Chapter 313: A potential prey for Akatsuki

Leaf Village: Kensei’s Home.

Daichi was meditating in his room when he felt his energy fluctuating. He instantly got the chakra and memories of his clones and a big smile grew on his face.

‘This trip yielded far more results than I anticipated. So many jutsu, genetic materials and information on the whole world. This will certainly help me in accelerating my plans.’

Just then the quest completion notification popped up.

[Quest ‘Raid Orochimaru’s Lab’ completed.]

‘So even though there is a clone posing as Kimimaro in the base the system deemed that I had completed the quest huh. That’s good.’

.

[Rewards]

[10000 Exp for successful infiltration of the main base.

+1500 Exp.]

.

[105000 Exp each for collecting items of great value.

+15750 Exp.]

‘If it’s 5000 exp for each item of Great value then the system deems that I have 21 such items in my possession. I can pretty much guess what they are. The Genetic samples of the Kages, Reanimation jutsu and maybe a couple other forbidden jutsu, the horn of 8 tails, Shin and Zetsu sample along with the Akatsuki ring.’

Daichi looked inside his inventory list and saw the ring on a bony palm inside a small jar. ‘I’ll have to study that thing when I get some time.’

The gamer ninja continued down the completed quest rewards.

[15000 Exp for each additional hideout infiltrated.

+2250 Exp.]

.

[257000 Exp for items collected.

+38550 Exp.]

‘So many things in his labs had traps and seals that I had prioritized the most important and valuable ones. Well it doesn’t matter. This is a pretty good reward.’

[Increase in reputation to people who know your deeds.]

[Increased chances of Completing the quest ‘Seek the Hidden Truth of the Necklace’.]

[Increased chances of rescuing Tsunade Senju and Shizune Kato.]

Immediately after the system granted him the rewards notifications started piling up. Daichi felt his strength increase as he looked at one particular blue box message.

[You have leveled up.]

[You have leveled up.]

[You have leveled up.]

‘Three level ups in one quest. Been a long while since I got such a good reward.’

Daichi kept looking through the numerous notifications stacked in the corner of his vision.

[5 Chakra]

[6 Intelligence]

[5 Wisdom]

[6 Sense]

[3 Luck]

‘The chakra, intelligence and wisdom must be due to Kimimaro and solving the trap seals. I must have gotten Luck stat points when I found that third and 6th hidden lab. Sense must be due to me finding and avoiding all the traps in that place.’

[Mini-Map Updated. Land of Rice Paddies added.]

The map update came with all the areas that Daichi explored and some of its surroundings. All the hidden labs Daichi found were marked along with several new routes in and out of the land that he didn’t know previously.

‘These routes will certainly come in handy if I need to go in there again.’

The next notifications were something Daichi was looking forward to.

[You have found a Key Dungeon. Retrieving the key to the dungeon… Key to this dungeon has been placed in the inventory.] x2

During the infiltration Daichi’s clones found two instant dungeons and immediately got the keys. Daichi took out the two keys from his inventory and stared at them.

One was a yellow key while the other was a red key.

[The Serpent Catacombs dungeon key]

This key was yellow which indicated that it held opponents of 5 to 15 levels.

[The Echoing Chambers dungeon key]

The Echoing Chambers key was red in color. Daichi knew the enemies waiting in that dungeon would at least be 15 levels higher than him at a minimum. An extremely difficult dungeon.

‘Two instant Dungeon keys.’

Daichi sighed and closed his eyes. A few moments later he opened them and stored the keys back in his inventory. ‘It will make me stronger but right now I’m not in the mood for this.’

[Skill Stealth has leveled up.] x4

[Skill Jutsu Creation has leveled up.] x3

[Skill Sealing Art has leveled up.] x12

‘My sealing jutsu skill must have increased thanks to the jutsus I learned from Orochimaru’s lab.’

[Skill Mind Drain has leveled up.]

[Skill Mana Manipulation has leveled up.] x3

[Skill Mana Affinity has leveled up.] x2

[Skill Mana Scout has leveled up.] x5

[Skill Mana Cloak has leveled up.] x2

Daichi smiled as he looked through the list of skill level ups. He finally came to the one blue system box he was looking for.

[You have learned a new skill]

[Reanimation Jutsu – Active(LV. 01): A forbidden and highly advanced ninjutsu that allows the user to bring the dead back to life, binding their souls to living bodies and creating reanimated corpses. This skill requires the user to have knowledge of the jutsu through reading ancient scrolls or through a teacher. These reanimated individuals retain all their abilities from when they were alive, including Kekkei Genkai and knowledge of jutsus.

