Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 150: Akatsuki's Invitation and Black Zetsu's Net

Joining Akatsuki?

Hagoromo Gengetsu glanced at Uchiha Obito with a hint of doubt, wondering if the guy was mentally unstable.

After speaking, Obito also realized his proposition might have been a bit rash. However, he quickly considered that if someone as powerful as Hagoromo Gengetsu joined their ranks, the collection of the Tailed Beasts would undoubtedly accelerate significantly. The likelihood of successfully implementing the Infinite Tsukuyomi would be unprecedentedly high.

As for the issue of Hagoromo Gengetsu overshadowing the leadership, Obito believed that once all the Tailed Beasts were sealed into the Gedo Statue of the Outer Path, he could utilize the contingency plan left by Uchiha Madara to absorb the statue into himself and become the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki. At that point, Hagoromo Gengetsu's strength would be inconsequential.

With these thoughts in mind, Obito looked at Hagoromo Gengetsu with anticipation.

Hagoromo Gengetsu smirked playfully and said, "Before inviting someone, shouldn't you explain your organization's principles?"

Obito's expression turned serious. As the fame of Akatsuki grew, with members like Itachi and Kisame even attempting to capture the Nine-Tails, the Five Great Shinobi Villages had already begun to speculate about Akatsuki's objectives. Without hiding anything, he replied, "Akatsuki's principle is world peace. As for the means, it involves collecting the nine Tailed Beasts to create a powerful deterrent weapon, ultimately conquering the world and achieving lasting peace."

Obito, of course, did not mention the true Infinite Tsukuyomi plan hidden behind the Tailed Beast weapon. In his eyes, creating a world with Rin in it was a task he needed to accomplish himself. For that reason, even Uchiha Madara would be kept out, let alone Hagoromo Gengetsu.

After hearing Obito's explanation, Hagoromo Gengetsu shook his head calmly, "Uninteresting."

The concept of a Tailed Beast weapon seemed similar to nuclear deterrence, and the idea of conquering the world was something Madara used to boast about. In the end, they were ganged up on by the Five Kage. Hagoromo Gengetsu had no interest in playing the world conquest game. Besides the time it would take, managing a conquered world would be even more troublesome. He had no desire to waste his time on such trivial matters.

Infinite Tsukuyomi, however, did seem intriguing. Putting the entire world into a dream and not being disturbed had its own appeal. But since Obito didn't mention it, he didn't bother to ask.

Looking at the sky, with Shisui's dual Mangekyō Sharingan now in his possession, it was time to thoroughly study them. Hagoromo Gengetsu decided to leave.

With Akatsuki being such a large target, the attention on him would lessen. Moreover, Akatsuki might come in handy in the future. Without making things difficult for Obito, who had the Kamui ability that made him hard to kill if he didn't act recklessly, Hagoromo Gengetsu casually left a remark, "If you let me be the leader of Akatsuki, I might consider it," and then turned his back on Obito and walked away indifferently.

Obito watched Hagoromo Gengetsu's departing figure without making any move.

After a long while, a giant pitcher plant emerged from the ground beside him.

Black Zetsu's voice echoed from within, "You actually thought of inviting Hagoromo Gengetsu?"

Without turning his head, Obito replied, "He would be a great asset, wouldn't he?"

"Indeed, but he's too powerful! If he joins, who knows who will end up leading Akatsuki." White Zetsu, merged with Black Zetsu, chuckled.

This was another concern for Obito. Someone as significant as Hagoromo Gengetsu would never be content being under someone else's command. If he truly joined and focused on capturing the Tailed Beasts, it would be fine. However, if he had other plans, it could be disastrous.

Shaking his head, Obito said, "Regardless, this trial has shown that even Itachi is far from being Hagoromo Gengetsu's match. His strength hasn't diminished since his revival, and his body shows no signs of aftereffects. Henceforth, Akatsuki should avoid Hagoromo Gengetsu as much as possible and focus on capturing the Tailed Beasts."

"Let's hope Pain, who considers himself a god, takes this seriously," White Zetsu laughed again.

Thinking about how Nagato had become increasingly wary of him and constantly making moves behind his back, Obito coldly snorted, "Nagato has become too obsessed with the power of the Rinnegan. Sometimes, it's good to remind him of reality."

With that, Obito's figure twisted and disappeared.

White Zetsu sank back into the ground.

Only Black Zetsu remained, staring thoughtfully in the direction Hagoromo Gengetsu had left. 

For him, as long as the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan succeeded, it didn't matter whether it was Uchiha Madara or Uchiha Obito who accomplished it. Either would end up being nourishment for his mother.

Back then, he had even considered tempting Hashirama Senju, who could capture Tailed Beasts as easily as drinking water. Unfortunately, Hashirama's personality was too upright, unlike Madara, who could be driven to extremes.

As for Hagoromo Gengetsu, since he was neither Indra nor Asura's reincarnation, Black Zetsu hadn't paid him much attention. But now, with the Rinnegan having been born, the person to release the Infinite Tsukuyomi could be broadened. Hagoromo Gengetsu, who had been revived, seemed like a great candidate.

Not only was he as powerful as Madara once was, but his character was not as uptight as Hashirama's. Although he was once fiercely righteous, such a personality could also mean that once he found a goal, he would pursue it with unwavering determination—much like Obito now.

Black Zetsu mused, "Let's wait and see. Hagoromo Gengetsu has a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan. If he sees the inscription at the Naka Shrine..."

Obito's side was progressing well. With Madara as a backup, Black Zetsu was in no hurry. He had grown accustomed to casting a wide net over the millennia. 

Casting one over Hagoromo Gengetsu now wouldn't hurt. If he truly took the bait, even if it led to conflicts with Obito or Madara, it wouldn't matter. In the end, he would benefit.

With renewed expectations, Black Zetsu slowly sank into the ground.

Elsewhere.

Returning to his experimental base, Hagoromo Gengetsu extracted the Mangekyō Sharingan he had taken from Uchiha Itachi. After a transplant surgery, he placed it into the left eye of a clone in front of him. 

Soon, two black, blade-shaped Mangekyō Sharingan eagerly spun, rejoicing at their reunion. Simultaneously, the deeper powers of the Mangekyō Sharingan—Susanoo, Kotoamatsukami, and the profound Yin Release techniques—completely unfolded before Hagoromo Gengetsu.

Sensing all this, Hagoromo Gengetsu smiled faintly, "This delivered gift is quite nice."