Kawasaki patted Elder Takuya on the shoulder. "Their days with the Uchiha are numbered. Tell them to get everything ready."
"Understood, Clan Head." The elder nodded.
Back when Fugaku was the clan head, he'd contributed little to the Uchiha and had nearly led them to ruin. But Fugaku had done one thing right: he had recognized Kawasaki's potential. If it weren't for Kawasaki, who knew what state the Uchiha would be in now.
After Elder Takuya left, Kawasaki stretched languidly.
Once the clan members had returned, Kawasaki had sent everyone with a talent for medical ninjutsu to be trained by Tsunade. All the major shinobi villages had been notified, and everything was proceeding according to plan. Now, it was a matter of waiting for the right time, while also guarding against a potential surprise attack from Obito. The last time Obito and Zetsu had rescued Danzo, it was unclear whether Obito had ordered it or if Zetsu had acted on his own.
Suddenly, Kawasaki felt a ripple in his consciousness.
Ah! He perked up. Nagato was making contact. Nagato was a crucial part of his plan.
Leaving a shadow clone in the room, Kawasaki went into his private chambers, lay down on the bed, and began the jutsu, letting his consciousness drift far away. When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the familiar cave.
"Kawasaki, you're here."
The voice was different from usual.
Kawasaki looked over and saw Nagato's ethereal projection standing above his real, physical body, which was seated on a mechanical chair. Kawasaki's eyes darted, and he immediately understood what this meant.
"Nagato, you came in person." Kawasaki's voice was filled with gratification. Nagato had finally placed his complete trust in him.
Nagato was silent for a moment. "You truly know everything."
Nagato was deeply curious about the source of Kawasaki's information. Many of the things Kawasaki knew had never been revealed to the outside world. They were secrets lost to the annals of history, yet Kawasaki seemed omniscient. Nagato had some knowledge of the Sharingan and even suspected that Kawasaki might have awakened a dōjutsu capable of foreseeing the future.
Kawasaki grinned. "Since you've made your decision, that's for the best."
"Are you planning to use the Hashirama cell solution?"
The withered Nagato shook his head. "Fusing with Hashirama cells is extremely dangerous, even with my Rinnegan. Now is not the time."
Kawasaki nodded. Fusing with the cells wasn't something that could be done overnight. If Nagato disappeared for too long, it would certainly arouse Obito's suspicion. In Nagato's current frail state, he would be in grave danger if he were found. The tubes protruding from his back were connected directly to his insides; a strong blow, let alone a ninjutsu, could finish him off.
"Have you been sleeping standing up all these years?" Kawasaki asked a question that had long been on his mind.
Nagato sighed. "Yes."
Kawasaki shook his head. To think that Nagato had been twisted into this state, a shadow of his former self, all for a grand deception. Fortunately, he now had an ally.
"Our organization has been growing quickly lately," Nagato said. "We'll have to start capturing the Tailed Beasts soon, or Obito will get suspicious. I plan to begin the fusion process with the Hashirama cells as soon as the Tailed Beast hunt begins. If... if anything should happen to me, could I trouble you to look after Konan?"
It was the first time Nagato had appeared as himself instead of through Pain, and the first time he had spoken with such vulnerability. It was a stark contrast to the stoic demeanor he had maintained for years. But if he died, his plans would die with him. The Rinnegan would undoubtedly be reclaimed, and Konan would be in danger. Nagato had even tried to destroy the eyes himself, but some force had stopped him whenever he tried. Someone had tampered with his body.
Before Kawasaki could share his own thoughts, Nagato had already entrusted him with his final wishes. After all, Konan was the only family Nagato had left in the world.
Kawasaki smiled. "Perhaps things aren't as dire as you think. Yagura Karatachi and the Three-Tails are already dead."
Nagato was taken aback. This was news to him; neither Obito nor Zetsu had mentioned it.
"You won't be able to gather all the Tailed Beasts now. Not a chance," Kawasaki stated firmly.
The Tailed Beasts didn't need to be sealed into the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path simultaneously. However, once the Akatsuki started capturing them, word would spread, and every village would heighten its security. The longer it took, the more variables would arise. If the Akatsuki proved too effective, other villages might resort to killing their own jinchuriki, taking the Tailed Beasts down with them. That would make completing the collection impossible. Therefore, if Obito wanted to capture the Tailed Beasts, he needed to do it quickly to prevent any complications.
Nagato let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. It gives me more time to prepare."
"So that's why you didn't bring Konan. You were worried something would happen to you," Kawasaki remarked.
Nagato didn't deny it. "If I were to fall, Konan would likely go after Obito for revenge alone. I don't want her to be in danger."
"Since you've chosen to trust me, I happen to have a plan," Kawasaki said directly. "The Three-Tails, Isobu, may be dead, and its revival is uncertain, but your current position is too passive. We can seize the initiative."
Nagato had always respected Kawasaki's strategic mind. "What's your plan?"
"Are the official members of your organization just you, Konan, Kakuzu, Deidara, and Sasori? And... Jūzō Biwa, right?" Kawasaki asked.
