Naruto: A Century as an Arrancar, Starting Off by Killing the Demi-God

Uwa stood silently.

He glanced at the visibly excited Orochimaru without the slightest emotional ripple. In fact, he found it a little amusing.

Orochimaru's theory wasn't wrong in itself. The issue was, even if Nagato successfully integrated Hashirama cells and awakened an unprecedented version of Wood Release…

Even if his transformation went perfectly, it would still be a downgraded version.

No matter how "pure" the extracted first-generation cells might be, they would never compare to Hashirama Senju himself.

Which meant that no matter what, Nagato's Wood Release would be inferior to Hashirama's.

And honestly, the reason Hashirama's Wood Release was so ridiculously powerful probably had less to do with biology and more to do with being the reincarnation of Asura's chakra.

His Wood Release went far beyond what most kekkei genkai could even dream of achieving.

So even if Nagato awakened Wood Release, its power would likely be modest. At best, he might surpass Yamato slightly.

Even with the Rinnegan's amplification, reaching Hashirama's level was basically impossible.

To say he'd stand at the very peak of the ninja world? That was pure fantasy.

The three of them continued discussing the treatment plan for another ten minutes. After getting Nagato's consent, they finalized the decision to proceed with the third method.

The transplant would be divided into four stages, spread over the course of four years.

Starting with White Zetsu cells, then gradually moving to basic Hashirama cells, then enhanced Hashirama cells, and finally the ultimate form.

Each stage would slowly replace more of Nagato's body, increasing his compatibility step by step.

This incremental process would minimize mental collapse.

At this moment, Nagato had already removed the dozen or so black receivers embedded in his back.

He also had all six of the Pain puppet corpses stored in a special preservation chamber to keep them active.

Now lying on an elevated surgical bed, he allowed Orochimaru to begin the procedure.

Uwa watched from the side, his gaze calm. "Orochimaru, do your job and only your job. If you step out of line... you won't be able to afford the consequences. Understand?"

"Of course, Uwa-kun," Orochimaru rasped.

Satisfied with the response, Uwa ascended to the top of Amegakure's tower.

He had full confidence in Nagato's willpower. A guy who hypnotized himself into believing he was a god and constantly talked about "bringing you pain" wasn't exactly lacking in resolve.

If he didn't have the strength of will, how could he keep up that intense divine delusion?

No, Uwa wasn't worried about Nagato. He was worried about Orochimaru.

The moment that snake saw those Rinnegan, his eyes nearly popped out of his skull. If Uwa hadn't been there, he probably would've jumped Nagato then and there.

For now, Orochimaru was behaving thanks to Uwa's presence. But who knew how long that would last?

He needed someone to keep a close eye on Orochimaru. And as for who…

Tobi would do just fine.

That guy was always rambling about some seriously questionable topics anyway.

Time to put that mouth to use.

…

Back at the tower's rooftop, Uwa gazed out over the village once more.

Nagato's treatment plan would take years.

Aside from short breaks between sessions, he would be submerged in nutrient fluid for most of it.

Which meant he couldn't lead the Akatsuki for a while.

To fill the gap, Nagato had temporarily passed on the position of Akatsuki's leader to Uwa, giving him the title of "Acting Leader" essentially, the vice-commander.

"Why do I keep getting stuck with these titles?" Uwa muttered. "First I'm the leader of Amegakure, now I'm acting head of the Akatsuki. I just wanted Nagato to do the public stuff while I relaxed behind the scenes… how did it end up like this? Hmph… this is all Black Zetsu's fault."

Speak of the devil 

The next second, Tobi phased up from the ground, looking anxious.

"What's wrong? You didn't track Black Zetsu?" Uwa raised an eyebrow. "It's fine, I won't blame you. That guy's a rat."

But before he could finish, Tobi's fearful expression cut him off. "I did track him! But I almost died doing it! That guy is terrifying… I always thought he was just some weak little creep, but he was hiding so much!"

"What do you mean?" Uwa asked, frowning.

"This morning, after heading out, I was wandering around the northwest border of the Land of Fire. That's when I saw Black Zetsu meeting with someone. I remembered your instructions not to engage, so I turned back to report."

Tobi's voice trembled. "But before I could leave, he sensed me! He lunged at me! I figured, 'He's weak, I can handle him,' but before I could react, he wrapped around me like a shadow!"

"At first I didn't think much of it, but then I felt my mind slipping. I was losing myself like I was being erased! I would've pissed myself if I could… in the end, I had to unleash all my chakra just to barely escape!"

"Uwa, that guy has some twisted power. I can't capture him alone. I'll need backup!"

Uwa's eyes narrowed.

That was his mistake.

He'd underestimated Black Zetsu because the creature didn't wield Otsutsuki-level chakra.

But that was the wrong way to think. Black Zetsu's true weapon was his forbidden jutsu Spirit Fusion.

A technique that allowed him to latch onto another person's body and slowly dominate their will.

Once fully merged, he could control their movements, chakra flow, hand seals, and even their jutsu.

It was how he'd manipulated Obito into using the Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life jutsu to resurrect Uchiha Madara.

But it had its weaknesses.

If the target's willpower was too strong, Black Zetsu could be overpowered and repelled.

Later, Obito had done exactly that igniting his "inner cosmos," resisting Black Zetsu, and even ripping him off before stabbing Madara in the heart.

On top of that, Black Zetsu could only control one host at a time.

So if there was more than one enemy present, the technique's effectiveness dropped dramatically.

After some thought, Uwa turned to Tobi. "Forget it. You're off the Black Zetsu assignment. I'll find someone else to handle it."

"Huh? Really?! Thank you, Uwa-sama!" Tobi nearly cried with relief. "So, uh, what should I do instead?"

"Keep an eye on Orochimaru. The moment he does anything suspicious, report to me immediately."

"Got it! You can count on me!" Tobi gave a salute before phasing back into the earth.

Not long after, a graceful figure approached.

Konan.

"You're back already?" she asked, surprised. "Did everything go smoothly with Orochimaru?"

"It's handled. Nagato is undergoing treatment now. The entire process will take about four years, but there's no danger," Uwa replied with a smile.

"That's good to hear."

Konan nodded, though she looked like she had something else on her mind.

"What is it? Did something happen with the Akatsuki?" Uwa asked, suspicious.

"Yes. Most of the members only recently joined. Without Nagato and the pressure of his Rinnegan, they're starting to push boundaries. They want a full meeting with Nagato to discuss important matters."

Uwa's interest was piqued. "Oh? Which idiot had the guts to make that demand?"

"Kakuzu."

"Oh, him. The guy who once threw a kunai at the First Hokage from eight hundred miles away?"

Pfft 

Konan had to cover her mouth to stifle a laugh. "So what do you plan to do?"

Uwa's eyes glinted coldly. "Send word to every member. We're holding the first official Akatsuki meeting in our underground base in the Land of Rain. I'll be personally laying down the rules."

"And while I'm at it, I'll make sure the new recruits understand one thing very clearly…"

"The leader of Akatsuki is not someone you can challenge."