Clearly, completely altering Naruto's personality and way of thinking was not something that could be achieved overnight.
Thus, Allen was in no hurry. He merely utilized language and subtle suggestion to exert a steady, subconscious influence, magnifying the boy's latent resentment toward Konoha and the Third Hokage as much as possible. His goal was to ensure Naruto eventually walked a diametrically opposite path.
Beyond that, he needed to settle the members of the Hyuga clan who had returned with Neji.
Since the Land of Rice Fields and Otogakure had already become a vortex of conflict, they were unsuitable locations. After a careful selection process, the two settled on a secret base that Orochimaru had long since abandoned.
Hidden deep within the mountains, the site was not only extremely well-concealed but also featured pre-cleared farmland. It was largely self-sufficient, requiring only occasional trips outside to purchase minor living supplies, an ideal location for seclusion.
Furthermore, with Allen's mastery of Wood Release and Earth Release ninjutsu, solving logistical issues like housing was trivial.
Watching a young Hanabi practice the Gentle Fist in the fields alongside several members of the Branch House, Neji wore a rare, gratified smile. "Thank you. Thank you for everything you've done for me and the Hyuga family."
"Don't mention it. Now that you can finally let go of the past, it's time to settle your mind and deeply explore the full potential of those eyes."
As he spoke, Allen turned to stare at the other man's Byakugan, which were already beginning to emit a faint, azure glow.
Undoubtedly, these were the symptoms of the impending awakening of the Tenseigan.
The massive amount of chakra originally flowing through his body was concentrating into his eyes at an unimaginable speed. It was only a matter of time before this quantitative accumulation triggered a qualitative transformation.
"I understand. I feel that it won't be long before these Byakugan evolve into the form you described. When the final battle begins, they will certainly give everyone a shock," Neji responded with total confidence.
From the former head of the Main House, Hiashi, he had already learned many of the Hyuga family's secrets, specifically the origins of the Byakugan and the Caged Bird seal.
However, compared to the conservative approach of the older generation, he hoped to resolve these latent dangers once and for all. Only then would the Branch House of the Hyuga clan obtain true freedom.
To achieve that, one required overwhelming, crushing power.
Allen nodded slightly. "Good. I trust you won't disappoint me. Keep at it; we don't have much time left. Also, I'll be heading to Amegakure soon to seal several Tailed Beasts into the Gedo Statue and discuss our next moves with Nagato. I don't believe a man like Madara will sit quietly and wait for the Ten-Tails to be resurrected. He'll surely find a way to stir up some major trouble before then."
"You mean he will take the initiative to start a war?" Neji frowned instinctively.
Madara was currently in a state of Reanimation, possessing a degree of immortality and nearly infinite chakra. Combined with the power of the Eternal Mangekyo and his combat experience from a hundred battles, there was almost no one in the shinobi world capable of defeating him.
"Most likely. A man of his extreme pride and ego wouldn't choose an obscure way to change the world. So, to increase the difficulty of this game a little, I intend to resurrect Orochimaru. Then, I'll have Orochimaru reanimate the First, Second, and Fourth Hokages. That way, Madara won't have the time or energy to notice our side activities," Allen said, stroking his chin as he laid out his intentions.
In reality, though Sasuke had "killed" Orochimaru, the Sannin had left behind numerous means of resurrection. The simplest and most direct method involved the Cursed Seal of Heaven on Anko and Sasuke.
Resurrecting Orochimaru would be low-cost, and it would facilitate the resurrection of the Fourth Hokage, allowing Allen to extract the other half of the Nine-Tails' chakra.
As someone with a slight touch of obsessive-compulsive disorder and a perfectionist streak, Allen would not allow so many valuable assets to slip through his fingers.
"When do you plan to make your move?" Neji asked thoughtfully.
"After I've consulted with Nagato, I'll go straight to Sasuke or Anko to release Orochimaru and help him regain his strength. I believe that after this failure, he'll realize what he's lacking and won't jump out to do anything irrational for a while," Allen replied meaningfully.
Thinking about Orochimaru's bizarre maneuvers, and the final embarrassment of "going for the wool and coming home shorn," he couldn't help but want to laugh.
What was even more pathetic was that while he was the one who found Ryuchi Cave, he discovered he couldn't learn Sage Mode himself. He could only desperately research Cursed Seals to try and crack the mysteries of Senjutsu from another angle. Meanwhile, Kabuto Yakushi used the contract scroll to easily pass the trials and master Sage Transformation. Furthermore, the "perfect body" Orochimaru had painstakingly prepared for himself ended up benefiting Kabuto instead.
Even if he were resurrected now, he likely had no way to reclaim what was his from Kabuto. It was tragic to the extreme.
"Hmph. If he dares to have any ill intentions, I don't mind sending him back to the Pure Land again."
Neji clearly harbored no goodwill toward Orochimaru, his voice laced with intense loathing. This was because Orochimaru had once coveted the Hyuga clan's Byakugan, even attempting to create a clone. He only refrained from taking action due to Allen's presence.
"Relax. While Orochimaru is indeed a genius to a certain extent, he will never catch up to those of you who possess the direct bloodline of the Progenitor of Chakra. That is why I let him make his move on Sasuke. Alright, since the new Hyuga settlement is complete, there's no need for me to waste any more time here. Remember, until the final battle is over, ensure they stay here quietly. Don't let them go outside, or heaven knows what might happen."
After saying this, Allen immediately activated space-time ninjutsu and vanished.
A second later...
Crossing a vast distance, utilizing the spatial abilities gained from consuming the Kamui Sharingan and the positioning of a Flying Raijin Technique formula, he appeared directly in front of Nagato.
Nagato was visibly surprised and asked curiously, "You can now teleport directly from the Sound village using space-time ninjutsu?"
"Yes, though it still requires some assistance." Allen glanced at the Flying Raijin Technique formula he had left on the wheelchair.
Nagato noticed this as well, and an expression of realization dawned on his face. "No wonder. You left that behind the last time you departed. I assume you already know about Madara's resurrection?"
"How could I not? I was the first person he came looking for. He even urged me to hurry up and seal the rest of the Tailed Beasts into the Gedo Mazo," Allen said with a cold, thin smile.
"Then what do you plan to do?" Nagato tapped the armrest of his wheelchair with his right index finger.
"Exactly what he says, of course. These Tailed Beasts no longer have any utility value for me. Let Madara enjoy his moment of happiness. Besides that, I'm going to resurrect Orochimaru and have him use Reanimation on the First, Second, and Fourth Hokages to distract Madara."
Allen didn't hide anything, openly stating his plan. He understood that at a time like this, transparency was key to ensuring Nagato and Konan didn't develop any suspicions.