Mastermind of the Akatsuki

In Byakuya's memory, after the end of the Fourth Great Shinobi War in the original timeline, the shinobi world enjoyed more than a decade of peace.

During this time, the nations of the shinobi world developed various chakra-based weapons that rivaled the power of tailed beasts. For example, Kumogakure developed the chakra cannon, while Kirigakure created an entire chakra-powered fleet—testaments to the vast potential of chakra technology.

To advance further, the Akatsuki would not only need to enhance its members' abilities but also embrace technological power.

Pulling his thoughts back to the present, Byakuya approached Koyuki and the defeated Doto. Glancing at Doto, whose face was drained of all hope, he turned to Koyuki and said, "We've taken care of the traitor who usurped power for you. Now, it's time to discuss the payment for this mission."

Koyuki, a bit anxious, responded carefully, "Lord Byakuya, please tell me what you require. I'll do my best to meet your terms."

Byakuya nodded, holding up two fingers. "I'll give you two choices. First, hand over the technical data on both the chakra armor and the chakra heaters, and Akatsuki's business with the Land of Snow will be considered complete. The second option is to bring the Land of Snow into the Akatsuki. The Akatsuki will then provide you with protection, ensuring that no one will trouble you again."

Koyuki fell into deep thought, weighing the pros and cons of each option.

The first option was the more balanced one; by providing copies of the chakra armor and heater schematics, the Land of Snow would settle its debt with the Akatsuki and be free to pursue its own path. The second option, however, meant that she would effectively become a vassal of the Akatsuki, surrendering the Land of Snow's independence to live under the shadow of the organization.

After careful consideration, Koyuki looked at Byakuya and said, "Lord Byakuya, I choose the second option. I am willing to lead the Land of Snow into the Akatsuki."

With this declaration, Koyuki felt an immense weight lift from her heart.

In her years of exile, though protected by Sandayū, Koyuki had come to understand that the shinobi world was a dark and ruthless place. She desired independence for her country, but she knew that, given its limited power, the Land of Snow could never truly stand on its own.

A powerful shinobi like Doto could seize power in a small nation, yet his strength was negligible before Byakuya. To secure lasting peace for the Land of Snow, they needed the Akatsuki's protection. Without it, there was no telling when another powerful rogue ninja might emerge, plunging her country back into chaos.

Seeing that Koyuki had accepted his terms, Byakuya nodded slightly, patiently waiting for the system's notification.

Several minutes passed without any message, causing Byakuya to feel a bit puzzled. After a brief reflection, he guessed the reason.

The system hadn't awarded a reward because Koyuki was not yet the official Daimyō of the Land of Snow. The reward would likely come once she formally assumed the title.

With Koyuki's agreement to join the Akatsuki, Byakuya and his team didn't linger on the frozen plains. After a short rest, they set off toward the capital of the Land of Snow.

When the citizens of the Land of Snow saw Doto locked in a prison cart, they were stunned. But upon recognizing Koyuki and Sandayū, their shock turned into cheers. They had suffered too long under Doto's oppressive rule.

Upon reaching the Daimyō's palace, Koyuki and Sandayū busied themselves with the administrative tasks necessary for her succession. Establishing full control over the Land of Snow and securing Koyuki's new role as Daimyō would take at least a few weeks.

During this period, Byakuya and Konan remained in the Land of Snow, helping to stabilize the region while contacting Yahiko to send envoys to finalize the alliance agreement.

When things settled down, Byakuya finally found some time to handle the Akatsuki's accumulating matters. As the leader, though he often took a hands-off approach, he alone—knowing the future storylines—could oversee the grander strategy.

…

Meanwhile, in a small nation somewhere in the shinobi world.

Standing on the edge of a cliff, Orochimaru looked down upon a distant village, a hint of mischief flickering in his eyes.

After over a month of investigating the black market, Sasori of the Red Sand and Orochimaru finally tracked down remnants of the Sky Ninja in a remote mountain forest.

This small village on a hillside appeared ordinary, but it concealed hidden depths. The ground beneath was not just solid earth—it was a vast fortress.

Noticing Orochimaru's expression, Sasori narrowed his eyes and said, "Orochimaru, this is supposedly the Sky Ninja's hideout, but it doesn't look like it."

Orochimaru smirked and replied, "I've dealt with Shinnō a few times. I know exactly what kind of people work for him. Besides, what other village outside the Hidden Villages could gather this many shinobi?"

"You know Shinnō?" Sasori's face darkened as he questioned Orochimaru, "If you already knew the Sky Ninja's whereabouts, why waste my time?"

Orochimaru shrugged, unbothered. "The location of the Sky Ninja Village shifts constantly, so I didn't have a precise location. And it's not like this outing has been a waste—we've collaborated on a few targets, haven't we? Mah! It's a pity, though, that you're wasting time on puppetry. Puppet immortality is not true immortality. Those 'materials' of yours are far from reaching their potential."

(AN: Sky Ninja Village is also called Soragakure but it is a fan made name and isn't very well known. Hence, I will be using the English name.)

Sasori's face grew cold. "Orochimaru, don't push me to turn you into a puppet. I don't want to break the rules Byakuya set."

Though partners on this mission, Sasori and Orochimaru had a tense, complicated relationship.

On one hand, they made an effective team against formidable enemies, often taking down rogue ninjas with bounties on the black market. But on the other, they held irreconcilable differences over the path to immortality.

Sasori believed that flesh is weak and ephemeral. True immortality lies in sealing chakra and one's soul within a puppet.

Orochimaru, however, is a proponent of soul transmigration, believing that the best vessel for the soul was always a living body.

"Just a minor disagreement on the road to immortality, Sasori," Orochimaru said lightly. He wasn't fazed by Sasori's warning but preferred to avoid infighting before their encounter with Shinnō. Shinnō was not only the target of their mission; he also possessed a few secret techniques that Orochimaru wanted.

If negotiations failed to secure Shinnō's techniques, Orochimaru would need Sasori's strength to take them by force.