Chapter 114: Obito's recruitment failed

Sometimes, Akihara Kagura is a genius.

Sometimes, Akihara Kagura is just a poor student.

As a ninja who slipped through the cracks of the six years of compulsory education in the ninja world and the guidance of Jonin, Akihara Kagura mostly learned S-rank ninjutsu and forbidden techniques, rarely having the opportunity to delve into lower-level techniques.

"Where's the sealing scroll?"

The soul of Uchiha Shisui taught Akihara Kagura how to seal inanimate objects and discovered that Akihara Kagura didn't even have the scroll needed for sealing.

Fortunately…

Uchiha Shisui's ninja tool bag still had a sealing scroll.

Akihara Kagura used Uchiha Shisui's sealing scroll and the sealing technique taught by Uchiha Shisui to seal Uchiha Shisui's body inside the scroll.

Naka Shrine.

Due to the disappearance of Uchiha Shisui, the first master of the Uchiha clan, the Uchiha clan's meeting to plan a coup had to be canceled temporarily. The crisis that could have plunged Konoha into a coup was suddenly dissolved due to the death of one person.

However,

The conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha clan did not end.

The conflict between the two would not disappear with the death of Uchiha Shisui, as the person who could have changed the conflict chose to commit suicide.

The Uchiha clan lost one of its strongest ninjas, Konoha lost an excellent Jonin, Shimura Danzo lost an eye and a group of excellent Root ninjas, and Akihara Kagura lost a spot for a Six Paths puppet.

In the entire coup crisis, only Uchiha Obito and Uchiha Itachi had gains.

Uchiha Obito inexplicably gained the fear and hostility of Shimura Danzo, and Uchiha Itachi successfully activated his own Mangekyou Sharingan and a Kotoamatsukami left to him by Uchiha Shisui.

Root Base.

Shimura Danzo suffered heavy losses in manpower and could only promote a group of people from the Root training camp. The old man still had lingering fears about the threat of Uchiha Obito.

Shimura Danzo did not dare to tell Sarutobi Hiruzen about his attempt to steal Uchiha Shisui's eyes, let alone the fact that Uchiha Obito took the Kotoamatsukami from him.

Shimura Danzo could only keep this secret to himself.

After being subjected to the Limited Tsukuyomi, Shimura Danzo lived another life in the illusionary world, suffering from a certain degree of dissociative identity disorder, as well as more terrifying paranoid delusions.

For instance,

Sometimes, Shimura Danzo would suddenly speak out of turn.

When Sarutobi Hiruzen summoned Shimura Danzo to discuss work, there was always a tendency for disagreements to arise between the two.

Out of nowhere, Shimura Danzo brought up: "Hiruzen, don't forget it was me who covered the rear so that you could become the Hokage…"

"Danzo?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand holding the pipe stiffened.

Wasn't it their teacher, the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, who chose to cover the rear during the First Great Ninja War to help them escape the danger? How could Shimura Danzo suddenly start talking nonsense?

"Cough…"

Shimura Danzo quickly came to his senses.

Fortunately, having known each other for many years, Shimura Danzo had indeed undertaken some simple rearguard tasks in the real world, though they were not as dangerous.

On the other hand,

Uchiha Itachi concealed his hatred.

In Uchiha Itachi's view, Shimura Danzo had taken one of Uchiha Shisui's eyes. He dared not show any flaws in front of Shimura Danzo, worried that Shimura Danzo would suspect he had seen Uchiha Shisui and hidden the other Kotoamatsukami.

For this reason,

Uchiha Itachi continued to act as Shimura Danzo's spy.

However, one day, Shimura Danzo suddenly asked Uchiha Itachi, "Uchiha Itachi, does Uchiha Fugaku still want you to become the leader of the Root?"

Uchiha Itachi was shocked.

How did Shimura Danzo know about the conversation between him and his father?

Shimura Danzo, not yet realizing something was amiss, snorted at Uchiha Itachi, "Don't dream of such good fortune. I would rather leave the future leadership of the Root to that kid, Akihara Kagura..."

Uchiha Itachi ignored Shimura Danzo's declaration.

Because Uchiha Itachi had never considered the position of the leader of the Root, nor did he think Shimura Danzo would entrust him with such an important position.

Fortunately,

Shimura Danzo quickly came to his senses and soothed, "Monkey mentioned letting you succeed me, but I still need a little time..."

Uchiha Itachi never thought there was any hope in such matters.

Compared to him, Akihara Kagura was living more comfortably. His superior, Uchiha Obito, had come to see him, mentioning Orochimaru joining the Akatsuki organization and casually inquiring about the suicide of Uchiha Shisui, which Akihara Kagura surely knew nothing about.

Besides,

The mission to rescue Hatake Kakashi had also been approved by his superior.

