Heaven, distinguish the loyal from the treacherous!

These few simple words, uttered lightly from Kagami Uchiha's mouth, struck Kakuzu's heart like several cold pebbles.

Upon hearing this, Kakuzu's heart skipped a beat.

Leader?

That's too formal of you.

A sense of vigilance immediately arose in his heart, and a thought flashed through his mind.

--broken!

Could it be that someone is spreading rumors about him in front of Kagami Uchiha, or speaking ill of him to the Hokage?

Upon realizing this, Kakuzu dared not be negligent in the slightest. He quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, lowered his posture, and spoke respectfully, "Lord Hokage, why do you address me like that?" His voice carried a perfectly measured hint of apprehension. "Has this subordinate acted in any way inappropriately?"

"If I have done anything wrong, please speak frankly, sir. Kakuzu will not shirk responsibility in the slightest!"

As his words faded, the wind howled along the cliff edge.

Kagami Uchiha didn't answer immediately, but instead gave Kakuzu a deep look before turning away. He was thinking carefully about how to bring up the matter of Nagato's Rinnegan with Kakuzu. After all, they had spent so many years together, and the children had already formed a deep bond with Kakuzu.

Kakuzu saw that Kagami Uchiha remained silent, and his heart jumped into his throat.

Broken!

Who exactly is gossiping behind our backs, talking behind our backs?

Names flashed through his mind, and the more he thought about them, the more agitated he became.

First, excluding all Konoha Ninja, there are only two groups of Konoha Ninja he came into contact with.

The first is Hatake Sakumo, a disciple of Kagami Uchiha many years ago; the second is the group of Konoha Ninja that Kagami Uchiha sent to teach in the Land of Rain a few years ago.

However, the group of Konoha Ninja who came to teach in the Land of Rain were treated with the best food and drink, and he never dared to neglect them in the slightest, so they had no reason to resent him.

So, only one person remains— Hatake Sakumo!

The only time he and he had a dispute was over the matter of the Land of Wind many years ago.

Thinking of this, he cursed inwardly.

That damn White-Hair guy, he'd always thought that kid, despite his thick eyebrows and big eyes, was actually a deep and scheming person.

That kid is full of bad intentions; he's definitely not a decent, law-abiding person. He probably found some dirt on me and went to Kagami Uchiha to stir up trouble. Plus, he's Kagami Uchiha's disciple—he's in a prime position...

Damn it! Hatake Sakumo, I will never let you get away with this, you damned little White-Hair! Did you even have a son...?

At this thought, Kakuzu completely locked his heart into Hatake Sakumo, cursing the guy in his mind. But he dared not show it on his face, and could only continue to maintain his bowed posture. As time passed, a layer of cold sweat quietly seeped out on his back, and as the mountain wind blew by, he couldn't help but shiver.

No, we absolutely cannot let him take the blame like this. Lord Kakuzu, he must die with a clear conscience!

Composing himself, Kakuzu abruptly knelt down, his expression filled with sorrow, and choked out, "Hokage! Please look at me!"

"I am Kakuzu! Who has deceived you to treat me with such coldness?"

"Back then, I, Kakuzu, was nothing more than Bounty Hunter in the Bounty Station, wandering aimlessly in this cruel Shinobi World for decades, living a life of constant uncertainty."

At this point, Kakuzu's expression grew increasingly distressed. His eyes were red, and tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. His voice was hoarse as he said, "Until I met you, my lord!"

"I remember, it was Konoha Year 20. Back then, I was arrogant and ignorant, and I dared to challenge you. Although I failed, you didn't kill me."

"On the contrary, they took me under their wing and taught me diligently. From that day on, I, Kakuzu, told myself that my life belonged to them."

"Therefore, over the years, I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to every task you have assigned me, exercising utmost caution, for fear of messing it up and failing your trust."

"Now that I have finally had the chance to see you again and meet your face, I am eager to receive your earnest teachings."

"But your way of addressing me just now really broke my heart... Waaah!" Kakuzu choked up, almost unable to speak.

"Is there some backstabber who spoke ill of me to you? Lord Hokage! You know me!"

"I am innocent! I, Kakuzu, am here! I beg Heaven to judge the loyal from the treacherous! I hope you will not abandon me, my lord!"

At this point, Kakuzu's tall frame seemed to have completely lost its spirit, and he slumped to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.

To be honest, over the years, Kagami Uchiha truly held such a high place in his heart; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him an irreplaceable spiritual mentor.

The thought of possibly losing Kagami Uchiha's trust filled Kakuzu with despair. What Money Path? What was saving the Land of Rain? What was the Akatsuki?

Let's go! Lord Kakuzu is tired!

Hearing the suppressed sobs behind him, Kagami Uchiha slowly turned around.

Looking at Kakuzu, who was crying his eyes out, a faint ripple stirred in his heart.

Before coming here, I did intend to give Kakuzu a warning, but seeing him like this now, a faint sense of apology quietly rose in my heart.

Thinking of this, Kagami Uchiha sighed softly in his heart.

Yes, that's the Shinobi World. Every ninja holds onto their own chosen Ninja Way, and once they've chosen someone to follow, they're completely devoted. I guess I'm overthinking things; it's a bit petty of me.

With this thought in mind, Kagami Uchiha quickly stepped forward, reached out and tightly grasped Kakuzu's arms, and with a slight effort, helped him up.

With a hint of apology in his expression, he spoke softly, "Get up, Kakuzu. What are you doing?"

"I was just pondering an important matter, carefully considering my words, and momentarily lost focus. It wasn't that I had any opinion about you."

"Look at yourself! You're the leader of an organization now, and you're behaving like this? What kind of behavior is this?"

"Alright! How could I doubt you? Over the years, our hearts have stood as clear as day!"

Kakuzu hurriedly raised his hand, hastily wiping away the tears on his face. He straightened up, composed himself, and his expression became solemn and respectful again. "It was my lapse in composure; please forgive me, sir."

He asked earnestly, "What mission is it that requires your personal presence?"

"This matter concerns your subordinate, that guy named Nagato Uzumaki!"

Upon hearing this, Kakuzu was slightly taken aback and asked in confusion, "Nagato? Lord Kagami, I know that Nagato has the Rinnegan, but you're the one who told me."

Kagami Uchiha nodded slightly, his expression calm, and said indifferently, "According to my previous plan, once Nagato has grown up, you will lead the Akatsuki to overthrow Hanzō's rule. Then, we will seize the opportunity to take down the Seven-Tails of Takigakure. At that time, your Akatsuki will be qualified to sit at the table and eat."

At this point, his tone shifted, becoming more somber. "However, things didn't go as planned; I went to see the original owner of the Rinnegan!"

Upon hearing this, Kakuzu's pupils contracted slightly, and he murmured, "Madara Uchiha...?"

"That's right, we've formed an alliance. In my plan, Madara needs to retrieve the Rinnegan and return to his prime." Kagami Uchiha slowly and mysteriously.

"However... the Rinnegan absolutely cannot be given to Madara Uchiha right now!"

"It's not time yet..."