Chapter 34: The Artist and His Shark Sidekick

"The plan worked," said Obito, his Sharingan glowing faintly as he and Zetsu watched from the shadows.

"Indeed. I've already recorded the chakra flow of that old woman's healing technique using the Spore Technique," White Zetsu chimed in, his tone smug.

"Combined with the data we retrieved from her hidden notes and documents, as well as your Sharingan's replication," he continued, "we can definitely learn the One's Own Life Reincarnation with enough time."

"It's a shame we didn't eliminate Itachi," Black Zetsu added in his usual deep, grave tone, tinged with disappointment. "Who could have guessed Deidara's clay clone explosion would be that powerful?"

"Don't get greedy," Obito said sharply. "While we didn't achieve the ideal outcome of killing Itachi, we've drained his ocular power significantly. His illness will only worsen. Even if he survives, his combat capability will be drastically reduced."

"And let's not forget," he added, "we successfully tested the new serum. By combining the Hero Water from Takigakure with the life essence extracted from Hashirama's cells, we've enhanced the Hero Water's potency while significantly reducing its side effects. The next step is ramping up production."

"These serums will be crucial if we ever face Nagato in direct conflict," Obito concluded, his voice laced with anticipation.

"True enough," Black Zetsu agreed.

"With Itachi accounted for, who's your next target?"

"Kakuzu and Hidan," Obito said without hesitation.

...

Konohagakure

Danzo's lips curled into a sinister smile as he listened to the report from the remaining members of Root.

"Excellent. Excellent," he muttered, his glee barely concealed. "Sunagakure has lost both Rasa, their Kazekage, and Shukaku, the One-Tail. There's nothing left to threaten Konoha now."

"Ryoma!" Danzo barked. "Assemble the shinobi! We march on Sunagakure. I want it wiped out completely!"

"How many troops should we deploy, and who will lead them?" asked his second-in-command, Aburame Ryoma, his voice calm yet probing.

Danzo mulled it over briefly. "Five thousand shinobi. Red Hawk will serve as commander, with Hatake Kakashi and Nara Shikaku as vice commanders."

Ryoma hesitated. "What about Jiraiya-sama? He's here in the village. Shouldn't we involve him? His strength would be invaluable in a campaign like this."

"No!" Danzo snapped. "We need someone to defend the village should other nations take advantage of the situation. Jiraiya will stay here."

Of course, Danzo's real thoughts were far more self-serving.

Jiraiya's fame is already troublesome enough. Letting him rack up more achievements would make him an unstoppable contender for Hokage. No, this cannot be allowed. Not yet. Konoha needs his strength alive...for now.

Shortly after, Red Hawk, Kakashi, and Shikaku arrived in Danzo's office. Upon learning of the impending assault on Sunagakure, both Kakashi and Shikaku exchanged worried glances.

"Isn't this a bit...hasty, Hokage-sama?" Shikaku asked cautiously. "We don't know the full extent of Sunagakure's situation. Perhaps it would be wiser to send scouts first?"

"Fools!" Danzo slammed his hand on the desk. "Shikaku, your years under Hiruzen have made you soft! Opportunities like this don't wait. We strike tonight!"

Kakashi and Shikaku exchanged resigned looks. "Understood, Hokage-sama," they said in unison before leaving.

With only Red Hawk remaining, Danzo's demeanor shifted.

"Red Hawk, listen carefully. You have three orders," Danzo said, his tone low and commanding.

"First, leave no survivors in Sunagakure. The village must be completely destroyed."

"Second, keep an eye on Kakashi and Shikaku. Make sure the glory of this mission belongs to me—and to you."

"Third, weaken any dissenters among the Konoha shinobi. This is your chance to eliminate potential threats to my leadership."

"Understood, Hokage-sama," Red Hawk replied without hesitation.

Danzo watched his subordinate leave, a satisfied smirk on his face.

This is how a shinobi should be—an obedient tool.

...

Amegakure

Deidara's clay clone had been obliterated, but as he received its memories, a wave of annoyance washed over him.

"Of course it was those two—Obito and Zetsu. Always meddling," he muttered. "They must think Akatsuki is too strong and want to weaken us. But what kind of concoction did they give Rasa? Something that heals quickly and boosts strength...must involve Hashirama's cells, but what else?"

This train of thought left him uneasy.

This world is constantly in flux. The changes I've caused to the story are making my enemies adapt too. I'll need to tread carefully.

"Tch," he clicked his tongue. "Kamui is such a pain—no warning, no trace. I know they're scheming, but I can't deal with them head-on yet. I'll just have to wait for the right moment."

A few days later, Kisame and Itachi returned with Shukaku in tow. Itachi looked pale, his usually composed face betraying signs of exhaustion.

"Are you okay?" Pain asked, meeting them at the gates.

Itachi gave a small nod. "I'm fine."

"I heard about your condition," Pain said, his tone grave. "Stay in Amegakure for now and focus on recovery. You've done enough."

He turned to Kisame. "From now on, you'll partner with Deidara."

Kisame grinned, his shark-like teeth gleaming. "Deidara, looks like we're a team now."

Deidara snorted. "Kisame, who would've thought we'd be paired up?"

Grinning, he added, "I've got it! We'll be called 'The Artist and His Shark Sidekick!'"

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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