Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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Kaede faltered for a brief moment, Muzan's words cutting through her focus like a blade. That split-second hesitation allowed the opposition to slip through the rice field territory, vanishing into the dense forest beyond.

The aftermath would undoubtedly spark chaos. Not only had they failed to accomplish the Daimyo's mission, but the entire operation had turned into a spectacle of failure. Whispers of dissent would spread, even among the shinobi loyal to the Daimyo. The seeds of doubt would take root, threatening to undermine his authority.

"When problems arise," Muzan's voice carried an eerie calmness, "the first step isn't solving them—it's eliminating the one who caused them."

With the backing of the Land of Waves, Muzan knew ambition would flourish. The oppressive rule of the Daimyo had left many disillusioned. Among them, there were those who hungered for change—leaders eager to rise against the Land of Fire's decaying regime.

Muzan stood tall before the gathered crowd, his piercing gaze sweeping over their weary faces. "I apologize for meeting you under such circumstances," he began, his voice steady and commanding. "But you have witnessed firsthand the corruption that festers within the Land of Fire. It is a decaying nation, clinging to power through fear and oppression. I have brought together like-minded individuals to put an end to this decay."

He paused, letting his words settle. "You have a choice. Join us, and fight for a new era, or remain shackled to a dying regime. I will not force your hand."

For a moment, the crowd remained silent, their expressions a mix of fear and hope. But as Muzan's words took hold, murmurs turned to shouts. Those who had suffered most under the Daimyo's rule stepped forward, raising their weapons high and pledging allegiance to the cause.

Muzan allowed a faint smile to grace his lips. These people were insignificant in the grand scheme, yet they were vital—seeds of rebellion that would grow into a revolution. Once their cause gained momentum, others would flock to their banner.

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Meanwhile, Kakashi and a group of ANBU operatives returned to Konoha, their exhaustion evident in the way they moved. Dust clung to their armor, and the sharp scent of sweat and steel lingered in the air.

Inside the Hokage's office, Minato Namikaze stood behind his desk, his normally composed demeanor replaced by a deep frown. "Kakashi, report."

"Lord Hokage," Kakashi began, his voice steady but heavy with regret. "Our mission failed. We also encountered Muzan."

Minato's expression darkened at the name. "Muzan…"

"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "He manipulated the situation in the rice field territory, orchestrating the deaths of key figures to further his agenda."

Minato's mind raced. Muzan's involvement signified a much larger threat than a failed mission. The man's actions were calculated, his motives far-reaching. "What else?"

"We faced a formidable opponent within the rice field," Kakashi continued. "He wielded an insect-based ability that devoured even steel, rendering our weapons useless. Despite our efforts, we barely escaped."

Minato's eyes narrowed. "Insects? That's reminiscent of the Aburame clan's techniques. But for someone to use them with such destructive precision…"

Kakashi hesitated. "Muzan allowed us to leave. I believe he wanted us to carry this message back to you."

Before Minato could respond, a frantic ninja burst into the room, his face pale. "Lord Hokage! Urgent news!"

Minato turned sharply. "Speak."

"The people in the rice field territory have rebelled! They've attacked several minor nobles nearby!"

Minato's frown deepened. "A rebellion?"

The implications were staggering. Open defiance against the Daimyo was unprecedented. The consequences would be severe. The Daimyo would demand the suppression of the rebellion, and blood would be spilled on both sides.

"Kakashi," Minato ordered, his voice firm, "alert all available shinobi. The Land of Fire is teetering on the brink of civil war."

As the ninja departed to carry out his orders, Minato's thoughts turned inward. Muzan's hand was evident in this uprising. The man's ultimate goal was becoming clearer—not just the destabilization of the Land of Fire but complete control over its future. Muzan sought to usurp Konoha's leadership and extend his dominion far beyond.

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Far from Konoha, Muzan arrived in the Land of Rain, his figure cloaked beneath a rain-drenched hood. The perpetual downpour of Amegakure reflected the somber atmosphere, yet Muzan's expression remained calm.

"There's something unusual about this rain," he muttered. Only someone with vast chakra reserves, like a member of the Uzumaki clan, could sustain such a phenomenon. Yet, Muzan's presence had gone undetected—for now.

Settling into a small tavern, he ordered a glass of sake, his sharp eyes observing the steady drizzle outside. He waited, sensing the inevitable confrontation that would soon unfold.

Footsteps echoed outside the tavern, accompanied by the faint rustle of rain-soaked fabric.

"Earlier than I expected," Muzan murmured, a smirk forming on his lips as he prepared to face the shadowed figure at the door.

The rain fell steadily over Amegakure, each droplet adding to the melancholic rhythm of the village. It was not Konan who greeted the arrival, for she was likely occupied crafting explosive tags—a necessity as the looming shadow of war approached. The Akatsuki, ever since forging a tenuous alliance with Muzan, had finally resolved their funding issues.

