Winter of the 60th year of Konoha, one month had passed since the end of the Five Kage Summit.
Xingye stood on the high platform of the Uchiha compound, overlooking the entire Konoha village.
White snow covered the whole village, presenting a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
But Xingye knew that beneath this tranquility, undercurrents were surging.
The Akatsuki organization would not sit and wait for death; they would certainly launch a counterattack.
"Brother," Itachi walked to Xingye's side, "Intelligence shows that the Akatsuki organization is regrouping."
"Kisame and Sasori have successfully infiltrated back into the Akatsuki organization, and they are currently gathering the latest intelligence."
Xingye nodded: "Very good."
"Next, we need to formulate a detailed combat plan."
Itachi asked: "Brother, from which direction do you intend to attack?"
Xingye pondered for a moment, then said: "We will split our forces into three prongs."
"The first prong: Itachi, you are responsible for protecting Konoha and Sasuke, while secretly monitoring the movements of the Akatsuki organization."
"The second prong: Father Fugaku, he is responsible for forming the Uchiha Guard Corps, coordinating with the Konoha Anbu to ensure the safety of the village."
"The third prong: I will take charge personally, taking the initiative to strike and defeating the Akatsuki organization members one by one."
Itachi nodded: "Understood, brother."
"But, won't it be too dangerous for you to face the Akatsuki organization alone?"
Xingye smiled slightly: "Itachi, don't worry."
"I have already subdued Kisame and Sasori; they will help us at critical moments."
"Moreover, my strength is no longer afraid of any Akatsuki organization member."
Itachi looked at Xingye, his eyes flickering with a complex light.
"Brother," Itachi said slowly, "can you really defeat all the Akatsuki organization members?"
Xingye looked into the distance, his eyes as firm as iron.
"I cannot."
Itachi was shocked: "What?"
Xingye continued: "Within the Akatsuki organization, there are indeed some members who are very difficult to deal with."
"For example, the Six Paths of Pain, or the clone of Madara Uchiha."
"However, this does not mean that I cannot defeat them."
Itachi was silent for a moment, then said: "Brother, do you mean that you will use strategy?"
Xingye nodded: "That's right."
"Every member of the Akatsuki organization has their own weaknesses."
"Although Kisame is powerful, he is sensitive to the chakra of strong individuals and is easily lured."
"Although Deidara has strong explosive power, his personality is rather manic and he is easily provoked."
"Although Nagato possesses the Rinnegan, his body is very weak and he needs to rely on the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path to sustain himself."
"As long as we grasp these weaknesses, we can defeat them one by one."
Itachi's eyes flashed with admiration: "Brother, your layout is truly meticulous."
Xingye said: "Itachi, I will be leaving Konoha for a period of time."
"During this period, the Uchiha clan is left to you and Father Fugaku."
Itachi nodded solemnly: "Brother, rest assured."
"I will protect the Uchiha clan and protect Konoha."
Xingye patted Itachi on the shoulder: "Very good, Itachi."
"When I return, the threat of the Akatsuki organization will cease to exist."
System Prompt
Just as Xingye was preparing to set off, the system's voice suddenly rang out.
[System Prompt: Main quest "Akatsuki Disintegration Plan" initiated] [Quest Objective: Defeat or subdue Akatsuki organization members one by one] [Quest Rewards: Rinnegan (Red), Truth-Seeking Ball (Red), Otsutsuki Divinity (Mythical)] [Quest Deadline: Complete within one year]
Xingye felt a surge of joy in his heart.
Rinnegan! Truth-Seeking Ball! Otsutsuki Divinity! These were all extremely precious traits, worth a fortune.
Especially the Otsutsuki Divinity, that was a mythical-level trait; once obtained, Xingye's strength would undergo a qualitative leap.
"Akatsuki," a cold glint flashed in Uchiha Xingye's eyes, "your end is fast approaching."
Departure
Uchiha Xingye packed his gear, preparing to set out.
Before he left, Fugaku and Itachi both came to see him off.
"Uchiha Xingye," Fugaku said, "the road ahead will be dangerous; you must be careful."
"Rest assured, Father," Uchiha Xingye replied, "I have made every preparation."
Itachi said, "Brother, if you encounter danger, remember to contact me immediately."
"I will arrive to support you at the first opportunity."
Uchiha Xingye nodded, "Itachi, I know."
"However, this battle is one I must face alone."
Itachi was silent for a moment, then said, "Brother, I understand."
"I believe you will return safely."
Uchiha Xingye looked at Fugaku and Itachi, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"When I return, the Akatsuki will be history."
Uchiha Xingye turned and stepped onto his journey.
In the wind and snow, his figure gradually vanished.
Uchiha Xingye, one of the three great Uchiha titans, embarked alone on a journey to confront the Akatsuki.
This would be the most legendary journey in the history of the ninja world.
Akatsuki Base
Rain Village, underground base.
Obito stood before a genjutsu projection, watching Uchiha Xingye's back as he left Konoha, a flicker of malice in his eyes.
"Uchiha Xingye," Obito muttered to himself, "you have finally left the protection of Konoha."
Black Zetsu emerged from behind Obito, "Obito, this is our chance."
"With Uchiha Xingye alone, this is the perfect moment for us to eliminate him."
Obito nodded, "Indeed."
"I will arrange for Akatsuki members to set an ambush along Uchiha Xingye's path."
"This time, he won't escape."
Black Zetsu sneered, "Very good."
"The power of the Akatsuki is enough to ensure Uchiha Xingye never returns."
