Orochimaru’s Magic Lamp

Under Pain's cold gaze, Obito began slowly recounting what he had learned from Zetsu about Yakushi Kabuto's past.

The story was the same—similar details, similar events—but told by a different person, it carried a different weight.

Orochimaru had always been more objective. He never saw Kabuto as a pitiful victim of the system. To him, the cruelty of Root and the indifference of others were just facts—nothing more than interesting variables in a long, ongoing experiment.

Obito, on the other hand, told the story with heavy emotion.

—Konoha's pills and promises. Rotten to the core, a land where decay and despair grew like weeds.

But despite the bitterness, his words struck a chord with Pain—someone also interested in toppling the five great ninja villages.

"So, what do you think?" Obito asked calmly. "After entering Sage Mode, Kabuto's combat ability is on par with Jiraiya of the Legendary Sannin. He's building a war organization independent of the villages. That makes him a valuable potential ally."

Pain was silent for a long moment. Then he asked coldly, "If you think so highly of him… why don't you recruit him yourself?"

Truthfully, as someone who had also suffered under the ninja system, Kabuto was a perfect candidate. In fact, the understanding between him and Kabuto might have even surpassed the one Pain had with "Madara."

But that was exactly why Pain was suspicious. Obito had shown little interest in Akatsuki beyond collecting Tailed Beasts—so why now?

"Heh," Obito smirked, eyes flashing red. "People like him don't move for shallow promises. Besides, I've still not fully recovered… and Sage Mode is a direct counter to my abilities."

In truth, Obito only wanted to plant the seed—make Pain aware of Kabuto before Konoha could spin its own narrative. His own suspicions were secondary.

"I'll think about it," Pain said flatly, signaling the end of the discussion.

Obito knew better than to press further. They were not true allies—more like uneasy co-conspirators.

Still, before leaving, he glanced at Nagato lying motionless on the wooden bed and said with a hint of warning, "You'd better make your decision soon. Hesitation could cost you a golden opportunity."

Pain's expression darkened. "Are you here to teach me how to lead?"

"Just a friendly reminder," Obito replied with a half-smile. "Honestly, I don't care whether Kabuto lives or dies. But your inaction makes me question whether you really want to change this world."

Pain narrowed his eyes. "I told you—we're still in the preparation phase."

Akatsuki's plan had always been a three-step process: gather funds, build a mercenary force to rival the villages, then dominate the world through overwhelming power.

"Money?" Obito scoffed. "At your current pace, it'll take ten years just to raise what you need. Let's be honest—that excuse is just a mask for hiding in Amegakure, doing nothing."

"You're still afraid of confronting the Five Great Nations, aren't you?"

The air grew heavy. On the bed, Nagato opened his eyes. The moment he did, a suffocating pressure filled the room.

But Obito didn't back down. He stepped forward, eyes glowing with the crimson light of the Sharingan.

"Did I say anything untrue? You've always been like this. Hiding. Letting others take the risks. You lost Yahiko last time. This time—"

A blast of energy erupted. Wind screamed through the underground chamber, leaving jagged scars across the stone walls.

"Say that again, and I will kill you," Nagato rasped, his Rinnegan flashing with cold fury.

Obito smiled faintly, unshaken. "Fine, I'll rephrase."

He continued coolly, "The major wars are over. Iwagakure and Kumogakure are weakened. Sunagakure is plagued by internal chaos. They're in no shape to start another war."

"Meanwhile, Kirigakure is collapsing into civil strife—thanks to a little nudge from me. And Konoha? Content in its wealth, with no real reason to expand."

"In other words, the power of the great villages is receding. If there was ever a time to rise up, gather rogue ninjas, and replace them—it's now."

Nagato remained silent. Though his intelligence network lagged behind, as the de facto ruler of the Rain Country, he understood the geopolitical landscape well.

Obito was right. The age of large-scale war was over. Future conflicts would be smaller, more localized.

Which made it the perfect time for Akatsuki to offer cheap war services—and use them to grow.

"That's all I'll say," Obito added. "Think it over. We're collaborators. But if you continue to stand still, I'll move forward on my own."

With that, he vanished into a swirling vortex, leaving the chamber in stillness once again.

After a long pause, Nagato exhaled slowly.

"Nagato, don't listen to him," Konan said, her voice sharp and clear. She knew what he was thinking. "He doesn't understand how hard we've worked to build this peace."

"But he's not wrong."

Nagato's gaze shifted to Yahiko's lifeless face. His eyes grew resolute.

"This is the right time to begin."

Even setting money aside, instigating minor wars while offering mercenary support to the villages could begin immediately.

Still, using Rain Village's own ninjas would be costly. The better option was to rely on elite rogue shinobi.

Sasori alone could destroy a nation with his "Hundred Puppet Army." The others weren't far behind. This was why Akatsuki relentlessly hunted S-rank missing-nin.

Konan nodded quietly. "Whatever you choose to do… I'll support you completely."

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