Starting with rogue ninjas, building the insect kingdom.

Chapter 489 The Akatsuki Alliance's Do-or-Die Strategy

Hiruzen Sarutobi already had a guess in his mind. He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at Konoha Village as night approached. "I guess he wants to destroy Konoha, destroy the ninja world! Is he yet another being who wants to destroy the ninja world? When will the ninja world finally see true peace!"

Pedestrians hurried along the streets, children ran and played on the playground, and lanterns in izakayas lit up one by one.

How long can this peaceful scene last?

"Notify all Jonin to hold an emergency meeting first thing tomorrow morning." Hiruzen Sarutobi, his back to the two, spoke with an unprecedented weariness in his voice. "Also, send someone to find Itachi. Tell him... Konoha owes him an explanation."

Do you think he'll come back?

"No," Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, "but whether to say it or not is a matter of attitude."

At least for now, Konoha cannot do without Itachi Uchiha's fighting power, the Akatsuki organization cannot do without Itachi Uchiha's fighting power, and the ninja world cannot do without Itachi Uchiha's fighting power.

-

That night, the Hokage's Jonin meeting and the Akatsuki's meeting began simultaneously.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's Illusionary Lantern Technique served to cover both sides simultaneously, but the Jonin meeting on Konoha's side had essentially lost its significance for decision-making.

Because there aren't many Jonin left in Konoha who can be considered significant figures, his son and daughter-in-law Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio of Konoha's three clans, the new head of the Inuzuka clan, his two close friends and elders, the humble Hiashi Hyuga, as well as Kakashi Hatake, the head of the Anbu team, the head of the interrogation department, the head of the medical department, and Might Guy, who had just become a Jonin not long ago and was full of youthful passion, now had a solemn expression on his face.

"Then this Jonin Conference is officially open. I have a very important announcement to make. Our ninja world is about to face two major enemies. One is the rogue ninja, Shisei, who leads his troops. The other is Obito Uchiha, the masked man who caused the Nine-Tails attack and the massacre of the Uchiha clan."

"The enemy we face is stronger than ever before, so we need to gather all our strength—I'm not just talking about Konoha, but the strength of all ninjas. Therefore, I hope that everyone here can set aside their immediate hatred..."

Upon hearing Obito Uchiha's name, Kakashi Hatake's eyes widened instantly. He was still alive. So, was it I who drove him to his death back then?

The regret in his heart overwhelmed him, making him unable to listen to a single word. He could only suppress all his emotions.

Because Konoha and the ninja world are now at a critical juncture, we absolutely cannot allow personal emotions to affect the overall situation.

The inner torment caused him a terrible headache; he felt that Hiruzen Sarutobi's words were buzzing like flies, unpleasant to hear.

Matt Kai, sensing his distress, gently supported him and asked cautiously, "What's wrong?"

Hearing the two whispering, Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped speaking, and all the Jonin turned to look at him.

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "I know you might lose control of your emotions upon hearing this news. As a ninja, there are some things you must endure. Because that is our ninja's mission."

"Excuse me, Lord Sarutobi, I'd like to go outside for some fresh air."

"Sigh, never mind, you can go out now."

After Kakashi Hatake left, the meeting continued, but unfortunately, the atmosphere had already become disorganized. Although everyone was gathered together to discuss, they were just listening quietly, perhaps remaining silent, or perhaps having other plans in mind.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi's son, Asuma Sarutobi, felt that their father's current appearance was utterly repulsive, and his condescending, lecturing manner was even more disgusting.

In a daze, he suddenly realized that his father, when did his father go from being so kind, from being a warrior of the ninja world, from being a living person who valued the bonds between people, to becoming such a monster!

Meeting his father's cold eyes, he was startled and broke out in a cold sweat. The cigarette butt in his mouth suddenly fell onto his thigh, burning him so much that he hurriedly stood up from the stool.

Seeing his speech interrupted again, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned. This time, he was ruthless. "Asuma, you get out too!"

"Fine, I'll go then," Asuma said nonchalantly. "Old man, sometimes I feel like Danzo is your dark side. He's not dead, he's become one with you."

-

Meanwhile, all the core members of the Akatsuki organization gathered together.

Black Zetsu stood in the main seat and addressed the crowd, "Everyone, our leader is dead. Our greatest reliance has vanished. Therefore, we can no longer silently endure this blow. We must take the initiative to strike, only then can we have a sliver of hope. I have already made contact with Hiruzen Sarutobi in Konoha."

"When the time is right, we will immediately launch a counterattack against the Land of Waterfall!"

"Damn it, we should have done this a long time ago!" Raikage pounded his chest in frustration. He had been holding back his anger for a long time, wanting to make a big move. Now they had nothing left to lose.

What's there to be afraid of? If we can win, we'll fight. If we can't, we'll just die. Anyway, there's always the Impure World Reincarnation. When he becomes a corpse puppet, he'll still tear a layer of skin off the Land of Waterfalls.

Unfortunately, apart from the Raikage, the others were not very excited. Onoki's side remained silent, as did the Kirigakure team.

Just then, two more phantoms connected. At this moment, there were exactly nine people present. If we include Itachi Uchiha, who had temporarily withdrawn, the Akatsuki members were now only ten.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice came from within the phantom, "The personnel are ready; it's time to prepare to move out!"

Black Zetsu then responded, "Very good."

Hiruzen Sarutobi added, "I have contacted the Hidden Mist Village ninjas who have become pirates on the island. They infiltrated the mainland yesterday and are gathering now."

Black Zetsu smiled cruelly and said to everyone, "Let's start with Takigakure in the Land of Waterfalls. As far as I know, Shisei Aburame is currently in seclusion and not in the Land of Dragons. This is a good opportunity."

"Gentlemen, now we'll arrange our positions and draw lots to assign them."

He took out five pieces of paper and threw them in front of everyone. Everyone grabbed them and was assigned an equally matched opponent.

"Alright, let's set off now!" Black Zetsu said in a hoarse voice. "This time, we're going to teach them a lesson they won't forget!"

The group took the lead, gathered their weapons and equipment, and scattered in all directions toward their targets.

Black Zetsu stood on the city wall, a sinister smile on his face.

Aburame Shisei, just wait. When you return from seclusion, I will see with my own eyes that everything you have seen has been destroyed!

Hahaha, hahahaha!