Byakuya had always considered recruiting a scientific genius like Orochimaru.
Orochimaru's talent in biology could be considered the best in the ninja world. Whether it was simplifying the Sage Mode with the Heavenly Curse Seal technique or the technology for implanting and merging bloodline limits, he could mass-produce subordinates with the strength of elite Jonin.
In addition, Orochimaru had also improved the Reanimation Jutsu.
He transformed what was originally a technique used solely as an auxiliary for explosive tags into an immortal reanimated monster, which could only be sealed away.
If he could recruit Orochimaru, there would be no need for him to share anything; the continuous manufacturing of resources would allow him to pile up his strength to surpass that of the Five Kage.
Pulling his wandering thoughts back, Byakuya suddenly looked down at the ground and saw Black Zetsu emerging from the earth, casually sitting down in front of him.
Noticing Black Zetsu, Byakuya frowned and said, "Black Zetsu-senpai, the office is full of people. If Yahiko and the others find out, it won't be easy for me to explain."
"Don't worry; they're currently in a meeting at the Amegakure Tower, so they won't notice us here."
Byakuya finally relaxed, then curiously asked, "What's the reason for your visit, Black Zetsu-senpai? Has Masked Man made any new moves?"
Black Zetsu shook his head and sighed, "The Masked Man has now taken control of Kirigakure. I don't know if he's trying to compete with you, but he's busy managing the village every day."
Initially, Black Zetsu had quite a favorable impression of Obito, the inheritor of Madara.
However, even though Obito wasn't very sharp and often took things to extremes, he was the easiest Uchiha to control and the best executor of the Moon Eye Plan.
But comparison was troublesome; Obito's actions during the Nine-Tails Attack and in collecting Tailed Beasts didn't measure up to Byakuya's efforts.
Although Obito had indirectly controlled the entire Kirigakure through Yagura, the village had become fragmented and chaotic under his management, hardly able to contribute any strength.
The Three-Tails and Six-Tails were both Tailed Beasts of the Kirigakure.
However, the Three-Tails was still waiting for revival in a corner of the ninja world, and the Six-Tails' Jinchuriki was quite self-reliant, playing at disappearing and rarely stayed in the Kirigakure.
Meanwhile, Byakuya not only developed Amegakure very well but also secretly captured the Two-Tails Jinchuriki.
The news about the Two-Tails' capture didn't cause much of a stir in the ninja world, which alleviated some obstacles for the Akatsuki's subsequent plans.
After a pause, Black Zetsu continued, "Byakuya, I came to reward you this time. You successfully captured the Two-Tails Jinchuriki. I don't have much to offer, but I can give you a few small gifts."
Black Zetsu was going to give gifts? Byakuya was slightly taken aback but quickly smiled and said, "Black Zetsu-senpai, how can I accept this?"
Black Zetsu clapped his hands, and several White Zetsu emerged from the ground.
Byakuya pretended to be curious and asked, "Aren't these White Zetsu? Do they have any special abilities? I already have one in Akatsuki with me."
Black Zetsu noticed Byakuya's curiosity and said,
"Do you remember the Wood Release used by the Masked Man? The Masked Man himself doesn't have the ability to use Wood Release, but after transplanting White Zetsu cells, he gained the ability to use it. With your physique, you should be able to handle part of the Wood Release's power. I'll leave these White Zetsu to you."
"Wood Release…" Byakuya's eyes brightened, then he smiled and said, "Since you're being so kind, I won't refuse."
Although he was unsure of Black Zetsu's true intentions in giving him White Zetsu, and whether there might be any controlling methods like seals involved, at least he could now use Wood Release openly and utilize the White Zetsu as sacrifices for the Reanimation Jutsu.
After Byakuya accepted the White Zetsu, Black Zetsu finally stated his purpose, "Byakuya, now that you've captured the Two-Tails, what's your plan next? Should we target the other Tailed Beasts now and collect them all as soon as possible?"
Byakuya glanced at Black Zetsu, then gently shook his head and said, "Black Zetsu-senpai, capturing one or two Tailed Beasts isn't a difficult task for us, but our goal is the entire ninja world. The Akatsuki spent two to three years taking control of Amegakure, and it will take a few more years to unify the Land of Hot Water. If we rashly provoke a war, the Akatsuki might be pushed back to square one."
Black Zetsu fell silent for a few seconds. His only plan was to revive his mother; he had never thought of ruling the world.
However, if he were to oppose Byakuya at this moment, Byakuya would definitely begin to question the Moon Eye Plan. After all, unlike Obito, Byakuya did not believe that the Infinite Tsukuyomi would bring peace.
"What's your plan, then?" Black Zetsu asked.
Byakuya pondered for a moment and slowly replied,
"I don't plan to take action against the Five Great Countries in the coming years. I will focus on the surrounding small nations. However, we should still find a way to stir up internal conflicts among the five great ninja villages and trap them in endless infighting. For that plan to sprout, I've almost prepared the means to deal with Iwagakure and Sunagakure.
But Konoha is indeed a bit tricky. Although I secretly placed Shisui as a spy, he is still loyal to his clan and Konoha. Getting him to bring his clan members into the Akatsuki will be quite challenging. If possible, you and the Masked Man should carry out activities in Konoha. It's inconvenient for me to act there for the time being."
After hearing this, Black Zetsu lightly nodded, "Leave Konoha to me and the Masked Man. You can rest assured about that. However, do you really plan to let the Uchiha join the Akatsuki?"
Byakuya shook his head, appearing strategic as he said, "Not just the Uchiha. I want to recruit more ninja clans from Konoha. The more friends, the better. From now on, I'll need you to help out more, Black Zetsu-senpai."
At that moment, Black Zetsu seemed to remember something and quickly asked, "Byakuya, do you remember the Fourth Hokage's child who was the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails? He seems to have become the new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
Byakuya nodded, "Black Zetsu-senpai, are you planning to target Naruto? He's too young. If we're not careful, he could die with the Nine-Tails, which would waste a lot of our time."
Black Zetsu clarified, "I'm not planning to target Naruto, but I'm wondering if we can influence him while he's still young. That way, we'll have the strongest Nine-Tails Jinchuriki on our side in the future. And since you're always resourceful. Do you have any good ideas?"
Black Zetsu was withholding some thoughts. He indeed wanted to control Naruto, but in addition to controlling the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, he also wanted to manipulate the young Ashura.
Every time he tried to support Indra, he had failed, and it was time to cultivate Ashura this time.
Byakuya glanced at Black Zetsu and saw through his thoughts. However, Black Zetsu's plan to cultivate Ashura was also quite interesting and might yield unexpected results.