The Milky Way stretched across the night sky, glittering like stars scattered by fate.
Bi Diao soared swiftly through the darkness, its wings cutting silently through the air. It became a jet-black silhouette, rapidly heading toward Rain Country.
Kei Yamanaka lay on his back atop the Bi Diao with one leg casually crossed over the other, feeling the howling wind rush past him as he gazed absentmindedly at the vast starry ocean above.
Earlier that afternoon, Hino Uchiha had invited him to a teahouse run by the Uchiha Clan.
He simply wanted Kei Yamanaka to recruit some Uchiha ninja into Root. In return, the Uchiha Clan would fully support any actions Kei initiated within Root.
"Old men turn into demons," Kei murmured softly to himself before closing his eyes.
Recently, Danzo Shimura had been visiting Konoha Hospital far too often, which once led many to suspect that the leader of Root might not have much time left.
Afterward, although his body seemed recovered, he still aggressively tried to pull Kei into Root.
Even for Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had paid a steep price.
Anyone half-sharp would start to suspect—was Danzo already preparing to groom his successor?
Orochimaru couldn't possibly remain in Root forever.
Looking at the current situation, this cold-blooded man was the only one both qualified and capable of becoming the Fourth Hokage.
Kei came from an ardent loyalist faction supporting the Hokage; his strength was acknowledged by Jiraiya, he was favored by Lord Hokage himself, and even gained Danzo's favor.
Joining Root early, becoming familiar with its operations, and cooperating closely with Orochimaru—fostering mutual understanding and trust.
The future power structure of Konoha's leadership seemed clear enough.
Currently, the Uchiha hadn't yet come under direct surveillance and targeting by Konoha's upper echelons, unlike after the Nine-Tails' attack. Still, many people had already sensed a certain distance between the Uchiha and the core circle of Konoha.
The Police Force originally entrusted to the Uchiha Clan by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, appeared to grant the Uchiha great authority at first glance.
But over the years, many had gradually recognized the disadvantages of being confined solely to this role.
Though the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, allowed the Uchiha to serve in regular ninja combat units, no Uchiha could be found in Anbu or other critical departments.
At such a moment, Hino Uchiha chose to support Kei Yamanaka's rise.
First, it was an attempt to gain the friendship of someone destined for Konoha's higher ranks; second, to strengthen ties between the Uchiha and Konoha itself; third, perhaps even a test to see if Kei could initiate a breakthrough himself.
Of course, there was likely another crucial consideration—severing some clan members away from the Uchiha family entirely!
Ninjas joining Root would receive the Tongue-Cutting Seal to ward off misfortune, undergo Danzo's emotion-erasing training, and absolutely obey Root's leader, placing their loyalty to Root above all else—including their own bloodline.
Such people were no longer typical Uchiha clan members.
This behavior seemed harmful to the clan's interests at first glance.
But when viewed long-term, wasn't it actually a safeguard for the clan's survival?
Not a single old fox who lived from the Warring States era to today…
Was ever truly simple-minded!
"Mikoto, sharp-minded and perceptive, her abilities are passable. Shisui won't even be five until after the New Year—it's still a bit too early."
Names of various Uchiha clan members flickered through Kei Yamanaka's mind.
Danzo would never allow any Uchiha to join Root. Like Tobirama Senju, he regarded the clan with suspicion and caution—tinged with a hint of greed.
Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't as extreme as Danzo, but as a leader, how could he not remain wary of the strongest shinobi clan?
Ultimately, their fears all stemmed from their own lack of strength.
But Kei didn't need to consider so many factors.
He had just taken control of the Tongue-Cutting Seal of the core department in Root.
Next, he would do more than just replace the Tongue-Cutting Seals on other members.
He would also pair the Tongue-Cutting Seal with memory alterations to deal with Danzo's loyalists.
Plus, there were all the regular administrative affairs of Root to handle.
So much work to do—way too much.
Now that the Uchiha had come knocking, why not handpick a few useful ones?
Trying to cause trouble under my command?
Start by awakening your Mangekyō Sharingan first.
Otherwise, he might end up killing someone with a single slap—he was worried his strength was too overwhelming.
"Screech~ screech~"
The Bi Diao let out a sharp cry.
Hearing the sound, Kei turned his head toward the direction it indicated.
Looking ahead, thick clouds stretched across the sky, slowly swallowing the stars of the night.
A fine drizzle cloaked the Rain Country in shadow, making it feel heavy and suffocating.
Without giving it much thought, Kei tossed a kunai inscribed with the Flying Thunder God formula into the dense forest below.
Feeling the light rain falling on his body,
[Hydrification Technique]—Kei shifted slightly and resumed lounging in comfort.
——————————
In Amegakure, Rain Country.
Inside a steel-framed building far from the village center, Konan, clad in a black cloak, stood on the balcony, reaching out to feel the raindrops collecting on her palm, gazing blankly at the stormy sky.
Behind her, several young recruits sat around a fire pit, chatting excitedly about the future alongside Yahiko, the leader of Akatsuki.
Nagato, ever the quiet one, sat alone in a corner, watching his comrades laugh and chat.
"Leader, I heard more people want to join us recently!"
"It's because we're on the right path—eventually, everyone will see that."
"You won't accept them yet?"
"We should observe them for now! Don't worry, our comrades will increase steadily."
"Heh, yeah! I really hope to meet Hanzo soon. Once we do, our ideals will spread faster across Rain Country!"
"As long as we keep striving, we'll definitely achieve it!"
"…"
Hearing Yahiko's energetic voice behind her, Konan's lips curled into a soft smile.
Just as she was about to turn back inside,
A ninja clad in Mist Anbu attire slowly rose from the flowing water, a grotesque, oversized blade slung across his back.
Whoosh~
Konan leaped backward, her hands swiftly forming hand seals. Sheets of paper, each about the size of a palm, swirled around her.
Inside the room, hearing the noise, the Akatsuki comrades quickly rose to their feet as well.
Yahiko and Nagato instantly arrived at Konan's side.
Frowning, they stared at the ninja standing calmly at the edge of the balcony.
An elite Anbu-level shinobi?
The Hozuki clan's [Hydrification Jutsu]?
That blade... could it actually be [Samehada], the legendary great sword of Kiri?
"You're from the Mist? What is it that you want here?"
Yahiko was the first to speak, asking the question while subtly signaling to his comrades behind his back.
"...Just coming to take something."
Kei Yamanaka replied coolly.
A powerful sensor aura swept over these founding members of the Akatsuki.
That's strange!
There wasn't a single one among them infected by White Zetsu parasites?
Earlier, Kei Yamanaka had already tested with captured White Zetsu specimens.
White Zetsu using [Transformation Jutsu] couldn't even be detected by his sensory perception.
But just because his sensing ability failed didn't mean the system would fail.
Right before him, none of these people were fakes impersonated by White Zetsu, and not one showed any signs of parasitism.
That shouldn't be possible!
"We don't have anything here that you need. Please leave immediately."
Yahiko frowned again, his hand already resting on the ninja gear pouch at his waist.
"It'd be too much trouble to explain, so... I'll just fight then."
Whoosh~!
In an instant, Kei Yamanaka's figure blurred beside Nagato.
Ducking low, he used the hilt of [Samehada] resting on his shoulder to push off.
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