HTP: Ch. 72

The LED screen's blue light cast shifting shadows across the three men's faces. Hiruzen's pipe glowed faintly in the dark as he gazed at the 3D model of Ame on the screen, slowly exhaling a smoke ring.

"Your plan isn't bad. Guarding against the enemy is no solution. Rather..."

"Strike at the root," Shikaku continued, manipulating the screen, which instantly split into two displays: the left showed the bustling streets of Konoha, while the right revealed the steel jungle of rain-drenched Ame.

"Based on the ruins in Kumo, the projected battlefield damage, if war breaks out in Konoha, we're looking at losing at least seven commercial districts. But Ame…"

He deliberately trailed off, but the implication was clear: rather than let Konoha suffer the destruction of war, let the village that harbors terrorists pay the price.

Itachi's eyes shifted slightly. "Pain will never allow his village to be devastated. The peace he seeks is not one that excludes Ame."

Shikaku clicked his tongue. He still struggled to understand why all these terrorist leaders dreamed of world peace. In some twisted way, he had to admit, it was very much a "Hokage-style" way of thinking.

Hiruzen nodded. "Then the next thing we need to consider is combat strength. Konoha's headquarters still needs to be guarded."

As a member of Konoha's elite forces, Itachi ran through possible scenarios in his mind: Deidara, already defeated by him, wasn't a concern. Hidan was only dangerous if paired with Kakuzu, separate them and he was as good as a nobody. Kakuzu could be handled by Kisame. The real problem was the remaining three. Especially...

"Pain is still the real problem. We'll need multiple elite ninjas just to hold him back. We should invite Chiyo, Killer B, Mei, and Ōnoki to join the operation."

Shikaku thought for a moment, then quickly proposed his plan. He has a point. Why should Konoha shoulder all the burden in fighting a terrorist organization? Besides, the Four Great Nations were allies now, they ought to watch each other's backs.

If everyone was pitching in, that stubborn Ōnoki won't be able to sit this out, once the Allied Shinobi Forces are formed, he'll have to join. If we lose, it's one thing, but if we win, he'll never be okay with having his tailed beast fall into Konoha's hands instead of Akatsuki's.

Hiruzen pondered this, stroking his chin. His gaze toward Shikaku grew increasingly appreciative.

He mused aloud, "So what you're suggesting is to form a five-nation special ops team to take down Akatsuki? Not a bad idea at all."

Shikaku said, "As long as you remain in Konoha as our anchor, the Five Generals of the Leaf can go to battle. Plus, Yamato with his Wood Release is also a capable commander."

Itachi stepped forward. "I'm willing to go into battle alongside Kisame."

Shikaku added, "The Ino-Shika-Chō trio together is more than enough to bring down at least one enemy commander."

Hiruzen shook his head. "Not enough. I must go myself this time."

Itachi, slipping into his "battle tactician" mode, tried to dissuade him, saying if his comrades could just create the right opportunity, he would face Pain directly.

"With the Totsuka Sword again, I assume? There's no Marco to save you this time. If you stab Pain, you'll die in the process."

Hiruzen rejected that strategy. Someone like Itachi was not something to be used as a disposable piece. He advised warmly, "There are still many things ahead. Treasure your life."

In his heart, he sighed.

This kid... on the surface he acted normal, but deep down he was always looking for a way to die. Especially now that he'd returned and seen Konoha and Sasuke both on the right path, he seemed even more detached and ready to let go.

As for the personnel to be involved in this operation, it would require careful thought.

Either way, I must personally take on Kakuzu in a one-on-one battle.

"Let me give the combat personnel some more thought."

"Shikaku, go notify the secretary's office to draft a letter to Chiyo and the newly appointed Mizukage. Then have them send a notice to Ōnoki. Lastly, go find the Raikage."

"And also, Suna still hasn't appointed a new Kazekage after all this time. Ask Gaara if he's interested in taking the role."

---

In a mysterious cave used as a secret base, Black Zetsu placed a packed meal on the ground and looked at Uchiha Obito's back, sighing as he gently urged, "At least eat something. Going without food all the time isn't going to help."

Ever since he got ambushed by Kakashi during their duel, Obito had lost all his fighting spirit.

He spent all day muttering things like, "This fake world... Even Kakashi is fake… Rin… what should I do…"

Such a weak will. If I had been like that, how would I have survived these thousand years?

"Obito, there's still hope. Even if all our intel has been exposed, you're still strong! Not even the Hokage could catch you!"

Black Zetsu was already thoroughly disappointed with Obito inside, but on the surface, his tone was still extraordinarily gentle.

"And I've received intel, Itachi has reappeared. As expected, it was the Third Hokage behind it all, using schemes to divide us! It was all his deliberate trick!"

Obito's silhouette stirred slightly, but quickly fell still again.

"And that big traitor has also joined up with Itachi in Konoha."

Kisame… I was the one who personally convinced him to join... Obito's heart ached a little more.

"That's why, your previous failures weren't your fault! The enemies were just too cunning. Who could've known those two were traitors? They really betrayed the kindness you showed them."

Yeah… they were like stray dogs back then, it was me who gave them shelter.

"You are the chosen successor of Madara. Out of all the Uchiha over the years, why were you the one he picked? Because he saw it, your existence is meant to change this decaying world. You were chosen by the Eye of the Moon! Pull yourself together! I've received intel, Konoha has decided to make a move on Nagato and the others. This could be our chance to reestablish an alliance with Nagato."

Obito finally spoke with a hoarse voice, "I've been waiting for this. Everything is still according to my plan. Let that puppet serve as my pawn one last time."

Black Zetsu almost couldn't keep a straight face, but managed to express joy in time. "I'll go contact Nagato right away."

Obito nodded. After a brief pause, he added, "If Nagato proves uncooperative, we'll take this chance to reclaim the Rinnegan."

----

[Hiruzen]: Ace, I think Itachi's feeling suicidal since he came back to Konoha.

[Ace]: What? Itachi seems fine over here with us. Did he get depression in Konoha?

That was actually a pretty accurate way to put it.

[Ace]: Marco said Itachi keeps drinking our ship's liquor. When Pops heads to Konoha, I'm asking him to bring a few bottles with him.

Using alcohol to numb the pain… not exactly a solution, but better than nothing.

[Hiruzen]: Alright then. When's Whitebeard arriving?

[Ace]: After this feast is over.

Suddenly, Yoriichi, who had been lurking silently, popped into the chat.

[Yoriichi]: I took your advice and read a lot of fanfiction. I was deeply moved. I've decided to visit Tanjiro in a dream.