Under the control of Genjutsu, Kazuma stood like a puppet and spoke.
"During the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha, we took the opportunity to collect some of the chakra that was scattered during its rampage."
"After five years of cultivation, we implanted it into Sora's body. The Sora of today is what you might call a pseudo-Jinchuriki."
"The Nine-Tails' chakra within Sora is immense, requiring constant use of Sealing Jutsu to suppress it."
"When the time comes to release it, the balance will be broken, and Sora's body will quickly be overwhelmed by the Nine-Tails' chakra."
"Sora will gradually undergo a Tailed Beast Transformation, eventually becoming a true Nine-Tails."
Obito was startled. He had never imagined someone would have taken advantage of the Nine-Tails' attack all those years ago. It seemed this Kazuma was a man of considerable means to have accomplished such a thing. If that was the case, Sora could no longer be allowed to remain at the Fire Temple.
Kazuma continued speaking.
"I sought you out to propose a partnership to destroy Konoha together."
Obito's interest was piqued. "And how do you propose we cooperate?"
Kazuma replied in a daze, "Use your Space-Time Ninjutsu to transport us into the heart of Konoha. There, I will perform the Earth Release: Earthen Resurrection, an art of clay that brings the dead back to life."
After questioning him in detail, Obito finally understood the nature of the jutsu.
"I never thought you actually had some skill," Obito mused. He calmly assessed the situation. The current strength of Konoha and the Uchiha clan was formidable. Weakening them had long been his desire.
After a moment of thought, Obito cast another Genjutsu on Kazuma, plunging him into a deep sleep. He then sent Kazuma into the Kamui Dimension.
"What do you plan to do with this man?" Black Zetsu asked.
Obito answered, his face expressionless, "He's plotting to destroy Konoha. Perhaps we can lend him a hand."
Once Obito had decided to use the man, Black Zetsu suddenly spoke again. "I have some news that might interest you."
"What is it?" Obito asked, puzzled.
Black Zetsu's voice was low. "Konoha is about to select the Fifth Hokage. The current candidates are Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Uchiha Kawasaki." Thanks to his Spore Technique, the news had reached Black Zetsu's ears as soon as it became public in Konoha.
"Uchiha Kawasaki?" Obito's brow furrowed. "How could an Uchiha possibly become Hokage?" His words were laced with disdain, but there seemed to be another layer of meaning beneath it.
Black Zetsu shook his head. "My intelligence indicates that Uchiha Kawasaki nominated himself, and his candidacy has already been approved by a vote."
Obito let out a cold, meaningful laugh. "Isn't that even better? The day the Fifth Hokage is inaugurated will be the perfect time for us to present Konoha with a 'gift'."
Weakening Konoha was also Black Zetsu's goal, so he readily agreed. "The seeds I planted in Konoha many years ago have taken root and blossomed. The fruits are ripe for the picking."
Obito gazed into the distance, in the direction of Konoha. "First, let's go and retrieve this pseudo-Jinchuriki."
...
Inside the Uchiha Clan Compound.
Kawasaki had already found a place for Yahiko, instructing him not to wander around for the time being. He promised to arrange a meeting with Konan and Nagato soon. The clansmen were all aware that Kawasaki had brought someone back, but no one pried.
Yahiko understood that his own strength was still lacking, so he did his best not to cause Kawasaki any trouble. He spent his days either training in his room or exercising in the training grounds. Few within the clan had hair of such a vibrant color.
Tsunade sometimes caught a glimpse of his figure from the roof of the medical clinic, but she clearly didn't recognize him. After all, too much time had passed.
...
Kawasaki had not been idle these past few days. After settling Yahiko into the compound, he spent his days rushing about Konoha. For the smaller clans, money was enough to pave the way. As for the major clans, besides spending lavishly, Kawasaki paid personal visits to rally for votes. He explained the policy benefits he would bring if he became Hokage.
