97. Obito’s Conspiracy

At the harbour dock, Yagami marvelled at the chakra-powered internal combustion engine that had been crafted. 

He had assumed such an invention would be immensely difficult to produce. After all, the ninja world's understanding of scientific machinery was rudimentary. A few notable examples included Orochimaru's mechanical Naruto in a comedic instance and the Asura Path of Pain's Six Paths. Beyond these, there were only the mechanical puppets from Sunagakure. Yagami had even considered seeking out puppet masters in Sunagakure to further his plans. 

Unexpectedly, the Uchiha clan had managed to create it themselves—with the help of civilians, no less. This deepened his resolve to prioritize not only the combat strength of the Uchiha clan but also the professional development of the Uchiha Group. 

"The internal structure was built exactly according to the drawings you provided," Shisui explained. "However, the chakra conversion didn't achieve the desired effect. It might require the expertise of a puppet master." 

Creating the physical structure wasn't the challenge; the real difficulty lay in storing chakra and converting it into usable energy to power the device. Such a feat wasn't simple, especially given that the creator was an ordinary civilian. Even with shinobi providing chakra, their lack of understanding of the energy limited the outcome. 

"This is already impressive progress. Find an opportunity to send this to Orochimaru. I think he'll be intrigued by something like this," Yagami instructed. "Since Orochimaru is the scientist here, let's leave the scientific research to him!" 

For his dream of leading Uchiha to new heights—and of one day driving a sports car in the ninja world—this project was non-negotiable. 

"Understood," Shisui replied before handing a small note to Yagami. "This is a message from the clan leader. The Third Hokage has reorganized Konoha's internal structure. 

Even Anbu wasn't spared. 

He's since issued an announcement to the entire village, admitted to some of his mistakes, and plans to hold a general meeting. 

It seems he's preparing to step down. The clan leader hopes you will return to the village as soon as possible." 

Yagami glanced at the note, his expression briefly frozen. "Interesting… Has the Third Hokage finally figured it out? But him stepping down now isn't exactly what I wanted to see!" 

He frowned, disappointed. Yagami had been looking forward to witnessing a confrontation between Orochimaru and the Third Hokage. If Hiruzen retired now, it would feel like an anticlimactic end. 

No, Yagami decided, the Third Hokage needed a bit more encouragement. Perhaps recent events had shaken his confidence, but he wasn't going to let the old man step down just yet. 

"I'll leave this matter to you for now," Yagami said, formulating a plan. "When the time comes, I'll ask the clan leader to take charge of the overall situation." 

After a moment of thought, Yagami resolved that while the Third Hokage would eventually step down, it wouldn't happen like this. Hiruzen needed to remain in his position for another ten years. 

The Third Hokage wanted to withdraw now because he believed he had lost control and saw stepping down as a way to give Konoha a chance at stability. However, if Konoha could regain its footing, Hiruzen wouldn't feel compelled to relinquish power. 

A little boost to his confidence was all that was needed. 

This kind of situation requires careful control and precision. Fugaku, while significantly changed, was still fundamentally the same, making him unsuitable for handling such matters. Furthermore, with the entire Uchiha clan relocated to the harbour, it would be inappropriate for their patriarch to linger in Konoha's office. It made far more sense for him to assume the role of CEO of the Uchiha Group and focus on generating wealth for the clan.

As for Sasuke and Aunt Mikoto, Yagami thought with a sly grin that he would handle their care personally.

In Amegakure, atop the high tower, Tendo Pain and Obito observed as figures slipped into the rain-soaked village. A scattering of paper flew up briefly, followed by silence.

"Is this your solution?" Tendo asked coldly, his tone laced with dissatisfaction.

To divert the attention of the major shinobi villages, Obito had leaked information about Konoha possessing Wood Style users. Initially, the tactic worked, redirecting their focus toward Konoha. However, this strategy also had unintended consequences. The villages, unwilling to provoke Konoha directly, instead traced the information back to its source, connecting it to the Akatsuki and its enigmatic ally.

This led to an unwelcome development. Danzo, the individual most responsible for turning the Akatsuki into what it was today, had somehow become linked to them. For Nagato and Konan, Danzo was a sworn enemy, one they intended to eliminate. The irony of the current situation was enough to make even a puppet like Tendo seem exasperated.

"If you can't handle the situation, then consider relocating," Obito suggested. "The ninja world is vast; there's always a place they won't find."

"That won't be necessary," Tendo replied sharply.

To Obito and most of the Akatsuki, Amegakure was expendable—a mere staging ground. It offered little strategic value and could be abandoned if necessary. However, for Nagato and Konan, this place was home. It was where the Akatsuki had been born and where their dream with Yahiko had begun. It was irreplaceable.

"Are you truly set on this?" Obito asked after a pause, trying to reason with him. "You realize that even with Amegakure, we don't have the strength to wage war against the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

Once your Rinnegan is confirmed, they won't stop coming after you.

On top of that, you've been dealing with an influx of shinobi infiltrating the village lately."

Obito's words carried a warning. The major shinobi villages had taken notice of Amegakure. While Nagato could eliminate intruders with ease, the villages were not fools. They would continue sending agents, and once enough of their operatives failed to return, their response would escalate.

At that point, it wouldn't just be about their desire for Wood Style or the Rinnegan. It would spiral into outright war.

"I will show them the true power of God!" Tendo declared with unshakable conviction.

Obito's internal frustration boiled over. God, my foot! If Nagato truly could sweep through the ninja world with his Rinnegan, there wouldn't be any need for Obito's machinations in the first place.

This fool is going to ruin everything! Obito thought bitterly. If Nagato's recklessness continued, the Akatsuki's plans would unravel. He needed a distraction—something to shift the villages' attention elsewhere.

"Haha! The vessel for the eyes is starting to lose control," Black Zetsu remarked as he emerged from the wall, his tone dripping with amusement.

"The pain he's feeling isn't enough to make him see clearly," Obito muttered. "Rain Shinobi Village isn't crucial… Forget it. It's just a pawn. Let him have his way for now."

Turning to Black Zetsu, Obito's voice took on a calculating tone. "Besides Konoha, which village would benefit most from chaos?"

Black Zetsu's expression twisted into a sly smile. "Among the villages that came to investigate, Kumogakure and Iwagakure were the most aggressive. And if I recall, the Third Raikage met his end in the Earth Country..."

Obito's eyes glinted with understanding as Black Zetsu left the rest unsaid. The seeds of a new plan began to take root.

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