Naruto: The Abstract Strategist of the Akatsuki

Chapter 15 Taking the Long Way Around is the Shortcut

"...In short, the ninja village is able to survive only because it has funds and resources provided by the daimyo."

Because of the help Bai Mo gave Sasuke, Itachi now has a very good impression of Bai Mo.

Even when she heard Bai Mo urging Kisame to assassinate the daimyo, she didn't express any dissatisfaction. Instead, she started telling Bai Mo about the role of the daimyo.

"Itachi, you're wrong."

After listening to Itachi's words, Bai Mo shook his head.

"I've heard a saying in Konoha: it's not that becoming Hokage guarantees everyone's approval, but rather that you need to gain everyone's approval to become Hokage."

The same applies to the identity of "Daimyo".

It wasn't the daimyo who provided the resources and fed everyone; rather, it was the farmers and workers who fed the daimyo, the merchants who handled distribution, and the ninja villages who provided security.

If the daimyo has sufficient management skills, then that's fine.

But now, let's ask ourselves honestly, do these big names really have that ability?

They're nothing but a bunch of parasites who rely on their hereditary rights to leech off the nation.

It is not that a great name can bring happiness and well-being to people, but rather that only those who bring happiness and well-being to people are qualified to become leaders of a nation.

Since we're already preparing to launch a revolution and eliminate the Blood Mist tradition, why not resolve all the past mistakes at once?

Even if the people of Kirigakure really had this idea, it wouldn't be easy for them to take action.

The concept of the daimyo system has persisted for a long time. If they want to take action, it would be best to do so through a bloodless revolution to avoid turmoil.

However, the bloodless revolution also brings huge hidden dangers. Once the daimyo who has lost the right to suck blood wants to regain power, a new round of destruction will occur.

But if blood is stained, hatred will inevitably follow, and those who have been kneeling for too long and blindly pledging allegiance to the daimyo will directly instigate unrest…”

"So the best way is for Kisame to do this as a rogue ninja."

They carry hatred and so-called sins on their own shoulders.

Kisame, you don't mind, do you?

All eyes turned to Kisame.

"I don't mind. Thank you, strategist. This incident has shown me a new path, and my life has regained its meaning."

Kisame gave a prompt answer, and he was somewhat moved at that moment.

Compared to Kisame, there was someone who felt it even more deeply.

That's Weasel.

Bai Mo's words struck a chord with Itachi.

First, there's a classic line from the Will of Fire: "Only by gaining everyone's approval can one become Hokage." Then, this line is used to extend to the backwardness and corruption of the Daimyo system.

Then Bai Mo said that Kisame should be made to bear hatred and sins as a rogue ninja and contribute to Kirigakure.

This feels so familiar.

"Indeed, I was wrong, strategist. Your magnanimity amazes me."

Itachi Uchiha readily admitted that his thinking was wrong.

In the original story, after being resurrected using Edo Tensei, he realized that he had made a mistake in how he treated Sasuke.

He should trust in the power of others, instead of setting his own path and trying to control everything.

Itachi is actually a person who can admit his mistakes and correct them.

The problem is that no one told Itachi beforehand that he was wrong, and why he was wrong.

The Third Hokage, the only one qualified and capable of correcting Itachi, not only failed to correct this mistake, but also praised Itachi for having "Hokage thinking" at such a young age, thus strengthening Itachi's belief.

This led to a situation where people couldn't teach each other directly, and they could only learn through experience.

After their brief time together during the mission in the Land of Waves, Itachi began to believe that Bai Mo was a ninja outside of Konoha, possessing the "Will of Fire," and capable of changing the ninja world.

Just like he trusted Naruto so much in the original work.

Therefore, Itachi felt that as long as he continued down this path, he could accept being used by Bai Mo.

During his conversation with Sasuke, Bai Mo mentioned the clan's stone tablet, as well as the awakening and advancement of the Sharingan, and even the ultimate advancement method that he himself did not know.

The only thing not mentioned is how the Mangekyou Sharingan reached the penultimate step and obtained eyes with eternal light.

— Replace them with your own brother's eyes.

Itachi didn't believe that Bai Mo, who knew the whole process, wouldn't know this.

When Bai Mo asked him if he was willing to make a sacrifice, he probably meant more than just giving up hurting Sasuke; he meant giving up his eyes.

"Oh right, Itachi, there's something I didn't mention earlier, about the Eternal Eyes."

Just as Itachi was lost in his own thoughts, Bai Mo suddenly said something that brought him back to his senses.

"What?"

Itachi was somewhat taken aback.

Normally, when it comes to matters concerning the eyes, everyone would just keep quiet about it.

Bai Mo actually brought it up on his own initiative?

Aren't you afraid that he'll realize he's going to lose his eyesight and change his mind?

"To awaken the Eternal Eye, one needs the eyes of a close brother and to fuse their eye powers. I didn't tell Sasuke this because I was afraid he would overthink things and go astray."

Bai Mo continued.

"you are right."

Itachi nodded in agreement.

"Itachi, you are also a major fighting force of the organization. You can't do without your eyes."

Anyway, Sharingan are hot-swappable. If you get a new pair, your combat power might decrease a bit, but it will still be enough.

Moreover, Susanoo, even if one has lost an eye, can still be activated with one eye or no eye at all, as long as there is enough chakra.

"It's alright, we can talk about it later."

Itachi smiled knowingly at Bai Mo's consideration for him and took the initiative to end the discussion.

If possible, he would certainly like to continue contributing.

But Itachi knew that his seriously ill body could hold on for as long as possible, one year at a time.

He didn't know if he could activate Susanoo without eyes, but he certainly couldn't.

Even if it were activated, the severely ill body wouldn't be able to sustain Susanoo for long.

However, Bai Mo's mention of this matter reminded Itachi of something.

Shisui's Mangekyou Sharingan.

One is in his hands, and the other is in Danzo's hands.

If given the opportunity, this could be used as a pretext to try and retrieve Shisui's eyes from Danzo.

To prevent Danzo from doing anything bad with Kotoamatsukami.

"Strategist, I also have something I want to say to you."

Itachi raised his hand and pointed to Bai Mo's chest. "You want to gather everyone's strength, which is a good idea, but don't ignore your own strength."

Itachi saw that Bai Mo was young and had considerable talent, and didn't want Bai Mo to devote all his energy to strategy.

"My own power? Of course I know that, but sometimes taking a detour is the shortcut. It's not that I don't want to cultivate, it's just that the time isn't right yet."

Bai Mo grabbed Itachi's wrist and transmitted a force to it.

Itachi felt a numbness in his wrist, and his pupils immediately contracted: "Sage Chakra? No, what is this...?"

No wonder.

"You're right, I was overthinking it."

"Indeed, a strategist as capable as you would think of so many things, how could you not be mindful of your own situation?"

Itachi didn't know much about Sage Mode, but he understood the meaning behind Bai Mo's words.

"Alright, after we finish this mission, Kisame and I will go and take care of that damned daimyo!"

Zabuza clenched his fist.