Recruiting Kisame

In the winter of Year 60, one month had passed since the Five Kage Summit ended.

Xingye stood on the high platform in the Uchiha Clan Compound, gazing out over all of Konoha.

Snow blanketed the entire village, lending it a peaceful, serene atmosphere.

But Xingye knew that beneath this tranquility, undercurrents were stirring.

The Akatsuki wouldn't sit idly by. They would definitely strike back.

"Brother," Itachi said as he walked up beside Xingye, "the intelligence shows that the Akatsuki are regrouping."

"Kisame and Sasori have successfully infiltrated the Akatsuki again. They're gathering the latest intelligence."

Xingye nodded. "Good."

"Next, we need to draw up a detailed battle plan."

Itachi asked, "Brother, which direction are you planning to attack from?"

Xingye pondered for a moment, then said, "We'll split into three groups."

"First, Itachi, you'll protect Konoha and Sasuke while secretly monitoring the Akatsuki's movements."

"Second, Father Fugaku will organize the Uchiha Guard Corps and work with Konoha's Anbu to ensure the village's safety."

"Third, I'll take charge personally. I'll strike first and defeat the Akatsuki members one by one."

Itachi nodded. "Understood, brother."

"But won't it be too dangerous for you to face the Akatsuki alone?"

Xingye smiled faintly. "Itachi, don't worry."

"I've already recruited Kisame and Sasori. They'll help us at critical moments."

"Besides, my strength is enough to take on any Akatsuki member."

Itachi looked at Xingye, a complex light flickering in his eyes.

"Brother," Itachi said slowly, "can you really defeat every Akatsuki member?"

Xingye looked into the distance, his gaze as resolute as iron.

"No."

Itachi was stunned. "What?"

Xingye continued, "There are some members of the Akatsuki who are indeed difficult to deal with."

"Pain's Six Paths, for example, or Madara Uchiha's clone."

"But that doesn't mean I can't defeat them."

Itachi fell silent for a moment, then said, "Brother, you mean you'll use strategy?"

Xingye nodded. "Exactly."

"Every member of the Akatsuki has a weakness."

"Kisame is powerful, but he's sensitive to the chakra of strong opponents and easy to lure in."

"Deidara has tremendous explosive power, but he's hot-tempered and easy to provoke."

"Nagato has the Rinnegan, but his body is frail and he relies on the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path to sustain himself."

"If we exploit those weaknesses, we can defeat them one by one."

A note of admiration flickered in Itachi's eyes. "Brother, your plans are incredibly meticulous."

Xingye said, "Itachi, I'll be leaving Konoha for a while."

"While I'm gone, I'll leave the Uchiha Clan in your and Father Fugaku's hands."

Itachi nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, brother."

"I'll protect the Uchiha Clan and Konoha."

Xingye patted Itachi on the shoulder. "Good, Itachi."

"When I return, the threat of the Akatsuki will be no more."

System Notification

Just as Xingye was preparing to set out, the system's voice rang out.

[System Notification: Main Quest "Akatsuki Disintegration Plan" activated]

[Quest Objective: Defeat or recruit the Akatsuki members one by one]

[Quest Rewards: Red Rinnegan, Truth-Seeking Orb (Red), Otsutsuki Divinity (Mythical)]

[Quest Deadline: Complete within one year]

Xingye was delighted.

The Rinnegan! Truth-Seeking Orbs! Otsutsuki Divinity! These were all incredibly precious traits, worth a fortune.

Otsutsuki Divinity in particular was a mythical-grade trait. Obtaining it would bring Xingye's strength to a whole new level.

"Akatsuki," Xingye said, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Your end is near."

Setting Out

Xingye packed his belongings and prepared to leave.

Before he departed, Fugaku and Itachi both came to see him off.

"Xingye," Fugaku said, "this journey will be dangerous. Be careful."

"Don't worry, Father," Xingye replied. "I've made thorough preparations."

Itachi said, "Brother, if you run into danger, contact me right away."

"I'll come to your aid immediately."

Xingye nodded. "I know, Itachi."

"But this time, I have to face the battle alone."

Itachi fell silent for a moment, then said, "I understand, brother."

"I believe you'll return safely."

Xingye looked at Fugaku and Itachi, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile.

"When I return, the Akatsuki will be history."

Xingye turned and set out.

His figure gradually disappeared into the snowstorm.

Xingye, one of the Uchiha Big Three, had set off alone to fight the Akatsuki.

It would be one of the most legendary journeys in the history of the Shinobi World.

Akatsuki Hideout

Underground base, Amegakure.

Obito stood before an illusion projection, watching Xingye's departing figure. A vicious glint flashed in his eyes.

"Uchiha Xingye," Obito murmured, "you've finally left Konoha's protection."

Black Zetsu emerged from behind Obito. "Obito, this is our chance."

"Xingye is alone. This is the perfect opportunity to eliminate him."

Obito nodded. "That's right."

"I'll have the Akatsuki members set an ambush along Xingye's route."

"This time, he won't escape."

Black Zetsu sneered. "Good."

"The Akatsuki has more than enough power to make sure Xingye never returns."

A murderous glint flashed in Obito's eyes.

"Uchiha Xingye, your death is near."

