Chapter 251: Obito Takes Action
"Mei Terumi from Kirigakure sent me intelligence—both of their Jinchuriki have disappeared."
The disappearance of the Jinchuriki from both Kirigakure and Sunagakure was a major event in the shinobi world. However, it seemed that Pakura's attention was elsewhere.
"Mei Terumi..." She muttered the name under her breath, suddenly remembering that this was the same kunoichi who had defeated her.
"So her name is Mei Terumi!"
Mei was younger than Pakura and possessed two Kekkei Genkai. She was powerful, and most importantly, she was stunningly beautiful. Compared to her, Pakura couldn't help but feel self-conscious about her own body. The thought made her suddenly irritated, and she smacked Kakuzu's shoulder forcefully.
"Why would Mei Terumi send you intelligence out of nowhere? Tell me the truth, are you two involved?"
Kakuzu raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting such a question. He looked at Pakura with an innocent expression.
"Mei Terumi is half my student. Their village is facing a major crisis—this is beyond what she can handle alone. Naturally, she sought me out. Isn't that normal?"
Pakura studied Kakuzu for a long moment before finally relenting.
"Fine, I'll believe you for now. But if I find out you two actually have something going on, then I'm quitting as Kazekage!"
Kakuzu sighed, feeling a headache coming on. He quickly waved his hand, signaling to drop the subject.
Meanwhile, Chiyo and Ebizō exchanged glances, both seeing the same exasperation in each other's eyes.
Pakura had once fought relentlessly for the honor of leading her village. But after everything she had been through, that ambition had faded. The only reason she was willing to take on the role of Kazekage now was because of Kakuzu. Her heart no longer belonged to Sunagakure—it belonged to him.
Seeing this, Chiyo and Ebizō sighed. There was nothing more they could do. They would take things one step at a time.
...
After settling matters in Sunagakure, Kakuzu used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to Ryūgakure.
Obito had already begun his operation to collect the Tailed Beasts, and Kakuzu knew he had to act.
The moment he arrived, he sensed something was wrong. From the shadows, someone was watching him.
"Obito? Get out here!"
Veins bulged at the corners of Kakuzu's eyes as he scanned the village and its surroundings with sharp precision. Yet, despite his thorough search, he found nothing.
After a moment of thought, he realized that it didn't make sense for Obito to show up in Ryūgakure. The last time they fought, Kakuzu had nearly killed him. Given that, Obito should be terrified of confronting him directly. If he were to appear again, it would be at the risk of his own life.
If it wasn't Obito, then who else could it be?
Perhaps his instincts were off.
Since he couldn't locate the intruder, Kakuzu decided to let it go.
...
A few days later, a high-level meeting was convened in Ryūgakure.
"Lord Kakuzu, the masked man who once attacked Konoha has begun moving. Multiple Jinchuriki have already been captured. His target is clearly the Tailed Beasts. Should we alert the other villages so they can protect their own Jinchuriki?"
Ni presented the situation to the group before turning to Kakuzu for a decision.
Kakuzu thought for a moment before waving his hand dismissively.
"Let the other villages handle their own problems. We won't interfere. However, Ryūgakure must strengthen its defenses. I have no intention of letting those people come here and take what they want."
"Please rest assured, Lord Kakuzu. We've already deployed additional guards around the Seven-Tails. Even if the enemy is strong and our forces aren't enough to defeat them, we can at least send an immediate distress signal."
Heisei Rokuno quickly assured him.
"Lord Kakuzu, should I summon our other members back?" Yahiko asked, standing up. With the village needing protection, the presence of the Akatsuki members—who were all Kage-level—would significantly enhance security.
"No need. Let them continue gathering intelligence. If they uncover any information on the masked man, I want to be notified immediately."
Kakuzu's gaze deepened.
Years ago, he had been unable to put an end to Black Zetsu's schemes due to his own lack of strength.
But now? Things were different.
If he found Black Zetsu, he would eliminate him immediately.
...
With everything arranged, everyone returned to their duties. Kakuzu, for once, stayed in his office to review paperwork. Since he had ordered the village to increase its vigilance, it wouldn't make sense for him to slack off while everyone else worked hard.
Ni stacked a pile of documents in front of him, and Kakuzu experienced what it felt like to be the Hokage.
And it was exhausting.
Purchase orders for supplies, promotions for Chunin, monthly salaries for shinobi, construction plans for new village expansions—each document required his signature. Some even needed his direct decisions.
Kakuzu felt a massive headache forming.
No wonder Naruto looked so drained in the Boruto era.
With technological advancements, bureaucracy had only grown more complex. Even with Shadow Clones, Naruto couldn't keep up. Now, Kakuzu finally understood why.
"Lord Kakuzu, how are you holding up?" Ni asked with a smile.
Kakuzu rubbed his face in frustration. "This is pure torture."
"Would you like me to help you relax?" Ni teased, sticking out her tongue playfully.
Kakuzu was already feeling fatigued. Just as he was about to nod, a knock came at the door.
"Who is it now? Do they not know I'm in a terrible mood today?!"
Right when he was about to unwind, someone interrupted him. How annoying.
The door slowly creaked open, revealing a young face.
"O-Otou-san, am I disturbing you?"
"Oh, it's you, Hinata. My apologies!" Kakuzu quickly adjusted his expression, patting his forehead.
"Come in, come in! I've been so busy with work lately that I haven't had time to see you. I'm really sorry about that."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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