Mastery of this technique grants the user the ability to control multiple reanimated beings simultaneously and also grants the user the ability to partially or completely suppress the personalities of the reanimated, making them obedient tools of war. The technique’s effectiveness and the strength of the summoned beings increase with the user’s proficiency. The reanimated souls can only be released by the user of the jutsu or if they(souls) know the specific seal to release themselves.]

.

“Quiet.” A simple but stern word from Pain made them close their mouths.

Itachi, who was silent till then softly spoke “What happened? Why did you summon us at this time?”

“There has been an update. Zetsu will be joining us soon with the details.” It was Konan who replied.

As if responding to his name, Zetsu appeared out of the ground.

“Lord Pain…,” begins Zetsu, a being of dual nature, split between white and black halves, each speaking in turn. “I bring news from the Hidden Leaf.” The white half spoke first.

The Black half continued. “It seems Orochimaru’s attack on Tsunade was only the first. Now his people went after Tsunade’s student a few hours ago.”

“Who did Orochimaru send for the job?” Pain asked.

“His subordinate, Guren, a crystal style user. She attempted to capture Daichi Hekima a few hours ago. But the attempt failed and Guren is now in Leaf custody.” Zetsu replied.

“Was she alone when she attacked the boy?” Pain asked.

“No. She had a whole team and they ambushed the Leaf ninjas a few kilometers outside the Fire capital. Guren had nine subordinates under her. Most of them had Orochimaru’s curse seal power.” Zetsu replied.

“Defective products of that snake no doubt.” Sasori quipped in his gruff voice.

“A team of 9 and they still failed? Is this Guren weak?” Konan was mildly surprised and asked the spy.

“No. She is in the same league as Kakashi Hatake. A powerful Jonin. And Daichi only had Genma and Anko guarding him. Both of them are just ordinary special Jonins. But Guren still failed to capture the boy. That fact suggests that the boy is stronger than rumors indicate.” Zetsu replied.

The room fell into a contemplative silence as the members absorbed the implications of these developments. Kisame, wielding his infamous shark-skin Samehada, grinned menacingly. “Orochimaru’s always had a flair for the dramatic. What’s he after this time?”

“Unknown. But one thing is now clear,” Pain began, his voice echoing slightly off the stone walls. “Orochimaru’s actions are not just mere provocations. Abducting Tsunade has multiple purposes. It weakens the Leaf Village by removing a powerful Shinobi and potentially allows him access to her unparalleled medical ninjutsu and access to her bloodline. What he wants Daichi for… It might be part of a larger plan.”

Konan, her origami flowers rustling softly, spoke, “If this keeps up the tension between the nations will undoubtedly escalate. With the Leaf village already on high alert and the other Great nations tense and watching, a battle could break out at any moment. This could destabilize our current operations.”

“Haha. Isn’t that perfect? Lots of excellent sacrifices for Lord Jashin!” Hidan, ever eager for chaos, chuckled. “Maybe it’s time we take advantage of the situation. A little chaos could be fun.”

Kakuzu, eyes narrowing as he considers the financial implications, murmurs, “Putting aside his religious nonsense, Hidan’s right for once.”

“Hey!”

Kakuzu ignored his partner’s angry face and continued. “Conflict is profitable. We could use this to our advantage. Make lots of money.”

“Itachi,” After a few moments of silence, Pain turned to the quiet Uchiha. His Sharingan eyes seemed to pierce through the shadows. “You have insight into the Leaf. How will they respond?”

Itachi was calm and after a few moments of silence had a measured reply. “The Leaf will prioritize Tsunade’s rescue, but they won’t act rashly. Orochimaru is too dangerous, and they’ll seek to avoid open conflict. However, this incident will tighten their defenses and possibly strengthen their resolve to deal all with their enemies.”

“We could orchestrate a diversion, something to draw their attention away from Orochimaru and towards us, but on our terms.” Sasori spoke looking at the Rinnegan user.

Pain was silent, taking in each member’s input. “Our primary objective remains the collection of the tailed beasts. However, Orochimaru’s actions do present a unique opportunity but there are also risks. We should proceed with our plans discreetly. For the time being we can use the current unrest to mask our movements… Zetsu, continue monitoring the situation. If Orochimaru makes another move, we need to be informed immediately.”

Pain then turned to Kakuzu and Hidan. “Where are you two right now?”

“We’ve just entered the Land of Earth. We’re keeping a low profile right now.” Kakuzu replied.

Pain nodded. “Since Orochimaru and Tsunade are somewhere in the Land of Earth, there is a possibility of Daichi going there if he learns of the news. That will be a good opportunity for you two to capture him.”

Kakuzu and Hidan, intrigued by the potential chaos stemming from Guren’s failed attempt to capture Daichi, saw this situation as an opportunity for both profit and bloodshed.

