Naruto: The Architect

First things first: What's a wormhole?

In scientific terms, a wormhole is a theoretical passage through space-time, like a shortcut connecting two far-off points.

Imagine folding a piece of paper in half and poking a pencil through it. The paper is space-time, the pencil is the wormhole. Simple, right?

Of course, Rick makes it look easy with his portal gun, but in reality—or at least in this ninja-infested reality—creating a wormhole requires an absolutely ridiculous amount of energy.

Like, astronomical levels. And there lies my current problem.

Today's task: build a wormhole/portal using seals and my newly created sub-quantum computer.

Theoretically, I already have everything I need. My computer, powered by strings instead of traditional q-bits, can handle the calculations necessary to stabilize the wormhole.

I've also designed a series of Uzumaki-inspired seals to anchor the portal in space-time.

"You know," Nova said, her tone almost sarcastic, "If this fails, you could accidentally rip a hole in space-time and collapse half the planet."

"Optimism, Nova," I muttered, wiping sweat from my forehead. "That's what keeps us going. And you're telling this, about the eighth or so time?"

Finally, I assembled the seals in a circular array, each one glowing faintly with stored chakra. The sub-quantum computer was hooked up and running flawlessly.

Everything was ready—except for one critical component.

The power source.

The amount of energy required to open a wormhole is... well, a lot. Even if I drain chakra from every civilian in Konoha, it wouldn't come close to what I need.

The first thing that came to mind was using Yugito Nii and the Two-Tails. A tailed beast is basically a walking nuke, after all.

But here's the catch: the Two-Tails wouldn't be enough. My calculations showed that I'd need the chakra equivalent of at least the Ten-Tails to power the portal. Either that or an absurd amount of natural energy, like the kind found in sage regions.

I sat on the lab bench, spinning a kunai between my fingers as I mulled over my options. I need an absurd amount of energy to get astronomical amount of energy, what dilema!

"You know," I said aloud, "I could always just hunt down a stronger tailed beast."

Nova, ever pragmatic, immediately chimed in. "That would draw too much attention. The Akatsuki would notice, and you're not strong enough to take them all on yet."

That got me thinking. Why fight the Akatsuki?

Why fight when I could just join them?

If I joined the Akatsuki, I'd have access to some of the most dangerous and powerful individuals in the world—not to mention plenty of opportunities to siphon chakra or gather resources for my projects. It's a win-win.

I stood up, determination sparking in my chest. "Alright, Nova. Pack it up. We're going to the Land of Rain."

"Do you have a plan?" Nova asked.

"Of course I do," I said, pulling my oni mask from its shelf and slipping it over my face.

…

Land of Rain

Hiroshi stood at the edge of the Land of Rain, the downpour soaking his robes and plastering his blond hair to his face.

He looked the country where rain never stopped and everything seemed perpetually damp. Beside him, a small army of clones stood at attention, their identical expressions betraying no hint of discomfort in the ceaseless rain.

"Alright, listen up," Hiroshi said, addressing the clones as if they were soldiers. "Your mission is simple: go out into the world and collect blood samples from rare kekkei genkai users.

And remember—be sneaky, don't get caught, and don't kill anyone unless absolutely necessary. We don't want any international incidents… yet."

One clone raised its hand, the gesture so unexpected that Hiroshi blinked in surprise.

"Yes, Clone #17?"

"What if we run into someone who's, like, really strong? Should we... you know, pretend to die dramatically?"

Hiroshi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "No. Just poof away like a normal clone. No need for drama."

The clones nodded solemnly, though a few looked disappointed at the lack of drama. One by one, they dispersed in different directions.

"Finally," Hiroshi muttered to himself as the last clone vanished. "Time to make some progress."

He adjusted his cloak and stepped forward, heading into the Land of Rain. The rain was relentless, soaking him to the bone within minutes.

Hiroshi didn't mind; it was almost refreshing compared to the constant plotting and scheming he'd been doing back in Konoha.

As he moved deeper into the country, the scenery became more desolate. The buildings were sparse and crumbling, and the streets were eerily empty, save for the occasional puddle that seemed deeper than it had any right to be. He felt like he was walking through the set of a horror movie.

"Nova," he muttered under his breath, addressing the AI in his head. "Any advice on how to make a good first impression with Akatsuki?"

"Maybe don't insult anyone with paper-related abilities," Nova replied dryly.

"Noted," Hiroshi said, rolling his eyes. "Wait, why paper specifically?"

