Shanks was very satisfied after hearing about the growth that had occurred in the Uzushiogakure fighting forces. After all, even though he had been keeping track of everything regularly, hearing the final conclusion directly still felt completely different. The growth that had occurred in the past three years was truly astonishing and deeply satisfying to witness.
Not only him, but everyone present in the meeting hall felt the same way. A faint sense of pride appeared on many faces as the atmosphere inside the hall grew heavier with confidence. Some of them exchanged glances while others silently nodded to themselves. They all understood just how difficult it was to raise military strength at such a terrifying speed without causing instability within the nation itself.
And they also knew the main reason behind the rapid rise of Uzushiogakure's forces, especially the shinobi who had been injected with the Super Shinobi Serum.
The main reason was the sale of the healing potions.
Due to the continuous sale of those healing potions, Uzushiogakure had amassed wealth like crazy over the past three years. Gold, resources, and influence had flowed into the Land of Uzumaki endlessly like rivers converging toward the sea. Even after all this time, countless businessmen, researchers, alchemists, and even major ninja villages had desperately tried to imitate the healing potions of Uzushiogakure.
However, none of them were able to achieve any meaningful success.
Some managed to create low-quality copies, while others completely failed during experimentation. The true formula and the secret behind the potions still remained firmly within Uzushiogakure's hands. Because of that, the superiority of Uzushiogakure's healing potions still stood unshaken even after three years, and their monopoly over the market had only become stronger with time.
Shanks slowly leaned back on his seat for a moment before letting out a small breath. The satisfaction on his face gradually disappeared, replaced by seriousness. His sharp gaze swept across everyone present in the meeting hall, instantly causing the atmosphere to become solemn.
"Very well," Shanks said calmly, yet his voice carried undeniable authority throughout the hall. "Distribute all the Uzushiogakure shinobi army and place them at different checkpoints so as to be ready for an attack from any direction from Akatsuki. All of you will remain on standby at all times."
He continued without pause, his tone steady and decisive.
"The Uzushiogakure shinobi forces will be led by Benimaru as the Supreme Commander. Below him will be Mereoleona, Todoroki, Yoko, and Erza."
As Shanks spoke each name, the individuals remained calm, though the pressure in the room subtly intensified.
"Benimaru, you will deploy the forces as you see fit. You will act as the Supreme Commander for the probable battle we may have with the Akatsuki."
Benimaru nodded firmly without hesitation.
"The rest of you will remain prepared to support the small countries under us, our allies, and the nations that have become our vassals. At any moment, you may be deployed to their locations."
Everyone present nodded immediately after hearing the orders. No one questioned anything. The seriousness in Shanks' eyes alone made it clear that the situation could turn into war at any moment.
Shanks then shifted his gaze toward another group.
"The Shadow Guards—your main duty will be to protect everyone within the Uzumaki clan compound and also the entirety of the Uzushiogakure. Be prepared for everything."
As soon as Shanks finished speaking, everyone nodded once more.
Immediately afterward, Uzushiogakure began moving like a massive machine that had fully awakened.
Orders spread rapidly throughout the village. Shinobi disappeared from headquarters one after another using Body Flicker Techniques. Deployment formations were established, squads were created, commanders were assigned, and communication routes were secured. Messengers continuously moved across different sectors of the Land of Uzumaki while military preparations intensified everywhere.
Watchtowers began rising continuously across important routes and borderlines. Patrol units increased day and night, and sensory barriers were strengthened layer after layer. The sound of construction, marching footsteps, and issued commands echoed throughout different parts of the nation.
A powerful and extremely tight defense network was quickly formed all around the Land of Uzumaki and Uzushiogakure, preparing for the storm that could descend at any moment.
Around Uzushiogakure, an enormous sealing barrier had been created. Countless invisible seals were spread throughout the entire Land of Uzumaki, interlinked with one another like a gigantic network. From the sky above to the earth below, the entire region was covered under its influence. This sealing barrier was even more advanced than Konoha's sealing barrier.
The primary function of Konoha's sealing barrier was to raise an alarm whenever an intruder entered whose chakra signature was not registered and who had entered illegally. Furthermore, after Minato had integrated the restriction on the usage of space-time ninjutsu into the system, no one could teleport directly inside Konoha without permission.
When Shanks had first analyzed that sealing technique, even he had found it a marvel.
The complexity behind the chakra formulas, the synchronization of the sensory network, and the space-locking mechanism were all extremely impressive. Very few people in the ninja world could even understand such a structure properly, much less improve upon it.
However, after deeply analyzing it with Raphael's assistance, Shanks had eventually managed to create an even more superior barrier around Uzushiogakure.
The sealing formulas of Uzushiogakure stretched throughout the land like invisible veins. Massive seal arrays were hidden beneath the earth, inside watchtowers, within important buildings, and even engraved deep into the surrounding coastline. Faint chakra flowed continuously through the network day and night, maintaining the barrier without pause.
Similar to Konoha's barrier, it could detect any intruder immediately and also stop any unknown space-time teleportation from occurring inside the barrier itself.
