Chapter 164: Dividing the Work
After a night's rest in the subdued atmosphere of Otogakure, the core members of the Eagle team gathered once more in the main hall. The air was thick with purpose; this was a war council.
"Let's begin by discussing our next move," Sasuke started, his voice cool and analytical. "We have made powerful enemies across the shinobi world. Three of the Five Great Nations now hold grudges against us, and you, Ren, have razed Kumogakure to the ground. The Cloud will seek vengeance without question. Furthermore, we seized the Two-Tails, a target of the Akatsuki, and you killed two of their members. They will not let this stand. We have offended the majority of the world's major powers. Soon, we may find we have no safe harbor left."
"I am well aware of all this," Ren replied, a faint, confident smile on his lips. "Our goal is to gather the Tailed Beasts. Conflict with the great villages is inevitable. However, you need not worry. With my current power, I do not fear any single village—unless they unite. And they are not fools. They have surely deduced that both we and Akatsuki are hunting the Jinchuriki. Yet they remain passive. The Five Great Villages are bound by pride and old hatreds. No one wants to be the first to act, to bear the brunt of our retaliation. They are all waiting for a catalyst. I predict they are waiting for the Raikage's summons. After such a humiliation, Kumogakure will not rest. Once A recovers sufficiently, he will call for a summit to discuss how to deal with both the Eagle and Akatsuki."
"So... the Five Kage will unite because of this?" Suigetsu interjected, his eyes wide. "If that happens, and the smaller villages fall in line, wouldn't we be facing the entire shinobi world alone?"
"That is a possibility," Ren acknowledged. "Which is why we must accomplish our objectives swiftly. However, do not be overly concerned. The Raikage's injuries are severe; he will not recover quickly without a miracle on par with the First Hokage's Wood Release. We still have time. More importantly, there is Akatsuki. They, too, are a primary target for the great villages. That organization is not simple. Their overall combat strength surpasses ours. Aside from Sasuke and myself, any one of you would likely be defeated if you faced an Akatsuki member alone."
"Is Akatsuki really that strong, Boss?" Suigetsu asked skeptically. "Those two, Hidan and Kakuzu, you made short work of them. They didn't seem so tough."
"Fool," Ren retorted sharply. "I defeated them easily because I knew their weaknesses in advance. Their power level is on the lower end within Akatsuki, especially Hidan. There are many within the organization who could easily defeat them. Do not underestimate any member of Akatsuki."
Chastened, Suigetsu fell silent.
"Enough," Ren said, shifting the focus. "We have no time to waste. Intelligence indicates Akatsuki has already dispatched a team to the Land of Earth to capture the Four-Tails. We must accelerate our own plans. I am dividing us into three groups."
He turned first to Sasuke. "Sasuke, before his death, Orochimaru had a subordinate named Guren. She was tasked with caring for a boy named Yukimaru. This boy possesses a unique ability—he can influence the Three-Tails. Find them, and we find the Three-Tails. This task falls to you."
"Yukimaru? I know of him," Sasuke replied neutrally.
"A reminder," Ren added. "Be cautious of Guren. She is a kekkei genkai user who employs Crystal Release. With your current strength, she poses no real threat, but caution is never wasted. Also, Akatsuki members are also searching for the Three-Tails. If you encounter them, be wary. Every single one of them is formidable."
"A kekkei genkai and Akatsuki... It matters not. I will defeat them regardless. It will be a good opportunity to test my new abilities," Sasuke stated coldly, his eyes showing no trace of concern.
Ren nodded. He knew Sasuke's temperament and his current heightened power. As long as the Akatsuki leader, Pain, or the masked man didn't intervene personally, Sasuke could handle any other member.
He then addressed the others. "Suigetsu, Jugo, Karin. You three are the second group. Karin, your task is to swiftly take control of all the assets and networks Orochimaru left behind. I want you to absorb all his remaining power. Suigetsu and Jugo will act as your guards. Protect her. If anyone resists... eliminate them."
"What? Take over all of Orochimaru's power? What are you planning?" Karin exclaimed.
"As I said, the Five Kage may soon unite. To face such a coalition, we too must build a force of our own. This village and its resources will be our foundation."
"Will they really unite? Just for Akatsuki and our small team? That seems excessive," Karin argued.
"They will," Ren stated with finality. "After the destruction of Kumogakure, none of them will dare to underestimate the Eagle. As we capture more Jinchuriki, they will feel the threat acutely. With the example of the Cloud Village, they will know that no single village can stop us. Their only option is an alliance."
Karin fell silent, considering his logic and finding it sound.
"Finally, my mission," Ren concluded. "Akatsuki is moving for the Four-Tails. My task is to take it from them."
"So that's it..." Suigetsu murmured.
"Are there any questions?" Ren's gaze swept over the group. "If not, we begin immediately. I do not wish to waste any more time."
"Understood!" the members chorused.
With that, the members of the Eagle team, including Sasuke, rose and departed the hall, each setting out on their assigned paths. The hunt for the Tailed Beasts had entered a new, more aggressive phase.
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