Naruto: Did i Just Get Reincarnated as Gojo?

~ Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters on My Patreon!

<><><><>

Konan glared at Black Zetsu, her eyes blazing. "Enough! That's disgusting. I won't allow it. Nagato wouldn't either. Give up."

With that, she turned and left, her back to Black Zetsu, her disapproval palpable.

"My, my. Such a strong reaction. But your opinion it doesn't matter. Nagato will agree. He always does."

…

"Nagato~"

Pain, in Yahiko's body, stood atop the highest tower in Amegakure, overlooking the village.

Sensing Zetsu's approach, he glanced back. "What is it?"

"There's something we need to discuss."

"Organizational matters? Speak with Konan."

"She disagrees."

"Then there's no need to discuss it with me. Her will is my will."

Konan was the only person left in the world who shared a genuine bond with him. He trusted her implicitly.

"But, Nagato, this is different. I believe Konan's personal feelings are clouding her judgment. You know me. I always prioritize the Akatsuki's interests. But Konan's emotional response has dampened my enthusiasm."

In a way, Gojo Kaigetsu and Black Zetsu were two sides of the same coin.

Gojo served Konoha; Black Zetsu, his mother.

Gojo nurtured Konoha's younger generation; Black Zetsu recruited Missing-nin. Gojo promoted legitimate businesses; Black Zetsu sought alternative revenue streams.

Pain considered this. He'd always been wary of Zetsu, but he had to admit, Zetsu's dedication to the Akatsuki was undeniable.

Perhaps there was more to this?

"Explain."

"Kakuzu was killed during the Gojo Kaigetsu assassination attempt. He was ambushed by Konoha ninja, including the Third Hokage himself. As you know, Kakuzu handled the organization's finances. Without him, we're struggling. We need to maintain our relationship with Amegakure's leadership, supply Sasori and Konan with essential materials, and fund your charitable donations to the villagers. Money isn't everything, but it's essential, especially at this stage."

Pain frowned. So, Konan's objection was financial? That didn't seem right. She'd always been resourceful.

"Hiruko's Edo Tensei it's not very effective for resurrecting powerful ninja. But for ordinary people it works well enough. I'm suggesting we have him resurrect attractive men and women. With a few modifications to improve their appearance. Then, we'll send them to the Land of Fire, the Land of Water, to provide services. Those wealthy nobles and merchants they've experienced everything. But Edo Tensei companions? That's a novelty. We'll corner the market."

Black Zetsu's explanation it was unexpected.

Pain, at nineteen, hadn't experienced such things.

But he understood why Konan had objected. From a kunoichi's perspective, it was unacceptable.

The Edo Tensei he'd seen Hiruko use it.

But disregarding the ethics, it was a viable business model.

Nagato, having grown up in war-torn Amegakure, understood the depths of human depravity.

Those wealthy nobles and merchants they'd often set up establishments in the ruins, offering food and shelter in exchange for children. And days later the children's bodies would be found, discarded like trash.

War exposed the darkness within.

And Edo Tensei companions, they wouldn't die. Those wealthy patrons would pay a fortune for such services.

"Where will you find suitable candidates?" Pain asked after a long silence.

"Locally, for convenience."

"No. Not in Amegakure," Pain said firmly. "Target the larger nations. But conduct thorough research first. Determine their preferences. And prioritize naturally deceased individuals. No killing."

To nurture peace from pain. That was his ninja way.

Ninja pain was pain, civilian pain was pain. The suffering the Great Nations had inflicted on Amegakure he'd repay it in kind.

Prioritizing naturally deceased individuals that was his mercy.

"And in our organization, only Konan can handle the logistics of this operation. She can infiltrate the larger nations and establish connections. What do you think?"

"I'll speak with her."

"Excellent. I'll begin preparations." Black Zetsu sank into the earth and vanished.

"Konan, you're listening, aren't you?" Pain said to the empty room.

Konan emerged from the shadows, her gaze filled with disappointment.

She'd heard everything.

This was wrong.

The Akatsuki's mission was to kill. But their targets were usually ninja, or those who profited from war.

But this…

Targeting ordinary people, simply for their appearance?

It was unjustifiable.

For the first time, her and Nagato's paths diverged.

'Nagato your pursuit of peace it's become twisted.'

"Konan, you heard our conversation. I'm asking you to handle this, in the Land of Fire, the Land of Water."

"If it's your order, I'll obey. But Nagato, don't you see? This is wrong! We're no better than those invaders. These people are innocent. They've done nothing to deserve this."

"I've forbidden Zetsu from killing."

"Do you truly believe him, Nagato? He will kill. I know he will."

"Enough, Konan! I am the leader!"

"Were we guilty? We were invaded, our home destroyed. This is retribution."

Pain waved his hand dismissively. "Go. Carry out your mission."

Konan's disappointment deepened. She turned to leave, her body dissolving into paper.

"Konan, where will you begin?"

"…The Land of Fire." The paper scattered, leaving Pain alone.

He turned back to the window, overlooking Amegakure.

He was certain, he was on the right path.

He would bring peace through pain, make the Great Nations suffer. They would, of course, oppose him.

Their opposition only validated his actions. And if they feared him enough to support him that, too, was validation.

And Konan her support meant he was right. Her opposition meant she was misguided, an enemy.

He was on the right path.

"You'll understand someday, Konan. There can be no peace without pain. Only through suffering will they learn to value peace. The Great Nations they are the source of the ninja world's suffering."

…

…

[Sunagakure Announcement:]

[The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, a renowned Magnet Release user and key figure in the Konoha-Suna Trade Route, has tragically passed away. He was assassinated by Missing-nin, Sasori of the Red Sand, while attending the Trade Route completion ceremony. He was twenty-seven years old.]

The news of Rasa's death spread quickly.

A Kage assassinated.

The first such incident since the end of the Third Shinobi World War.

The ninja world was in turmoil.

In Sunagakure, a somber atmosphere prevailed.

Chiyo and Ebizo, the village elders, were called out of retirement.

With the Kazekage dead, someone had to lead. And no one had greater seniority than Chiyo and Ebizo. Furthermore, the assassin was Chiyo's grandson, Sasori of the Red Sand. She owed the village an explanation.

Outside the Kazekage Tower, those influenced by Iki, having heard the news, organized a protest.

Their demands were simple:

Bring the assassin to justice and hold those responsible for the Kazekage's security accountable.

And don't blame Konoha. Sunagakure's economy depended on them.

Anbu ninja, wearing white armbands, observed the protest. Seeing that it wasn't escalating, they didn't intervene.

The Fourth Kazekage had been a good leader. Under his rule, the village had prospered. They, too, mourned his death.

...

Kazekage Tower Meeting Room.

Chiyo, now the acting Kazekage, spoke. "Appoint Baki to lead the investigation into Rasa's death. Combine it with the investigation into the Third Kazekage's disappearance."

Baki stood up and bowed, his face a mask of solemn determination. But beneath it a sinister smirk.

Investigating himself? How convenient.

As head of security for the ceremony, he was technically a suspect. And his plan to gain prestige by hunting Sasori had been ruined by that Konoha monster. He hadn't even retrieved the Kazekage seal from Rasa's body.

And yet, Chiyo had appointed him to lead the investigation.

This meant she knew Sunagakure needed him.

The Kazekage title was within his grasp.

Behind him, the other elders remained silent. Some, who'd previously supported Kosaka Kaoru, now reconsidered.

Their leader was obsessed with GDP. The Kazekage was dead, and he was still talking about parks and hotels.

<><><><>

Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters. Ahead of the rest!

https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx

(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)

There is 8 Exciting Fanfics already available on my Patreon!