Naruto: Kurotsuchi Mayuri

"What about Hanzō? And what about the Rain Ninja? What is their stance toward this organization?" the Third Hokage continued asking.

"Based on what we've learned, Hanzō hasn't appeared publicly for a long time. As for the Rain Ninja, their attitude toward the Akatsuki is somewhat ambiguous. There have been some conflicts between the two sides, but both have exercised restraint," Kagetsu reported everything he had found.

"Conflicts? It seems the Akatsuki have some strength after all," the Third Hokage nodded thoughtfully.

When there are irreconcilable differences, conflict with restraint usually suggests that neither side holds an overwhelming advantage.

If the Akatsuki were weak, there would be no restraint. They would have been wiped out during the initial clashes.

Of course, the Third Hokage didn't truly believe that the Akatsuki could compare to the Rain Ninja Village. After all, Hanzō hadn't even intervened in the disputes.

However, regardless of the situation, the Akatsuki had already become a force independent of the Rain Ninja Village—a significant ninja group in the Land of Rain that couldn't be ignored.

After dismissing Kagetsu and the others, Danzō Shimura appeared in the Hokage's office.

"Let me go to the Land of Rain, Hiruzen," Danzō stood in front of the desk, looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen seated in the chair opposite, making his request.

"What are you planning to do?" The Third Hokage frowned slightly.

"Since the Akatsuki have ties to Konoha, we must pull them into the Land of Fire's fold," Danzō said seriously, leaning on his cane.

"They've grown into a proper organization now, and it's inevitable that they will clash with the Rain Ninja Village. If possible, having Jiraiya's disciple take over as the leader of the Rain Ninja Village would benefit us."

"Yahiko isn't someone who would lead a war against the Rain Ninja Village," the Third Hokage shook his head. "If you intend to manipulate them into participating in a war, it won't be easy."

"Once he realizes his situation, he won't stay so naïve!" Danzō scoffed coldly. "Pursuing peace? Even Konoha hasn't achieved that goal. And now, this fledgling organization founded by three young people in the Land of Rain thinks they can? Hmph…"

"Let me think about it."

The Third Hokage didn't doubt for a second that his old comrade could accomplish what he claimed. As the Darkness of Konoha, Danzo Shimura's methods outside the village were far more aggressive and ruthless than his actions within.

If Danzo said he could make the Akatsuki understand their situation, it meant he was prepared to push them to the brink of despair.

"What's there to think about? Since they've already accepted Konoha's support, they must follow Konoha's orders! When did Orochimaru ever start taking a soft approach?

Right now, Iwagakure and Sunagakure are preoccupied with Kumogakure. This is one of the few opportunities we have to act. Let me handle it. Whether it's the Akatsuki or Amegakure, at least one of them has to stand on Konoha's side," Danzo declared coldly.

"Don't act recklessly! Yahiko and the others are Jiraiya's disciples," the Third Hokage snapped, glaring at Danzo.

"They are Konoha's shinobi first and foremost! They should act in Konoha's interests! If the Akatsuki refuse to listen to Konoha's orders, then we'll replace them. At most, I'll spare those three and have them join the Root division!" Danzo replied sharply.

"I've already summoned Jiraiya back! You'll take over his current assignment—tracking and driving out the Kirigakure squads that have infiltrated. As for the Land of Rain, I'll leave it to Jiraiya and Kagetsu," the Third Hokage said decisively, cutting off further argument.

Technology Development Department

Inside Kagetsu's laboratory...

Kakuzu, who had just regained consciousness, felt an overwhelming heaviness in his body. His green eyes scanned the room, landing on Kagetsu, who stood nearby.

"You're awake, Kakuzu?" Kagetsu asked without looking up, wielding a chakra scalpel to slice another black tendril from Kakuzu's body.

"Ahem! Bastard! What did you do to me?"

Feeling the stillness of his chakra within his body, Kakuzu did not show any signs of fear or panic. He was quite accustomed to situations like this.

"As you can see," Kagetsu said, placing the black tendrils in another device.

Looking at the data displayed from the analysis, it was clear that Earth Grudge Fear was indeed an S-rank forbidden technique. Apart from transforming the user into something unrecognizable, it was incredibly powerful in terms of assistance.

The fact that one could extend their life just by constantly exchanging hearts was truly impressive.

"Mr. Kakuzu, how about collaborating with me?" Kagetsu stood in front of Kakuzu again. "If you cooperate with my research, I'll upgrade your Earth Grudge Fear."

"Earth Grudge Fear is perfect!" Kakuzu, lying on the examination table, with only his head still capable of some movement, said with effort as he opened his mouth.

"I can see that you've carefully selected your five hearts, and you've created corresponding combination jutsu based on the five main chakra natures.

But your potential has its limits! To put it bluntly, Mr. Kakuzu, you're like a bankrupt version of the Third Hokage."

Kagetsu and Kakuzu looked at each other, and he spoke calmly.

So-called combination jutsu aren't just about using two types of chakra nature together. You have to consider the coordination between the jutsu, the chakra ratio, and which type of jutsu will be primary and which will be supplementary.

For example, the most common combination jutsu, Fire Style and Wind Style, uses Fire Style for the main attack and Wind Style for support.

Most elite ninjas can combine two chakra natures, but combining three chakra natures is a whole different level of difficulty.

After all, understanding the targeting, countering, and fusion of chakra attributes, as well as the combination of jutsu, requires deep research and mastery. 

It's very hard to unleash the power of combination jutsu involving three or more chakra natures without years of experience and a strong foundation in ninjutsu.

Among the best at using combined ninjutsu, there's no doubt that the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is the top of the ninja world—unquestionably the pinnacle of skill.

His title of "Professor of Ninjutsu" is well-deserved!

"So, how do you plan to upgrade my Earth Grudge Fear? I've already reached its limit." Despite feeling a bit annoyed that Kagetsu had compared his abilities to a failed version of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Kakuzu didn't dwell on that issue and instead focused on the key question.

"Have you ever considered integrating the heart of a Kekkei Genkai user?" Kagetsu asked softly.

"Are you crazy?" Kakuzu widened his eyes in shock. He never imagined Kagetsu's idea would be this wild!

"Looks like you've tried it?" Kagetsu noticed the change in Kakuzu's expression and a curious gleam flickered in her eyes. "What happened? Tell me!"

"It failed. I couldn't merge with the heart of a Kekkei Genkai user, and the heart ended up damaging the Mask." Kakuzu paused, then answered, "The Mask can only accept a single type of heart. Even if a ninja possesses multiple chakra natures, only one can be accepted by One Mask."

"Then it seems like there's still room for evolution, doesn't it?" Kagetsu smiled, clearly pleased.

"I only have one heart left!"

Facing Kagetsu's smile, Kakuzu remained silent for a moment before gritting his teeth. If the experiment failed and damaged his remaining heart, even an immortal like him would be doomed and go to Pure Land.

****

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