However, the difference was that Uzushiogakure's system was far more advanced and restrictive.
Those who had been granted authority by the system were specially registered within the sealing barrier itself. People like Shanks, Guy, Antares, and Benimaru—those capable of using space-time techniques to directly teleport through chakra coordinates—had their chakra signatures permanently integrated into the barrier network.
Because of that, whenever their space-time marks appeared or whenever their chakra attempted to connect with the space-time field surrounding Uzushiogakure, the barrier would immediately recognize them as authorized individuals.
Only then would the barrier open a direct path for them.
Their teleportation would not be obstructed in any way, and they could freely enter the space-time zone inside Uzushiogakure without restriction.
But for intruders, the situation was completely different.
If an unknown person attempted to teleport directly into Uzushiogakure, the barrier itself would reject the space-time connection entirely. Their teleportation would simply fail before completion, preventing them from entering the village through any unauthorized space-time method.
And the terrifying part was that the restriction did not stop there.
Even if an enemy somehow managed to physically infiltrate Uzushiogakure from outside and then attempted to use space-time techniques inside the barrier to teleport from one location to another, even that would become impossible.
The moment unauthorized space-time chakra fluctuations were detected, the barrier would immediately interfere with the surrounding space itself.
For the intruder, space would feel as though it had frozen solid.
All forms of unauthorized teleportation, warping, dimensional shifting, or instant movement techniques would become unusable within the barrier's influence. At that point, the enemy would be forced to rely purely on their own movement speed and fighting abilities.
This single restriction alone made the barrier terrifyingly dangerous against opponents who heavily relied on space-time ninjutsu.
But that still was not the full capability of Uzushiogakure's sealing barrier.
Another function of the system was the creation of a complete defensive barrier during emergency situations.
The moment enough chakra was injected through the central seal arrays, a massive defensive barrier could instantly rise around important areas or even around the entirety of Uzushiogakure itself. The air would tremble as gigantic chakra walls formed across the surroundings, sealing the region completely.
During that time, only individuals approved and registered by the sealing system would be allowed to pass through the barrier freely.
Anyone else would be blocked outside entirely.
No matter how hard intruders attacked from outside, forcibly entering would become extraordinarily difficult.
Because of all these functions combined—the sensory detection, the restriction of unauthorized space-time movement, the freezing of internal teleportation, and the emergency defensive barrier system—the sealing barrier of Uzushiogakure had completely surpassed Konoha's sealing barrier in both complexity and defensive capability.
…
In Amegakure, inside the tallest building where the God resided, a meeting of the Akatsuki was currently being held.
Rain continuously poured outside without pause, striking the metal structures of Amegakure and creating a cold metallic rhythm throughout the city. Dim lights flickered inside the massive meeting hall, and the atmosphere within was heavy and oppressive.
On the main seat of the round table sat the Deva Path of Pain.
His expression remained completely indifferent, his ripple-patterned Rinnegan quietly observing everyone present in the hall. On the seat to his right sat Konan calmly. On his left side sat the masked man in absolute silence, his single visible eye hidden behind the spiral mask as he leaned back quietly.
The other members of Akatsuki were also present around the round table.
However, there were slight differences compared to the original Akatsuki lineup.
For example, Itachi was not among the Akatsuki members.
In this timeline, the Uchiha clan had never been pushed to the brink of destruction. On the contrary, through Minato's charisma and political handling, he had managed the Uchiha clan extremely well. The distrust between the village and the Uchiha clan had never reached the point of collapse.
Because of that, both Shisui and Itachi were alive and well.
Not only that, both of them had become extremely important pillars of Konoha.
Shisui's influence within the clan and Konoha's military forces had continued growing over the years, while Itachi had already become one of Konoha's most terrifying prodigies. Combined with Fugaku's stable leadership and Minato's policies, the Uchiha clan in this timeline was far more united and dangerous than before.
There were also some completely different faces present within the Akatsuki itself.
Several members had undergone enhancement through Hashirama cells, causing visible changes in their bodies and chakra. Because of these changes, the Akatsuki of this timeline was even stronger than it had been in the original storyline.
After the hall fell silent for a moment, the Deva Path finally began speaking.
"We have successfully captured the eight tailed beasts from the different major villages."
His calm voice echoed throughout the meeting hall.
"Now, only one tailed beast remains—the Nine-Tails."
At the mention of the Nine-Tails, several Akatsuki members narrowed their eyes slightly.
"But capturing it will be the most difficult task of all."
The Deva Path continued expressionlessly.
"First of all, Konoha is not called the second strongest village for nothing."
Rain thundered faintly outside as he continued listing the names one by one.
"They possess extremely powerful shinobi among their ranks. People like Itachi Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha, the Uchiha clan head—Uchiha Fugaku, the Fourth Hokage, the Third Hokage, two of the Sannin—Jiraiya and Tsunade."
Each name alone carried enormous pressure within the ninja world.
"And then there are elite shinobi like Kakashi and Might Guy."
The Deva Path's fingers lightly tapped the table once.
"Konoha possesses a very powerful lineup."
