Chapter 166: Chapter 166: The Alliance of the Hidden Villages
Back to back, Obito spoke in a low, steady voice.
"I'll pass along intel on Pain to Konoha. Not because of you, Kakashi—don't flatter yourself. I'm only doing this because you're dealing with those traitors for me."
This, of course, was Gakuya's intent. In the original timeline, it had been Jiraiya who gave his life to uncover that information. To prevent Konoha from repeating past mistakes, Gakuya could only pass it on this way now.
Kakashi's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. He turned his head slightly, his voice calm but resolute.
"Obito, I hope you keep your word. Konoha needs that intel to face this crisis—not just for the village, but for the entire shinobi world."
"You were once part of Konoha too. Deep down, I still believe there's a part of you that cares about it."
Obito's steps paused for a moment, but he didn't look back. His voice was cold.
"Don't paint me as something I'm not, Kakashi. I'm doing this to achieve my own goals. Whether Konoha survives or falls, whether the shinobi world collapses or not—it doesn't concern me."
"But since I gave my word, I'll deliver the intel. Just don't expect me to stand by your side."
Kakashi took a deep breath.
"Whatever your motives, if this intel can help Konoha, then it's worth it. But I still hope... that one day you'll see clearly, and stop heading down this path."
Obito snorted dismissively and said nothing more. His figure faded into the distance, leaving Kakashi alone in front of the Memorial Stone, lost in thought.
Watching Obito disappear, Kakashi's heart was a whirlwind of emotion. He knew that deep within, Obito was still torn and conflicted. But at the very least, there was now a sliver of hope—a chance to gain crucial intel.
...
Back in Konoha, Kakashi reported the entire encounter to Tsunade. Her brow furrowed deeply as she mulled over their next steps.
Meanwhile, Naruto had begun his grueling Sage Mode training at Mount Myōboku. Under the guidance of Fukasaku, he repeatedly attempted to draw in natural energy. Failure after failure didn't discourage him—if anything, it only made his resolve stronger.
Jiraiya, still recovering at the hospital, was slowly improving. Though his injuries were severe, his iron will and top-tier medical treatment ensured steady progress.
Elsewhere, Shizune had successfully recalled the shinobi on assignment and sent urgent requests for aid to Kirigakure, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure.
When Kumogakure learned that the Six-Tails had been captured by Akatsuki, they immediately raised their defenses.
Sunagakure's Gaara, upon receiving the request, agreed without hesitation to fully support Konoha. Not long after, Kirigakure's Mei Terumī also pledged her village's assistance.
Only Iwagakure's Ōnoki took some convincing—Konoha had to pay a small price before he finally agreed to help.
Before long, representatives from all the villages gathered in the Hokage's office in Konoha.
Ōnoki was the first to speak.
"Let's hear it. What intel does Konoha have? We need to know what we're up against."
Tsunade laid out two documents—one was the information on the Six Paths of Pain provided by Obito, the other detailed Gakuya's recorded actions in the field.
"These are the enemies we're about to face."
The others passed the documents around. Their expressions darkened as they read.
When Mei Terumī saw the name Hyuga Gakuya, she involuntarily shivered. Just seeing that name was enough to trigger deep psychological dread.
She remembered vividly the terrifying power he unleashed during the battle for the Three-Tails—those strange, unfathomable techniques, that overwhelming strength. She had never felt pressure like that before.
This time, the enemy was two of the most powerful dojutsu users in history: Hyuga Gakuya and Nagato—Tenseigan and Rinnegan.
Ōnoki frowned deeply.
"Truly formidable foes. The Rinnegan and the Tenseigan... both wield powers that surpass anything we've ever seen."
Gaara's face was grave.
"But we can't back down. We have to find a way to fight. If we retreat now, the entire shinobi world could fall."
Mei nodded in agreement.
"She's right. If the five great villages join forces, we might still stand a chance."
Tsunade clenched her fists and placed them firmly on the table.
"First, let's calmly analyze their abilities and weaknesses. Then we'll build our battle plan from there."
Everyone began voicing their opinions.
"From what we can tell, their dojutsu techniques are immensely powerful—but they must have limits."
"We'll need to allocate our forces wisely. If they pick us off one by one, we'll be done."
The room buzzed with tense discussion.
Gaara raised his hand.
"One thing—I haven't seen anyone from the Federation. Where is Chiba Mokushū? He's a powerful shinobi. His presence would make a big difference."
Gaara had great faith in Chiba Mokushū—rooted in their shared experience during the Kazekage Rescue Mission.
Mei nodded.
"He's right. If the Federation joins us, our odds improve dramatically."
Tsunade's expression turned grim.
"In a way... Chiba Mokushū is the enemy we're facing. He is the Federation."
The room fell into stunned silence.
What did she mean by that? Mokushū had always stood at the forefront of the fight against Akatsuki. How could he possibly be the enemy?
Gaara's face turned serious.
"Hokage, explain yourself. This isn't the time for riddles."
"She's right," Mei said, frowning. "If you're saying something like this now, there must be a reason. Let's hear it."
Temari, standing as Gaara's bodyguard, looked visibly angry.
"How could you say that? Don't you know that every time we fought Akatsuki, Lord Mokushū was the one charging in first?"
Tsunade let out a breath, then dropped the bombshell.
"Chiba Mokushū is actually Hyuga Gakuya's second personality."
She then laid everything out—what Jiraiya had seen in Otogakure, and what Gakuya himself had revealed.
Of course, Tsunade still held back some key pieces, such as the intel regarding Uchiha Madara.
"According to Gakuya, the two personalities have now completely merged. But we believe that's a bluff."
"As part of our strategy, we may be able to awaken his second personality—and if we succeed, we could immediately weaken one of our strongest enemies."
"We might even bring Gakuya over to our side."
Everyone's faces grew heavy with tension.
Gaara furrowed his brows tightly. A close friend of his... had become someone like this. If there was a chance to bring him back, he felt responsible for trying.
Temari had gone pale. The man she had admired now stood on the other side, barely recognizable. What could she possibly do?
After a moment, she stepped forward.
"I want to be part of the team that tries to awaken his second personality."
Gaara saw through her thoughts immediately, but when he looked into her determined eyes, he nodded without hesitation.
"Temari has a connection with Mokushū. It might just work."
The others in the room were all seasoned veterans. They understood Temari's feelings at a glance—young love, nothing more.
But one more person meant one more chance. And who knows—maybe she really could succeed?
Tsunade and the others nodded in agreement.
Temari would join the mission to awaken the hidden side of Chiba Mokushū.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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