages can unite. It will be far more troublesome once they do. Why create more work for ourselves?"
A grim, eager smile finally touched Sasuke's lips. "Is that so? We're finally taking action... Konoha... I can scarcely wait."
"But first, you must heal," Ren insisted. "You have waited years for this. A few more days will not matter. Rest now. I have other matters to attend to."
With that, Ren turned and left Sasuke's room, the plan for their return to the village of their birth now set in motion.
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