Chapter 248: Rasa's Schemes

"The Daimyō of the Land of Wind frequently withholds wages from the shinobi. To alleviate Sunagakure's financial struggles, Rasa has set his sights on the Land of Water. I must say, that man has quite the foresight." As Kakuzu spoke, a flicker of interest appeared in his eyes.

Rasa's Bloodline Limit allowed him to manipulate gold dust, yet gold dust itself was not a universally accepted currency in the shinobi world, nor was there a large market for it. Sitting on a pile of shimmering wealth but unable to solve financial woes, it was only natural that Rasa would turn his attention toward economics.

"It seems Rasa has a far better grasp of economic principles than most," Kakuzu remarked.

Hearing this unexpected praise, Nagato was somewhat puzzled.

"Lord Kakuzu, there's something I don't understand. You said Rasa is making moves to relieve Sunagakure's financial crisis. But if money is his only goal, shouldn't he be targeting Konohagakure instead? After all, Konoha is currently the wealthiest village in the shinobi world."

Kakuzu halted and glanced at Nagato. His gaze carried a silent message: Too young.

Nagato was still inexperienced and lacked the vision to see far ahead.

"Among the Five Great Nations, Konoha is indeed the richest, with Iwagakure coming in second. This disparity stems from geography and the prolonged wars that have shaped each nation's economy," Kakuzu explained. "However, if a period of prolonged peace were to arrive, allowing every village to recover and develop, Konoha's dominance wouldn't last forever. Despite its fertile land, it wouldn't remain the wealthiest village indefinitely."

"The Land of Earth, with its rugged mountains and treacherous terrain, would struggle to develop further. In such a scenario, Iwagakure could very well decline into a remote and impoverished village."

"On the other hand, the Land of Water is vast and open, with abundant maritime resources. If properly utilized, it could establish flourishing ports and engage in lucrative trade with the outside world. In time, the Land of Water could become the most prosperous nation."

Nagato stroked his chin, deep in thought. While he didn't fully grasp Kakuzu's logic, he trusted the veteran shinobi's insights.

"Lord Kakuzu, what should we do now? Should we inform Kirigakure?" Nagato asked.

Sunagakure and Ryugakure were not on friendly terms. Any obstacle placed in their enemy's path would ultimately be to their advantage. This much, at least, Nagato understood.

"Kirigakure should currently be under the rule of the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, correct?"

"Not quite," Nagato replied, shaking his head. "Lord Kakuzu, after training under you for a year, Mei did return and, along with Elder Genshī and others, managed to defeat the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura. However, Yagura was not captured. Instead, he fled into hiding, gathering remnants of his forces and launching frequent attacks on Kirigakure. As a result, the village remains in turmoil."

Kakuzu paused. He hadn't been aware of this situation. Mei had trained under him for a year—one could even call her his half-disciple. If she was facing difficulties, why hadn't she come to him for assistance?

"Regardless, Yagura is out of power. Kirigakure holds the advantage now. If they don't appoint a new Mizukage soon, are they hoping for even more chaos?"

"From what I know, Elder Genshī currently holds true power in Kirigakure. Having witnessed the bloodshed under the Third and Fourth Mizukages, he fears that the next Mizukage might follow the same violent path. That's why he insists on a prolonged observation period before finalizing the selection."

Kakuzu scoffed. "Heh, sounds like Sarutobi Hiruzen possessed him. How old is that man anyway? Clutching onto power like that…"

Though he found it amusing, he couldn't deny that Genshī had lived even longer than him—ten years his senior, in fact. Besides, Kirigakure's internal affairs were not his concern.

"There's no need to warn Kirigakure. Never underestimate their intelligence network. The moment Sunagakure operatives set foot in the village, they will know."

"All you need to do is inform Mei Terumi. Let her understand that eliminating an enemy isn't always the most beneficial course of action."

Nagato nodded and disappeared in a flash.

...

Back in Ryugakure, life resumed its quiet rhythm. The Akatsuki members were dispersed across the world, gathering intelligence under Kakuzu's strategic direction.

The number of shinobi in the Land of Dragons had grown to around a thousand. Their leader in name, Heisei Rokuno, commanded them with vigilance, ensuring the nation's security.

Sai, the highest-ranking government official in Ryugakure, spent her days buried in paperwork. In her spare time, she studied the Healings Technique under Tsunade, hoping to master the legendary rejuvenation ability.

Uchiha Shisui remained ever-watchful in the shadows, standing as Kakuzu's silent guardian.

As for Kakuzu himself, aside from occasionally checking in with his subordinates, he dedicated most of his time to training his Six Paths power. Utilizing the Ten Tails' chakra, he had awakened the Rinnegan, but he had only scratched the surface of its potential. Unlike Nagato, whose abilities stemmed from external forces, Kakuzu's strength was entirely his own. How far he could go depended solely on his ability to refine and harness it.

...

Land of Water

Mist curled around the mountains, shrouding the dense forests. A group of Sunagakure shinobi found themselves surrounded.

From the unseen depths of the forest, a barrage of kunai shot forth.

The Suna shinobi immediately realized they had been betrayed. They fought back desperately, trying to deflect the rain of deadly projectiles, but the sheer volume was overwhelming. One by one, they collapsed in pools of blood.

However, not all of them were weak. One shinobi in the front line, wielding an impressive Bloodline Limit, managed to withstand the first wave of attacks.

But if they survived the first wave… what about the second?

A woman with waist-length chestnut curls stepped forward. Mei Terumi.

Her hands moved fluidly through a series of seals, and an enormous Water Dragon Bullet jutsu surged forth, engulfing the forest in a torrent of destruction.

When the waters receded, Mei and her Kirigakure forces approached the fallen Sunagakure shinobi.

"Lady Mei, we have a survivor."

"Bring them to me!" Mei commanded.

Unlike others, she never executed outsiders without reason. She wanted to know why they had come.

When the captive was brought before her, Mei's eyes gleamed with interest.

It was the very shinobi who had just fought her—a user of a powerful Bloodline Limit.

----------------

Pls Drop some Power Stones

Fanfic is finished on Patreon (262 chapters in total.) 

Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)