Uchiha Obito approved of Akihara Kagura's rescue of Hatake Kakashi but was somewhat dissatisfied with Akihara Kagura's method, "You kid actually kidnapped the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, almost causing a war between Rock Village and Konoha..."

"The person was rescued, and that's what matters."

Akihara Kagura frowned, also somewhat dissatisfied with his reward, "At least now, the Third Hokage dare not let us trace your tracks anymore..."

[System Prompt]: [Proceed to Rock Village, rescue Hatake Kakashi, mission completed, reward Uchiha Flame Formation.]

[Uchiha Flame Formation (B-rank fire barrier, forming a scorching flame barrier that rises from the ground in an instant through the fingertips, emanating subtle chakra. The barrier's surface carries the flames of hell, capable of withstanding attacks from tailed beasts and even burning them!)]

Is this barrier, designed to prevent attacks from the Tailed Beasts, useful for anything other than allowing him to continue to make a name for his boss in the ninja world?

Uchiha Obito was unaware of his subordinate's earnest desire to help him advance, simply furrowing his brow and asking, "What about that idiot called Awei?"

"Awei is not an idiot."

Akihara Kagura defended the intelligent White Zetzu, before bringing up White Zetzu Awei's matter: "I had him help me monitor Uchiha Itachi."

"Uchiha Itachi..."

Uchiha Obito, recalling the seed he had once planted, continued, "I had noticed that young fellow long ago. He has great talent and there is hope that he will awaken the same Sharingan as me in the future..."

"I did receive a piece of news about that."

Akihara Kagura had already received this news and casually informed Uchiha Obito: "Although I'm not sure if it's the Sharingan, White Zetzu Awei told me that on the night Uchiha Shisui committed suicide, Itachi's eyes turned like a windmill..."

"Mangekyo Sharingan!"

Uchiha Obito's expression immediately became serious, seemingly placing great importance on the person who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan: "That seed has already sprouted and grown... I must find an opportunity to recruit that guy."

Uchiha Obito's thoughts were very simple.

Due to his past experiences, he believed that an Uchiha who had just awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan must have gone through unimaginable pain.

Such Uchiha often have an unusual mentality.

Uchiha Obito thought this was the best opportunity to recruit Uchiha Itachi, not caring whether the other party harbored hostility towards him, because Uchiha Obito was confident enough in his own Mangekyo Sharingan techniques.

"It's fine for you to recruit him."

Akihara Kagura always knew how naive and arrogant his boss Uchiha Obito was, simply reminding him: "Just make sure not to reveal my existence when recruiting him, lest he exposes my identity and I have to take action to kill him for secrecy."

"I'm not that foolish."

After Uchiha Obito nodded, he suddenly said, "Although you defeated him in the Chunin Exams, you might not be a match for Itachi now."

"The Mangekyo Sharingan has brought him a qualitative change. An Uchiha who can awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan at the age of eleven is more talented than you..."

"In the future, after Uchiha Itachi awakens Susanoo, just like Uchiha Shisui, he will be able to completely overpower your Wood Release, perhaps becoming even stronger…"

If viewed from Uchiha Obito's perspective, it's not surprising that this superior thinks this way, because Uchiha Obito himself is a beneficiary of the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Of course.

Uchiha Obito has left some things unsaid.

Uchiha Itachi might truly become stronger than Uchiha Shisui in the future!

Because Uchiha Itachi has a younger brother, and there was a secret in the history of the Uchiha clan: if an Uchiha with the Mangekyō Sharingan takes the Mangekyō Sharingan from a sibling and transplants it into themselves, they could ascend to the more powerful Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan!

That was...

The power once obtained by Uchiha Madara!

Unless Akihara Kagura, this kid, could possess the power of the God of Ninja, Senju Hashirama, he could never surpass Uchiha Itachi, who has the chance to obtain the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan!

"..."

Akihara Kagura slightly lowered his eyes.

Uchiha Obito, this superior, is really good, always liking to demonstrate mistakes in front of his subordinates, making them remember the mistakes made by this superior.

Like now.

Akihara Kagura remembered this lesson.

In the future, if he wants to recruit talent into his command, he must never compare his subordinates with the talent he wishes to recruit, to avoid upsetting the subordinates.

Naka Shrine.

Uchiha Obito is indeed naive.

He directly requested a meeting with Uchiha Itachi, openly proposing that Uchiha Itachi join his command, to change the ninja world that is always filled with tragedy.

The meeting was not pleasant.

Uchiha Itachi did not agree with Uchiha Obito's views, thinking there might be something wrong with Uchiha Obito's brain, and straightforwardly refused him.

"If it weren't for you causing the Nine-Tails' disturbance, the relationship between Konoha and the Uchiha wouldn't have reached this point, would it? Shisui wouldn't have sacrificed himself to stop all this..."

