Chapter 139: The Owl's Mask
Yahiko's agreement hung in the air, a reluctant surrender to a grim new reality. "So," he began, his voice steadier now, "what is it you need me to do?"
Kagenori's response was measured. "The task I have for you is, in its own way, a means of helping Nagato and Konan in the long run."
A flicker of relief passed through Yahiko's eyes. Despite the circumstances, being an active participant in their protection was far preferable to being a passive, hidden burden. The feeling of being coerced lessened, if only slightly.
"Since we are now in a cooperative arrangement," Kagenori continued, "I will share this much: the one manipulating Nagato is an enemy we cannot hope to challenge directly. Not now. He is an individual with the power to face the entire shinobi world alone. To confront him prematurely would be suicide. We must prepare, meticulously and in the shadows, if we are to stand against him one day."
Yahiko's eyes widened in disbelief. "A person who can fight the whole world? Someone that powerful truly exists?"
Kagenori gave a single, grave nod. "They do. The war you see raging now is little more than a petty squabble in their eyes."
"That doesn't make sense," Yahiko countered, his brow furrowed in thought. "If he's so powerful, why use Nagato? And you said the Rinnegan is the evolution of the Sharingan... so this person, this puppeteer... is he from the Uchiha clan?"
Kagenori looked at him with a strange, appraising expression.
Yahiko shifted uncomfortably under the gaze. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
A slight frown touched Kagenori's lips. "A moment ago, you seemed a fool. Now, you demonstrate surprising insight. I can't decide if you are truly simple or merely selective in your cleverness."
Yahiko puffed out his chest slightly. "I'm plenty clever!"
"Enough digression," Kagenori cut him off. "The work I have for you is to return to your old profession."
"My old profession?"
"Indeed. You founded Akatsuki, which means you possess a certain charisma. I want you to build another organization. The timing is perfect. We are in the heart of a war, a breeding ground for betrayal and disillusionment. When conspiracies are exposed and ideals are shattered, powerful shinobi will be cast adrift. I need you to find them. Recruit them. I will be the leader of this organization. You will be the second. I will not involve myself in the day-to-day recruitment or structure; that is your domain. However, any and all missions undertaken by the organization must be approved by me. This is your purpose now."
Yahiko looked doubtful. "Me? Recruiting powerful shinobi? Is that even possible?" The members of his original Akatsuki had been hopeful idealists, not legendary fighters. They had been cut down with ease.
Kagenori, however, had a peculiar confidence in him. If this boy's charisma could one day rival the future protagonist of the world, he had to be adept at winning hearts and minds. "Have faith in your own abilities. That said, your personal strength is lacking. What is your primary affinity?"
"Water Release."
Kagenori retrieved a pre-prepared scroll from a storage seal and tossed it to him. "This contains a compilation of Water Release techniques, including several of high rank. Study them."
Yahiko took the scroll, a flush of embarrassment on his face. "This is... too much."
"Consider it an investment. A stronger you is a more useful you. However, these techniques alone will not make you truly powerful. Wait a moment..." Kagenori's gaze turned inward for a second as he accessed the Witness Point exchange. He spent a negligible 200 points, and the knowledge for several potent, high-level Water Release jutsus flowed into his mind. He unfurled a blank scroll and, with swift, precise strokes, transcribed the methods.
He handed the newly inscribed scroll to Yahiko. "Master these. They should provide a solid foundation. The rest will be up to your own diligence and talent. Power is not gifted; it is forged."
Yahiko clutched the scrolls tightly. "I will train hard. I will do my best for you. But you must keep your word. Nagato and Konan must be kept safe."
"You have my assurance," Kagenori stated. "But before you begin, there are conditions. First, the man named Yahiko is dead. You must become someone else. A new name, a new face."
He accessed the system again, spending 500 Witness Points. A mask materialized in his hand, its surface a swirl of muted, non-descript colors. "Nagato is an Uzumaki. His sensory abilities are exceptional, and he knows your chakra signature intimately. This mask will alter the nature of your chakra. While you wear it, even standing directly before him, he will not recognize you. You are to wear it from this day forward."
Yahiko took the mask, his fingers tracing its smooth surface. A profound sadness settled over him. To put this on was to bury the person he had been.
"This is not an order, but advice," Kagenori added, his tone softening almost imperceptibly. "Use this new life to truly see the world. The fantasy Jiraiya sold you—of a world where people simply 'understand' one another—is a lie. It is an impossible standard that only leads to failure. Go out and witness the ninja world's true face. See its rot and its despair. Perhaps then you will understand the grim logic behind Nagato's path."
Yahiko gave a dull nod, a spark of defiant anger igniting within him. He would see for himself. He would find a better way, a path to peace that brought happiness to all, not just fear.
"Good," Kagenori said. "This is a Konoha forward base. You cannot remain. I will take you beyond its perimeter. Follow me."
He led Yahiko on a silent, unseen path away from the fortified camp, deep into the rain-soaked ruins that dotted the Land of Waves.
Stopping amidst the broken stones of a forgotten structure, Kagenori gestured around them. "This is far enough."
Yahiko hesitated for a moment. "I just realized... I don't even know your name."
A dry chuckle escaped Kagenori. "I assumed you'd made the connection. I am Kagenori."
Yahiko's jaw went slack. "Kagenori? The 'Blood-Eyed Shura'? You're him?!"
"The same. And one more thing." Kagenori accessed his system once more, the cost another minor expenditure. He produced seven plain, metallic rings. "Channel chakra into these. They will allow us to communicate across distances. Use them to contact me when you have news." They were similar in function to the rings used by a certain future organization, each one a simple but effective tool.
Yahiko took the rings. "What will our organization be called?"
Kagenori thought for a moment, a name surfacing from the depths of his memory. "We will call it 'Owl'."
"Owl..." Yahiko repeated, testing the name. "I understand."
"Then it is settled. From this moment, we are partners, Yahiko. Contact me when you have something to report."
Yahiko lifted the mask, his movements final and resolute. He placed it over his face, and the boy named Yahiko vanished, replaced by a faceless operative. "I understand," a slightly muffled voice came from behind the mask. "And my name... is Kamishiro now."
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