Hidden Leaf village - 10:30 pm.
The Leaf Aviary.
The Leaf Aviary is the location where messenger birds such as hawks, special summon sparrows deliver important messages. The aviary is a circular building built into the top of a tree with a spiral staircase.
Two Chunin ninjas were keeping a close watch on the skies above. The cool wind made one of them yawn.
"Man, I'm so tired. We're just standing here doing nothing. It's soo boring. It's making me sleepy." The chunin who spoke was a young man in his late teens while the other was a much older man nearing his thirties. He had a much more serious demeanor than his younger teammate.
"Focus. Several scouting teams have been sent this morning. We should be hearing back from them soon."
The teenager looked at the older man and just sighed.
Seeing the look the older ninja spoke. "You're new here aren't you."
Seeing the silence of the teenager, the older man continued.
"This may look tedious but our work is just as important as anyone else's. We need to correctly interpret any messages we receive and send it to the tower as quickly as possible. If we fail in our task and vital information is not delivered on time, it could have serious consequences."
The younger Chunin sighed and decided not to argue. He turned his attention back to the night sky and soon spotted a brown hawk making its way towards them. The older man quickly spotted the avian creature as well and they both stood alert.
The moment the hawk landed the older ninja took the scroll tied to its leg and gave it to the younger man. Just as he was about to speak he saw another hawk flying towards them. It quickly landed in front of them and raised its left leg. Without any delay the younger chunin took the second sealed scroll tied to the hawks legs.
"Take these to the analysis team. Go."
With a quick nod the teenager vanished and made his way to the cryptanalysis team.
Hokage Tower.
Shortly after Kakashi gave his report and left and Hiruzen had his rest, he was once again at his desk going through the numerous reports piled up in front of him. Even though his eyes were on the papers in front of him his mind was elsewhere.
The images of Tsunade and Orochimaru popped up and Hiruzen remembered the last time he saw his student.
The old kage closed his eyes and exhaled as if to get rid of the haunting memories. At that moment the image of another student appeared in his head.
'Hurry Jiraiya. I need your help on this matter.'
Suddenly the door opened, jolting the kage from his thoughts and a Chunin rushed inside. "Sir, I have news."
Hiruzen recognized the young Chunin as a member of the cryptanalysis team. He also saw several documents in the young ninja's hands.
He gave a nod and the Chunin began his report. "Reports from the Reconnaissance Teams are coming in. We just received intel from squad 2 and 6. They've investigated the locations assigned to them and have confirmed sightings of Orochimaru's hideouts. These are the blueprints they drew up. There are also several mercenary ninjas guarding the hideouts."
The Chunin handed the Hokage the documents in his hands and Hiruzen quickly started going through them. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the key information.
'The base squad 6 found is near a small town. A total of 23 enemies are guarding the hideout. If a direct confrontation happens there it'll cause panic among the people. These mercenaries could also use them as hostages if they get their hands on civilians. No identifying clothes or gear that would point them to a Hidden village.'
Hiruzen looked at the blueprint created thanks to the Hyuga on the team and swiftly studied it. 'Several hidden floors and deepest level is hidden behind seals blocking the Byakugan.'
The old kage turned to the document sent from squad 2 and he read somewhat similar information. 'A team of 21 ninjas are guarding the location. This base has several tunnels underground leading to different locations but obstruction seals are blocking the way.'
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair and turned his gaze back to the chunin in front of him. "Make sure Shikaku gets a copy of these reports."
"Yes sir."
"Dismissed."
Once the Chunin left the room, Hiruzen looked up at the ceiling as he tapped a finger on the desk. 'Assuming the other bases are of similar state, then a large force is required to attack them head on. A direct confrontation will cause chaos if the other hideouts are located near any towns. Infiltration and assassination squads are better suited for this task… Hmm… Then again this could also be an opportunity for me to do that.'
A total of seven squads were deployed in the morning at 10:30 and now by around midnight, reports are coming in from all of them.
Hiruzen looked at the reports from all the reconnaissance teams as he smoked his pipe. 'All of them have around two dozen ninjas guarding them. And none of the teams could detect Tsunade, Shizune, Orochimaru or even Kabuto's presence in any of these locations.'
The old man let out a smokey breath and clenched his fist. 'Daichi might be right. This might just be a waste of time… I wonder what he's doing now. I doubt he's sleeping.'
