(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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"This is the newest information we acquired."
In a hidden cave, Pain stood at the highest point and informed the rest of the Akatsuki about what happened between Konoha and Kumogakure.
With the [Mayfly Technique] of Zetsu, their ability to gather intelligence was unmatched in the world.
The information obtained was so detailed that even the other five major ninja villages couldn't compare.
As the information was browsed through by everyone…
Kakuzu was the first to speak as he snorted coldly.
"It's just the five elements of ninjutsu plus some Taijutsu. As for the Wood Style... It's not that Konoha hasn't produced even one before. The last time I went on a mission with Hidan, we even saw a Wood Style user, but his wood style wasn't anything noteworthy. However, his special eyes do require attention." After speaking, he glanced at the silent Uchiha Itachi.
Kakuzu was always very wary of the Sharingan's Genjutsu.
"Hahaha! Kakuzu-san, are you afraid? Then let me do it. Jashin-sama has never received such a high-quality sacrifice before!" Hidan, who was beside Kakuzu, held his scythe and didn't care. He had a fanatic look on his face.
He wasn't like Danzō who had a limited form of immortality.
With the blessing of his evil god, he was immortal.
"AH? What did you say?" Kakuzu flared up and started an argument with Hidan.
Meanwhile, Deidara and Sasori didn't look that impressed.
The artistic duo had no interest in whatever was being said about this new famous Colt; they only pursued their own art.
"Today's issue is not Kamiyo Colt, but the war that may break out in the near future between two of the great villages," Pain spoke slowly, interrupting the immortal duo who were still arguing.
"Now the two-Tails Jinchūriki is in Konoha's hands. If she dies, our plan will be postponed again."
Today's Akatsuki organization was dormant in silence, collecting funds and tailed beasts.
"Do you mean that we should join in and help Kumogakure get the Jinchūriki back?" Kakuzu thought about it for a bit.
"That's fine, but the commission should not be a small amount." Speaking of money, Kakuzu's small eyes shone a little.
In his life, only money was the most important thing. As long as there was enough money, he would be okay with anything, even throwing another kunai at Hashirama.
Pain was also a little interested in this suggestion, but there was a big obstacle to that.
Kumogakure's group of fools would never use external force to deal with Konoha.
Not everyone was as desperate as Ōnoki, who had hired them many times.
Pain's Rinnegan glanced at the group and said indifferently:
"We don't need to intervene in the war. We just need to ensure the safety of the Jinchuuriki's life. Someone is already responsible for this matter. However, this is a warning. Don't go to the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning during this time. We can't risk drawing any attention to ourselves. Now, the meeting is over."
After speaking, Pain's figure flashed and disappeared from the high platform.
Kisame grinned and said with a little teasing: "Our leader is really like an emotionless puppet..."
Konan, who hadn't left just yet, looked at Kisame in surprise, not sure if it was just a random joke or if he had really found something.
However, after observing for a while, nothing unusual was found. She could only regard it as a coincidence.
She then left.
Instead, Itachi who was near him, keenly sensed that Kisame seemed to be... a lot more lively recently…
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The chain reaction caused by Danzō's death was far from over, but it had nothing to do with Colt.
Following those events…
Under Tsunade's resentful eyes, Colt directly claimed that he was injured in the battle and was going to take a few days' vacation.
As for how he would heal those injuries? Of course, he needed his girlfriends warm and fragrant care.
Hinata and Ino had been accompanied by Colt for the past few days, and as for their tasks and missions with their teams, Ichibi would take their place.
At first, Shikamaru and Kiba were a little angry.
It would have been better to just not bring the two girls instead of substituting them for a dog.
Then, after being beaten by said dog in combat, they became extremely well-behaved.
Who could believe that a dog was so strong that even Asuma was beaten to the point of doubting his life?
With such a formidable ally following them on missions, right now, they were basically just collecting free money!
Even Kiba's partner, Akamaru, was very respectful to Ichibi and almost worshiped him.
During this time, Colt also spoke out about Kurenai to the girls.
If he didn't do that, that would have been unfair to Kurenai.
And since he mentioned one already, he went for it and mentioned Koyuki.
Although Hinata was aggrieved at first, she was fine after being coaxed by Colt for a while.
But Ino was enraged.
She was livid! Even if she was ready to accept the situation, couldn't she be the second at least or third after Hinata?
Now she was going to be the third or possibly the fourth… how can she not be angry? That wouldn't do, she then almost attacked him right then and there that night.
That made cold sweat fall from Colt's forehead.
While Colt was taken aback by Ino's boldness, Konoha executives also gathered together.
Konoha had received news that Kumogakure was ready to rush to the front line.
The mobilization of the ninja army was not as simple as the task of a few squads. Sufficient food and housing were the top priorities, which gave Konoha enough time to deal with it.
"Let's talk about it, whether this battle is to be fought or not," Tsunade said, folding her hands. She did not take the lead in expressing her opinion but let the people below speak freely.
In this meeting, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado did not appear, wisely choosing to semi-retire.
"The Hyūga clan completely obeys Hokage-sama's orders. As long as you give an order, we will do our best," Hiashi Hyūga was the first to express his position, and it was no surprise.
Everyone knew about the feud between Kumogakure and the Hyūga clan, and Hiashi's murderous eyes and words were obviously because he was rearing for revenge.
"Hokage-sama, this battle must be fought. Kumogakure is definitely not bluffing this time but will come prepared," Shikaku said.
"Since it is inevitable, then we must also take the initiative of the war into our own hands."
The Ino-Shika-Chō had always been advancing and retreating together, and Inoichi's meaning was also obvious.
"Alright!" Tsunade was very satisfied.
She knew very well why everyone was so active at this meeting.
"Then it's settled. Shikaku, you are to lead the war this time as the commander, and the Sarutobi and Shimura clans will be the main force in this battle. As for Kamiyo Colt, he'll be your deputy."
Tsunade looked around the audience, her resolve evident, and with a few sentences, she had set the tone of the war.