Xingye's Movements

After leaving Konoha, Xingye didn't head straight for Amegakure.

He went to Yugakure first. According to the intelligence Kisame had provided, Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sands were often active in the area.

Xingye scanned his surroundings with the Byakugan, searching for traces of the Akatsuki.

"Deidara," Xingye murmured, "your explosive art is certainly fascinating."

"But today, it will toll your death knell."

Xingye darted through the forest like a phantom.

The Byakugan not only let him monitor his surroundings in every direction, but also see the flow of chakra.

Even if Akatsuki members used invisibility techniques, they couldn't escape the Byakugan's gaze.

Just then, the system chimed.

[System Notification: Target detected]

[Deidara, five kilometers ahead]

[Chakra signature: Explosive chakra, proficient in Earth Release]

A cold glint flashed in Xingye's eyes.

"Deidara, I've finally found you."

Xingye changed course and headed for the target's location.

The battle was about to begin.

Five Minutes Later

Xingye stood on a small hillside, looking down into the valley below.

Someone in the valley was making Clay Bombs.

He had long blond hair, with mouths on his right hand and chest.

It was none other than Deidara of the Akatsuki.

Deidara was testing his latest art, completely unaware that Xingye had spotted him.

"Art is an Explosion," Deidara said excitedly. "This new Clay Bomb is sure to create the perfect explosion."

Looking at Deidara, Xingye said calmly, "Art is beautiful, but some art comes at too high a price."

Deidara looked up sharply and saw Xingye standing on the hillside.

"Who are you?" Deidara asked warily.

Xingye said, "I'm the one who's going to put an end to your art."

Deidara flew into a rage. "Put an end to my art? You insolent brat!"

"You don't understand art at all!"

Deidara formed Hand Seals. Clay poured out of his mouth and quickly turned into a giant Clay Bird.

"Go! Art!"

The Clay Bird charged at Xingye, then exploded in midair.

A massive blast echoed through the valley, sending clouds of dust billowing everywhere.

But when the dust cleared, Xingye was still standing where he had been, completely unharmed.

Susanoo!

Orange chakra armor enveloped Xingye, completely blocking the explosion.

Deidara's pupils contracted. "Susanoo? Another Uchiha?"

Looking at Deidara, Xingye said coldly, "Deidara, your art is truly impressive."

"But in the face of absolute power, art means nothing."

Deidara roared in fury. "You artless brat!"

"I'll show you what true art is!"

Deidara formed Hand Seals. Clay poured out of his mouth as he prepared to unleash an even stronger technique.

Xingye gave Deidara no chance. The pattern of his Mangekyō Sharingan shifted.

"Deidara, since you love explosions so much, I'll show you what a real explosion looks like."

Amaterasu!

Black flames surged from Xingye's eyes, rushing straight at Deidara.

Deidara was shocked. "What are those flames? Why do they look so sinister?"

Xingye said, "This is Amaterasu, the inextinguishable black flame."

"Once it ignites, it will keep burning until its target is completely consumed."

Deidara's expression changed. For the first time, he felt the true threat of death.

"Damn Uchiha!" Deidara cursed.

He tried to block Amaterasu with Clay Bombs, but the black flames passed right through the clay and kept spreading toward him.

Deidara could only keep backing away, trying to dodge Amaterasu's pursuit.

Looking at Deidara, Xingye said coldly, "Deidara, you can't escape."

"Amaterasu is an inextinguishable flame. It will keep chasing you until it burns you to ash."

Despairing, Deidara watched the black flames drawing closer and closer. A crazed glint flashed in his eyes.

"Fine," Deidara said. "If you won't let me escape, then we'll perish together."

"C0!"

Deidara began to unleash his ultimate technique, preparing to turn himself into a gigantic bomb.

Xingye's pupils contracted.

C0! Deidara's ultimate technique. Once activated, it would flatten everything within hundreds of meters.

But Xingye didn't panic. The pattern of his Mangekyō Sharingan shifted again.

Complete Susanoo Healing!

A colossal chakra warrior rose from the ground, completely enveloping Xingye.

Rumble!

A massive explosion erupted, leveling the entire valley.

When the dust cleared, Susanoo Healing still stood tall, and Xingye was completely unharmed.

Deidara had vanished in the explosion.

[System: Defeat Deidara]

[Acquired traits: Explosion Art (Green), Earth Release Chakra (Blue), Flight (Green)]

[Plundered from Deidara: Chakra Control (Green), Artistic Perception (Green), Frenzy (White)]

Xingye was delighted. His strength had improved once again.

Though Explosion Art was only a Green-level trait, combined with Xingye's other abilities, its power was not to be underestimated.

"The first member of the Akatsuki," Xingye murmured to himself, "has been dealt with."

"Next is the second target."

Xingye turned and prepared to head for the next target's location.

According to the information Kisame had provided, Kisame himself was currently operating near the border of the Land of Rivers, preparing to travel to Kumogakure to investigate the Eight-Tails.

Xingye decided to seek out Kisame first and officially bring him into his faction.

After all, Kisame was already Xingye's inside man. It was only a matter of time before he brought him over.

Xingye's figure disappeared into the valley, and he set out on his search for Kisame.