"Was it really me?"

Uchiha Obito, looking at Uchiha Itachi, disdainfully reminded: "Don't forget, the root of all that happened today, the seed of doubt between Konoha and the Uchiha clan, was already sown at the very beginning of Konoha's establishment!

As long as there is suspicion between Konoha and the Uchiha clan, starting from the isolation of the Uchiha by the Second Hokage, Tobirama, the Uchiha clan could never integrate into Konoha. I merely gave it a little push to make it happen faster!"

"..."

Uchiha Itachi just coldly watched Uchiha Obito.

This guy betrayed Konoha and also betrayed the Uchiha clan.

However, what this guy said was also very accurate, the root of all that happened today had already been destined since the time of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama!

However...

This does not mean that Uchiha Obito is without any guilt!

It was a small act of convenience by Uchiha Obito that further severed the relationship between Konoha and the Uchiha, constantly making the higher-ups of Konoha suspect the Uchiha.

"I will not join you."

Uchiha Itachi slowly walked down the steps of the Naka Shrine.

"It's okay."

Uchiha Obito did not care at all about Uchiha Itachi's refusal, he seemed to believe that the other would eventually join him: "Uchiha Itachi, there will eventually come a day when you find that all your efforts cannot change the tragic outcome that is destined!"

"In this distorted world, you can't protect anyone."

Uchiha Obito watched as Uchiha Itachi's figure grew smaller, and firmly said: "At that time, I will be waiting here for you."

"..."

Uchiha Itachi did not stop his steps at all.

In a corner of the Naka Shrine.

The real body of White Zetzu and White Zetzu Awei were chatting.

White Zetzu Awei witnessed Uchiha Obito's attempt to recruit Uchiha Itachi and couldn't help but comment: "Has Obito always been so naive?"

"...Yes."

The real body of White Zetzu helplessly nodded.

The white half of the face on the Pitcher Plant Monster is White Zetzu, and the black half claims to be Black Zetzu, two peculiar monsters sharing the same body.

Black Zetzu remembered Uchiha Obito's past actions, his voice also mixed with a bit of helplessness: "Obito's Dojutsu is very special, it's hard for anyone to pose a threat to him."

"Awei."

Uchiha Obito suddenly mentioned Awei's name, and loudly instructed: "Go tell that kid Kagura, to help me provoke a fight between the Uchiha and Konoha, to force Uchiha Itachi into a corner, until he joins us!

When Uchiha Itachi realizes that all his efforts are in vain, he will understand how tragic his fate really is!"

"Yes."

White Zetzu Awei quickly burrowed into the ground.

"Obito."

"We can't stay here for long."

The real body of White Zetzu looked at Uchiha Obito, who planned to hide in the Naka Shrine, and took the initiative to remind him, "Shimura Danzo has always been monitoring the Uchiha. Although my perception ability did not detect Danzo's chakra, I feel that he might have discovered us..."

"Uchiha Itachi is an excellent operative."

Black Zetzu actually agreed with Uchiha Obito's idea, continuing, "Now Uchiha Itachi has activated the Mangekyō Sharingan, and he also has a younger brother, Uchiha Sasuke. If Uchiha Sasuke could also activate the Mangekyō Sharingan in the future..."

"Yes, he has a younger brother."

Uchiha Obito's eyes narrowed slightly, recalling the secret of the Uchiha clan that Uchiha Madara once mentioned to him, "This means, Uchiha Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan still has the potential to become even more powerful..."

"We can't continue to stay here, either."

White Zetzu continued to remind, "Even if Shimura Danzo hasn't found us, if Uchiha Itachi reports to Konoha about Obito hiding in the Naka Shrine..."

"He won't report it."

Uchiha Obito sneered, very confident in his judgment, "Because he knows, reporting to the higher-ups of Konoha at this time will only attract their suspicion, worrying that I am colluding with the Uchiha clan against the Konoha higher-ups..."

"What's more interesting is..."

"Shimura Danzo discovered me, but Uchiha Itachi didn't report this information to him. Isn't it more advantageous for us, who want to provoke a conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha?"

"Are we going to stay here then?"

"We have to recruit operatives anyway..."

Uchiha Obito glanced at Zetzu and continued, "Is there anyone more suitable to recruit than Uchiha Itachi?"

"Your attitude towards Kagura today was somewhat unfriendly."

Black Zetzu pointed out the mistake Uchiha Obito made today, "That child's power is also very strong, an excellent operative for us. Even if Nagato's body has problems in the future, that child could also become a vessel for the Rinnegan."

"I don't like that kid..."

In fact, Uchiha Obito harbored some dislike for Akihara Kagura, because he felt that he was supposed to be the superior, yet it seemed like he was always being suppressed by his subordinate, Akihara Kagura.

~~~

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