Kensei's Home.
Approximately 1 am. March 22.
Daichi was in his room taking out the numerous scrolls, documents and books from his inventory seconds after his clones stored them.
'So many books, jutsu scrolls and files. My inventory would be filled up if I don't do anything. I can keep the medical equipments and storage tanks in the inventory but I'll have to take out everything else and store it in a separate scroll.'
Daichi looked at the total slots available and smiled. 'Each level up gives me an additional 7 inventory slots. Right now since I'm at level 62 I have 434 spaces available. Still, it's a good thing I removed all non essential items from my storage space just for this occasion.'
The Genin looked at all the scrolls and books piled up in front of him and had a small smile. 'It will only take a short while for me to get through all this but to do research… That'll be much more time consuming.'
Just then Daichi was taken aback by another thought and he chuckled to himself. 'I never would have thought I'd become a scientist when I first woke up here. Here I am in the Naruto world and I'm excited at the prospect of learning more about the human body and research… How hilarious…'
Just then Daichi received new memories from his clone and the smile on his face widened. 'I wasn't sure if he put that thing in his lab in the Land of Sound but I'm glad. This will certainly accelerate my plans.'
—-
Daichi's disguised clone.
As it infiltrated Orochimaru's fourth hideout he sensed a powerful chakra coming from deep within the lair. Daichi moved forward avoiding all traps and obstacles and soon reached a dead end. Daichi observed the wall and noted a miniscule amount of chakra running through it in a unique pattern.
'Hidden barrier seal.'
Daichi had raised his sealing skills enough to get through and understand almost all sealing ninjutsu. He was able to quickly decipher the counter jutsu and quickly made several hand seals.
The moment he made the final hand seal, a round sealing pattern appeared on the wall and Daichi touched the seal with his index finger. The next moment an opening appeared in the wall and it expanded creating a round doorway.
Daichi stepped through and saw that the whole room had a dark green tint. He immediately noticed several large tanks filled with fluid of some kind. A moment later one particular tank caught his eye.
'No way. That's…' His eyes narrowed and he walked towards the large container that caught his attention.
'Yup. It definitely is…'
Here, amidst an array of arcane equipment and chakra-infused apparatuses, lies the cultivation of a marvel. The Horn of the 8 tails.
'Observe.'
[Cultivated horn of the Eight-Tails, Gyūki]
[The horn, originally a formidable appendage of the mighty Tailed Beast, now finds itself in a new incarnation. Under Orochimaru's meticulous care, it has been transformed into a living, pulsating tissue, brimming with the raw, untamed chakra of Gyūki. This is not merely a replication of biological matter but an enhancement, an evolution of its innate properties facilitated by the fusion of chakra, science and genetic engineering.]
Daichi walked forward and he couldn't help but place a hand on the glass of the tank.
'Knowing that he cultivated this is one thing but to see it in person… I can feel powerful, extraordinary chakra from this horn. Unbelievable. How did he create such a thing?'
Daichi looked around the room and soon found a large table filled with stacks of papers. He walked over and started going through each and every one of them as quickly as he could. Before he had a rough understanding of the cultivation method.
'So that's how it is. The process began with the isolation of viable cells from the scraps of the horn. And every step after needed unparalleled precision. Orochimaru employed a mixture of enzymatic digestion and chakra manipulation to separate and prepare the cells for cultivation. That ensured that their vitality and chakra potential were not only preserved but augmented.'
Daichi's eyes narrowed as another question popped in his head. 'But for all this he would have needed a powerful bio chamber-'
The Genin immediately turned around and turned his attention to the large tank. 'Observe.'
[Modified Bioreactor]
[For larger-scale cloning applications, bioreactors provide a controlled environment for growing cells or tissues that are being cloned, ensuring they receive the right amounts of nutrients and gasses. This specially designed bioreactor is made to cultivate the cells from the horn of the 8 tails and preserve it. This environment, saturated with a meticulously formulated growth medium, simulates the natural chakra flows of the Eight-Tails' body, promoting not just cell growth but chakra maturation. Orochimaru's design allows for the manipulation of chakra nature and intensity, guiding the developing tissue towards desired characteristics.]
'No matter how much I despise him, it's undeniable that Orochimaru is one of the most gifted scientists in this world. The process, knowledge and constant care needed to cultivate this…'
"It's a shame you decided to go after my teacher, Orochimaru. If you hadn't… who knows. Maybe we could have been colleagues in the future." Daichi couldn't help but speak softly. He sighed and slightly shook his head.
The Genin then looked back at the papers in his hands and read the observations and end results.
The result of this intricate process is a horn tissue unlike any other. Visually, it retains the intimidating appearance and characteristic of the Eight-Tails and its texture and sheen suggest a vitality that is almost equal to its original form. Functionally, the tissue demonstrates remarkable properties: enhanced regenerative capabilities, a chakra conductivity that could potentially amplify or alter jutsu cast through it, and a resilience bordering on the indestructible.
Potential Applications -
Possibilities include grafting onto a living being to enhance their chakra capacity and physical prowess, using it as a core for creating new weapons or artifacts of immense power, or further experimentation towards creating synthetic beings with Tailed Beast-like abilities.
Daichi stored the notes and files in his inventory and looked around the lab. He noticed multiple new machines and immediately used his information gathering skill.
[Automated Cell Culture Systems]
[These systems are crucial for cloning as they can automate the process of growing cells in culture, ensuring consistency and reducing the risk of contamination.]
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[Micromanipulators]
[Used in conjunction with microscopes for manipulating cells and cellular components, essential for procedures like nuclear transfer in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), a common cloning technique.]
Daichi looked to the side and saw a tank filled with just fluids. 'That must be the base culture medium.'
[Nutritional Fluids for Cloning Chambers]
[The nutritional fluids, often referred to as culture media or growth media, are crucial for the survival and growth of cloned cells or tissues. These fluids contain a mix of -
Essential Nutrients which include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and glucose, to support cellular metabolism and growth.
Growth factors: Protein-based substances that play a critical role in cell division and development.
Antibiotics which prevent bacterial contamination without harming the cells.
Buffering Agents which maintain the pH at a suitable level for cell growth.
Serum: Often fetal bovine serum (FBS) is used, providing additional growth factors and nutrients.
Specific formulations can vary based on the type of cell or tissue being cloned.]
'He can't use the same growth medium for all experiments. So he must have modified this fluid according to the nature of the cells… Can't waste anymore time looking at all these.'
The tanks in this lab were large but thankfully Daichi knew he could store them safely in his storage space. 'It's a good thing I tested the size and weight of the objects I could store in my inventory during my dungeon runs…'
Daichi began examining the tanks and noticed several precaution seals carefully placed. He created two clones and all three began removing the sealing jutsu and traps in the room. It took half an hour to complete the task and Daichi immediately began storing the items in his inventory. When it came to the horn of the 8 tails Daichi was unsure. He still remembered what his inventory showed when he tried to store a living creature inside.
[Warning. Action Denied. Cannot store living creatures. Only exceptions are during special conditions.]
'I'm taking this horn no matter what. I don't know if the horn is considered as a living being. If I can't keep it in my inventory I'll have to make other arrangements.'
But it wasn't as Daichi feared. He was able to store the tank that contained the 8 tail's horn without any problems. Soon there was nothing but a large empty room with several disconnected power lines and an empty desk.
Just then he received memories from the clones in the other hideouts. As Daichi got the memories he smiled. 'My clone took the Akatsuki ring Orochimaru was given. I'll have to study that thing…'
Daichi kept reviewing the memories and he was happy. 'A compiled information on Akatsuki, Zetsu, Danzo and the ninja clans in the Land of sound.'
"Hahaha…." Daichi laughed at the ease with which he succeeded in this mission. 'I wouldn't have been able to complete this task within such a short time without my Mana stealth ability or all the information I got from Amachi. Orochimaru being out of the country and taking half of his guards is also a bonus.'
Daichi looked around and then took a look in his filled up inventory.
'I got everything I came here for. The clone disguised as Kimimaro should be here just in case. If anything happens he can just dispel. But the rest of me, time to get the fuck up out of here.'
The clone Daichi made sure he didn't leave any trace of himself and then vanished in a puff of smoke. Soon only the shadow clone impersonating Kimimaro was left in the main hideout.
Time: Approx. 2am.
—----------------
Author's Note.
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Leaf Village: Kensei's Home.
Daichi was meditating in his room when he felt his energy fluctuating. He instantly got the chakra and memories of his clones and a big smile grew on his face.
'This trip yielded far more results than I anticipated. So many jutsu, genetic materials and information on the whole world. This will certainly help me in accelerating my plans.'
Just then the quest completion notification popped up.
[Quest 'Raid Orochimaru's Lab' completed.]
'So even though there is a clone posing as Kimimaro in the base the system deemed that I had completed the quest huh. That's good.'
.
[Rewards]
[10000 Exp for successful infiltration of the main base.
+1500 Exp.]
.
[105000 Exp each for collecting items of great value.
+15750 Exp.]
'If it's 5000 exp for each item of Great value then the system deems that I have 21 such items in my possession. I can pretty much guess what they are. The Genetic samples of the Kages, Reanimation jutsu and maybe a couple other forbidden jutsu, the horn of 8 tails, Shin and Zetsu sample along with the Akatsuki ring.'
Daichi looked inside his inventory list and saw the ring on a bony palm inside a small jar. 'I'll have to study that thing when I get some time.'
The gamer ninja continued down the completed quest rewards.
[15000 Exp for each additional hideout infiltrated.
+2250 Exp.]
.
[257000 Exp for items collected.
+38550 Exp.]
'So many things in his labs had traps and seals that I had prioritized the most important and valuable ones. Well it doesn't matter. This is a pretty good reward.'
[Increase in reputation to people who know your deeds.]
[Increased chances of Completing the quest 'Seek the Hidden Truth of the Necklace'.]
[Increased chances of rescuing Tsunade Senju and Shizune Kato.]
Immediately after the system granted him the rewards notifications started piling up. Daichi felt his strength increase as he looked at one particular blue box message.
[You have leveled up.]
[You have leveled up.]
[You have leveled up.]
'Three level ups in one quest. Been a long while since I got such a good reward.'
Daichi kept looking through the numerous notifications stacked in the corner of his vision.
[5 Chakra]
[6 Intelligence]
[5 Wisdom]
[6 Sense]
[3 Luck]
'The chakra, intelligence and wisdom must be due to Kimimaro and solving the trap seals. I must have gotten Luck stat points when I found that third and 6th hidden lab. Sense must be due to me finding and avoiding all the traps in that place.'
[Mini-Map Updated. Land of Rice Paddies added.]
The map update came with all the areas that Daichi explored and some of its surroundings. All the hidden labs Daichi found were marked along with several new routes in and out of the land that he didn't know previously.
'These routes will certainly come in handy if I need to go in there again.'
The next notifications were something Daichi was looking forward to.
[You have found a Key Dungeon. Retrieving the key to the dungeon… Key to this dungeon has been placed in the inventory.] x2
During the infiltration Daichi's clones found two instant dungeons and immediately got the keys. Daichi took out the two keys from his inventory and stared at them.
One was a yellow key while the other was a red key.
[The Serpent Catacombs dungeon key]
This key was yellow which indicated that it held opponents of 5 to 15 levels.
[The Echoing Chambers dungeon key]
The Echoing Chambers key was red in color. Daichi knew the enemies waiting in that dungeon would at least be 15 levels higher than him at a minimum. An extremely difficult dungeon.
'Two instant Dungeon keys.'
Daichi sighed and closed his eyes. A few moments later he opened them and stored the keys back in his inventory. 'It will make me stronger but right now I'm not in the mood for this.'
[Skill Stealth has leveled up.] x4
[Skill Jutsu Creation has leveled up.] x3
[Skill Sealing Art has leveled up.] x12
'My sealing jutsu skill must have increased thanks to the jutsus I learned from Orochimaru's lab.'
[Skill Mind Drain has leveled up.]
[Skill Mana Manipulation has leveled up.] x3
[Skill Mana Affinity has leveled up.] x2
[Skill Mana Scout has leveled up.] x5
[Skill Mana Cloak has leveled up.] x2
Daichi smiled as he looked through the list of skill level ups. He finally came to the one blue system box he was looking for.
[You have learned a new skill]
[Reanimation Jutsu - Active(LV. 01): A forbidden and highly advanced ninjutsu that allows the user to bring the dead back to life, binding their souls to living bodies and creating reanimated corpses. This skill requires the user to have knowledge of the jutsu through reading ancient scrolls or through a teacher. These reanimated individuals retain all their abilities from when they were alive, including Kekkei Genkai and knowledge of jutsus.
Mastery of this technique grants the user the ability to control multiple reanimated beings simultaneously and also grants the user the ability to partially or completely suppress the personalities of the reanimated, making them obedient tools of war. The technique's effectiveness and the strength of the summoned beings increase with the user's proficiency. The reanimated souls can only be released by the user of the jutsu or if they(souls) know the specific seal to release themselves.]
.
[Effects]
At higher levels, the user can imbue the reanimated with specific commands and greater autonomy.
Currently the user can summon and control up to 2 reanimated beings simultaneously.
100% increase in reanimated beings' fidelity to their living abilities.
Reanimated beings can regenerate from any damage unless sealed or affected by their natural weaknesses.
CP cost: 2% of total CP for each summoning.
.
[Limitations]
Requires a certain amount of concentration to maintain, especially when controlling multiple reanimated beings.
The user must possess a sample of the DNA of the person they wish to reanimate.
A living sacrifice is needed for each reanimation, linking the reanimated being's existence to the sacrificed life.
Reanimated beings retain their consciousness and can resist the user's control if they possess a strong will.
They are susceptible to sealing jutsus and certain natural elements, depending on their original weaknesses.
.
[Note] The technique is considered taboo and could lead to the user being ostracized or targeted by other shinobi. Mastery of this jutsu is dangerous and could have unforeseen consequences on the user's morality and perception by others. It is advised to be used with caution and wisdom.
Daichi read every detail of the new skill with a serious gaze. When he reached the last part his eyes slightly narrowed. 'Unforeseen consequences on the user's morality? Advised to be used with Caution and wisdom huh.'
Daichi thought back and recalled the words Madara had said during his fight with the five Kages.
Tell the caster… Never use forbidden jutsu so carelessly.
Daichi focused back on his new skill. 'I'll keep that in mind Madara.'
Daichi closed the skill and soon finished through all the notifications. He then opened his status page and looked at his growth.
[Name : Daichi Hekima] (The Gamer)
[Class : Genin - ID 012559.]
[Age : 12]
[Title : Capable Child, Explorer, Prodigy, Species King, Dungeon Warrior, Executioner, Assassin, Mighty Healer, Slug Sannin's Apprentice, Master of the Elements, A Genius of the Continent, Dungeon Master.]
[Level : 65 (86175/112050)
.
[HP : 51980 ]
[CP : 109680 ]
[SP : 52960 ]
[MP: 46120 ]
.
[Primary Stats]
Strength - 400
Vitality - 500
Dexterity - 300
Agility - 400
Intelligence - 507
Chakra - 628
Wisdom - 392
.
[Special Stats]
Sense - 212
Stamina - 460
Indomitable - 62
Charisma - 85
Persistence - 56
Dignity - 34
Luck - 33
.
[Stat Points - 80]
[Ryo - 31356705]
Daichi looked at the stats and was satisfied. He went from level 62 to 65 in one day and several stats and skills leveled up.
'I should save my remaining stat points. If I have to fight Orochimaru I'll need them.'
Satisfied with his growth, Daichi closed all the blue boxes and let out a deep breath of air. "I should get some sleep."
The Genin looked out the window in his room and his eyes held worry for his teachers. 'Please be safe sensei. Shizune. I'll come find you… I have to.'
Daichi turned his head and got in his bed. Soon he was in a deep sleep.
—-
Unknown location.
Somewhere in an underground cave several figures shrouded in dark rainbow light were seen standing on the fingers of a giant closed eyes statue. On the left thumb of the finger was Pain, the de facto leader, and on the right was Konan. Pain fixed his gaze on the motley assembly of rogue ninjas, his Rinnegan eyes reflecting the grave nature of the situation at hand.
The members of the Akatsuki were suddenly summoned without much warning.
Hidan had an annoyed face as he looked around. "Don't tell me we're making this a regular thing. I was in the middle of having a good night's sleep. Dreaming about spreading the word and wisdom of Jashin throughout the world."
Deidara scoffed at Hidan. "You talk as if we don't hate listening to you blather on about your crazy ass religion all the time."
"Why you-"
"Quiet." A simple but stern word from Pain made them close their mouths.
Itachi, who was silent till then softly spoke "What happened? Why did you summon us at this time?"
"There has been an update. Zetsu will be joining us soon with the details." It was Konan who replied.
As if responding to his name, Zetsu appeared out of the ground.
"Lord Pain…," begins Zetsu, a being of dual nature, split between white and black halves, each speaking in turn. "I bring news from the Hidden Leaf." The white half spoke first.
The Black half continued. "It seems Orochimaru's attack on Tsunade was only the first. Now his people went after Tsunade's student a few hours ago."
"Who did Orochimaru send for the job?" Pain asked.
"His subordinate, Guren, a crystal style user. She attempted to capture Daichi Hekima a few hours ago. But the attempt failed and Guren is now in Leaf custody." Zetsu replied.
"Was she alone when she attacked the boy?" Pain asked.
"No. She had a whole team and they ambushed the Leaf ninjas a few kilometers outside the Fire capital. Guren had nine subordinates under her. Most of them had Orochimaru's curse seal power." Zetsu replied.
"Defective products of that snake no doubt." Sasori quipped in his gruff voice.
"A team of 9 and they still failed? Is this Guren weak?" Konan was mildly surprised and asked the spy.
"No. She is in the same league as Kakashi Hatake. A powerful Jonin. And Daichi only had Genma and Anko guarding him. Both of them are just ordinary special Jonins. But Guren still failed to capture the boy. That fact suggests that the boy is stronger than rumors indicate." Zetsu replied.
The room fell into a contemplative silence as the members absorbed the implications of these developments. Kisame, wielding his infamous shark-skin Samehada, grinned menacingly. "Orochimaru's always had a flair for the dramatic. What's he after this time?"
"Unknown. But one thing is now clear," Pain began, his voice echoing slightly off the stone walls. "Orochimaru's actions are not just mere provocations. Abducting Tsunade has multiple purposes. It weakens the Leaf Village by removing a powerful Shinobi and potentially allows him access to her unparalleled medical ninjutsu and access to her bloodline. What he wants Daichi for… It might be part of a larger plan."
Konan, her origami flowers rustling softly, spoke, "If this keeps up the tension between the nations will undoubtedly escalate. With the Leaf village already on high alert and the other Great nations tense and watching, a battle could break out at any moment. This could destabilize our current operations."
"Haha. Isn't that perfect? Lots of excellent sacrifices for Lord Jashin!" Hidan chuckled. "Maybe it's time we take advantage of the situation. This could be fun."
Kakuzu, eyes narrowing as he considers the financial implications, murmurs, "Putting aside his religious nonsense, Hidan's right for once."
"Hey!"
Kakuzu ignored his partner's angry face and continued. "Conflict is profitable. We could use this to our advantage. Make lots of money."
"Itachi," After a few moments of silence, Pain turned to the quiet Uchiha. His Sharingan eyes seemed to pierce through the shadows. "You have insight into the Leaf. How will they respond?"
Itachi was calm and after a few moments of silence had a measured reply. "The Leaf will prioritize Tsunade's rescue, but they won't act rashly. Orochimaru is too dangerous, and they'll seek to avoid open conflict. However, this incident will tighten their defenses and possibly strengthen their resolve to deal all with their enemies."
"We could orchestrate a diversion, something to draw their attention away from Orochimaru and towards us, but on our terms." Sasori spoke looking at the Rinnegan user.
Pain was silent, taking in each member's input. "Our primary objective remains the collection of the tailed beasts. However, Orochimaru's actions do present a unique opportunity but there are also risks. We should proceed with our plans discreetly. For the time being we can use the current unrest to mask our movements… Zetsu, continue monitoring the situation. If Orochimaru makes another move, we need to be informed immediately."
Pain then turned to Kakuzu and Hidan. "Where are you two right now?"
"We've just entered the Land of Earth. We're keeping a low profile right now." Kakuzu replied.
Pain nodded. "Since Orochimaru and Tsunade are somewhere in the Land of Earth, there is a possibility of Daichi going there if he learns of the news. That will be a good opportunity for you two to capture him."
Kakuzu and Hidan, intrigued by the potential chaos stemming from Guren's failed attempt to capture Daichi, saw this situation as an opportunity for both profit and bloodshed.
Kakuzu, ever the mercenary, was calculating the bounty that might be placed on Daichi, considering the young ninja's apparent value. "A genius medic ninja and as an apprentice of Tsunade, he would fetch a high price." Kakuzu might ponder, "Not to mention the strategic advantage of capturing such an asset."
Hidan, driven by his zealotry and love for battle, was drawn to the potential for conflict. "Going after this Daichi kid could start a delightful clash with those Leaf ninjas," Hidan would gleefully anticipate. "And any chance to spread chaos and shed blood in the name of Jashin is an opportunity worth taking."
Suddenly Konan spoke. "You should be careful with how you approach this matter. This task requires careful planning and discretion to avoid tipping the balance too far and drawing the full wrath of the Leaf and possibly other great villages."
Meanwhile as Kakuzu and Hidan animatedly discuss the possibility of going after Daichi, seeing in it both personal gain and the chance for chaos, Itachi listened quietly. His mind, racing with several thoughts.
He was perfectly aware of his dual roles as both an Akatsuki member and a covert protector of the Hidden Leaf. Itachi understood the need to delicately navigate this precarious situation.
'The prospect of Kakuzu and Hidan targeting Daichi not only threatens the Leaf but also risks exposing my true allegiances if I overtly oppose their plan. Madara gave me his assurance that the Akatsuki won't attack the Leaf but Pain… He'll be trouble…'
"It might be prudent to gather more information before we act," Itachi interjected smoothly. His voice was calm yet authoritative enough to command attention.
"Daichi, being Tsunade's apprentice, will undoubtedly be heavily guarded. Especially after the attempt by Guren. Rushing into this without a full understanding of the Leaf's current defenses could result in unnecessary complications for us."
Kisame, sensing the tension, added his own thoughts and supported Itachi's cautionary stance. "He's right. Those Leaf ninjas will be on high alert and Tsunade's abduction has only tightened their security. We need to consider the risks involved."
"Since when are you one to back down from a challenge Kisame?" Hidan asked with a scoff.
"Unlike you, I know when to make the smart choices." The ninja swordsmen replied with a grin.
Hidan's hand went to his weapon. "What does that mean? Are you saying I'm dumb."
Kisame merely chuckled. "You said it. Not me."
"You fish-faced bastard."
"Calm down, Hidan. Besides, you do tend to act recklessly most of the time."
"Kakuzu, you're supposed to back me up."
The other Akatsuki members ignored the banter and focused on Pain and Itachi.
Itachi looked at the Leader and continued, leveraging his reputation for strategic foresight to sway his colleagues. "Our primary focus remains the capture of the tailed beasts. Engaging the Leaf village directly at this moment could divert resources and attention from our main objective. It may be more strategic to wait. Allow them to exhaust their resources in their efforts against Orochimaru."
Noticing the room's shift towards caution, Itachi subtly steered the conversation towards a longer-term perspective. "If we monitor Daichi and gather intelligence, we may find a more opportune moment to act. This delay also provides us with the advantage of assessing his abilities and potential worth to our cause. Moreover, Orochimaru should also be our main focus."
Itachi's suggestion to delay didn't come merely from his need to protect the Leaf but also from a strategic standpoint that benefited the Akatsuki.
In the room only one person saw through Itachi's hidden plan. Zetsu inwardly smiled as he glanced at the Uchiha.
'By proposing a plan that ostensibly serves the organization's interests, he skillfully navigated the thin balance between his dual loyalties. Not bad Itachi. Not bad at all. The only other person who would have seen through your plan was 'Madara'.'
Despite his conclusions Zetsu kept silent. After all he was merely the spy of the Organization.
Kakuzu, who was ever the pragmatist, nodded slowly. After thinking it over he saw the wisdom in avoiding a potentially costly open confrontation.
Hidan though was disappointed at the prospect of delay. But he acquiesces to the collective decision and was swayed by the promise of future conflict.
The Rinnegan wielder Pain had an overarching vision for the ninja world and he saw Orochimaru's actions as ultimately self-serving and potentially disruptive to his own grand designs.
"Yes, this situation with Orochimaru must be carefully monitored. He is unpredictable and his ambitions do not align with ours. His interference could become an unwelcome complication if not kept in check." Pain spoke in a grave tone.
Pain turned to the zombie duo. "Try and find Orochimaru and where he's taken Tsunade if possible. But don't draw any unwanted attention. Especially from the Hidden Stone shinobi. I'll task Zetsu on the matter as well."
'I'm sure Madara will pay that snake a visit if he has their location.'
"Yeah. We'll do what we can." Kakuzu and Hidan agreed.
Pain nodded and soon all figures disappeared from the fingertips of the statue.
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