Kirigakure was left with only a handful of stragglers. If not for its remote location and the sea surrounding it—since most ninja warfare took place on land, where their abilities were greatly restricted at sea—the other side would not have been given any chance to catch its breath.
Uchiha Yuu had merely proposed this plan. As for its implementation, Kirigakure was one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, so the specifics would need to be refined gradually.
Once the meeting ended, the Akatsuki members present left with their own thoughts.
But from this day onward, they realized just how deep the waters of Akatsuki ran. Even if the other villages joined forces, they would not inspire the same level of intimidation.
Their conviction deepened: only by following Dawn Hidden Village could they walk a broad and promising path.
"Is there anything else you haven't said?"
Kakuzu was unquestionably Dawn Hidden Village's second-in-command. As the ninja who had been by Uchiha Yuu's side the longest, he knew that Yuu had stayed behind for a reason.
Besides the surface-level intelligence he had shared with Akatsuki, Uchiha Yuu also had a detailed report in his hands. When he placed it before Kakuzu, delight flickered in Kakuzu's eyes.
"No wonder you managed to obtain such classified intelligence. Someone among the village's upper ranks betrayed them."
But after seeing the name on it, Kakuzu suppressed his delight and could not help but worry.
"The Bamboo-Cutter Clan's abilities are renowned throughout the Shinobi World. But their personalities are like those of lunatics—they are impossible to control. On top of that, they worship the strong. If we can't earn their recognition, they'll be a serious nuisance."
They had been the Fourth Mizukage's most loyal supporters precisely because his strength had earned their recognition.
Unfortunately, with the Fourth