With Hanzo secured, the Akatsuki organization now had a steady talent pipeline within the Land of Rain.
Hanzo, with his influence, would promote the ideals of peace across the land, inspiring people who shared his vision to join the cause.
Those in Amegakure who desired peace and had potential would be sent to Akatsuki for training, creating a seamless flow between the village and the organization.
"You've got your next recruit in mind, don't you?" Madara looked at Dak, knowing he must have knowledge of potential recruits.
Dak grinned. "When I was setting up the Miracle Nursery on top of the world, I had one constant problem—money. I'm guessing neither of you are great with finances, but for the ambitious goals we have, we're going to need funds. I plan to recruit someone who knows how to make money, someone skilled in finance."
Madara scoffed, unimpressed. "How? Shinobi typically earn money by taking on missions."
Dak chuckled. "There are endless ways to make money. Shinobi techniques can be used in plenty of fields to earn a fortune. For example, Earth Release techniques, paired with grass-type Pokémon, could easily transform even the most barren lands into fertile oases."
Izuna, curious, asked, "How strong is this person? We can't have them being captured and exposing our plans."
"Decent. He once took a mission to assassinate Hashirama Senju, so he's stronger than the average Jonin. He can hold his own against the Kage level for a few minutes." Dak raised his hand, indicating something crucial. "His real advantage is a secret technique that grants him near-immortality."
Dak's target was none other than Kakuzu. With Kakuzu's financial savvy and longevity, he was the perfect candidate for Akatsuki's financial needs.
Madara asked, "Where do we find him?"
Dak shrugged. "No idea."
"What?" Madara raised an eyebrow. "I thought you knew so much?"
"This kind of detail wasn't exactly preserved in history—just like I don't know where Black Zetsu is hiding," Dak explained.
"Oh, right. There's still that creature from the future." Madara's eyes narrowed. "I won't rest until we find him."
"Patience. Zetsu won't abandon you. You're the closest he's come to achieving his goals in over a thousand years. He'll show up eventually, especially once he hears about your…youthful transformation," Dak reassured them.
"What about this financial recruit?" Madara asked. "If we don't know where he is, how do we even start?"
Dak grinned. "Finding Kakuzu should be simple enough. We'll issue a high-reward bounty at the underground exchange in the Land of Rain. If he's nearby, he'll show up."
Using the bounty system was a reliable way to lure Kakuzu, who was constantly seeking out high-paying jobs to fund his pursuits. If Kakuzu was still wandering the lands after leaving Takigakure, he wouldn't resist such a temptation.
"And what do we do while we wait?" Izuna asked, eager for action.
"We'll be working on two fronts. You'll both make a public appearance in the shinobi world, causing a little stir to draw Zetsu out," Dak suggested.
"Where should we start?" Madara asked.
"What about Konoha?" Izuna suggested, curious to see what had become of their clan.
Dak thought it over, nodding. "That would work. There's someone there who needs to be dealt with. You'll also have a chance to avenge yourselves."
They exchanged glances. This hadn't been part of the plan, but Dak's idea intrigued them. The recent end of the First Shinobi War had left the Great Nations in a weakened state, making them vulnerable. However, Dak was particularly focused on a certain individual in Konoha: Danzo.
Danzo, a rising figure in Konoha, was beginning to nurture a dangerous ambition. Though not yet in full power, he would soon gain influence and use ruthless methods to pursue his vision for Konoha's strength—methods that would one day lead to the fall of the Uchiha.
"Who?" asked Madara.
"Shimura Danzo."
Izuna shook his head, unfamiliar with the name. "Who?"
"A disciple of Tobirama, carrying on his ideals," Madara explained.
Izuna nodded, understanding. Tobirama had always viewed the Uchiha with suspicion, and it seemed his influence persisted in his students.
"If this guy was capable of wiping out our entire clan, he must have some skill," Madara mused. "So, why not recruit him?"
Dak smirked. "Would you step down and let him lead?"
(End of Chapter)
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