Naruto: From Konoha to One Piece

Shin's words made Terumi Mei clench her teeth and snort coldly. "You should give up on that thought."

"Agree with him," came a weak voice. Startled, Mei turned and saw Zabuza's pale, frail figure.

Surprised, she looked at him, knowing that he was her primary rival for the Mizukage position. Due to his membership in the renowned Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and the perception of her gender, he often had an advantage over her. He was considered the likely successor for the Mizukage if nothing unexpected happened. Yet here he was, suggesting she should be a puppet Mizukage.

"Do we really have another option?" Zabuza sighed. "If I'm not mistaken, the Fourth Mizukage has likely been under some form of mind control for a while now."

"At first, we couldn't fathom why the Fourth Mizukage behaved so erratically. It never crossed our minds that genjutsu could control someone of his power."

"But now…"

Considering the power of the ninja confronting them, it wasn't hard to believe. This group could overpower even a Kage with ease. If someone strong enough could capture or kill them with a single move, wouldn't it be plausible that the Fourth Mizukage was similarly manipulated?

When Shin used Susanoo in Konoha, it didn't escape the spies of other villages. While many lower-ranked ninjas couldn't grasp its significance, higher-ups knew it was linked to the Uchiha clan's Mangekyō Sharingan. Though no one understood how Shin possessed both Sharingan and Wood Release, many senior members of other villages had probably already crafted an imaginary tale about some secret love affair between the Uchiha and Senju clans. Zabuza, however, recognized the implications: Shin wielding the Mangekyō Sharingan posed a threat that could overwhelm any current Kage, especially the Mizukage.

"The Mizukage… manipulated?" Terumi Mei whispered in shock, then quickly realized what Zabuza was suggesting.

With the Fourth Mizukage under someone else's influence and their current forces essentially decimated, could they really resist this group's control over the village? Surrendering, while bitter, was the only logical choice—it was better to yield now than face further devastation.

Mei stood out as an attractive candidate for the Mizukage role. Gender wasn't the only factor that made a difference; appearances can sometimes sway decisions and create leverage in negotiations.

Seeing the hesitation, Shin nodded, indifferent to the Kiri ninja's thoughts as long as they obeyed.

Not every family willingly joined when Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara founded Konoha. Many had been strong-armed into cooperation. But once they established mutual interests, even Madara couldn't convince the Uchiha clan later to leave.

"All those who reach Kage level from every village should join the Akatsuki organization," Shin declared confidently. "Then, Akatsuki would practically function like a world council of powerful ninjas."

Unlike a superficial assembly, this vision was of an organization with absolute power. For Shin, reshaping the ninja world served as both a practical goal and a trial, with the unique abilities of this world's ninjas providing invaluable insights. And, he mused, obtaining the powerful bloodline traits of the Otsutsuki clan someday would require a strong and united ninja world.

"I should mention," Shin continued, "your Fourth Mizukage is indeed under a genjutsu, but it wasn't by my hand. It was cast by a masked Uchiha, who used to be our ally. He once claimed to be Uchiha Madara, but now, he's gone rogue."

"We're here to stop him."

Though partly a cover story, the Kiri ninja didn't know the difference. They would readily believe Shin's purpose aligned with theirs: eliminating Obito.

The Kiri ninjas exchanged glances, uncertain. Shin spoke with unmistakable authority, "Let me handle the details. But can you assure me that Terumi Mei will become Mizukage?"

"As long as I give my support, Terumi Mei will be appointed as the leader," Zabuza said with a nod. "The next Mizukage would have been between the two of us."

In the younger generation of Mist Village, those with Kage-level potential included Zabuza, Terumi Mei, and Kisame Hoshigaki. Yet, Kisame, though powerful, lacked any real political ambition and was unrefined in the ways of diplomacy. He wasn't suited to lead.

"Good," Shin nodded, releasing their restraints. "If you doubt my intentions, come with me to the Hidden Mist Village and see for yourself!"

Shin was already planning to reach Obito before Black Zetsu could interfere. Extracting the tailed beast's chakra without harming the Jinchuriki was well within his capabilities, thanks to his abilities.

With their restraints undone, the captured ninjas felt a rush of energy as Shin infused them with his powerful chakra. Even Zabuza, injured and weakened, felt rejuvenated, while Ao, whose eye had been gouged out, appeared considerably refreshed.

As they prepared to set out, they found Sasori and Orochimaru already fully equipped and ready to join.

'Wow, these two are more eager than I am! No doubt they're after Obito's body and eyes,' Shin thought, suppressing a smirk.

Seeing the group assembled, Sasori and Orochimaru glanced in surprise at Shin's entourage. Shin addressed them without hesitation. "I'm arranging for Hidden Mist Village to join Akatsuki. It's time Akatsuki reveals its true power!"

The group's base lay roughly a hundred kilometers from the village. But with everyone being an elite ninja, they covered most of the distance in under an hour.

As they neared, a thick plume of smoke rose over the village. Amid the haze, they could discern the massive, lumbering form of the Three-Tails roaring furiously.

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Merry Christmas Everyone! 

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Mass Release: [1/5]

For each power stones milestone—25, 50, 100, and beyond—I will release a bonus chapter.