Chapter 143: The Reversal of Perception – Akatsuki Ascends
Somewhere hidden in the vast ninja world stood the Akatsuki base, where the group had finally succeeded in sealing six of the nine Tailed Beasts into the Gedo Statue. Only two beasts remained.
Once all nine were sealed, it would mark the moment for Akatsuki to officially declare war on the entire ninja world.
Among the Akatsuki, reactions were mixed:
Deidara was thrilled. He envisioned a grand stage where he could showcase his explosive art to the entire world.
Hidan was equally excited, seeing the coming conflict as a massive offering to his god, Jashin.
Kisame, however, was lost in thought. With Uchiha Itachi missing, he seemed distracted and slightly melancholic. Nonetheless, he still yearned for the new world promised by Uchiha Obito, clinging to the hope that it would bring an end to the lies and betrayals he had endured.
As for the remaining members—many were secretly double agents. Their hearts lay far from Akatsuki's cause, their true loyalty directed toward Uchiha Yi and his plans.
Meanwhile, Obito and Black Zetsu were more eager than anyone else for their ultimate plan to come to fruition.
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"What?" Obito's voice dripped with disbelief.
"Eighty percent of the ninja world's minor villages want to join Akatsuki?"
"Are you joking?"
Black Zetsu had just reported the shocking news to the group after another successful sealing session.
Upon hearing this, the members of Akatsuki couldn't hold back their incredulous reactions.
As rogue ninjas, they were acutely aware of their reputations. They were villains—murderers and outcasts—who had committed countless heinous acts.
Yet, these same criminals were now being hailed as heroes by much of the ninja world? It was beyond absurd.
"Could this be some kind of ploy by the Five Great Nations?" Deidara muttered, skepticism evident in his tone.
"Impossible," Black Zetsu replied, shaking his head.
"Other than the Hidden Rain Village, every major village is under White Zetsu's surveillance. They haven't made any such moves."
"Though this situation is bizarre, it is undoubtedly a boon for us."
"What do you mean?" Obito asked, intrigued by Black Zetsu's reasoning.
"Think about it. If these smaller villages are so eager to join us, why not use them to our advantage?" Black Zetsu's grin widened maliciously.
"They may seem weak and insignificant, but they can be instrumental in weakening the Five Great Nations. Let them do our dirty work for us!"
Black Zetsu's sinister laughter filled the room, sending a chill down the spines of some of the members.
Obito nodded, understanding the potential in this unexpected turn of events. He gave Black Zetsu the green light to proceed with his plan.
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Days later, the winds of the ninja world shifted once more.
This time, Obito himself made a public appearance—albeit behind his mask—and delivered a message that shook the world:
"The Five Great Nations are the true villains of this world."
"For years, they have hoarded the Tailed Beasts, using them as tools of war and oppression. The smaller villages have always borne the brunt of their wars, suffering the most devastation."
"Yes, we of Akatsuki are rogue ninjas, but our true goal is peace. We have sacrificed everything to create a world without war—a world where all villages can live in harmony."
"To achieve this, we must collect the Tailed Beasts to counter the Five Great Nations. We urge Konoha to hand over the Nine-Tails, so we can bring about an era of peace!"
This speech spread like wildfire, shaking the foundations of the ninja world.
Villagers, especially those from smaller nations, began to question everything they had been told about Akatsuki.
"I was wrong about Akatsuki! They're the true protectors of peace!"
"The Five Great Nations are the real villains, always dragging us into their wars."
"We've suffered enough at their hands. It's time for change!"
"Akatsuki is the only hope for a better future."
Such sentiments echoed across the lands. The smaller villages, long oppressed by the major powers, found solace in Akatsuki's narrative.
One by one, they publicly declared their allegiance to Akatsuki, condemning the Five Great Nations as the root of all conflict.
The Five Great Nations, on the other hand, found themselves vilified and isolated. The roles of hero and villain had been completely reversed.
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In the Hidden Cloud Village, the tension reached a boiling point.
Within the Raikage's office, the Fourth Raikage slammed his fist onto his desk, shattering it into pieces.
His aides exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing.
"Send a message to the other Great Nations," the Raikage commanded, his voice filled with barely contained rage.
"This time, we must form an alliance. Akatsuki must be destroyed!"
For the Raikage, this was no longer just a political struggle. Akatsuki had captured both the Two-Tails and the Eight-Tails—two of his village's most valuable assets.
This was personal.
"Yes, sir!" Mabui responded, immediately setting to work.
Meanwhile, the other Great Nations were facing similar pressures. They too realized the danger posed by Akatsuki—not just militarily, but ideologically.
If Akatsuki was allowed to consolidate its influence over the smaller villages, the Five Great Nations would soon find themselves outnumbered and outmaneuvered.
Their failure to act swiftly could lead to their downfall.
Akatsuki's theft of the Tailed Beasts had already painted them as aggressors. Now, with the smaller villages siding with Akatsuki, the Five Great Nations risked becoming the enemies of the entire ninja world.
Time was running out. If they didn't find a way to counter Akatsuki's growing influence, the very structure of the ninja world would be irrevocably changed.
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