The atmosphere inside the hall became increasingly solemn.
"So even if we launch a surprise attack on Konoha, it would be mostly useless. Their reaction speed is fast enough to immediately establish defenses and mobilize their strongest forces."
His Rinnegan scanned everyone present.
"Because of that, it would be better to attack them with proper formations and with a proper army."
The moment those words were spoken, several Akatsuki members slightly shifted in their seats. Attacking Konoha directly with military force was no small matter.
"And that is not the only issue."
The Deva Path's voice remained calm, but heavier now.
"If we attack Konoha, Uzushiogakure will also move against us."
At those words, the hall grew quieter.
One of the newer Akatsuki members finally spoke up.
He was a shinobi possessing the Lava Release Kekkei Genkai. Due to the enhancement from Hashirama cells, his body emitted faint heat continuously, and cracks resembling cooled magma were visible along portions of his arms.
He frowned slightly and said,
"Why would Uzushiogakure interfere for Konoha's sake?"
A few members glanced toward him.
"Even if we attack Konoha, they shouldn't react." He leaned forward slightly as molten chakra flickered faintly around his fingertips. "After all, Konoha and Uzushiogakure do not have good relations with each other."
After hearing this, the Deva Path slowly nodded and said calmly,
"You are right."
His emotionless Rinnegan reflected the dim light of the meeting hall.
"If this were merely a normal war between us and Konoha, then Uzushiogakure definitely would not have intervened. In fact, there is even a possibility they would have preferred to simply watch both sides weaken each other."
Several Akatsuki members silently listened.
"But our objective is the Nine-Tails."
The atmosphere in the room instantly became heavier.
"And the Nine-Tails currently resides inside the Fourth Hokage and also his son—Namikaze Naruto."
The Deva Path's fingers rested quietly on the table as he continued.
"Namikaze Naruto is the nephew of the Uzukage."
At those words, understanding slowly appeared on several faces.
"And it has already been made clear through intelligence reports that the Uzukage and the upper leadership of Uzushiogakure hold considerable affection toward Naruto."
The rain outside intensified slightly, the sound echoing against the steel walls of Amegakure.
"After all, Naruto is also half-Uzumaki, being the son of Uzumaki Kushina."
The Lava Release user from Iwagakure finally nodded slowly after hearing the explanation.
Now he understood why Uzushiogakure would react aggressively if they attacked Konoha for the Nine-Tails.
This was no longer simply about military alliances or village politics.
It involved blood relations.
And everyone in the ninja world knew how protective the Uzumaki clan could become regarding their own people.
The Deva Path continued speaking shortly afterward.
"We will attack using multiple formations."
As he spoke, several maps and marked routes were spread across the round table.
"Here will be our plan."
The meeting hall became completely focused.
Afterward, detailed military planning began.
Routes of invasion were discussed, deployment timings were calculated, and squad movements were assigned carefully. The Akatsuki was not merely planning to attack Konoha directly—they also planned to proactively pressure Uzushiogakure itself.
Their goal was clear.
If Uzushiogakure became occupied defending itself, then it would not be able to properly support Konoha during the war.
Several attack routes toward the Land of Uzumaki were also established in advance. Supply lines, diversionary attacks, infiltration squads, and battlefield coordination were all discussed thoroughly one after another.
The meeting lasted for quite a while.
Finally, once all the planning had been completed, the Akatsuki members gradually began leaving the hall one after another.
Some vanished silently through Body Flicker Techniques, while others walked out beneath the dim lights without speaking.
Soon, only a few figures remained inside the enormous meeting room.
The Deva Path.
Konan.
The masked man—Obito.
And White Zetsu and Black Zetsu.
The atmosphere became noticeably quieter after everyone else had left.
Rainwater continuously streamed down the windows of the tower while distant thunder echoed faintly through Amegakure.
Obito finally broke the silence.
"How are our forces?"
His calm voice echoed softly beneath the spiral mask as he looked toward White and Black Zetsu.
Black Zetsu immediately replied in his hoarse voice,
"We currently possess one hundred thousand White Zetsus."
A faint grin appeared across White Zetsu's face.
"And aside from them, we also have around ten thousand shinobi who have been modified using Hashirama cells."
Even the Deva Path remained silent while listening carefully.
"Among those ten thousand are the elite members of Akatsuki, as well as specially selected squad leaders."
Black Zetsu's tone became colder.
"Those individuals are far more powerful than ordinary Jonin-level shinobi. Most of them can already be classified as S-rank ninja."
A dangerous silence spread inside the hall.
"Only the Kages of the major villages, or individuals close to that level, would be capable of dealing with them properly."
"And they number in the hundreds."
The moment those words were spoken, the scale of their military force became truly apparent.
A hundred thousand White Zetsus.
Ten thousand modified shinobi enhanced through Hashirama cells.
Hundreds of S-rank-level commanders.
This was no longer merely an organization operating in the shadows.
It was a force capable of starting a continental war.
Black Zetsu finally concluded,
"So, overall... we possess an extremely powerful force."
"With such an army, we should be able to fulfill our goal in this war without much difficulty."
----
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