Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

A/N: Please re-read the chapter titled "Namikaze Minato is Injured" as I found an error that needs correction. Thank you for your understanding!

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"The Akatsuki has always strived for love, justice, and peace in the ninja world. I am, Konan..."

Muzan gazed at her with a knowing expression, understanding that her vision was doomed to fail.

Both sought peace in the ninja world, but their methods differed drastically. One aimed to use the power of the Ten-Tails to wipe out oppression, while the other wanted to place everyone in an eternal dream. Yet, both paths were manipulated by unseen forces.

The Akatsuki's tragic beginnings meant little to Muzan. He couldn't count on them.

"Never forget what they are," Muzan thought. "Rogue ninjas from the major villages. They claim to fight for peace, but they're just mercenaries. As long as the price is right, they'll do anything."

In its early days, the Akatsuki wasn't only about money—it was about making a difference while earning it. Konan's Paper Jutsu filled the sky, but Muzan wasn't concerned. Even if the clouds obscured the sun and tore his clothes, he wouldn't be burned.

He approached Konan, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "We should work together. Your organization is short on funds right now. But if we join forces, the money will be endless."

Konan was intrigued. The Akatsuki and Amegakure, both ravaged by war, were in dire need of resources. Despite completing missions, it wasn't enough to sustain an entire village.

"Assassination?" Konan asked, her mind racing. Strong figures from Iwagakure had approached them for such missions before.

"No." Muzan shook his head. "I have no need for assassinations. My enemies are few. Besides, I have the Twelve Kizuki and Yamanosatsu for those tasks."

"What I want is a partnership. Your status prevents you from openly selling exploding tags. I can change that."

"Exploding tags?" Konan raised an eyebrow.

"Think about it. Every major village needs them. At your peak, you had 600 billion tags. Imagine dominating the market and making billions in profits."

Muzan's research required substantial funding. Even Orochimaru, with Danzo's support, needed multiple channels for resources.

"I only want ten percent of the profit," Muzan continued, his voice soft yet firm, like a devil tempting her. Konan found herself swayed by his words.

She had considered selling exploding tags before, but the Akatsuki couldn't openly compete with the major villages. A partner to handle the sales could bring immense profits.

"Alright," Konan finally agreed. "I accept your terms."

"Good. I'll arrange for someone to contact you. We'll lower the price of the exploding tags and flood the market, crippling the competition."

Konan's resolve solidified. Muzan's plan was brilliant. He wouldn't just sell medical equipment—he would corner the arms market as well.

With Konan's help, he could drive prices down, forcing other producers to lose money. Soon, Muzan's empire would dominate the industry.

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As Muzan's influence spread, he faced new challenges. "I hope the right person shows up at the Land of Fire's border this time," he muttered.

The Twelve Kizuki's progress was slow, and careful selection was essential for each member. Meanwhile, Iwagakure had launched repeated large-scale invasions, turning the region into a blood-soaked battlefield.

To stall Iwagakure, Konoha had sent wave after wave of teams to intercept them at Kannabi Bridge. Despite Konoha's efforts, destroying the bridge was proving impossible.

In the original timeline, Namikaze Minato had arrived in time to turn the tide. But now, he had been delayed by an assassination mission targeting the one tails Jinchuriki, orchestrated by Ebizo, preventing him from participating in the pivotal battle.

"Master Muzan, the situation is dire," one of his subordinates reported.

Morale was low, and even Konoha was struggling to fend off Iwagakure's five-thousand-strong ninja army.

"Treat the wounded first," Muzan ordered. "I'll speak with the commander on the front lines."

Nara Shikaku, the strategist, was in charge of the battlefield. As a member of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, he was a formidable jonin. Though not as renowned as Minato, his tactical mind was invaluable.

" Muzan," Shikaku greeted, recognizing the importance of Muzan's presence.

"This is the main route for Iwagakure's forces," Shikaku explained. "They rely heavily on supplies from the rear, which makes Kannabi Bridge vital."

Despite numerous attempts, Konoha had failed to destroy the bridge. Without high-level combat power, it seemed impossible.

"Too many have died on this path," Shikaku added grimly. "Even Kakashi's team barely survived, suffering heavy losses."

"Kakashi..." Muzan mused. "For Uchiha Madara's plan to succeed, Obito's heart had to be shattered. The death of someone dear to him at the hands of a comrade was the only way to push him over the edge."

Kakashi had to live for Madara's plan to unfold. "How is Kakashi?" Muzan asked.

"He's injured, but alive," Shikaku replied. "He's been sent to the rear to recover."

Muzan wasn't worried about Kakashi. War was cruel, but Kakashi wasn't weak.

"I'll see him later," Muzan said. "But first, we need to destroy Kannabi Bridge. If we don't, Iwagakure will continue their advance."

Konoha's forces were stretched thin, and Iwagakure wouldn't withdraw until they achieved significant gains. With control over the Land of Fire, their supplies ensured a sustained offensive.

"What we need now," Shikaku began, "is someone strong enough to break through their defenses and destroy the bridge."

The strain of the war was evident in Shikaku's tired eyes. Casualties mounted, but victory remained elusive.

"I'll do it," Muzan declared. "Give me all the exploding tags you have. I'm stronger than Kakashi."

"This…" Nara Shikaku fell into deep thought. He knew of Muzan's strength, but knowing and executing a mission were two different things. The danger level at Kannabi Bridge had been critical during the Third Great Ninja War. If Iwagakure wanted to expand their victory, they wouldn't avoid targeting this location.

