In recent years, by provoking wars and escalating their scale, the Akatsuki had all but monopolized the wars between many shinobi villages.
While raking in money, they had also built up considerable strength.
Their next step was to capture the tailed beasts and revive the Ten-Tails.
But capturing the tailed beasts would be tantamount to declaring war on the entire Ninja World. They therefore had to prepare in advance for every enemy they would face.
As the Akatsuki's nominal leader, Pain knew better than anyone just how important this was.
"Konoha is simply too powerful now. Its influence is at its peak, and almost no shinobi village dares oppose it." Pain narrowed his eyes slightly.
Konan nodded beside him. "That's right. In recent years, it hasn't even been dragged into any small-scale wars. That's allowed its development to outpace every other shinobi village."
Kakuzu, the oldest among them, seemed to have realized something.
He slowly spoke. "In other words, the balance of power between the Five Great Shinobi Villages has completely collapsed, and Konoha is the key to breaking it."
Pain smiled faintly.
Indeed, no single shinobi village could rival Konoha now.
But what if the other shinobi villages joined forces?
Would Konoha still have the strength to act so arrogantly?
"We aren't the only ones who see the Uchiha-ruled Konoha as a thorn in their side."
Tobi, standing beside Sasori, looked up at Pain.
At present, only Pain knew even a little about his identity.
But even he did not know that Tobi was actually Uchiha Obito.
"Kirigakure is still under our control. Have the Land of Water take the lead and draw on the strength of the other four great shinobi villages. Together, they can crush Konoha and ignite the Fourth Ninja World War."
Uchiha Obito looked at