Chapter 63: The Parting of Ways
"It's truly astonishing, Obito, that you could lose so thoroughly!" Zetsu emerged from the side, amazed. "Your Mangekyō genjutsu failing is something we could anticipate. But just the genjutsu failing shouldn't have led to such a complete defeat. What happened?"
This was a battle that shouldn't have been lost! Yet he lost! Zetsu absolutely had to help Uchiha Obito analyze it, to avoid affecting the Eye of the Moon Plan and hindering the true purpose behind it.
"That bastard..." Speaking of this, the resentment in Uchiha Obito's eyes unexpectedly showed a rare trace of fear. He began recounting, step by step, how he had lost.
...
Amegakure, The Tower of God
This was the residence of the 'God,' the ruler of Amegakure. Only the 'God's Messenger,' permitted by the God, could enter and leave with authorization.
Now!
After hearing the report from the Rain ninja team leader, the 'Angel' Konan waved her hand, signaling him to withdraw. She then looked at the 'God' beside her and said, "Such a Lava Release phenomenon occurred just fifty miles from Amegakure. I'm afraid one of the parties involved is 'Seiryū'."
Hearing this, the 'God' nodded, approving of the 'Angel' Konan's conjecture. His voice was calm. "It's useless for us to speculate. I believe if it truly concerns Seiryū, he will definitely give us an explanation in person sooner or later."
As he spoke, he asked, "How is the investigation progressing regarding the matter 'Gyokunyo' mentioned the other day?"
The 'Angel' Konan's gaze turned heavy. "I'm afraid it all has something to do with that 'Tobi'."
This made the 'God's' eyes sharpen instantly. "No matter the enmity between them, I will never allow the betrayal of a teammate!"
The 'Angel' Konan nodded. "It should be so."
...
Five Days Later!
Konoha Year 57, First Month, First Day (January 1st)!
[Fruit Development Progress: 70%]
Emerging from the scalding water, Uchiha Naoki raised his eyes. A line of attribute data appeared.
[Host: Uchiha Naoki]
[Age: 14]
[Abilities: Magma Fruit: Awakening (Development Progress 70%), Observation Haki (Beginner: Development Progress 85%), Armament Haki (Intermediate: Development Progress 15%), Life Return]
[Ninjutsu: Fireball Technique, Golden Bind Technique, Three Body Technique, Great Strength Technique]
[Skills: Dark Hound, Great Flame Breath, Crimson Canine Lotus, Meteor Fire Rain, Magma World: Scorching Detonation, Lava Hell]
[Combat Power: Peak Kage Level]
[Kekkei Genkai: Three-Tomoe Sharingan]
[Tadpole Attribute: Traveling]
...
Thanks to the multiple improvements in strength, physique, and mind, the system had finally unlocked the attribute panel. Over these five days, he had fully digested and absorbed all the experience from his battle with Uchiha Obito.
Ah! His height had also increased from the previous 1.59 meters to the current 1.62 meters!
"Then, it's time to formally bid farewell to Zero." His strength accumulation was complete; it was time to leave. Even if he knew Zero might not let him go.
In the Tower of God...
"The battle in Amegakure three days ago—it was you!" For Uchiha Naoki's arrival, the Deva Path Pain and Konan weren't surprised.
"Yes." Uchiha Naoki simply admitted.
"With whom? Why such a destructive battle in Amegakure?" The Deva Path's tone and voice immediately turned severe. If noticed and word leaked that the Akatsuki leader was the same person as Amegakure's 'God,' it would bring immense trouble. To avoid revealing his identity, he always had Konan handle affairs while he remained hidden in the shadows as the mysterious 'God.' Akatsuki couldn't be exposed at this time!
Uchiha Naoki heard this and replied calmly, "'Tobi.' He wanted to kill me."
Hearing these words, the 'Angel' Konan frowned sharply. "Tobi? How is that possible?!" She thought, Why would 'Tobi' want to kill him? What's the issue between them? Konan suddenly remembered Uchiha Naoki saying when he first joined that he had a grudge with Madara. But what it was, Uchiha Naoki had never disclosed. She never thought it had escalated to a life-and-death confrontation.
"That's not important!" Uchiha Naoki looked at the Deva Path's projection. "Starting today, I officially resign as a member of Akatsuki. You two! I hope for your understanding."
As these words fell, the scene fell silent. Deathly silent.
"What did you say?" The Deva Path's eyes suddenly turned icy. Even through the projection, one could feel the terrifying power behind his cold gaze.
The 'Angel' Konan also looked serious. "Seiryū, are you serious? I can treat what you just said as a joke, and let it be as if nothing happened."
Uchiha Naoki remained calm and repeated, "I have decided to leave Akatsuki." Saying this, he bowed to the 'Angel' Konan. "Thank you for your care during this time."
BOOM!
A suffocating pressure erupted from the Deva Path. "Seiryū, aren't you afraid of death? You personally executed the traitor Orochimaru. You should know the consequences of leaving the organization!"
The 'Angel' Konan beside him had already entered a combat state, her body turning into paper.
"Leaving means death?" Uchiha Naoki smiled calmly upon hearing this. He looked up at the 'Angel' Konan and the Deva Path, his gaze direct and profound. "Then I'll wait and see!"
After speaking, he placed the 'Seiryū' ring representing his identity on the ground and vanished with a bang. It was just a shadow clone!
Creak...
Even in the projection body, the Deva Path clenched his fists in anger, his eyes already extremely cold. "Seiryū, this is the path you chose yourself. Don't blame me for being ruthless!"
He immediately issued an assembly order to all members!
"What's wrong, Leader?"
"Suddenly summoning all members—is there a new mission?"
"Why do I have an ominous feeling?"
Facing the sudden assembly order, all members felt somewhat taken aback. Moreover, looking at 'Zero's' cold eyes, it seemed something extraordinary had happened.
"Seiryū... has defected!" The Deva Path coldly uttered five stiff words, immediately causing an uproar.
"What? Seiryū defected?"
"How is that possible! Seiryū was so active in missions. Why would he defect?"
All members found it incredible, but the Scarlet Sand Scorpion said, "If it's because traitors within the organization leaked his whereabouts, making him feel betrayed, then I don't think it's unreasonable." He looked at the Deva Path. "Zero, has this matter been clarified?"
These words made the Deva Path pause, then frown and say coldly, "Even so, that is absolutely not a reason for him to defect! Gyokunyo, Suzaku, Kūshin!" He named the Scarlet Sand Scorpion, Uchiha Itachi, and Deidara, ordering, "You will immediately pursue and eliminate Uchiha Naoki! The organization's secrets must never be revealed! Especially you, Gyokunyo. He is no longer your companion. You are not to show any mercy!"
Facing the Deva Path's words, the Scarlet Sand Scorpion calmly said, "I understand." As for whether he would truly comply, who knew?
After confirming this matter, the meeting was dissolved.