Before Nova could answer, Out of nowhere, a flurry of paper bombs rained down from the sky, exploding in a dazzling display of light and sound.

Hiroshi leaped backward, narrowly avoiding.

"Paper abilities," Nova said.

Hiroshi groaned. "Great. Just great."

From the swirling paper, a figure emerged—a woman with striking blue hair. Her expression was calm.

"You've trespassed in the Land of Rain,"

Konan said, "State your purpose, or prepare to face the consequences."

Hiroshi raised his hands in mock surrender, his lips curling into a disarming smile. "Whoa, whoa, hold on. No need for the paper fireworks. I'm here to join Akatsuki. Thought I'd make myself useful."

Konan didn't seem impressed. "We don't accept random wanderers. Prove yourself or leave."

"Prove myself?" Hiroshi echoed, scratching his head.

"Alright, how about this—I'll fold you a paper crane. Wait, no, that might be offensive. Uh, what about a paper plane?"

Before he could ramble further, Konan's paper wings spread wide, and a barrage of razor-sharp sheets flew toward him. Hiroshi barely managed to dodge, rolling behind a crumbling wall for cover.

"Okay," he muttered, peeking out from behind the wall. "She's not big on jokes. Got it."

Konan appeared above him. Hiroshi knew he had to act fast. He summoned his dagger, and launched himself into the air to meet her.

Konan intensified her attacks, her paper blades cutting through the air with deadly precision.

Hiroshi countered with a mix of dark and lightning-based jutsu, creating a chaotic display of light and shadow as their battle raged on.

Summoning a surge of chakra. He unleashed a lightning jutsu that crackled through the rain, forcing Konan to retreat.

"You're persistent," she admitted, her wings folding back into her body as she landed gracefully on the ground.

"But persistence alone won't earn you a place in Akatsuki."

Hiroshi landed a few feet away from her, his breathing steady despite the exertion. "Look," he said, "I didn't come here to fight you. I came here to prove my worth. And if that means taking on your entire squad, then so be it."

Konan studied him for a long moment, her gaze unreadable. Finally, she nodded. "Very well. Follow me."

"Wait, that's it? No more paper bombs?"

"For now," Konan said, turning on her heel and walking away. "But don't think this means you've earned my trust."

Hiroshi shrugged, falling into step behind her.

"Fair enough. But for the record, I'm great at folding paper cranes."

Konan didn't respond, but he swore he saw the corner of her mouth twitch.

As they disappeared into the rain-soaked landscape, Hiroshi couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This was just the beginning.

Hiroshi had spent enough time preparing for this moment. He had to look intimidating, competent, and, above all, useful. Nova's voice echoed in his head.

"Remember, Hiroshi. Don't say anything stupid. Pain doesn't have a sense of humor."

"Noted," Hiroshi replied internally.

The entrance to the Akatsuki's lair was guarded by towering stone statues. As Hiroshi approached, Konan stepped out of the shadows. Her piercing eyes scanned him suspiciously.

"Follow me," she said curtly.

Hiroshi nodded, keeping his demeanor calm and collected. Inside the fortress, the air was thick with tension. Konan led him to a dimly lit chamber where Pain.

Pain's Rinnegan locked on Hiroshi, scrutinizing him as if trying to peel away his disguise.

But Hiroshi's new sub-quantum computer had already come up with some seal that could give a middle finger to even the eyes of a sage.

"You wish to join the Akatsuki," Pain stated, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber.

Hiroshi bowed slightly, his voice calm. "That's correct."

Pain didn't respond immediately. Instead, he leaned forward, his gaze even more intense. 'I can't see his face; what is that Oni mask?'

"Why should we accept you? What can you offer?"

Nova chimed in. "Say dialog line number 5B. It'll make you sound cooler."

Hiroshi straightened his posture. "I bring power, intelligence, and a willingness to serve the Akatsuki's cause. Test me if you must."

'From his words, he seems to be a man of honor; if he's strong enough, Akatsuki always uses someone like him.'

Pain's eyes narrowed. "Very well. You will prove your loyalty and capability. Your mission is to recruit Kisame Hoshigaki from the Hidden Mist Village. If you succeed, you will earn your place among us."

Hiroshi blinked behind his mask. "Recruit Kisame? The guy who looks like a shark?"

Pain's expression didn't change. "Do you have an objection?"

"None at all," Hiroshi said quickly.

Konan stepped forward. "I will accompany him. If he's lying or incompetent, I'll handle it."

Pain nodded, dismissing them with a wave of his hand. "Do not return unless you succeed."