During the war, as the Hokage's advisor and leader of Root, Shimura Danzō had been secretly directing intelligence warfare and assassination operations within Konoha, ensuring the village's interests.
Through Root, Danzō continually gathered intelligence on other ninja villages, rebel organizations, and even allies, strengthening Konoha's position and power.
At this time, a Root subordinate submitted an extremely important piece of intelligence to Danzō, drawing his attention—a secret concerning Nagato, Akatsuki's second-in-command in the Land of Rain.
Akatsuki had developed rapidly in recent years, becoming the largest force in the Land of Rain second only to Hanzo of the Salamander.
Led by Yahiko, Nagato, Konan, and others, this organization advocated peace and opposition to war, earning the support of a great many civilians.
Danzō's interest in Akatsuki was not merely due to its influence in the Land of Rain, but because this intelligence revealed Nagato's unique nature—he was a member of the Uzumaki Clan, and more importantly, he possessed the legendary Rinnegan, the Eyes of the Sage.
The Rinnegan was considered one of the most powerful ocular techniques in the Ninja World, something only those at the level of the Sage of Six Paths could possibly possess.
Nagato, who possessed the Rinnegan, was seen as a potentially formidable threat, but in Danzō's eyes, this was a rare opportunity.
Danzō had always desired power sufficient to rule the entire Ninja World, and the Rinnegan was undoubtedly the key to realizing that ambition.
As long as he could obtain the Rinnegan, Danzō would not only strengthen himself, but also solidify his ambition to become Hokage.
However, Danzō understood that Akatsuki was no minor force that could be dealt with casually.
Although Yahiko appeared to be Akatsuki's leader, with Nagato and Konan following closely behind, its true source of power was Nagato's Rinnegan, along