Naruto: Starting with Snatching the Mangekyō Sharingan

"The Akatsuki's intelligence-gathering capabilities are almost unnervingly powerful," thought Orochimaru.

With a shrug, White Zetsu remarked, "It's true the Raikage is considering such a move, but Ōnoki, that old man, seems hesitant. He's not decisive enough."

Nagato nodded slowly, fixing his gaze on White Zetsu. "Inform Zetsu to come here immediately."

The Akatsuki's ability to communicate was swift. Within two minutes, Zetsu emerged from the ground, his pitcher plant-like form towering over the scene.

Black Zetsu glanced briefly at the lifeless body of a White Zetsu clone lying on the ground, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. Turning to Nagato, he asked, "Nagato, why the urgency? What do you need?"

"Apparently, Kumogakure is planning to join forces with Iwagakure to crush Konoha. However, Ōnoki seems overly cautious—he's too wary of Konoha. I'm considering whether we can push them into forming an alliance," Nagato explained.

"It's not surprising that Ōnoki hesitates," Black Zetsu replied with a faint smile. "Years ago, when the Second Tsuchikage, Mū, brought Ōnoki to Konoha for negotiations, Madara terrified them so thoroughly that Ōnoki might still harbor fear of the Mangekyō Sharingan to this day."

"That's an unexpected piece of history," Nagato said, his expression showing mild surprise.

Even Orochimaru, standing nearby, seemed intrigued. It was a historical tidbit he hadn't known.

"Orochimaru," Nagato continued, turning toward him, "with your insight, do you think the combined forces of Kumogakure and Iwagakure could destroy Konoha?"

Orochimaru pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "I doubt it. Konoha still possesses significant high-level combat power. Even if Kumogakure and Iwagakure unite, it would be nearly impossible to annihilate Konoha. The most likely outcome is mutual destruction."

"Ōnoki's hesitation is well-founded—Kumogakure is too overconfident," Orochimaru added.

Nagato didn't question Orochimaru's judgment. As someone who had once been a high-ranking member of Konoha, Orochimaru's understanding of the village was unmatched by outsiders.

"In your view, Orochimaru, where does the disparity lie between Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Konoha?" Nagato asked.

"Comparatively, Kumogakure and Iwagakure undoubtedly surpass Konoha in mid-level forces. However, to destroy Konoha, they would need an overwhelming advantage in top-tier combatants. That's something Kumogakure and Iwagakure simply lack," Orochimaru explained, shaking his head.

Having faced both Kumogakure and Iwagakure in battle numerous times, Orochimaru was well-acquainted with their strengths and weaknesses.

Nagato considered Orochimaru's words without comment. After a moment of thought, he turned to Zetsu.

"Zetsu, do you think Kumogakure and Iwagakure together could eliminate Konoha's top-level forces?"

"Impossible!" Black Zetsu replied without hesitation. "If you tally their known combat power, it's clear that a major village's elite forces don't appear out of thin air. There's little chance of hidden reserves."

"That's true." Nagato nodded, sighing. "It's unfortunate. Konoha is particularly vulnerable right now."

"There might still be an opportunity to destroy Konoha completely," Black Zetsu interjected suddenly.

"Oh? How so?" Nagato asked, leaning forward with interest.

Orochimaru's eyes glinted as if he had anticipated the answer.

"That opportunity lies in us—the Akatsuki—joining the fray. If we ally with Kumogakure and Iwagakure, our combined strength will overwhelm Konoha. That would give us a real chance to annihilate it," Black Zetsu said firmly.

Nagato's expression shifted, his interest piqued. The prospect was tempting.

Sensing Nagato's growing inclination, Black Zetsu pressed on.

"When Kumogakure and Iwagakure join the battle, they'll undoubtedly deploy their jinchūriki. After dealing with Konoha, we can seize the opportunity to capture their jinchūriki as well. It's a win-win."

The temptation proved hard for Nagato to resist. A single operation could potentially yield five tailed beasts. No matter how he analyzed it, it was a winning scenario—whether the win was small, medium, large, or colossal.

After a moment of deliberation, Nagato exhaled deeply.

"It's decided. This battle to destroy Konoha will mark the Akatsuki's debut on the world stage!"

"To ensure the alliance succeeds, I'll personally meet with the Raikage and Tsuchikage," Nagato declared solemnly.

"Prepare for failure," Black Zetsu cautioned.

"I'm aware," Nagato replied. "To showcase our strength, I plan to bring Hikaru with me."

"You're bringing her?" Black Zetsu sounded uneasy. "Her personality is... challenging, and the Raikage is a brute. A conflict might break out."

"No matter. If conflict arises, so be it. It'll serve to demonstrate the Akatsuki's power. Only by showing strength will they take our proposal seriously," Nagato replied nonchalantly. In truth, he intended to provoke such a scenario.

"Orochimaru, if you'd rather not move against Konoha, you may remain in Amegakure. I won't force you," Nagato offered.

Orochimaru shook his head, his expression calm. "That won't be necessary. To me, Konoha is a relic of the past. I'm curious to see how far the Akatsuki's new winds will blow."

"The Akatsuki's winds will sweep across the entire world," Nagato proclaimed resolutely.

Turning back to Zetsu, Nagato instructed, "Inform the Raikage. We'll arrive in Kumogakure in three days."

"That won't be difficult," Black Zetsu agreed before disappearing into the ground.

The next morning, the Raikage, Ay, glared at the scroll on his desk, his expression dark. The breach in his office's security left him furious.

Someone had silently infiltrated his office and left behind this scroll.

"'The Akatsuki will visit Kumogakure in three days to discuss the matter of Konoha.'" Ay read aloud, narrowing his eyes. His tone was icy.

"Bold words. It hasn't been long, yet the so-called Akatsuki has grown this much? Very well, let's see what kind of scheme you're brewing," Ay sneered dismissively.

According to Kumogakure's intelligence network, the Akatsuki was a group that had emerged from Amegakure, led by the wielder of the Rinnegan—Nagato.

Ay was no stranger to Nagato. After all, he had been partially responsible for the demise of a figure Ay respected deeply—the Yellow Flash.

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