The Twilight Hermit Order was handed over to 'Adam' for management, while Uchiha Sogetsu became a hands-off leader.
He directly hid himself in the Sea of Collective Subconscious, alone on an island deep within the endless depths of the mind.
In fact, as early as Sequence Two, the 'Discerner' could physically enter the Sea of Collective Subconscious and live there permanently — but he was just too lazy to do so.
Uchiha Sogetsu conjured a branch and gently drew several lines on the soil of the mental island. "Now, it's time to organize the situation to prepare for future rituals."
The branch traced a simple chessboard pattern, and he took the white pieces, representing the Twilight Hermit Order.
When this organization was first created, its main role was to follow the trend of the times and save the 'Original Creator.' Its members included Orochimaru, Konan, Sakumo Hatake, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo, and Uchiha Mikoto.
All of them had strength capped at Sequence Five, so Advancement shouldn't be difficult. Soon, they would leap to become the strongest 'organization.'
As for Onoki, he was just an insignificant player.
Uchiha Sogetsu did not care about the other's betrayal. With his current power, betrayal or loyalty no longer mattered.
As long as he wished, whether betrayer, loyalist, or even insignificant beings, all could become his strength and carry out his plans according to his will.
"Next is the Aurora Order."
He placed a black piece while frowning slightly. "Still too slow. I need to think of a way to strengthen it a little."
The meaning of the Aurora Order's existence was twofold: first, to cultivate the 'foundation' for the 'Hanged Man' Pathway; second, to put some pressure on the Twilight Hermit Order and the ninja world.
But with Mr. A abandoned, the Aurora Order obviously couldn't put any more pressure on the Twilight Hermit Order.
It was even possible that the entire Twilight Hermit Order would soon ascend, wiping out the Aurora Order in one stroke. This undoubtedly went against His original intention.
"A slight headache," Uchiha Sogetsu pondered for a moment as branches scraped against the ground. "Sasrir, how is Uchiha Itachi's situation?"
His call could instantly connect to anyone through the subconscious sea.
"He is preparing for the Advancement Ritual and will soon advance to Sequence Four, the Black Knight," Sasrir replied.
"Too slow. Can it be faster?"
Uchiha Sogetsu was clearly unsatisfied with the pace, frowning slightly.
"No, it can't be rushed."
Sasrir decisively refused. "There are very few suited for the Hanged Man Pathway. Uchiha Itachi is the only one born with that Beyonder Characteristics. We can't waste him."
His meaning was simple: unless another person naturally possessing this Beyonder Characteristic like Uchiha Itachi was found, it was better to be patient.
"That's true."
Uchiha Sogetsu was speechless.
People like Uchiha Itachi, who were born with a very high affinity to the 'True Creator' from the womb, possessing innate Beyonder Characteristics, were extremely rare.
"However, recently, someone was discovered."
Sasrir suddenly said, "Hidan, who has immortality, has successfully ascended to Sequence Eight."
"Hidan?"
Uchiha Sogetsu was slightly surprised, not expecting this guy to appear again.
He thought that after eradicating the Jashin Cult, there would be no more Hidans. But this guy still showed up.
Sometimes, one had to admit that the inertia of the plot was truly immense.
"Let's leave it like this for now."
Uchiha Sogetsu sighed. "But the power of the Aurora Order must be increased somehow. Only then can we push the 'plot' forward."
"I do have a method, but I don't know if you'll agree to it."
Sasrir's calm voice carried a hint of coldness.
"Hm?"
Uchiha Sogetsu raised his brow slightly.
"One hundred thousand White Zetsu."
Sasrir spoke coldly, "As long as the quantity is enough, quality won't matter, right?"
I see. Uchiha Sogetsu immediately understood the method Sasrir had in mind.
Although high-level Beyonders are fixed in number, even if the total remains unchanged, the number of low-level Beyonders can grow extremely large if left unchecked.
Currently, the only high-level Beyonder on the 'Hanged Man' Pathway is Uchiha Itachi, so theoretically, accommodating one hundred thousand White Zetsu at the low level is entirely feasible.
"Just like raising poisonous insects."
Sasrir said lightly, "There will always be individuals who break their limits, won't there?"
"Let's do it your way."
Uchiha Sogetsu nodded slightly, agreeing to Sasrir's plan.
Indeed, at present, this was the only balanced approach: to both strengthen the Aurora Order's power and cultivate the 'cornerstone' faster.
He transformed a chess piece and placed it on the board ahead.
"Let's begin."
His eyes shimmered with a faint golden light as he whispered.
The Sand Village, standing deep within the barren desert, had not been living well for the past two years.
Two years ago, the previous Kazekage was assassinated and impersonated, and the village was involved in a plan to attack Konoha.
Although Konoha eventually forgave them, with the rise of the Rain Village, the Sand Village lost its Fourth Kazekage and suffered defeat and reparations.
The situation had become almost unbearable.
The only thing worth celebrating was that after the battle with Uchiha Sasuke, Gaara had changed a lot.
Both his personality and his way of dealing with others were no longer as arrogant and reckless as before.
More importantly, Shukaku had been restrained, and with enough sleep, Gaara was no longer irritable or violent. He got along much better with his older siblings.
Step by step, Gaara reversed the negative reputation he had in the village and eventually became the Fifth Kazekage.
It was night.
Gaara stood on top of the Kazekage building, looking up at the starry sky. In his mind appeared a graceful figure.
"Uchiha Sasuke, I heard that over the past two years, you've been training with the Sannin, Jiraiya," he said with a gentle smile—one no one had ever seen before.
"When you come back and find out that I've already become Kazekage, I wonder if you'll be surprised?"
He was grateful to Uchiha Sasuke. Since that battle, Shukaku had never disturbed him again.
Moreover, after learning more about that girl's background, he admired her even more—a girl who always appeared optimistic on the outside.
Despite all the suffering she had endured, she still stayed true to herself.
"Do you think I'm worthy of your respect now?"
Gaara thought for a moment, then his brow suddenly furrowed. His gaze turned cold as he looked to the side.
"No need to hide anymore. Come out."
*******
Support me on my patreon and read upto 20 early chapters.
https://www.patreon.com/c/Unique_Writer