April 23, Year 58 of the Hidden Leaf Calendar
While Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto were still training at the Ninja Academy, war broke out once again.
Iwagakure, in alliance with Sunagakure, launched a surprise attack on Konohagakure. But Konoha had been expecting it.
On the Iwagakure front, Shimura Danzō took command personally, clashing head-on with the Iwa forces led by Kitsuchi. At this point, Danzō had no time for schemes or politics—the village faced an unprecedented crisis.
On the Sunagakure front, Jiraiya had rushed back to take command, standing against the Kazekage and the Sunagakure army.
By the second month of war, Kumogakure entered the fray. As Konoha's ally, they deployed their forces to the Leaf's borders, bolstering Konoha's efforts on the Iwa front and significantly easing their pressure.
There was deep-seated enmity between Iwa and Kumo. The Third Raikage—the current Raikage's father—had died in an Iwagakure ambush. Now, the Fourth Raikage saw this as a chance to avenge him.
Just as the four great nations were locked in fierce combat, Kirigakure—manipulated from the shadows by Obito—made its move. They struck from behind, launching a sneak attack on Konoha's rear lines.
Within a single month, the balance of the war had once again become unpredictable. In terms of raw power, it was now the two strongest villages against the three weaker ones.
Konoha remained the most powerful, even in decline. Backed by the vast and resource-rich Land of Fire, they still had reserves to draw on.
Kumogakure ranked second. The Fourth Raikage was in his prime, flanked by two perfect jinchūriki. They were quickly catching up to Konoha.
Iwagakure held third place. Ōnoki's Dust Release was feared across the shinobi world, and with Kitsuchi and other powerful shinobi like Explosion Release user Scorch on his side, they remained formidable—even though Deidara's recent defection had cost them a key asset.
Sunagakure was in the worst shape. Struggling with the desert's harsh environment and lack of resources, their new generation had only the Kazekage Rasa to rely on. Their internal political strife had even led to the death of Pakura, their powerful Scorch Release user. Now, only the aging Chiyo remained to hold things together.
Kirigakure came in fifth. Though the Blood Mist policies had led to severe internal damage, they still had slightly better high-end combat power than Suna. Under Obito's control, they had the perfect jinchūriki, dual kekkei genkai user Mei Terumī, the prodigious sword-wielder Hōzuki Mangetsu, and Ringo Ameyuri of the Lightning Blades.
The two strongest villages were now locked in combat against the other three.
The Land of Rain, caught between the Lands of Wind, Fire, and Earth, had yet to be drawn into the conflict—but at this pace, it was only a matter of time before the war came to them too.
...
That morning, Hyuga Gakuya received a message from Pain. Several members of the Akatsuki were out on missions, so the meeting would be held via the Illusionary Projection Technique to discuss the war and other matters.
After painting his nails with black polish, Gakuya quickly formed the seals, activating the technique. His image flickered and appeared atop one of the fingers of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. One by one, the other Akatsuki members materialized in the same way, each standing on one of the statue's ten fingers.
Deidara, who hadn't seen Gakuya in days, spoke up.
"So, how's your Explosion Release training coming along? Don't tell me my art blew your mind again."
Gakuya nodded. "Almost there. Explosion Release really packs a punch. I owe it to your guidance."
"Ha! Hear that, Sasori? Gakuya's finally seen the light! You should join my art troupe next!"
Sasori's voice was cold and quiet.
"Heh. I'm considering turning you into a puppet. Gakuya, how's your puppet technique coming? Have you started to feel the eternal beauty of it?"
"I've started making puppets already. Your craft really is exquisite, Sasori-senpai."
"Not bad."
The other Akatsuki members looked on in disbelief. After just one mission with these two, Gakuya had somehow learned both of their signature techniques. Was this guy some kind of succubus?
And these two—are they stupid? Just handing over their best techniques?
If Gakuya knew what they were thinking, he'd definitely have something to say about it. After all, how could they understand that art knows no boundaries?
Pain interrupted their banter.
"The Five Great Nations are at war. Konoha and Kumogakure have joined forces against the other three. We're situated right between them—we must act, or we'll become the next battlefield."
"We have to decide—do we join the war, or stay in the shadows? Speak your minds."
Hidan immediately shouted, "Obviously we kill everyone and offer them to Lord Jashin! War makes the best sacrifices!"
Kakuzu, ever practical, added, "We can act as mercenaries for the Five Great Nations and make a killing."
"I'm in!" Deidara chimed in. "I want the world to see my art!"
Just as the discussion began to lean one way, the more strategic thinkers—Sasori and Gakuya—spoke up.
Sasori's low voice echoed out. "I don't recommend getting involved in this war. If we show our hand now, the Five Great Nations will target us before we've even started collecting the Tailed Beasts. Our greatest strength is working from the shadows."
"I agree," Gakuya said. "If we expose our intel too soon, our entire plan could be compromised."
Pain, as the leader, asked the critical question:
"What if the war reaches the Land of Rain? Are we still going to stay out of it?"
"We fight, of course," Gakuya replied. "But not as the Akatsuki—under Hanzo's name."
"We leak the message: anyone who dares turn the Land of Rain into a battlefield will be making an enemy of the Demigod."
"And if any village thinks Hanzo's old age makes him easy prey, we crush them with overwhelming force."
"When they all fear the Demigod's name, no one will dare touch the Land of Rain."
Everyone knew Hanzo was long dead, but the outside world didn't. Since Pain took over, he had completely sealed off the country. With the continued use of disguises and isolation, no one had suspected that the famed Demigod of the Rain was already gone.
...
Gakuya looked around at the others.
"This way, the Fourth Great Ninja War becomes internal strife among the Five Great Villages—perfect for our plans."
Everyone turned to Pain. As the leader, the final decision rested with him.
"Gakuya's plan is sound. If any shinobi from the Great Nations enters the Land of Rain, kill them. Gakuya, you'll be in charge. Who do you need to assist you?"
"I'd like Sasori-senpai and Hoshigaki Kisame. One's a master of poisons, the other an expert in Water Release."
"I'll also need the Salamander summoning scroll and full command of the Rain ninja."
"Granted. I hereby appoint you as the commander of the Rain forces. You'll have full authority over wartime operations. The Salamander scroll will be delivered to you shortly."
"Sasori of the Red Sand, Hoshigaki Kisame—assist Gakuya as needed."
"Understood." Sasori, having worked with Gakuya before, had no objections.
Kisame, ever loyal, followed orders without complaint.
Gakuya smiled. "I won't let you down."
"All Akatsuki members currently on missions—return to Amegakure once your tasks are complete."
"Understood."
"Zetsu, monitor the Five Great Nations and report directly to me and Gakuya."
"Yes."
"This meeting is over. Proceed with the operation."
As soon as Pain finished speaking, the members began disappearing. Kakuzu rushed off to profit from the chaos of war. Hidan went in search of lone ninja to sacrifice. Uchiha Itachi… was likely worrying about Sasuke and Konoha.
Gakuya nodded to the others. "Until next time, everyone."
"Don't forget to practice my art!" Deidara called out.
"I won't." Gakuya's image vanished from the statue.
One by one, the others disappeared as well, until only Pain and Konan remained.
Konan voiced her concern. "Pain… you're not worried that Gakuya might be a Konoha spy? You're giving him full command."
Pain replied calmly, "No. Based on the intel we've gathered, he's completely severed ties with Konoha. And his strategies align perfectly with mine."
"I still don't trust those Leaf shinobi…"
"In that case, Konan—you'll act as the captain of the Rain ninja and keep an eye on him."
"Understood."
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo