Naruto: Uchiha Rejects Konoha

Yagami returned to his residence fuming. In his anger, he ordered the Uchiha Security Company to take a collective vacation, refusing to accept any tasks except those from the Daimyo.

The relationship between Uchiha and Konoha was strained, yet the Third Hokage hadn't abandoned his attempts to drag the Uchiha into trouble. The security company represented a potential vulnerability, and Yagami had no intention of letting it be exploited.

The Uchiha were indeed powerful, but they depended heavily on the opponent. Against Nagato's Six Paths of Pain, only someone with Mangekyō Sharingan could stand a chance; even elite three-tomoe Jōnin would be ineffectual. Yagami scoffed at the idea of Uchiha shinobi being sent to face the Akatsuki organization. Do they think the Uchiha are an endless resource?

Both Kumogakure and Iwagakure experienced the benefits of hiring Uchiha Shinobi, and Yagami remained wary of their intentions. Temporarily suspending the security company was the wisest choice. Income wasn't a concern at the moment—thanks to the Daimyo's support, the clan could afford the break.

While the five major ninja villages prepared their alliance, the Akatsuki organization was also on the move.

Nagato and Konan were determined not to give up Amegakure easily. Though Kakuzu and Hidan occasionally hinted at relocating, they ultimately followed Nagato's directives.

Obito and Black Zetsu, however, found themselves powerless to influence the Akatsuki's current direction. As a result, tension within the organization had reached an all-time high.

Sasori, in particular, had been reduced to gruelling "child labour," crafting puppets day and night. The influx of visitors to Amegakure in recent times had provided an abundance of useful materials, keeping him busy.

Orochimaru, suspected of leaking information after being captured by Konoha, had been recalled by Nagato. Despite the suspicion, his Kage-level strength made him an asset that couldn't be ignored.

Yagami, of course, was aware of Orochimaru's reappearance in Amegakure—it was part of his plan.

The Uchiha clan could supply Orochimaru with research materials and funds, but they couldn't provide an environment entirely free from danger. Konoha's unrelenting pursuit ensured Orochimaru's name would remain on wanted lists indefinitely. Yagami intended for Orochimaru to "die" one last time in this battle and reemerge in the ninja world under a new identity.

Given Orochimaru's mastery over his body, this posed no problem. Gender was irrelevant to him; he could be Uncle Snake one day and Aunt Snake the next. With Chakra sealed, even Jiraiya might struggle to recognize a disguised Orochimaru.

As for Orochimaru's potential demise, Yagami wasn't worried. During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Uchiha Madara's resurrection via Rinne Rebirth demonstrated that Orochimaru's regeneration abilities bordered on the miraculous. The man was essentially unkillable, capable of feats rivaling a living cheat code.

Meanwhile, Black Zetsu appeared beside Obito, continuing his intelligence work.

"The strength of the five major ninja villages has been assessed," Black Zetsu reported. "To be honest, it's formidable. At least three Kage-level figures will be involved. Beyond that, it's hard to say."

While the Five Kage Summit had set the tone for the coalition, it had only specified numerical contributions, not the required level of strength.

The disparity among the villages was evident—expecting Sunagakure to match Kumogakure in combat power was unrealistic.

"Three Kage?" Obito arched an eyebrow, visibly relieved. "So, no gathering of all five Kage?"

The thought lightened his mood. While Obito held little respect for the current Five Kage, their collective title carried undeniable weight. Facing all five at once would have been daunting.

Furthermore, Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan posed its own challenges. With only one remaining eye, following Danzo's possession of the other, his powers were incomplete. Kamui offered a sufficient defence for survival but lacked the offensive capability to ensure victory.

Konoha and Sunagakure had decided not to involve the Hokage or Kazekage directly. Instead, they sent enough ninja to fulfil their obligations. On the other hand, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure made it clear that their respective Kage would lead their forces personally.

"Wait! You said the Hokage won't participate? Then, who will lead the Konoha team? It can't be Uchiha Yagami!"

Obito's eyelids twitched involuntarily. Between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Yagami, he would much rather deal with the ageing Third Hokage. The thought of encountering Yagami was enough to unnerve him.

"Well… that's not the case," Black Zetsu replied, slightly exasperated. "Uchiha has refused to participate in the coalition's operation against the Akatsuki organization. At the Konoha high-level meeting, Uchiha Mingfeng explicitly stated that the grudge between you and the Uchiha clan was settled the moment you were killed."

Obito's discomfort didn't go unnoticed by Black Zetsu, who chuckled inwardly. It was obvious that Mingfeng had left a lasting impression—one Obito couldn't easily shake.

"That's good… very good," Obito sighed in relief. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have been confident about keeping Nagato safe."

Without his other Mangekyō Sharingan, Obito felt vulnerable. Yagami's abilities could bypass Kamui, making any confrontation with him an unpredictable and dangerous gamble.

"Should we inform Nagato and the others about the coalition forces? The Six Paths of Pain are already mobilized. It seems Nagato is preparing for a direct confrontation with the coalition," Black Zetsu inquired.

"There's no need," Obito replied with a dismissive wave. "If Nagato wants to display the power of the Rinnegan, let him have his fun. He won't listen to reason in his current state. Let him face the consequences. Besides, it's not certain the coalition forces will gain any advantage against him."

Obito smirked. Nagato, as the wielder of the Rinnegan, was an irreplaceable asset. While Obito had no intention of intervening yet, he was prepared to act if Nagato's safety—or, more importantly, the Rinnegan—was jeopardized. For now, the coalition's scale wasn't enough to threaten Akatsuki's existence entirely.

Given the current state of the coalition forces—led by only three Kage and composed of partial troops from each village—they might manage to overwhelm Amegakure. However, destroying the Akatsuki organization outright was another matter entirely. The Akatsuki had contingencies, and survival was always an option.

With Kamui, Obito could transport everyone into his dimension, rendering the coalition helpless. The coalition couldn't touch them, let alone eliminate them.

On top of that, the coalition itself was no unified front. It was just three Kage-level leaders and their respective squads. Against Nagato's Rinnegan, even holding their ground might prove an insurmountable challenge.

As for the leader of Konoha's forces, Mingfeng wasn't surprised when he learned of the decision.

The Third Hokage, too preoccupied with the village's stability, wouldn't leave Konoha. The two consultant elders lacked the strength to contribute to such a mission, leaving them out of consideration.

With Tsunade and Jiraiya unavailable, the role of leader fell to Sarutobi Shinnosuke, the Third Hokage's eldest son.

Shinnosuke, hidden within Anbu and serving as its leader, was thrust into the spotlight. However, considering how Danzo and the consultant elders had compromised Anbu in the past, Yagami had little confidence in Shinnosuke's abilities.

"Let them handle it their way," Yagami thought. "Kumogakure and Iwagakure have their secrets. But Terumi Mei… now she's interesting."

Reading the letter delivered by a ninja hawk, Yagami pondered Kirigakure's request. There might be an opportunity to make things more entertaining—and lucrative—by placing a few strategic bets on Konoha.

The Uchiha clan had no plans to engage in the operation, but Yagami himself had no such qualms. With the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, he didn't fear suppression from Nagato. At worst, they would match each other in strength.

If I join Kirigakure's team, the Third Hokage's expression should be priceless, Yagami mused.

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