A flash of killing intent crossed Obito's eyes.
"Uchiha Xingye, your death is fast approaching."
Uchiha Xingye's Movements
After leaving Konoha, Uchiha Xingye did not head directly to the Rain Village.
He went to Yugakure first, because according to intelligence provided by Kisame, Deidara and Sasori were frequently active in this area.
Uchiha Xingye used his Byakugan to scan everything in a 360-degree radius, searching for traces of the Akatsuki.
"Deidara," Uchiha Xingye muttered to himself, "your art of explosion is indeed fascinating."
"But today, it shall toll the death knell for you."
Uchiha Xingye's figure wove through the forest, swift as a phantom.
The Byakugan not only allowed him to monitor his surroundings in 360 degrees but also enabled him to see through the flow of chakra.
Even if Akatsuki members used stealth techniques, they could not escape the observation of the Byakugan.
Just then, the system's notification sound rang out.
[System Notification: Target Found] [Deidara, five kilometers ahead] [Chakra Signature: Explosive chakra, Earth Style mastery]
A cold glint flashed in Uchiha Xingye's eyes.
"Deidara, I've finally found you."
Uchiha Xingye adjusted his course and headed toward the target location.
The battle was about to begin.
Five minutes later
Uchiha Xingye stood on a small hillside, looking down at the valley below.
In the valley, a man was crafting clay bombs.
He had long golden hair, with mouths on his right hand and chest.
It was none other than Deidara of the Akatsuki.
Deidara was testing his new art, completely unaware that Xingye had already discovered him.
"Art is an explosion," Deidara said excitedly, "this new clay bomb will surely create the most perfect explosion."
Xingye watched Deidara and said indifferently, "Art is indeed beautiful, but some art comes at too high a price."
Deidara looked up abruptly, seeing Xingye standing on the hillside.
"Who are you?" Deidara asked vigilantly.
Xingye said, "I am the one who has come to end your art."
Deidara was furious: "End my art? You ungrateful brat!"
"You don't understand what art is at all!"
Deidara formed hand seals, and clay poured out from his mouths in large quantities, rapidly transforming into a giant Clay Bird.
"Go, art!"
The Clay Bird charged toward Xingye and then exploded in mid-air.
A massive explosion echoed through the valley, sending dust and smoke billowing.
But when the smoke cleared, Xingye was still standing in the same spot, completely unharmed.
Susanoo!
Orange chakra armor enveloped Xingye, blocking the explosion entirely.
Deidara's pupils constricted: "Susanoo? Another Uchiha?"
Xingye looked at Deidara and said coldly, "Deidara, your art is indeed shocking."
"However, in the face of absolute power, art is meaningless."
Deidara roared in anger: "You brat who doesn't understand art!"
"I will show you what true art is!"
Deidara formed hand seals, and clay poured out from his mouths in large quantities, preparing to unleash a stronger technique.
Xingye did not give Deidara a chance, and the pattern of his Mangekyo Sharingan shifted.
"Deidara, since you like explosions so much, let me show you what a real explosion is."
Amaterasu!
Black flames surged from Xingye's eyes, rushing straight toward Deidara.
Deidara was shocked: "What is this flame? Why does it look so evil?"
Xingye said, "This is Amaterasu, the black flame that never extinguishes."
"Once ignited, it will continue to burn until the target is completely incinerated."
Deidara's expression changed; for the first time, he felt the true threat of death.
"Damn Uchiha!" Deidara cursed.
He tried to use clay bombs to block Amaterasu, but the black flames pierced straight through the clay and continued to spread toward him.
Deidara could only retreat constantly, attempting to dodge the pursuit of Amaterasu.
Xingye watched Deidara and said coldly, "Deidara, you cannot escape."
"Amaterasu is an inextinguishable flame; it will pursue you until you are burned to ashes."
Deidara looked at the approaching black flames in despair, a flash of madness crossing his eyes.
"Fine," Deidara said, "since you won't let me escape, then let us be destroyed together."
"C0!"
Deidara began to activate his ultimate technique, preparing to turn himself into a massive bomb.
Xingye's pupils constricted.
C0! Deidara's ultimate technique; once activated, everything within hundreds of meters would be razed to the ground.
But Xingye did not panic, and the pattern of his Mangekyo Sharingan shifted once more.
Complete Body Susanoo!
A giant chakra war god rose from the ground, completely enveloping Xingye within.
Boom!
A massive explosion occurred, and the entire valley was razed to the ground.
After the smoke cleared, the Susanoo still stood tall, and Xingye was completely unharmed.
As for Deidara, he had vanished into the explosion.
[System Prompt: Defeat Deidara] [Obtained Traits: Art of Explosion (Green), Earth Release Chakra (Blue), Flight (Green)] [Plundered from Deidara: Chakra Control (Green), Art Perception (Green), Manic (White)]
Xingye felt a surge of joy; his strength had improved once again.
Although Art of Explosion was only a green-tier trait, when combined with Xingye's other abilities, its power could not be underestimated.
"The first member of the Akatsuki," Xingye muttered to himself, "has been dealt with."
"Next, the second target."
Xingye turned around, preparing to head toward the location of his next target.
The intelligence provided by Kisame indicated that Kisame himself was currently active on the border of the Land of Rivers, preparing to head to Kumogakure to scout for information on the Eight-Tails.
Xingye decided to go find Kisame first and formally bring him into his own camp.
After all, Kisame was already Xingye's inside man; winning him over completely was only a matter of time.
Xingye's figure vanished into the valley, embarking on the journey to find Kisame.