In Amegakure, within a towering structure.
Pain, Zetsu, Kakuzu, the Masked Man, and the White Tiger of Akatsuki had all gathered here. Of course, whether this White Tiger was truly the "White Tiger" was anyone's guess.
"While we've managed to stabilize the other ninja villages' restless intentions by forming an alliance with Iwagakure," Zetsu began in his deep, gravelly voice, "our greatest issue now lies in manpower. All the villages are currently engaged in intense military competition, keeping a tight grip on their own ninjas."
"Under such circumstances, forget about recruiting rogue ninjas—we can't even forcibly capture a few capable individuals."
"Moreover, several Amegakure ninjas have recently gone missing. As soon as they leave the borders of the Land of Rain, it's as if they vanish into thin air."
"Even you can't detect our potential enemies?" The Masked Man's single Sharingan glinted with a blood-red light, his tone laced with suspicion.
"There are individuals in both Konohagakure and Sunagakure with extremely powerful sensory abilities. If I get too close, I'll undoubtedly be discovered," Zetsu's black half said cautiously. "Especially Minato Namikaze. If he gets onto my trail, it'll be a huge problem..."
"What about Orochimaru?" Pain's magnetic voice cut through the discussion. "He defected from Konohagakure not long ago. Is there a chance we could recruit him into the organization?"
"Orochimaru..." Zetsu mused. "Recently, he seems to have been collaborating with Sunagakure. His underground laboratory is likely located on the outskirts of that newly constructed city in the Land of Birds."
"However, there's a warning barrier set up there, clearly crafted by a sealing master. I can't infiltrate without alerting them."
As Zetsu spoke, he glanced at the Masked Man, signaling that only his space-time ninjutsu could make contact with Orochimaru under such circumstances.
"Sunagakure..." The Masked Man muttered, his blood-red Sharingan flickering. "When did that village become so formidable? It seems like they're always one step ahead of us..."
"The One-Tails Jinchūriki..."
After a moment of silence, Pain proposed a new approach. "If other villages can invest in ninja schools to cultivate talent on a large scale, then so can we!"
"Selecting talents from within our own village would also ensure greater loyalty!"
This idea wasn't without merit. With the secret techniques passed down from the elder "dancer" to the Masked Man, combined with Zetsu's body modifications—both top-tier resources in the ninja world—it wasn't impossible for Amegakure to nurture a few high-level powerhouses.
"Konan, I'll leave the ninja school to you!"
The cold and elegant Konan didn't respond verbally. She simply nodded lightly. Through the collar of her black robe adorned with red clouds, one could faintly glimpse her striking and fiery figure.
"Kakuzu!"
"You'll handle the funding."
"You're free to act as you see fit—hunt down targets and collect bounties."
"Zetsu, you'll temporarily accompany Kakuzu to help him locate targets and improve efficiency!"
Pain quickly assigned specific tasks.
"For now, we must avoid acting recklessly. What we need to do is quietly build up our strength in the shadows!"
"We must prepare for the worst—there may come a day when we find ourselves at odds with all five great nations..."
Pain's gaze finally settled on the Masked Man.
Outside Sunagakure, along the mid-to-lower reaches of a river, the terrain created a waterfall about ten meters high. Beneath the waterfall lay a sparkling blue lake.
Boom! Boom...
The cascading waterfall splashed into the lake, creating a shimmering wall of water. Occasionally, fish could be seen tumbling along with the current into the lake below.
Beside the lake stretched a verdant expanse of grass and forest. Within the quieter parts of the woods, where the sound of the water softened, stood two simple houses.
This was where Granny Chiyo and Ebizō resided.
Thanks to a river diversion project, the waterfall's flow had gradually increased over time. Initially, this area had been just a small stream, barely enough to satisfy their fishing hobby.
But as the pristine lake formed, Granny Chiyo surprisingly developed a new pastime: swimming!
Dressed in a purple swimsuit and swim cap, Granny Chiyo often swam freely in the lake, her joyous laughter echoing through the area.
If someone happened to pass by, expecting to witness a scene of beautiful women frolicking in the water and eagerly rushed over to take a look, they would undoubtedly leave with a heavy psychological scar.
After all, the charm of a swimsuit-clad Granny Chiyo was not something the average person could handle.
Fortunately, today Granny Chiyo wasn't in the mood for such leisure. Instead, she held a fishing rod, reclining comfortably on a deck chair by the river, waiting patiently for a catch.
After tirelessly teaching several rounds of medical and puppet classes, even the Third Kazekage had felt some pity for her. With most of the age-appropriate and talented individuals already trained, and the puppet and medical textbooks compiled, the Kazekage had granted Granny Chiyo an extended vacation to rest.
However, Granny Chiyo had thoroughly enjoyed teaching her students. The whimsical questions posed by her pupils often expanded and tested her own knowledge base.
After all, the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms was the true test of one's mastery of a skill or subject.
Merely absorbing knowledge mechanically and passing it on unchanged would make one nothing more than a "conduit of knowledge," far from the standard of a "teacher" who imparts wisdom.
As Granny Chiyo gently rocked in her chair, basking in the warm sunlight with her eyes half-closed, she suddenly sensed something. Her eyes snapped open, and she looked to the side.
"Hmm?!"
"What a rare guest!"
"Master..."
"I never expected you to leave your temple and come all the way here."
Granny Chiyo set her fishing rod into a notch on the chair and stood up.
"Elder Chiyo, no need for formalities," the visitor said.
"I've come to you with a request."
The speaker was an elderly monk, his eyebrows and beard white with age. Despite his advanced years, his steps were steady and agile, clearly indicating a trained and disciplined individual.
"You have something to ask of me?"
"Your disciple has accomplished great things..."
"The prosperity Sunagakure enjoys today is largely thanks to him!"
From the respectful expression on Granny Chiyo's face, it was clear that the two were old acquaintances.
"Ah!"
The old monk chuckled, waving off her remark, and then directly stated the purpose of his visit.
Granny Chiyo's expression shifted from respect to surprise, finally settling into a mix of admiration and contemplation.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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