(AN: I changed Karin's mother's name from Karen to Akane)
Just when Madara was making his creation, 'Top 10 anime betrayals' aka Back Zetsu, Byakuya also came out from his meditation.
The crimson glow of the setting sun painting the sky in hues of despair sent a silent message. It was time to end the day's training.
Byakuya rose to his full height, his voice cutting through the stillness as he called out to Nagato and Akane, two figures barely discernible in the distance.
"Enough training for today. Pack up your things. We'll be returning shortly."
A sigh of relief, almost audible, rippled through the air as Nagato and Akane acknowledged Byakuya's command.
While they understood and appreciated the merits of rigorous training, Byakuya's relentless pursuit of perfection could be, well, relentless. After all, even the most dedicated ninja craved a moment's respite from the constant push to excel.
As they converged on Byakuya's position, Nagato, seemingly struck by a sudden thought, turned towards Akane.
"Did you manage to bring up that topic with Byakuya?"
Akane, her expression unreadable, glanced at Nagato before offering a noncommittal shrug.
"The Uzumaki lineage? It's practically a certainty at this point. Think about it! Today, Lord Byakuya instructed me in yet another one of the Uzumaki clan's secret sealing techniques. It's undeniable; he has to be a direct descendant."
A thoughtful frown creased Akane's brow.
"Byakuya-sama seems disconnected from his Uzumaki heritage. He never mentions the clan, as if he's forgotten about it. Sometimes, I envy his raven hair. As long as he stays silent, his Uzumaki lineage remains a secret."
Nagato's face mirrored Akane's earlier frown, but it quickly morphed into a mask of stoicism. His own mother, despite being an Uzumaki, had chosen to keep her heritage hidden.
Tragically, that secrecy hadn't shielded her from a violent end at the hands of none other than Konoha ninjas, supposed allies of the Uzumaki clan.
A moment of silence stretched between them before Akane spoke again, her voice softer this time.
"However, Byakuya-sama also mentioned that the Uzumaki clan is no more. There's no point in clinging to a name that no longer exists. We simply need to make the most of our lives."
Nagato pondered Akane's words, a silent battle raging within him. Finally, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Byakuya is truly an anomaly. Letting go isn't easy for me, but even though the Land of Whirlpools has been destroyed, this is our home now."
Unaware of the conversation revolving around him, Byakuya observed Nagato and Akane from afar.
A knowing smirk played on his lips. He wasn't an Uzumaki, not in the slightest. He felt no emotional ties to a clan that had long faded into oblivion.
However, this convenient misunderstanding served his purpose. It painted him as an enigmatic figure, someone who had transcended the shadows of his past, choosing resolute silence over painful memories.
Thankfully, their imaginations filled the gaps he so deliberately left open.
As Nagato and Akane approached, Byakuya detailed the upcoming training regimen.
Their surprise was evident when they learned that they would only be required to train for ten days in the following month.
In their minds, a month with Byakuya usually translated to a month of relentless training.
Byakuya, sensing their astonishment, offered a gentle smile.
"Don't overthink it. Even the strongest body needs a balance between exertion and rest. Besides, I can't babysit you two constantly. Remember, we are all ninjas, and the day will come when you'll need to go on missions by yourselves."
Nagato and Akane exchanged a sheepish glance. They were just about to elaborate when they realized Byakuya had already turned and begun walking away.
Watching his retreating figure, Nagato and Akane couldn't shake the peculiar sensation that Byakuya, despite being younger than them both, somehow felt like a wise elder guiding their path. This reversal of roles was a curious anomaly, a result of Byakuya's enigmatic aura.
---
Leaving the training ground behind, Byakuya bypassed his usual path home and instead set his sights on the Akatsuki's headquarters. It had been nearly two weeks since he last conferred with Yahiko, and the recent conclusion of the Kannabi Bridge battle demanded their immediate attention.
Pushing open the familiar door, Byakuya found Yahiko engrossed in paperwork. A warm smile lit up Yahiko's face as he noticed Byakuya.
"Oh, Byakuya, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here today?"
Byakuya's response was curt, almost bordering on irritation.
"Leader Yahiko, should I come back later if this is an inopportune time?"
Yahiko chuckled, raising a hand in appeasement.
"Of course not, my apologies. It's just unusual for you to visit unless a matter of importance arises. Is it about the recent developments at Kannabi Bridge?"
Byakuya confirmed Yahiko's suspicion with a curt nod.
