Danzo suddenly realized a very serious problem. With his years of experience as a high-ranking leader, he could tell that the burning pain on his face was minor. The real issue was that if he couldn't subdue Hidan immediately after being slapped, the man would only become even more defiant.
"You bastard! Back in Konoha, I was the leader of Root, and that status hasn't changed just because I'm here!" Danzo, fuming with rage, formed a hand seal with one hand, preparing to teach Hidan a lesson. However, before he could act, a mocking voice came from the side.
"The so-called 'Darkness of the Shinobi World,' Danzo, huh? I've actually heard about you. Your greatest achievement in Konoha was suppressing the Uchiha clan, which eventually led to their rebellion."
"When the Fourth Hokage put down the rebellion, you feared retribution from Konoha's higher-ups and the surviving Uchiha, so you fled."
Kisame grinned widely, revealing his rows of shark-like teeth.
"Your story is quite interesting. I think you're an amusing guy. With you joining us, our organization definitely won't be boring. Heh heh heh."
Despite Kisame's mocking, Danzo remained unfazed. Taking responsibility for his actions had always been his way of the shinobi.
"That's right. I've done many things in the shadows, but it was all for Konoha. I escaped for Konoha's sake as well. Moreover, the name of the Akatsuki should be changed. I've decided—we'll be called 'New Konoha.'"
"Huh? New Konoha? Hey, old man, are you out of your mind?" Deidara stepped forward, spreading his hands and then pointing at his own Iwagakure forehead protector, which was slashed through.
"Why should we be called New Konoha? That sounds awful. 'New Iwagakure' has a much better ring to it."
Danzo shot Deidara a sharp glance. "Brat, what makes you qualified to be part of this organization?"
"Heh, looks like the so-called 'Darkness of the Shinobi World' is dissatisfied. Want to see my art?" Deidara spread his hands, revealing the mouths in his palms, which stuck out their tongues in a playful yet provocative manner.
"You little—! Today, I'll—"
Before Danzo could finish his sentence—
Boom!
A violent explosion erupted beneath Danzo's feet, making him jolt in shock as he hastily retreated.
When he finally steadied himself, Deidara was clutching his stomach, laughing hysterically.
"Hahaha! I suggest you get a mirror and take a good look at yourself. You look ridiculous!"
Deidara had planted a small clay bomb underground beforehand, though its explosive power wasn't great. It only generated a massive cloud of black smoke. As a result, Danzo's face was now completely covered in soot, making him look like he had just crawled out of a furnace.
"Damn it!!!"
Danzo wiped his face with his hand, only to see his palm turn black. Rage boiled within him. He had come here expecting to be a leader, yet no one obeyed him! Despite his natural air of authority, he couldn't suppress this unruly group. It was infuriating.
"Alright, kid. You're decent with clay, but that's not real art. Let me show you what true artistry looks like."
Sasori of the Red Sand maneuvered Hiruko forward, coming face-to-face with Danzo. He then revealed the sharp, venomous stinger of his tail.
"With just a tiny injection of this, you'll experience what it truly means to suffer endlessly."
As Sasori's scorpion tail dripped with lethal green poison, Danzo felt a twinge of unease. He didn't want to be poisoned, not here.
Just as he was preparing to defend himself, Konan stepped forward.
"Enough. We're all going to be working together from now on. There's no need to create unnecessary friction."
Seeing at least one person who seemed willing to follow his lead, Danzo snorted lightly. He was pleased that Konan understood the value of obedience. However, he disliked the word "comrades." He was about to correct her and remind everyone that he was the organization's leader when—
Shing!
Yahiko suddenly appeared in front of him in a blur of motion.
"So, you were the one who conspired with Hanzo of the Salamander to eliminate us?"
Danzo's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected to run into an old enemy here. Though Hanzo never got the chance to carry out his plan before being taken down by Kakuzu, the grudge still existed.
But Danzo wasn't one to be rattled easily. He scanned the area with his exposed eye.
Sasori, Deidara, Kisame, Hidan, Yahiko, and Konan—all of them were defiant, unwilling to accept his leadership. If he wanted to establish his authority, he needed to demonstrate overwhelming strength. And he had prepared for this moment.
Danzo took a step back and began unwrapping the bandages on his left arm. But before he could fully reveal it, another figure appeared before him—a masked youth.
"You…"
Before Danzo could finish speaking, he locked eyes with the mask-wearing boy's Sharingan—three tomoe, spinning ominously.
"Shisui?!"
Danzo staggered, nearly losing his balance.
Then, everything changed.
Suddenly, he found himself in a dark, prison-like world, nailed to a cross. The masked youth stood before him, blade in hand, stabbing him over and over again. Each strike brought unbearable agony, as if piercing his very soul.
Danzo couldn't help but scream in pain, his voice hoarse with suffering. He had no idea how long he had been trapped in this illusion—three days? Ten? Time lost all meaning.
Only when he saw a pair of Rinnegan in the void did the nightmare finally end.
"Enough. The past is behind us."
Nagato looked at the masked youth and smiled faintly.
"I've heard that most of the Uchiha survived, and their situation in Konoha has improved significantly. The people of Konoha have extended an olive branch. The question is, how will the Uchiha respond? Will they continue to isolate themselves? If so, true peace may remain out of reach. Perhaps that's why you're here."
The masked youth said nothing, merely releasing the genjutsu.
Thus, the tense Akatsuki meeting came to an uneasy close. With that, the investigation into the Otsutsuki clan officially began.
However, no known organization openly possessed information on the Otsutsuki. Everything was a blank slate. They would have to start from scratch. It was going to be a long and arduous journey.
...
Half a year passed in the blink of an eye.
On this particular day, Kakuzu stood outside the Dragon Country Ninja Academy, flanked by Suigetsu Hozuki and Haku.
The two had just returned from a mission with Kakuzu. They were supposed to head straight back to the academy, but now they stood there, looking somewhat awkward...
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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