Hokage were like flowing water, but the great clans were like bedrock. Over the years, Kawasaki's challenges to the Third Hokage had indeed caused some clans to grow disillusioned with him. Kawasaki's personal campaign felt far more sincere than Hiruzen Sarutobi's support for Orochimaru.
However, aside from a few clans that explicitly declared their support for Kawasaki, most remained noncommittal. Kawasaki was not bothered by this; he only needed to make a show of his efforts. He understood that when it came to selecting the Fifth Hokage, the Third Hokage held more cards than he did.
...
Lately, Tsunade had been rather vexed. Several ninjas from the medical department had specifically come to the Uchiha Compound to request an audience with her. They wanted to know if she truly intended to run for Fifth Hokage. After all, the nomination had come from Mitokado Homura, and Tsunade had never publicly expressed any desire for the position.
Her sudden nomination was undoubtedly great news for the medical-nin. Tsunade's prestige among them was unquestionable. If she became Hokage, the status of all medical-nin would rise with her. Coupled with the fact that her qualifications met everyone's expectations, they had all come to seek her out.
Tsunade had wanted to refuse them on the spot. But...
"Why won't you let me refuse? I have no intention of being Hokage," Tsunade asked Kawasaki, her face filled with confusion.
"With you in the running, you'll at least draw the votes of every medical-nin," Kawasaki said, his tone earnest and his reasoning sound, as if anything were possible. "That way, the number of people supporting Orochimaru will decrease."
Tsunade eyed Kawasaki with suspicion. Judging by his recent actions, did he really intend to compete for the position of Fifth Hokage? She had heard all about how he was leaving at dawn and returning late at night, visiting all the major clans to campaign.
"Do you really want to be the Fifth Hokage?" Tsunade asked, looking at him seriously.
Kawasaki's expression was solemn, a stark contrast to his usual playful demeanor. "At first, I just wanted the Third Hokage to step down. I didn't expect that the prejudice many of the great clans held against the Uchiha has started to fade. Since there's a chance to become Hokage, why not give it my all!"
In his mind, Kawasaki envisioned the scene after he became Hokage... His eyes burned with a fiery passion, a hunger for power that Tsunade saw clearly.
For Tsunade, it was better to have Kawasaki take on the role than Orochimaru. At least then, she wouldn't have to face a difficult choice in the future.
"In that case, I'll help you with this."
Hearing Tsunade's agreement, Kawasaki smiled with relief. A weight lifted from his shoulders. It was true what they said: to deceive others, one must first deceive oneself. Without imagining the glory of power that came with being Hokage, how could he have so easily convinced Tsunade?
"The clansmen from outside the village will be returning soon. We can put the practical combat training on the agenda," he said. "When that time comes, your medical instruction won't lack for practical opportunities."
...
At the Fire Temple.
Obito infiltrated the temple alone. In a deserted corner, he opened his Kamui Dimension and released the unconscious Kakuzu. From now on, Obito would never again allow anyone to enter his dimension while conscious.
Kakuzu's performance on the battlefield in the Land of Water had been acceptable. Obito knew that constant high pressure was no way to control people. He had released Kakuzu tonight because this place held something his subordinate coveted.
Obito used Genjutsu again to awaken him.
Kakuzu rose, rubbing his forehead, his voice laced with annoyance. "Where is this?"
Obito's voice was low. "The Fire Temple."
"Huh?" Kakuzu said, confused. "What did you bring me here for?"
Obito clapped him on the shoulder. "You were in charge of finances for the Akatsuki. Now that you're with me, it's only natural to give you the same position. The head monk here is Chiriku. You should be quite familiar with him, right?"
"Chiriku!?"
As expected, Kakuzu's spirits lifted at the name. Although he had lost his bingo book, he had long since memorized the high-value bounties.
"Three million ryo!?"
Obito was satisfied with Kakuzu's reaction. "That's right. I can find high-value bounties like this for you quickly. So, what do you say? Want to work for me?"
A glint appeared in Kakuzu's eyes. "We can talk about that later. First, let's turn Chiriku into cold, hard cash."