Chapter 132: Obito's Plan

However, upon further reflection, Yahiko realized that while Byakuya holds grudges, he is also determined to spread the ideals of the Akatsuki, so he wouldn't miss this opportunity for exchange.

Yahiko himself was full of confidence in the ideals of the Akatsuki.

Since Akatsuki's measures were able to reform the backward Land of Rain, the effects in the Land of Fire's Konoha would likely be even better. Perhaps, they could even lead all ninja villages towards peace.

Byakuya noticed Yahiko's thoughts and showed a faint smile.

He was very much looking forward to seeing the Fourth Hokage implement Akatsuki's ideals and was curious to see what kind of impact it would have on Konoha.

As for whether Minato Namikaze would accept the Akatsuki's ideals, Byakuya wasn't worried in the slightest. The ideals of the Akatsuki were, after all, created by him, using the "Will of Fire" as a template, combined with some ideas from his previous life. There was no way Minato wouldn't be tempted.

However, whether the others, aside from Minato, would accept it was another question entirely.

After returning to their base, Yahiko and Konan didn't rest. They were busy preparing materials for their meeting with Minato Namikaze the next day. It seemed they were ready to share everything they knew.

Byakuya, uninterested in writing materials, lay on his bed and reflected on his earlier meeting with Kushina.

During the meeting, Byakuya had deliberately used Uzumaki Mito to provoke Kushina. Aside from establishing himself as a strong-willed Uzumaki ninja with deep grievances against Konoha, he also wanted to confirm if Kushina was pregnant.

Kushina's son, Naruto, was destined to be the reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths' son and the protagonist of the next era in the original story. If anything went wrong, it could easily derail future plans.

Byakuya was also pondering whether there might be an opportunity to recruit Asura and Indra under his banner.

After a brief probe, Byakuya confirmed that Kushina was indeed pregnant. In about four to five months, the Child of Prophecy, Naruto, would be born.

In the original story, the day of Naruto's birth was also known as the "Night of the Nine-Tails," one of the most critical turning points.

From that moment on, Konoha began a long decline that lasted over a decade.

While Byakuya was recalling the storyline, Shiro (White Zetsu's) came to him with a message. After hearing what Shiro had to say, Byakuya furrowed his brow.

(AN: In original, it is translated Afu. I then realized it is actually Toby (White Zetsu). However, author also called Obito, Tobi later on. Hence, I used Shiro as the White Zetsu who joined the Akatsuki.)

Black Zetsu planned to meet him tonight to exchange information regarding Konoha.

After some thought, Byakuya agreed to Black Zetsu's invitation. He had a lot to take care of tonight anyway.

---

At night, after leaving a clone at the base, Byakuya made his way to the Naka River.

The Naka River was a large river running through Konoha, with the Uchiha Clan's territory located along its banks, occupying a large area.

Unfortunately, despite the beautiful scenery, the location also isolated the Uchiha Clan, confining them to a corner of the village, forever unable to dance in the halls of the Hokage's office.

After a few minutes of waiting, Obito and Black Zetsu emerged from a vortex and appeared beside Byakuya.

Byakuya approached them and asked, "Black Zetsu-senpai, when did you arrive? Are you planning to gather enough intelligence to act against Konoha?"

"We arrived earlier than you and have already gathered quite a bit of useful information. However, whether to act against Konoha now, Lord Madara has yet to decide. That being said, your visit to Konoha as an envoy must have yielded some valuable intel, no?"

Byakuya nodded and said, "The plan has progressed somewhat..." He the continued, "This morning, I tried to persuade Kushina to join Amegakure and, at the same time, looked for a way to preserve the life of the Jinchuriki. However, Kushina refused my invitation, and the plan failed before it could even begin.

Next, I intend to have Yahiko promote the ideals of Akatsuki to Minato Namikaze, to create a rift between the Fourth Hokage and the other leaders. If Minato becomes disillusioned with Konoha, he might leave the village just like Tsunade did. If that happens, we'll have an opportunity to strike at the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"That's it?" Obito glanced at Byakuya, a sneer forming on his face. He had expected Byakuya to come up with something clever, only to find out it was just a petty scheme of sowing discord.

Promoting the Akatsuki's ideology to create discord between Minato Namikaze and the other leaders of Konoha? How is that even possible?

Minato Namikaze might have a tendency to arrive just a step too late at crucial moments, but it's undeniable that his teacher, the Fourth Hokage, possesses extraordinary personal charisma. Additionally, Minato was elected by the jōnin vote to become the Fourth Hokage. Implementing reform in Konoha isn't something that can be done casually, and inviting Kushina to join Amegakure is even more unrealistic. What reason would Kushina have to join Amegakure?

However, unlike Byakuya, Obito had already prepared a meticulous plan. Once this plan is completed, it will not only weaken Konoha but also alleviate the pressure of capturing the Nine-Tails.

Upon hearing this, Byakuya furrowed his brow and said, "Masked Man, from the way you're speaking, it seems like you have some brilliant plan? Or are you planning to take on the Fourth Hokage head-on? I advise you not to walk into your own death. Your space-time ninjutsu is nowhere near the level of the Fourth Hokage, lover boy."

"Lover boy?!" Hearing Byakuya's mockery, Obito might have once chosen to endure it, but after some time of adapting, he felt that he had fully assimilated Uchiha Madara's legacy and believed his strength now surpassed Byakuya's.

"Do you want to test my ocular powers again? The past is the past, and the present is the present. My strength has vastly improved compared to a few months ago!"

Byakuya wasn't about to back down either, retorting, "If you're asking for a beating, I can certainly grant your wish..."

"Enough, both of you. We're all allies working toward reviving the Ten-Tails; there's no need to bicker like this."

Sensing the tension in the group, Black Zetsu sighed inwardly and quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. He really didn't understand why Byakuya and Obito always ended up quarreling.

With Black Zetsu's intervention, Byakuya's expression softened somewhat. He then turned to Obito and asked, "Masked Man, what exactly is your plan? Surely you're not planning to go straight after the Fourth Hokage and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?"

Obito nodded and replied, "Yes, I plan to take action against them, but not right now. The exact timing will be within the next few months. Just wait and see. I'll prove that I'm stronger than you."

"Stronger than me?"

Byakuya gave him a doubtful look, then shrugged and said, "Suit yourself, but I hope when the time comes, you don't lose to Minato Namikaze and then run crying to Black Zetsu-senpai."

With that, Byakuya left the Naka River and disappeared into the shadows.

Obito let out a cold snort, not bothering to respond to Byakuya, nor did he intend to reveal his plan to him.

What Obito didn't know was that Byakuya was well aware of his plan and was only asking questions to confuse him. Although Byakuya didn't plan to stop the future "Night of the Nine-Tails," there were still some details he intended to change.

How exactly those changes would unfold depended on the scouting work over the next few days and Minato Namikaze's attitude toward the Akatsuki's ideals.