In the bustling shop in Amegakure, a young female clerk enthusiastically presented the latest smartphones to Shikamaru and Kakashi, her face lit up with a smile. "Here are the three newest models. Which one would you like? Oh, and before purchasing, please note that our services are only available within the territories of Akatsuki Nation. Once you leave the borders, the phones won't work. Also, due to current circumstances, each person can only buy one."
Kakashi and Shikamaru listened carefully. "I didn't see the model I was looking for," Shikamaru remarked, mentioning the premium smartphones they had seen used by official personnel.
"Ah, sorry, that model is not for sale. It's for official use only, reserved for our staff and a select few individuals," the clerk explained politely.
Shikamaru, curious as always, asked, "Is there any way to get one of those?"
The clerk smiled. "I'm afraid I don't know the details, but you can inquire at the reception if you're really interested."
"I see. Thank you. We'll take two of these," Shikamaru said, completing their purchase.
Though Daniel had initially considered introducing Akatsuki Nation's own currency, he ultimately decided against it, realizing that the current currency system in the Shinobi world was already widely accepted. For now, standard money was still in use, with plans to revisit the issue once the Five Great Nations were unified under Akatsuki.
"These are your chosen numbers. Remember, calls require payment, even if you leave Akatsuki Nation and can't use the phone," the clerk reminded them as they left with their new purchases.
Testing the phones, Shikamaru and Kakashi moved a few streets apart to check their communication range. "Can you hear me?" Shikamaru asked through the phone.
"Loud and clear," Kakashi replied.
"Great. Let's meet up for dinner at the place we agreed on," Shikamaru suggested, satisfied with the test.
As they regrouped, Shikamaru couldn't help but think about the potential power of these devices. Unlike the existing communication tools in the Shinobi world, which were restricted to important figures like the Hokage or Daimyō, these smartphones allowed for instant, widespread communication, accessible even to ordinary citizens. The future possibilities were staggering.
"Once Akatsuki unifies the Shinobi world, these phones will work across the entire continent. You understand what that means, don't you, Kakashi-sensei?" Shikamaru asked thoughtfully.
Shikamaru marveled at how much Akatsuki had accomplished. From their technological advancements to the strategic planning behind their rise, it was clear that they were poised to reshape the world. "Maybe they really can bring peace to the Shinobi world," Shikamaru sighed deeply, contemplating the idea.
"Shikamaru," Kakashi's voice grew stern, warning him not to let such thoughts take root.
"Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei. I was just thinking out loud," Shikamaru responded with a faint smile.
Later that evening, as they ate in a local restaurant, they watched a broadcast from Akatsuki Nation's news channel on a nearby screen. The report highlighted various initiatives, including Nagato and Konan's focus on education, the success of new technologies, and measures to ensure security in newly acquired territories. The broadcast ended with the anchor proudly stating, "Our great leader, Nagato, who has inherited the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths, emphasizes that education is the cornerstone of Akatsuki Nation's future."
Kakashi and Shikamaru exchanged serious glances. Both understood the significance of what they had just seen.
---
Elsewhere in the steel tower of Amegakure, Daniel was in a meeting room, laughing with Deidara and Hidan, thanking them for their efforts in a recent mission. Across from him sat another man, a distinguished figure known as Oyashiro Homura, a prominent leader in the underground world.
"Thank you for your assistance, sir. This operation wouldn't have been possible without you," Daniel said, smiling politely.
"Please, no need for thanks. After all, I should be thanking you for taking care of my daughter, Chino. And besides, this is all part of our mutually beneficial arrangement, right?" Oyashiro replied with a chuckle.
Oyashiro Homura was Chino's biological father, and he had been cooperating with Daniel ever since Akatsuki had defeated the Iron Country and repelled the Five Great Nations' first offensive. Daniel and Oyashiro had developed a close partnership, with Oyashiro helping Akatsuki gain influence in the underground world. In return, Daniel offered him opportunities to legitimize his position in the new world order.
Recently, Akatsuki had carried out a large-scale operation against an underground fighting arena frequented by the rich and powerful. Thanks to Madara's involvement, the operation was a success, and Akatsuki gained not only a wealth of resources but also several rare individuals with kekkei genkai (bloodline limits). Among those rescued were nearly twenty young individuals, making them prime candidates for Akatsuki's new elite forces, including the future secret police.
These individuals, many of whom were previously under Oyashiro's control, were part of his contribution to the deal. He had willingly handed them over to secure a better future for himself and his daughter.
"I'll have Chino handle the negotiations with you moving forward. This will give you a good chance to spend time with her, don't you think?" Daniel added with a sly grin.
