CHAPTER 183

Naruto Kill

The resistance of Kusagakure was not fierce. After subduing all the high-ranking officials, Pain forced Kusagakure to sign an alliance treaty.

According to the treaty, if either Amegakure or Kusagakure was attacked by an external force—including the Akatsuki—the other party would automatically be drawn into the conflict and bear the responsibility of fighting alongside them.

After signing the treaty, Pain summoned the nearby Akatsuki members and ordered them not to harass the village's residents unnecessarily.

Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki nodded in agreement, but Kakuzu and Hidan looked dissatisfied. Hidan, in particular, found the order unbearable, as his very reason for joining Akatsuki was to spread the teachings of Jashin through ritualistic killing. Being denied the opportunity to kill was more torturous than death itself.

However, those with abilities similar to his knew better than to speak out, and even he hesitated to openly complain.

Pain observed the unruly nature of Akatsuki's members and became more aware of the importance of leadership and governance. While Akatsuki was highly effective in battle, it lacked the ability to manage a village and ensure long-term stability.

If these rogue ninjas had possessed proper guidance, they wouldn't have been forced to leave their respective villages and join Akatsuki in the first place.

Yet, despite his growing realization, Pain had little experience in governance. Konan typically handled administrative matters in Amegakure, and he had little time to oversee Kusagakure's affairs himself.

After contemplating for a moment, Pain considered heading to the Land of Waves once again. However, they were now enemies.

Still, sending a puppet to gather intelligence shouldn't pose a major risk. For now, the primary enemies of Amegakure and Uzushio Village were the Five Great Nations, and there was no immediate conflict between them.

With this in mind, Pain turned to Konan.

"Konan, stabilize Kusagakure's leadership for now. Make sure the lower ranks remain unaware of the treaty between Amegakure and Kusagakure."

"Itachi, Kisame—patrol the borders and ensure Iwagakure doesn't attempt to infiltrate the country."

"Kakuzu, Hidan—eliminate the wandering ninja in Kusagakure. You may keep whatever spoils you obtain."

In a secluded part of Kusagakure, Obito Uchiha and Black Zetsu watched Akatsuki's activities from a distance.

After observing for a while, Black Zetsu scowled. "Obito, Nagato is slipping further from our control. He's no longer focused on collecting Tailed Beasts and seems to be pursuing dominance over the ninja world instead."

"What did he and the leader of Uzushio Village discuss that day? Why has he changed so drastically?"

Obito's expression darkened. Although the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was leading Uzushio Village, a joint effort with Nagato could have taken him down. Yet, Nagato didn't seem to share that goal.

If news of Akatsuki's occupation of Kusagakure leaked, it would draw unwanted attention from the other major villages.

This would significantly hinder the Moon's Eye Plan.

After a moment of silence, Obito turned to Black Zetsu and spoke deliberately.

"Everything is under my control. Nagato wants to build a stable ninja village, but even if we let him, the rogue ninjas in Akatsuki and the Five Great Nations will never allow it."

"When he realizes the futility of his dreams, he'll abandon his naïve ideals and return to collecting the Tailed Beasts."

Black Zetsu glanced at Obito, sensing his false confidence. Despite his words, Obito could do little but wait for circumstances to shift in their favor.

At this point, Indra's reincarnation was still too young to be used as a pawn. For now, patience was their only option.

---

After his shadow clone in Kusagakure dispersed, Naruto absorbed its memories.

He had anticipated everything—Amegakure's invasion of Kusagakure, Pain's methodical takeover, and the subsequent political maneuvers.

Amegakure, constantly drenched in rain, needed land suitable for expansion.

Besides the Land of Fire, the only viable target was the Land of Grass.

However, if Amegakure suddenly annexed a buffer zone between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, how would Konoha and Iwagakure react?

Would they suspect the return of Hanzō of the Salamander after years in hiding?

Amegakure's growing influence would inevitably alarm Konoha, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure. Nagato's ability to navigate this political minefield would determine Akatsuki's survival.

Naruto could only hope Akatsuki would last long enough for him to act.

Shaking off his thoughts, he bought several sticks of candied apples, handing one to Karin beside him.

Although she had refined her chakra, her strength was still far from a true ninja's level. As a result, they had to move cautiously toward the Land of Whirlpools.

Naruto also took the opportunity to appreciate the scenic landscapes and unique customs of the Land of Fire.

After all, once he returned, he would be burdened with responsibilities again. As someone who hadn't even obtained an official ninja rank, he shouldn't have to shoulder such pressures.

During his travels, Naruto observed that big cities in the Land of Fire were prosperous.

While rogue ninjas still roamed, their numbers paled in comparison to those in other nations. It was almost like living in paradise.

However, residents of smaller villages suffered similar fates to those in minor countries—ninjas rarely intervened, leaving them vulnerable to bandits and mercenaries.

After a month of travel, Naruto and Karin left the Land of Fire and boarded a ship bound for Uzushio Village.

---

Inside the ship's cabin, Karin studied medical books intently, her glasses giving her a scholarly appearance. Yet, when alone, she would often grin foolishly and hug her blanket excitedly.

Meanwhile, Naruto gazed at the stormy sea through the window before entering his sealed space.

Inside, the Nine-Tails (Kurama), Isobu (Three-Tails), and the Fourth Hokage were engrossed in a card game that Naruto had created out of boredom. He frequently added new ninja-themed cards.

"Kill!"

"Substitution Jutsu!"

"Eat my Tailed Beast Bomb! You all need to dodge using the Substitution Jutsu!"

Watching the two Tailed Beasts and his father becoming obsessed with playing cards, Naruto facepalmed, regretting ever introducing the game to them.

At that moment, Kurama noticed Naruto and asked, "Naruto, why don't you create a Jonin-level card that's stronger than both me and the Fourth Hokage?"

Naruto shot Kurama a look and replied, "New cards need to be stronger than old ones. Otherwise, no one will want to play."

Kurama nodded solemnly before declaring, "Then I say we add a Legendary Nine-Tails Card—one that dominates all!"

Naruto's eye twitched. Since when had Kurama developed such a knack for gaming mechanics? Was he secretly a genius house fox?

As the game ended, a sulking Kurama retreated into his cage after losing, while Isobu curled up and fell into a deep sleep.

Only Naruto and Minato Namikaze remained outside the cage.

After a brief silence, Minato smiled.

"Naruto, my chakra won't last much longer. The future depends on you. But with your abilities, I doubt you'll need anyone's help."

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