The turmoil spreading through the Land of Fire played perfectly into the Akatsuki's hands.

"Long time no see, Orochimaru-sensei," Muzan greeted, his tone both respectful and measured.

As a figurehead in experimentation and forbidden knowledge, Orochimaru commanded a level of admiration from Muzan. Their shared interests in pushing the boundaries of human capability fostered a peculiar respect.

At this point, Orochimaru had yet to betray the Akatsuki. Upon learning of Muzan's arrival in Amegakure, he had halted his experiments and arrived promptly, his serpentine presence undeterred by the pouring rain.

"It has been a while indeed," Orochimaru drawled, his golden eyes glinting as lightning illuminated the sky. "Though I must admit, I'm hardly surprised by your arrival. Konan likely informed you of my presence here."

"We are partners, Orochimaru-sensei," Muzan replied smoothly. "After all, the funds fueling your research don't appear out of thin air."

Orochimaru's expression turned calculating, the rain dripping from his face adding an eerie edge to his already sinister aura. "How far has your body evolved now?"

The question hung in the air, sharp as a blade. Orochimaru's gaze lingered on Muzan, his predatory instincts barely restrained. However, Muzan's alertness and the presence of the blade at his back gave the serpentine shinobi pause.

Muzan's tone was unflinching as he responded, "I've made progress. But surely, you didn't come here just to ask about my body's development. You're here to discuss the Akatsuki's plans for the Land of Fire."

Orochimaru's smile widened, his teeth glinting like a predator's. "Indeed. The Akatsuki's pursuit of the tailed beasts aligns well with the current chaos. With the Land of Fire embroiled in conflict, the Nine-Tails will be more vulnerable than ever."

The Nine-Tails, sealed within Naruto Uzumaki, was under formidable protection in Konoha. Even Nagato, with all his power, harbored doubts about successfully capturing it.

Muzan's crimson eyes narrowed. His ambitions extended far beyond the Akatsuki's immediate goals. "While capturing the Nine-Tails is an enticing prospect, my sights are set on the power structures behind the Land of Fire."

Orochimaru raised a brow, curiosity evident in his serpentine demeanor. "Still clinging to your grand plans, Muzan? As I've told you before, quiet research yields far greater rewards than futile struggles for power."

Muzan's lips curled into a smile, though his eyes remained cold. "You misunderstand me, Orochimaru-sensei. My ambitions are clear, but so are yours. Staying with the Akatsuki isn't your endgame."

Orochimaru's laughter echoed, dark and rich. "How perceptive of you. You're correct, of course. But I will say this: the Akatsuki's leader is far more complex than you might think."

Muzan's expression remained impassive. He had long suspected the power of the Rinnegan behind the Akatsuki's leadership but chose not to broach the topic. Instead, he focused on the matter at hand.

"I'll lend the Twelve Kizuki to assist the Akatsuki's efforts. However, I make no guarantees of their success."

Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Twelve Kizuki. Their reputation as Muzan's elite had spread like wildfire across the shinobi world. Even the likes of Orochimaru couldn't hide a flicker of intrigue.

"Impressive. I hadn't realized you'd cultivated such powerful subordinates in such a short time."

"A necessary precaution," Muzan replied coolly. "Still, capturing the Nine-Tails will not be easy. Konoha remains a formidable force, even with its recent losses."

Orochimaru's gaze turned contemplative. "Yes, the Third Hokage's influence lingers, and Konoha's roster of powerful shinobi is no less daunting. Even with the Uchiha clan weakened, their Mangekyō Sharingan is a threat to consider."

Muzan's tone turned dismissive. "The Uchiha's genjutsu targets the mind. My physiology renders such techniques ineffective. Additional brains are easily generated to bypass their illusions."

Orochimaru chuckled, fascinated but unsurprised. "As expected of you, Muzan. However, planning the invasion of Konoha requires more than brute force. We must sow chaos within the Land of Fire, drawing their forces thin."

Muzan's eyes gleamed. "Precisely. I've already initiated contact with key players to incite resistance against the daimyo. When the Land of Fire descends into chaos, Konoha's forces will have no choice but to scatter."

Reaching into his cloak, Muzan withdrew a sealed letter. "Deliver this to the Akatsuki's leader. It outlines my plan for the Land of Fire and the Land of Waves."

Orochimaru accepted the letter, a dark smile spreading across his face. "Very well. I look forward to watching Konoha crumble beneath our efforts."

Lightning split the sky, illuminating the two conspirators. Orochimaru's ambitions burned brightly in his eyes, and Muzan's calculating expression hinted at deeper motives yet to be revealed. The storm continued unabated, as if heralding the chaos to come.

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