(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Guy and Kakashi rushed back to the village overnight after receiving the news.
Their faces were still full of exhaustion, but due to the urgency of the matter, they went straight to Tsunade.
Seeing Colt enter, the two raised their spirits and greeted him with a smile. They knew the guy quite well after all.
Tsunade nodded, "You came just in time, Colt. We're discussing how to deal with the enemy and would like to hear your opinion."
Colt pondered.
This situation was different from the original timeline.
It was very likely that Nagato would dispatch the entire Akatsuki organization.
However, Kisame couldn't come, as he had already sent information that he was guarding Sasuke after his eye transplant.
"Let's talk about the Immortal duo," Colt began.
He then proceeded to brief them on the other Akatsuki members Konoha had encountered.
"Immortal duo?" Several people looked at each other, wondering about this strange name.
Colt shrugged and shared the information about Kakuzu and Hidan, attributing the source to Yugito.
After listening, even Jiraiya's expression became solemn.
"An immortal body, and the ability to inflict shared injuries after obtaining the enemy's blood..."
"Indeed, the world is so amazing that any kind of bizarre bloodline limit may appear," Tsunade remarked.
Compared to Kakuzu's abilities and experience, Hidan's were the strangest.
Even a strong shinobi like Jiraiya could be severely injured if Hidan obtained his blood.
And it was very likely to happen - after all, how could a ninja fight without getting hurt?
Tsunade thought for a moment and suggested.
"Let the Sarutobi clan deal with Hidan. As for Kakuzu..."
Colt interrupted her.
"Normal [Fire Style] has no effect on Hidan's immortality. Besides, I think fewer people would be better."
Noticing everyone's puzzled looks, Colt continued in a deep voice.
"Whether it's Sasori, Deidara, or even Kakuzu, they all have wide-range destructive ninjutsu. When there are too many people, the strong will not only have to deal with the enemy but will also be tied up because they need to protect their own people."
He really didn't want Konoha's backbone to gather together.
If Nagato found a chance to use [Shinra Tensei], everyone would die, and Colt couldn't guarantee that Nagato would use [Rinne Tensei] to revive the dead.
Jiraiya nodded.
"That's right. Konan's paper techniques will also be powerful and explosive, rendering the numerical advantage meaningless."
Tsunade looked at the two and decided to take their advice.
"Then we'll send an elite squad to take the initiative and try to keep the battlefield away from Konoha."
"Colt, you'll be the commander-in-chief in this battle. You're the one who knows the Akatsuki the most."
When he heard that, Jiraiya had a request.
"Colt, please, let me deal with Konan. I'm familiar with her."
"Alright," Colt agreed, as this was his original plan.
"Kakashi-sensei, your [Lightning Style] counters Deidara's [Earth Style], so he'll be your opponent."
"No problem," Kakashi's eyes drooped slightly.
Deidara was in a way his old rival, so it was time to end it.
"Guy-sensei, your taijutsu will deal great damage to Sasori's puppets. Combined with Tsunade-san's special antidote, his poison won't work either."
"Yosh! My blood is already burning!" Guy gave a thumbs up, already looking impatient and itching for action.
"As for the immortal duo, leave them to Yugito."
Colt had wanted her to watch over the girls, however, he did promise her revenge against them.
"Yugito?" Tsunade was taken aback.
She didn't expect Colt to make such an arrangement for their sort of prisoner.
"Is that really okay? Besides, she no longer has a tailed beast in her, so it might be challenging for her to deal with two people."
Colt assured her, "Yugito's strength is quite good now. It would be a waste not to make use of her and keep her as a prisoner. Plus, she's fought against Kakuzu and Hidan before, so it shouldn't be a problem."
Tsunade nodded her head as that made sense.
Jiraiya suddenly said.
"I think there's one more person who can help."
Kakashi immediately objected as he could tell what Jiraiya meant.
"Jiraiya-sama, isn't it too reckless to let Naruto join the battle? Akatsuki's target is him."
"If he doesn't know about such a big event, Naruto will definitely blame himself in the future for not protecting his hometown," Jiraiya argued. "What's more, Naruto is not just a Jinchūriki, but also a Konoha shinobi."
Jiraiya's expression became more serious. He could fully empathize with Naruto's strong will to protect his home and people.
In the end, Colt suggested.
"As long as he masters that technique, Naruto can join the fight."
They all agreed.
Meanwhile, in Amegakure...
While Colt and the others discussed their battle plan, Pain also called all the Akatsuki members together, except for Kisame and Sasuke.
Sasuke was still in a coma and hadn't obtained Itachi's ring, so he couldn't participate in the gathering through the [Astral Projection Technique] even if he was awake.
The Eight-Tails Jinchūriki had been sealed, leaving only the Seven-Tails and Nine-Tails uncaptured in the entire ninja world.
Compared to the Seven-Tails without backing, the Nine-Tails with Konoha's support was the tricky problem.
"This time, I've decided to mobilize all of the Akatsuki," Pain's voice was serious, completely different from his usual indifference.
"Now the only obstacle standing in our way is Konoha. As soon as we get the Nine-Tails, we'll be just one step away from success."
Kakuzu snorted coldly, "I agree. Once these Five Great Nations are destroyed, no one can stop me from making more money."
Deidara was also excited, "It must be more enjoyable to blow up Konoha than Sunagakure, right?"
The rest of the members had no objections.
Although each Akatsuki member had their own preferences and goals, they all knew Pain's plan before joining and were willing to contribute to it.
Black and White Zetsu looked at Pain with a flash of satisfaction in his eyes.
It was hard to find such a good tool who didn't slack off in the slightest.
Kisame's expression was full of regret, and his tone was somewhat apologetic.
"It's a pity that I'm still taking care of the seriously injured Uchiha Sasuke in the Land of Lightning, and I won't be able to make it back in time."
Pain nodded, "It's okay. You caught the Eight-Tails and were injured, so just continue to recuperate."
There were already so many Kage-level powerhouses; one less didn't make much difference.
Moreover, with the Hashirama cells given by Madara and the body of White Zetsu, Pain's strength had undergone tremendous changes. Now he wasn't concerned about facing Kamiyo Colt anymore.
Kisame breathed a sigh of relief.
He had finally escaped this mission.
If he really had to follow the group to attack Konoha, would he have to betray them?