Nagato replied, "Besides Zetsu and Obito, there are two new members. They just joined. Both are rogue ninja from Kirigakure. One is Zabuza, the other is Suigetsu Hōzuki."
Kawasaki was puzzled. Was the butterfly effect really this potent? The HR department was filling vacancies automatically? With Hidan, Kisame, and Itachi gone, two new recruits had joined the Akatsuki. And of all people, it was that fool Suigetsu and Zabuza.
On second thought, it made a certain amount of sense. With his interference, Itachi never joined the Akatsuki, which meant Jūzō Biwa was still alive. The Executioner's Blade was still in his hands. Suigetsu and Zabuza had likely joined in pursuit of that very sword.
"I've already spread the word that Yagura is dead and Kirigakure has been weakened. I also hinted to Kumogakure that we Uchiha are interested in taking over the Land of Water."
"Because of the Uchiha's involvement, Konoha is currently paralyzed. Kumogakure won't pass up such a golden opportunity."
"Before long, Kumo will approach me, and I'll dispatch elite Uchiha to assist them in attacking Kirigakure."
"As it stands, Kirigakure is no match for Kumogakure. They'll have no choice but to seek outside help."
"And you, the Akatsuki, will be their strongest potential allies."
Nagato's expression brightened. This kind of work, he was familiar with it. The Akatsuki had started out doing just that. When Yahiko was alive, they often intervened in the wars of smaller nations, usually helping the weaker side. After Yahiko's death, the Akatsuki became a mercenary group. They would amass funds, stir up minor conflicts, and then monopolize the war commissions from small nations and villages at low prices. Then... well, there was no then, because Kawasaki had led them down a different path before that could happen. With Kawasaki's investment, the Akatsuki had been able to skip the initial start-up phase, though Kawasaki's money was intended to strengthen Konan's hand.
"When the time comes, you'll send your rogue ninja as cannon fodder to Kirigakure. We'll coordinate our intelligence and dismantle your organization from the inside."
"With your members gone and Isobu dead, Obito will be powerless. You can then go into hiding and recover your strength legitimately."
"Only a stable shinobi world will give us the time we need to build our power."
"The biggest troublemakers in the world are the Cloud shinobi. They need to be taught a painful lesson before they'll learn to behave."
Kawasaki finished his explanation in one breath. Nagato realized Kawasaki's foresight far exceeded his own. No matter what, recovering his health was the top priority.
"Your idea is sound. I can't act personally right now, and I have little control over these members anyway," Nagato said in agreement. Kawasaki's method was simple and effective. If the organization was too strong, then dismantle it.
"You can use the coming time to recover further. When the battle in the Land of Water turns against them, you'll have to make an appearance as well."
Nagato nodded. With all the other Akatsuki members dead, it wouldn't make sense for him, the leader, to remain hidden.
"Now that we have a solution, you should bring Konan in on this."
With the general strategy set, they moved on to discussing the details. Since there was a new path forward, Nagato brought Konan into the conversation.
Konan's image slowly materialized. She didn't look at Nagato, but addressed Kawasaki directly. "Kawasaki, what did Nagato just tell you?"
Having been with Nagato for so many years, Konan could usually guess what was on his mind. She was afraid he was planning to face Obito alone, leaving her behind.
Kawasaki shrugged. "He was worried that if something happened to him, no one would be here to look after you, so he entrusted you to my care."
Konan fell silent for a moment, then turned her gaze to Nagato, who met it calmly. Their years of companionship, though not romantic, had forged a bond of life and death. Some things didn't need to be said to be understood.
Konan took a deep breath, her tone returning to normal. "Is there another way now?"
Kawasaki nodded. Konan was indeed quicker on the uptake than Nagato. He hadn't included her earlier because he wanted to spare her the worry. Bringing her in now meant he had a different solution.
Kawasaki then repeated what he had told Nagato.
Konan thought for a moment. "Kirigakure is in such a dilapidated state. I doubt they have the funds to hire us."
Kawasaki laughed. "Don't worry, I can act as the middleman. If they don't have money, they can pay with secret jutsu or land. It'll give our Uchiha clan another foothold in the future."
Konan was stunned. First, Kawasaki had leaked information about Yagura to Kumogakure, preparing to take their commission and profit from it. Then, he would turn around and introduce the Akatsuki to Kirigakure. For the Akatsuki to work for Kirigakure, they would have to pay a hefty price as well. And since they were allies with Kawasaki, the funds from Kirigakure would effectively end up in Kawasaki's pocket.
In this way, Kawasaki was playing both sides and profiting from both, ensuring he wouldn't lose no matter the outcome of the war. With a conflict of this scale, it was perfectly reasonable for the entire Akatsuki to be mobilized. But if all the members were sacrificed, how could they capture the Tailed Beasts? The plan would have to be put on hold, wouldn't it? This would give Nagato and Konan a legitimate reason to rest and recuperate.
Kawasaki was truly a brilliant strategist.
"Kawasaki," Konan said with a sense of relief, "it's a great fortune not to be your enemy. Your calculations are frighteningly precise."
Kawasaki shook his head. "A plan is just a plan. We must always be ready to adapt to changes. The biggest unknown variables right now are Obito and Zetsu, who have disappeared. As long as we stick to the main goal, we'll take it one step at a time."