Kakuzu, ever the mercenary, was calculating the bounty that might be placed on Daichi, considering the young ninja’s apparent value. “A genius medic ninja and as an apprentice of Tsunade, he would fetch a high price.” Kakuzu might ponder, “Not to mention the strategic advantage of capturing such an asset.”

Hidan, driven by his zealotry and love for battle, was drawn to the potential for conflict. “Going after this Daichi kid could start a delightful clash with those Leaf ninjas,” Hidan would gleefully anticipate. “And any chance to spread chaos and shed blood in the name of Jashin is an opportunity worth taking.”

Suddenly Konan spoke. “You should be careful with how you approach this matter. This task requires careful planning and discretion to avoid tipping the balance too far and drawing the full wrath of the Leaf and possibly other great villages.”

Meanwhile as Kakuzu and Hidan animatedly discuss the possibility of going after Daichi, seeing in it both personal gain and the chance for chaos, Itachi listened quietly. His mind, racing with several thoughts.

He was perfectly aware of his dual roles as both an Akatsuki member and a covert protector of the Hidden Leaf. Itachi understood the need to delicately navigate this precarious situation.

‘The prospect of Kakuzu and Hidan targeting Daichi not only threatens the Leaf but also risks exposing my true allegiances if I overtly oppose their plan. Madara gave me his assurance that the Akatsuki won’t attack the Leaf but Pain… He’ll be trouble…’

“It might be prudent to gather more information before we act,” Itachi interjected smoothly. His voice was calm yet authoritative enough to command attention.

“Daichi, being Tsunade’s apprentice, will undoubtedly be heavily guarded. Especially after the attempt by Guren. Rushing into this without a full understanding of the Leaf’s current defenses could result in unnecessary complications for us.”

Kisame, sensing the tension, added his own thoughts and supported Itachi’s cautionary stance. “He’s right. Those Leaf ninjas will be on high alert and Tsunade’s abduction has only tightened their security. We need to consider the risks involved.”

“Since when are you one to back down from a challenge Kisame?” Hidan asked with a scoff.

“Unlike you, I know when to make the smart choices.” The ninja swordsmen replied with a grin.

Hidan’s hand went to his weapon. “What does that mean? Are you saying I’m dumb.”

Kisame merely chuckled. “You said it. Not me.”

“You fish-faced bastard.”

“Calm down, Hidan. Besides, you do tend to act recklessly most of the time.”

“Kakuzu, you’re supposed to back me up.”

The other Akatsuki members ignored the banter and focused on Pain and Itachi.

Itachi looked at the Leader and continued, leveraging his reputation for strategic foresight to sway his colleagues. “Our primary focus remains the capture of the tailed beasts. Engaging the Leaf village directly at this moment could divert resources and attention from our main objective. It may be more strategic to wait. Allow them to exhaust their resources in their efforts against Orochimaru.”

Noticing the room’s shift towards caution, Itachi subtly steered the conversation towards a longer-term perspective. “If we monitor Daichi and gather intelligence, we may find a more opportune moment to act. This delay also provides us with the advantage of assessing his abilities and potential worth to our cause. Moreover, Orochimaru should also be our main focus.”

Itachi’s suggestion to delay didn’t not come merely from his need to protect the Leaf but also from a strategic standpoint that benefited the Akatsuki.

In the room only one person saw through Itachi’s hidden plan. Zetsu inwardly smiled as he glanced at the Uchiha.

‘By proposing a plan that ostensibly serves the organization’s interests, he skillfully navigated the thin balance between his dual loyalties. Not bad Itachi. Not bad at all. The only other person who would have seen through your plan was ‘Madara’.’

Despite his conclusions Zetsu kept silent. After all he was merely the spy of the Organization.

Kakuzu, who was ever the pragmatist, nodded slowly. After thinking it over he saw the wisdom in avoiding a potentially costly open confrontation.

Hidan though was disappointed at the prospect of delay. But he acquiesces to the collective decision and was swayed by the promise of future conflict.

The Rinnegan wielder Pain had an overarching vision for the ninja world and he saw Orochimaru’s actions as ultimately self-serving and potentially disruptive to his own grand designs.

“Yes, this situation with Orochimaru must be carefully monitored. He is unpredictable and his ambitions do not align with ours. His interference could become an unwelcome complication if not kept in check.” Pain spoke in a grave tone.

Pain turned to the zombie duo. “Try and find Orochimaru and where he’s taken Tsunade if possible. But don’t draw any unwanted attention. Especially from the Hidden Stone shinobi. I’ll task Zetsu on the matter as well.”

‘I’m sure Madara will pay that snake a visit if he has their location.’

“Yeah. We’ll do what we can.” Kakuzu and Hidan agreed.

Pain nodded and soon all figures disappeared from the fingertips of the statue.

——————-

Author’s Note.

If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I’ve uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.

Patre /MonkWithAPen (No space)