Within the Akatsuki organization's base, an oppressive chill hung in the air, heavier than the usual gloom.
Everyone understood the profound bond between Nagato and Konan, companions since childhood, their lives inextricably intertwined.
Within Akatsuki, Konan was more than just a member; she was akin to a cherished sibling, someone no one dared to cross.
But now…
She had been struck down by Tobi, betrayed by a former comrade.
Deidara's voice, usually brimming with artistic flair, now held a raw edge of anger. "Leader, that imbecile Tobi dared to harm Konan-nee-san! That audacity! Hmph!"
Hidan's fury was equally palpable. "Not only that, he even dared to steal the Leader's eyes!"
At this point, Kakuzu interjected, his tone laced with bitter resentment. "I invested so much money and still failed to eliminate Tobi! I am even more unwilling than Konan! This is an utter insult to the power of hard-earned currency!!!"
Sasori, ever the analytical puppet master, posed a crucial question. "Did you all notice he claimed that the Leader's Rinnegan was given to him? Of course, whether this 'him' refers to the true Uchiha Madara or Tobi remains to be seen!"
Uchiha Itachi offered his insight, his gaze thoughtful. "I lean towards it being the real Uchiha Madara. Based on their conversation, it seems that during the final battle between Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama, Madara appeared to lose, but in actuality, he orchestrated a hidden victory!"
Amidst the Akatsuki members' intense discussion, Nagato sank into a deep contemplation of Tobi's words.
When he had first been introduced to the legend of Uchiha Madara, he had begun his arduous journey to master the Rinnegan's formidable abilities.
And yet, Tobi displayed a far greater familiarity with the Rinnegan than he himself possessed, a deeply unsettling discrepancy.
Perhaps…
I was truly being manipulated by him from the very beginning.
His true objective was to have me utilize the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique to resurrect Uchiha Madara, paving the way for his accursed Eye of the Moon Plan.
The realization of such long-term manipulation ignited a cold fury within Nagato.
But what truly chilled him to the bone was the horrifying possibility that Yahiko's tragic death had also been orchestrated, subtly fueled by Tobi's insidious influence.
"Pain," Konan said softly, her voice filled with concern, "since the path we walked before was a deception led astray by Tobi, should we now follow the same path as Naruto?"
Nagato's gaze hardened with a newfound resolve. "No. This ninja world is rife with deceit. From this point forward… I will only trust in myself."
"I understand," Konan replied, her expression reflecting his determination.
Then, Pain addressed the remaining Akatsuki members, his voice carrying a clear command. "Upon encountering Tobi… you are authorized to eliminate him directly."
Hidan and the others exchanged uneasy glances. "Leader," Hidan began hesitantly, "that Tobi is incredibly powerful… we might not be capable of killing him."
"Forget it," Pain stated, his Rinnegan glowing with grim determination. "I will handle it myself."
......
In a dimly lit cavern within the Rain Country, Obito and Black Zetsu rested, the atmosphere thick with frustration.
Obito slammed his fist against the damp cave wall, his voice a low growl of anger.
"To think I've ended up in this predicament!"
"If that accursed screen hadn't appeared, the future of the Ninja World would have unfolded exactly as you and I planned."
"Now, the Tailed Beasts are with Nagato, and the Rinnegan is lost. How am I supposed to initiate the Eye of the Moon Plan?"
Black Zetsu's voice, emanating from the shadows, offered a new, unsettling direction. "Perhaps now is the time to seek out the White Snake Sage(Kabuto). If we can locate him, we might still have a chance to seize control of the world together."
"Do you have a lead?" Obito asked, a flicker of curiosity in his visible Sharingan.
"I've received word that Kabuto has defected from Orochimaru."
"Him, eh? That… that actually makes a twisted kind of sense," Obito mused.
"As for Nagato," Zetsu continued, a renewed determination hardening his gaze, "I will find a way to reclaim the Rinnegan. Those eyes belong to Madara!"
"Oh?" Obito looked at Black Zetsu with a hint of surprise. He had always considered the shadowy entity a manipulative but ultimately subservient presence. This sudden display of initiative was unexpected.
"Trust me!" Black Zetsu hissed, a strange intensity in his tone.
Obito nodded slowly. "In that case… we shall work together. You focus on retrieving the Rinnegan, and I will seek out Kabuto!"
"Excellent!" Black Zetsu replied, a hint of something sinister lurking beneath his agreement.
....
___________________________
T/N: +1 Extra Chapter per 100 power stones.
Visit my p@treon for advance chapters.
https://patreon.com/Supreme_1_Raushan