Just then, Nagato suddenly spoke. "Kawasaki, I'll send you a ring next time."
Konan nodded in agreement. "That way, you can use the Magic Lantern Body Technique to contact Nagato actively."
Kawasaki was surprised. He hadn't known the rings had that function. Did this mean that whereas before he could only "receive calls," a ring would allow him to "make them"?
He scratched his head curiously. "Your rings can do that?"
Konan smiled. So, Kawasaki wasn't omniscient after all. "Nagato can use the rings to pinpoint the location of every member. The members can also use them to communicate with each other."
Understanding dawned on Kawasaki. No wonder Orochimaru had stopped wearing his ring after defecting. It was a limited-edition communication device for the shinobi world.
As he pondered this, something else came to mind. "Right, next time you come, bring me one of your uniforms."
Konan didn't ask why and readily agreed.
"By the way," Kawasaki asked, "does your Kakuzu still have a habit of 'disposing' of his partners?"
Konan looked surprised. "How did you know?"
Since they were planning to use the Akatsuki as cannon fodder anyway, Kawasaki decided not to bother looking for Hidan. "There's a certain someone I can tell you about. He might still be buried underground somewhere..."
Back in the Uchiha clan's territory.
After finalizing the arrangements and other minor details with Konan, Kawasaki slowly opened his eyes. He wondered if he could somehow involve Orochimaru in this affair.
He looked up at the sky; it was already late at night.
Kawasaki walked into the training grounds. Kazuki and Katsura had been untied and sent back to their quarters. In the training field, many energetic clan members were still practicing diligently.
With a casual wave of his hand, the clansman who had been frequently by his side lately hurried over. It was Rikuto Uchiha.
"Rikuto, you can walk again?" Kawasaki went over and patted his shoulder.
Rikuto's complexion was decent. "Thanks to the treatment from you and Lady Tsunade, I was able to get out of bed quickly. I'm gradually recovering now."
"How's Ōura?" Kawasaki remembered that Ōura had injured his leg and should be healing as well.
Rikuto shook his head. "Ōura's injuries were more severe. He still can't walk freely."
It seemed Rikuto had overcome the hardest part and was back on his feet, while Ōura would need more time.
Kawasaki then asked about the effectiveness of that evening's punishment. Upon learning that nearly all the clan members had watched and tried the spicy hot pot, he nodded in satisfaction. From now on, no one would dare to go easy on Sasuke and the others again.
...
In the clan's underground laboratory, Kawasaki found Orochimaru. Akihira stood beside him, holding a stack of documents and cross-referencing them.
"Kawasaki, Akihira is quite the prodigy," Orochimaru commented.
Since Orochimaru had taken up temporary residence with the Uchiha, Kawasaki had introduced Akihira to him, emphasizing the value of his Mangekyō Sharingan. He'd also mentioned Akihira's aptitude for research, suggesting he could be a fitting assistant for Orochimaru, who was without Kabuto.
Orochimaru had tried giving Akihira some tasks. Despite having no prior experience, Akihira showed an astonishing aptitude for the work, with a knack for grasping related concepts. Coupled with his Mangekyō-level Sharingan, he absorbed information at an incredible speed. It wouldn't be long before Akihira became a competent assistant to Orochimaru.
Kawasaki smiled. "I'm glad he's able to put his talents to use. His potential was being wasted in the clan all these years. It's a good thing you came."
He had noticed Akihira's talent years ago, but Akihira had remained with the clan and hadn't left with Shisui's group. Now, his Mangekyō Sharingan was especially precious, and assisting Orochimaru with research posed little risk.
Over the years, Orochimaru had dedicated himself to researching the Uchiha Sharingan, using his control over Itachi's body to prevent the illnesses caused by overuse. He had developed a drug to inhibit Kimimaro's growth, saving him from an early death due to his Shikotsumyaku. His research on Hashirama cells had never stopped. Although the current success rate for cultivating them was low, a breakthrough was inevitable. With that, even clan members without blood relatives could awaken their eyes without fear of blindness.
On top of all that, Orochimaru was also creating his own perfect vessel, though Kawasaki had never asked about his progress. After Kabuto returned from Ryūchi Cave, Orochimaru had analyzed his Sage Mode data and compiled information on the snake sage techniques he had learned. Amidst all this, Orochimaru still found time to mentor a few children.
Kawasaki was genuinely curious about Orochimaru's time management skills. He'd learned that Orochimaru slept very little, spending most of his time in the lab, a routine he had maintained for years. Orochimaru seemed to thrive on it, his eyes lighting up with excitement whenever he spoke of his research. It was only after coming to the Uchiha clan, with the lack of proper equipment, that he had taken a slight break. The arrival of Akihira was a perfect opportunity for him to mentor someone.
Seeing Akihira engrossed in his studies, Kawasaki and Orochimaru stepped outside the room.
"Orochimaru, I just spoke with Nagato. My plan is..."
Orochimaru nodded. "That would be for the best. If you get the chance, you should try to bring Nagato back here. I want to study those Rinnegan."