In the intricate realm of Tsukuyomi's grasp, time twisted and contorted under the watchful gaze of Uchiha Itachi, binding him and Naruto in a conversation that spanned what felt like eternity. Yet, as they emerged back into the tangible realm, their exchange appeared but a fleeting glance to the observing eyes of Kakuzu.
With an enigmatic declaration, Naruto announced Itachi's inclusion into their fold, leaving Kakuzu bewildered, utterly confounded by the sudden turn of events.
Naruto and Itachi offered no explanations, their shared discourse within the confines of Tsukuyomi's realm shrouded in secrecy, known only to them.
Unbeknownst to Kakuzu, every move had been meticulously orchestrated by Naruto, who had anticipated and strategized every aspect of their interaction, even Itachi's unexpected display of the Distinguished Heavenly Gods.
The gravity of Itachi's choice to believe in Naruto weighed heavily upon him, as he grappled with the ramifications of his past actions. Doubt gnawed at his resolve as he questioned the righteousness of sacrificing his own kin to safeguard Konoha Village.
In the surreal landscape of Tsukuyomi's realm, Naruto's impassioned plea resonated deeply with Itachi, piercing through the veil of his doubts. It was Naruto's poignant reminder of the village's founding principles – a union forged from the ashes of familial bonds, a stark contrast to Itachi's own tragic sacrifice.
Naruto's words struck a chord within Itachi's heart, stirring a profound sense of remorse and introspection. For in his pursuit to protect the village, Itachi had forsaken the very essence of its founding ideals – the protection of family.
As the weight of his actions bore down upon him, Itachi grappled with the realization that perhaps he had veered from the path of righteousness. Naruto's revelation forced him to confront the stark reality that his sacrifices had disrupted the delicate balance between duty and kinship.
In the depths of his contemplation, Itachi questioned whether his sacrifices were indeed justified, whether the price paid for the village's safety had been too steep. The once unwavering resolve of the legendary Uchiha wavered, haunted by the specter of his past decisions and the unsettling truth that he may have strayed from the righteous path.
He pondered over the significance of Naruto's existence and his stance on the village, his thoughts swirling like a tempest within his mind.
Itachi found himself questioning whether his actions had been right all along.
Meanwhile, Naruto cast a glance in Itachi's direction, though it seemed his focus was elsewhere entirely.
Could the Uchiha clan have been spared, their fate altered to avoid such tragic ends? Was there not a possibility to relocate them, to salvage what remained of their kin and heritage?
As the gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon him, Itachi couldn't help but feel that his approach had been too drastic. Instead of treating the ailment, he had opted to incinerate the patient outright.
But did every member of the Uchiha clan truly deserve such a fate?
"Now that Itachi has joined us, it's time to rally the troops. Our ranks are solidifying, and Akatsuki must begin its operations," Naruto declared, striding purposefully towards the Rain Shinobi Village without a backward glance. "The gears of change are set in motion."
Kakuzu felt a stir of intrigue within him as he silently trailed behind Naruto, pondering the enigma of his intentions.
Itachi, ever taciturn, remained lost in his thoughts as the trio pressed forward, the urgency of their mission pressing upon them.
Arriving at the Rain Shinobi Village with a sense of urgency, they found Heavenly Dao Pain and Konan awaiting their arrival, alongside other recruits who had recently joined Akatsuki.
At long last, the Akatsuki's ranks began to take shape, gathering in a clandestine corner of the village, ready to embark on their clandestine endeavors.
Tendo Payne stood amidst the group, his gaze sweeping over each member as he began to address them one by one. "Konan, Zee, Orochimaru, Kakuzu, Sasori, Loquat Juzo, Uchiha Itachi," he called out, confirming their presence. "Almost everyone's here. It's time to commence."
Their mission? To capture Jinchūriki and their respective tail beasts.
But conspicuously absent from the roster was Naruto.
"ALFY won't be joining forces with us this time. We're precisely eight in number," Tendo Payne announced, swiftly organizing them into groups. "I'll team up with Konan, Sasori, and Orochimaru. Loquat Juzo and Uchiha Itachi will form another group, and Kakuzu will pair with me. Each group is tasked with capturing a tail beast or Jinchūriki."
"Once a successful capture is made, use the ring as the signal. ALFY will stand by at headquarters, ready to remotely seal the captured tail beast into the Gedo Statue using our specialized method."
"Understood," Payne asserted, assuming the role of leader and assigning duties accordingly.
However, Naruto was not content to remain silent. "Hey, Payne," he interjected, his tone carrying an air of authority. "Shouldn't I be the one giving these instructions? After all, I'm the real mastermind behind the scenes."
But his claim to being a mastermind behind the scenes fell flat.
How could one be a behind-the-scenes mastermind if they were openly declaring their authority?
The others exchanged perplexed glances at Naruto's assertion.
Unfazed by their reactions, Naruto continued, seizing the opportunity to assert his influence. "Itachi, Loquat Juzo," he directed, "head to Kirigakure, the Land of Water. There's a target there—Obito—who's currently in possession of the Three Tails Jinchūriki. The Fourth Mizukage is under his control through illusions, but he won't be alive for long. Before he meets his end, see if you can eliminate the Three Tails Jinchūriki while he's vulnerable."
Loquat Juzo, not initially recruited by Naruto, hesitated, seeking confirmation from Payne before proceeding.
Observing the exchange, Payne nodded in tacit approval.
The intricate web of alliances and loyalties within the group became apparent. While some, like Konan and Nagato, sided with Naruto, others, like Black Zetsu and White Zetsu, were manipulated. Itachi and Naruto had reached a clandestine agreement.
But only Itachi, Nagato, and Konan were privy to Naruto's true intentions.
It was revealed that Naruto had orchestrated a covert mission to eliminate the Three Tails rather than capture it. Sealing the tail beast within a Jinchūriki ensured its death upon their demise, delaying its resurrection for several years.
Nagato and Konan understood the plan, while Itachi was led to believe it was for the protection of Konoha Village.
In this way, Naruto successfully splintered Akatsuki from within.
.....
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