"That's correct. The conclusion of the battle at Kannabi Bridge signifies a potential shift in the war's trajectory. I estimate that large-scale hostilities between Konoha and Iwagakure will soon subside, forcing both sides to redirect their focus elsewhere."
"Surely that's a positive outcome?"
Yahiko tilted his head in confusion, failing to grasp Byakuya's concern.
Byakuya offered a slight shake of his head.
"While it may be a welcome development for Konoha and the Land of Grass, it doesn't necessarily bode well for Akatsuki."
Yahiko's brow furrowed.
"Why is that?"
Byakuya leaned forward, his voice taking on a more serious tone.
"Though the large-scale battles between Konoha and Iwagakure may cease, covert operations by ninja teams will undoubtedly continue. Infiltration tactics are often employed to weaken the enemy from within."
"Like causing chaos in occupied territories, or even resorting to impersonating enemy ninjas to eliminate civilians."
Byakuya elaborated, his words causing Yahiko's expression to harden.
Yahiko was no stranger to the grim realities of war. Byakuya's examples were disturbingly common occurrences, and their potential impact couldn't be ignored.
"Byakuya, I appreciate the heads-up. I'll ensure our ninjas prioritize civilian protection and actively prevent such incidents. That's the fundamental principle upon which Akatsuki was built."
Byakuya, however, remained unconvinced. He shook his head slowly.
"Yahiko, I'm afraid you're missing the bigger picture. My primary concern isn't solely civilian safety; it's Akatsuki's precarious position in the midst of these shifting dynamics."
"Precarious?"
Yahiko's voice betrayed his confusion.
From his perspective, Akatsuki's current standing was relatively secure. With a roster of nearly ten elite ninjas, only a direct intervention from the Five Great Shinobi Villages posed a significant threat.
He began, his voice trailing off as he considered the additional threat.
"The Five Great Shinobi Villages, and possibly... also Hanzō."
Yahiko was concerned about the potential danger from the Five Great Shinobi Villages, which posed a threat to independent organizations. However, he felt relieved when the leader of the Hidden Rain Village, Hanzō, was mentioned.
"Lord Hanzō? Why would he target us?"
The very suggestion seemed ludicrous to Yahiko. In his mind, Hanzō posed no threat; in fact, the opposite seemed more likely. After all, as long as Hanzō remained open to the idea, Akatsuki could always choose to formally join the Hidden Rain Village.
"Byakuya, you're letting your worries cloud your judgment. There's no reason for Hanzō to seek our destruction. We pose no threat to him. In fact, we could be valuable allies. If he so chooses, Akatsuki can become an official part of the Hidden Rain Village at any time."
Byakuya met Yahiko's gaze, acknowledging the unwavering determination in his leader's eyes.
He wasn't questioning Yahiko's sincerity. In the original timeline, Yahiko readily accepted Hanzō's initial invitation to a meeting, demonstrating his openness to collaboration.
Tragically, that meeting had turned into a deadly trap, claiming Yahiko's life. Both Yahiko and Hanzō, in their own ways, had made fatal miscalculations. Hanzo killed Yahiko and Nagato, later as Pain, killed Hanzo.
A short scoff escaped Byakuya's lips.
"Yahiko, I respect your perspective. However, I think Hanzō could be an adversary. If we want Akatsuki to go beyond the limitations of the Hidden Rain Village, we may have to confront this aging demigod."
Yahiko remained unconvinced. He shook his head, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Byakuya, you're letting your imagination run wild. Akatsuki and Hanzō in conflict? It's simply unfathomable. The Five Great Shinobi Villages, yes, they might be wary of us, but Hanzō? No, that's out of the question."
Witnessing Yahiko's unshakeable belief, a sly smile spread across Byakuya's face. He had initially intended to nudge Yahiko towards a more cautious approach, but now a more intriguing proposition presented itself. A gamble.
Rising from his chair, Byakuya leaned forward, his eyes locking with Yahiko's.
"Yahiko, since you're so certain about Hanzō's neutrality, why don't we make a bet? If, within three years, Hanzō takes no action against Akatsuki, I'll wholeheartedly support your vision and follow any order you give.
On the other hand, if he does make a move against us, I claim the position of leader. At that point, your leadership will have demonstrably failed Akatsuki."
===
BONUS CHAPTERS!
Let's aim for the ranking this time, and you will get bonus chapters:
1000 PS = 5 Bonus Chapters!
1500 PS = 10 Bonus Chapters!
Please get this book in ranking so I can translate more chapters in a batch.