However, as Shikaku considered it, he couldn't think of a surefire way to stop the enemy. He understood that Muzan was strong enough to lead a team, especially with a medical ninja by his side, which would increase their chances of completing the mission.

Reason told Shikaku it was better not to send Muzan. If something went wrong, the Nara clan could find itself in conflict with two Kage-level powerhouses simultaneously. Even as a prestigious clan in Konoha, Shikaku had to weigh the risks carefully.

"Don't hesitate—assign me an elite team," Muzan insisted firmly.

Too many had already died in this war, and Muzan couldn't be sure if the Raikage would launch another attack when he returned to Kumogakure. Even with the tension between Kumogakure and Iwagakure, the temptation of Konoha's resources was hard to resist.

After all, there are no eternal enemies or eternal friends—only eternal interests.

"Very well," Shikaku agreed, exhaling. "I'll arrange an elite team to assist you in completing the mission."

The mission was unquestionably S-rank.

The team Muzan would lead included ninjas from several noble clans: Hyuga, Inuzuka, Sarutobi, and Shimura.

Shikaku also ordered the main forces to engage Iwagakure's forces head-on to cover the team's movements. This was their best chance at success. If they failed, Konoha would have to consider sending Sakumo or Orochimaru to deal with the situation.

"We'll move this afternoon," Shikaku instructed. "If we reach Kannabi Bridge by nightfall, the darkness will aid our infiltration."

As Muzan prepared, he made his way to the rear camp, where medical ninjas moved between the tents, tending to the wounded.

The intensity of the war had drawn many medical ninjas from other fronts. They often arrived only to be assigned to a different battlefield, exhausted yet determined. None of them complained. As medical ninjas, they had accepted their fate—to save lives on the front lines. As long as they had a chance to save someone, they would keep working.

Muzan found Kakashi lying in one of the hospital beds, a somber aura surrounding him—a feeling Muzan did not wish to see.

"Oi, brat!" Muzan flicked Kakashi's forehead protector, snapping him out of his daze. Kakashi turned his head slowly, his dead-fish eyes focusing on Muzan.

"What are you doing here?" Kakashi asked, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

The arrogant boy Kakashi once was had vanished. He now understood the cruelty of war. Had it not been for the ninja who had sacrificed themselves to save him, he would have died at Kannabi Bridge.

"I'm here to complete the mission you left unfinished," Muzan said with a smirk. "At Kannabi Bridge."

Kakashi's eyes widened in alarm, and he tried to grab Muzan's arm, but his body was still immobilized by bandages. "You can't go! That place is a death trap. I don't even know how many shinobi have fallen there."

He had already lost two teammates. He couldn't bear to lose another family member.

"Relax. This time, I'll have strong comrades by my side," Muzan reassured him, adjusting the pillow beneath Kakashi's head. Muzan was more than just a comrade—he was his older brother.

"You idiot! You don't understand how brutal Kannabi Bridge is!" Kakashi tried to attack, but Muzan pinned him down with ease.

Muzan knew Kakashi was hurting, but sometimes, tough love was necessary.

"Boom!" Muzan's fist landed squarely on Kakashi's head. A few medical ninjas nearby heard the commotion. They started to rush over, but when they saw Muzan, they quickly backed off. They weren't about to interfere with a brother disciplining his sibling.

"It hurts…" Kakashi muttered, rubbing his head.

Muzan spoke more seriously now. "I know you're upset about losing your teammates. And you're worried I'll die at Kannabi Bridge too. But death isn't always the end, Kakashi. The line between life and death is thinner than you think. Sometimes, people return."

Kakashi blinked in confusion. Muzan's words were cryptic, but the last sentence made him pause. "Return? What do you mean? You don't need to comfort me like a kid."

Kakashi pushed Muzan's hand away, but Muzan's serious expression caught his attention. He had known Muzan long enough to understand that when he looked like this, there might be some truth to what he was saying. Hesitantly, Kakashi asked, "Is that… really possible?"

Muzan broke into a wide grin. "Nope! Just messing with you!" he laughed, pushing Kakashi back onto the bed.

Muzan's hands glowed with blue chakra as he began applying medical ninjutsu. His control over medical techniques was far more advanced than most medics. He could sense the damaged cells in Kakashi's body and carefully worked to repair them.

Excessive cell division could shorten one's lifespan or affect future generations. Muzan didn't want Kakashi to burn out. He felt it was his responsibility to make sure Kakashi found a wife and continued the Hatake bloodline. He couldn't let his brother end up as a dead-fish-eyed loner.

"Being the big brother sure is a lot of work…" Muzan muttered.

After treating Kakashi's hidden injuries, Muzan got ready to leave, but Kakashi's voice stopped him. "You can't go to the battlefield!"

Muzan responded by landing another fist on Kakashi's forehead, knocking him out with a burst of chakra.

The medics stared in disbelief. They looked at Muzan's rough method, then at the unused anesthesia needles in their hands.

"As expected of Master Muzan—his methods are always… efficient."

"I think it might actually reduce the pain... if it doesn't cause brain damage first."

Muzan sighed. He couldn't let Kakashi follow him to the battlefield. The mission was too dangerous. Besides himself, the rest of the team was at serious risk.

By the time Muzan left the camp, it was already noon. Waiting outside were four others. At the front stood a member of the Hyuga clan.

"Hizashi Hyuga," Muzan greeted, "Keep your Byakugan activated at all times. We'll need you to scout the area as we pass through the Iwa-nin blockade."

As the team's sensor and a member of the prestigious Hyuga clan, Hizashi's role was vital in detecting enemy movements.

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