"You're really not giving me any room to take advantage of this situation, are you?" Oyashiro said, feigning frustration. He knew he couldn't exploit the situation with his own daughter leading the negotiations.
"Shall I assign someone else?" Daniel teased.
"No, no, Chino is fine," Oyashiro said, resigned. His love for his daughter outweighed any desire for personal gain. For her sake, he was willing to sacrifice everything, just as Itachi had done for Sasuke.
---
Meanwhile, in Orochimaru's southern base, a momentous occasion was unfolding. Kushina had finally completed the process of releasing the Shiki Fūjin (Reaper Death Seal), and Orochimaru couldn't hide his excitement. For him, this meant he would soon regain full use of his hands, which had been sealed away for so long. The knowledge that Daniel had brought to Orochimaru, combined with his own experiments, had made the wait unbearable, but now, finally, the end was in sight.
"Let's move this to a more remote location. Things could get messy if we stay here," Daniel suggested. He had arrived with Madara, who was disguised as an ANBU member for now, keeping his presence under wraps. Joining them were Sasuke, Suigetsu, and Jūgo, who had just returned from their successful mission in the Land of Snow.
With everything in place, Orochimaru performed the ritual to summon the Shinigami. He offered up the necessary sacrifices—his current body included, though he had prepared a White Zetsu body as a replacement. The Shinigami appeared, and the process to release the trapped souls of the past Hokage began.
"This Shinigami isn't as powerful as I expected. To think there's a loophole that allows someone to escape its grasp," Daniel mused. Orochimaru had cleverly evaded the Shinigami's clutches by switching bodies, a technique that might not have worked in another universe, like in Marvel, where beings like Mephisto wouldn't be so easily tricked.
Finally, with the souls of the Hokage freed, Daniel immediately used Edo Tensei (Reanimation) to summon the four legendary Hokage: Hashirama, Tobirama, Hiruzen, and Minato.
"A moment worth remembering," Daniel said with a grin as the Hokage materialized.
Hashirama was the first to regain consciousness, quickly realizing his situation. "Here we go again, huh?" he muttered, looking around as the others slowly regained their awareness.
"You again, Orochimaru?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was the first to speak. He immediately recognized Orochimaru and attempted to break free from the jutsu, but before he could finish the hand signs, Kushina struck him, sending him flying. Despite knowing that his body couldn't feel pain, she couldn't contain her fury.
"Kushina?" Minato, stunned by the sight of his wife, froze on the spot.
"Kushina," Hiruzen murmured as he reassembled himself after the blow.
"Ah, young man, we meet again," Tobirama said, his sharp eyes falling on Daniel and Orochimaru. Though Tobirama wasn't prone to flattery, he respected those who posed a challenge.
"Indeed," Daniel replied with a smile.
"What's your goal?" Tobirama asked bluntly.
"It's simple. I want the four of you to destroy Konoha."
The ground cracked beneath Tobirama's feet as his chakra surged in response to Daniel's words, the raw power of the Second Hokage causing the earth to split. Suigetsu, standing at the back, nervously backed away.
"Bold, aren't you? You even enhanced my body with my brother's cells," Tobirama remarked coldly, his sharp intellect quickly discerning the modifications made to his reanimated body. As the inventor of Edo Tensei, he knew its mechanics better than anyone.
"Strong bodies are needed to destroy Konoha," Daniel replied casually.
"Don't be so hasty, Tobir
ama. Let's handle the situation at hand first, shall we?" Hashirama's deep voice cut through the tension, stopping Tobirama from making a rash move. His mind was still focused on the mention of Tsunade—his beloved granddaughter, now the Fifth Hokage.
"So, my granddaughter is the Fifth Hokage now, huh?" Hashirama's usual cheerful demeanor softened. His pride in Tsunade shone through, but the memories of the gambling problems she inherited from him brought a faint smile to his lips.
"Yes, she's the current Hokage. However, there's more to this story," Daniel said as the tension continued to rise.
---
"Kushina, what's going on with Naruto?" Minato's voice trembled as he stepped forward. He couldn't understand why Kushina was so furious, and he needed answers.
"You call this 'taking care of him,' Hiruzen?" Kushina's voice was thick with anger, and she refused to address the Third Hokage by his title. Her disappointment was palpable. She had learned too much about Naruto's life—his suffering, his isolation—and Hiruzen's inaction only fueled her rage.
Minato, meanwhile, stood frozen, unsure of what to say. The truth about his son was slowly coming to light, and it was more than he could bear.
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