Chapter 199

In the hidden secret base of Ame no Kuni, a middle-aged man with a gloomy expression examined the information in his hands. Kneeling before him in the center of the secret room was a masked Shinōbi, exuding a solemn and deadly aura, indicating his elite status.

"Shadow, the recent updates bring no good news," the middle-aged man hoarsely spoke after a long silence, the weariness evident in his tone. It was a weariness that emanated from deep within, a weariness of the soul.

"Lord, unfortunately, there is none," the Shinōbi known as Shadow replied helplessly.

"Our money exchange house, after existing for decades within the Five Great Countries, has been wiped out," the middle-aged man's tone now carried a tinge of anger mixed with helplessness.

"Without your guidance, we have no chance against the Five Great Hidden Villages. The wandering Shinōbi are unreliable. The strongest Shinōbi we have cultivated are only Jonin level, while the opposition sends Kage-level warriors, some of whom have been renowned for a long time," the Shadow's tone also reflected a sense of helplessness and anger.

"Those high-ranking officials from the Hidden Villages who collaborated with us simply abandoned us. They have been taking our money year after year without doing anything, and now, when we face a crisis, they have all withdrawn," the middle-aged man's anger grew, now bordering on hysteria.

"They haven't withdrawn," the Shadow nervously responded, a few drops of cold sweat forming on his forehead.

"Then where are they?" the middle-aged man fixed the Shadow with an intense gaze, his eyes filled with fury.

"Konoha is being led by Danzo, Ebizo is overseeing Sunagakure, Raikage's Aide handles Kumogakure, Hōzuki clan's Clan Leader manages Kirigakure, and Iwagakure is under the Elder's Group's Great Elder. We haven't been able to get any news from them," the Shadow stammered even more this time.

The people in contact with them and providing cover within the Hidden Villages are those mentioned above, each of them renowned figures in the Shinōbi World. Among them, Tsuchikage Onoki is their most loyal partner, and it was in Tsuchi no Kuni where they suffered the most.

"Hehe, the Five Great Hidden Villages are nothing more than hot air. Anyone who believes in them is unlucky. I understand that money can be influential, but it's just too damn difficult to reach the sky," the middle-aged man chuckled angrily. He knew that those influential individuals only saw him as Sarutobi. Money can be of use during times of peace, but once peace is disrupted, what good is it?

Hidden Villages aren't as wealthy as he is, and they are despised by many influential figures. However, the one thing Hidden Villages possess is the most terrifying power in the world—violence. Once it was the Daimyo, and now it's underground organizations like theirs.

"Shadow, withdraw all the power under our control. Do whatever it takes in the Dark World to find promising talents. There will come a day when the Five Great Hidden Villages will pay the price," the middle-aged man finally slumped into his chair, expressing his helplessness.

"Yes, Lord," a flicker of determination flashed in the Shadow's eyes before he vanished.

Time passed slowly, and the secret room seemed to be trapped in a timeless abyss, devoid of any response.

"Do you seek revenge?" a voice inquired.

"Yes."

"I can assist you."

"Who are you?"

"I am Uchiha...Madara."

"Impossible, Madara is dead."

"Foolish mortal, I too perished during that time with Hashirama."

"How can you help me?"

"In Ame no Kuni, there is a red-haired boy. He is my vessel, carrying the eyes of the gods."

"So what?"

"That is the Rinnegan, the eyes of the Sage of the Six Paths, possessing unimaginable power."

"Alright, I understand."

"Remember, do not take those eyes away. They are chosen by the gods."

A strange conversation echoed within the secret room.

In Ame no Kuni, within a hidden treehouse, two men, a woman, and three children were diligently training. On a nearby tree, a pitcher plant, the Yin-Yang face of Black Zetsu observed the three individuals intently, focusing on the red-haired boy.

The boy's eyes held everything he desired.

"Can he truly accomplish it?"

"I don't know."

"Yet you still chose him."

"There was no other choice. For centuries, he possesses the only pair of Rinnegan."

"Alright."

Black Zetsu, as enigmatic as ever, had no clear intentions. He was born that way, an integral part of his being, or rather, within his spores.

Under the cover of night, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu, utilizing their unmatched Earth Release techniques, stealthily infiltrated the treehouse, planting spores in Nagato and taking his first moments away. They left a hat for Yahiko, leaving Konan in complete ignorance.

In Kaze no Kuni, within Sunagakure's Kazekage building, Hitoshi, who had been toiling all day, watched a film sent from Konoha. The story was simple, recounting the conflicts between Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama, narrated by an elderly survivor of those war-ridden times.

The Uchiha and Senju Clans were portrayed by actors, with special Genjutsu techniques used to depict their battles. Genjutsu overlay technology, a specialty of the Kurama Clan, was instrumental in its production. The Kurama Clan's joint venture with the Uchiha created the first film company in the Shinōbi World, boasting cutting-edge technology recognized by all.

Sunagakure's rise was possible due to their mastery of the core technology—Magnet Release—a lesson learned from the expert group known as the Beasts in the Shinōbi World.