Chapter 314: Chapter 314
A week quickly passed.
During this time, not much had occurred aside from managing and distributing responsibilities among the four clans.
First, rules were established.
For any organization to operate effectively, rules were essential. After some discussion, they primarily adopted regulations from the Pokémon League, focusing on peace, camaraderie, and prohibiting betrayal.
Next, they needed to resolve the living arrangements for the four clans.
The discussion on housing caused some disagreement among the group.
Madara and Hanzō wanted to settle the four clans in Amegakure.
Madara felt it would be better to provide the clans with stability instead of having them follow Akatsuki on their missions. Hanzō's presence would also ensure their safety. Having promised protection, Madara was determined to provide a secure environment.
Hanzō, on the other hand, saw this as an opportunity to strengthen Amegakure, potentially elevating it to the level of the Five Great Nations.
Opposing this idea were Dak and Izuna.
Dak had previously emphasized the need to avoid forming villages, as the structure of shinobi villages encouraged clan solidarity, hindering the integration of different groups. Villages often sparked internal competition and power struggles.
Izuna was also wary of exposing Akatsuki's ties to Amegakure. Surrounded by the three major nations, Amegakure could easily become a target for a joint assault. Even with Madara, Izuna, Kakuzu, and Hanzō each defending a front, it would be a major challenge.
Amegakure simply didn't have the manpower or resources to sustain such a large-scale conflict. Moreover, Akatsuki's goal was to prevent wars, not incite them.
As for Kakuzu, he had taken on the role of babysitting during their meeting.
Babysitting what, you ask?
Their Pokémon.
"Previously, I remained in the shadows because Akatsuki lacked manpower and had to secretly nurture talent. But now, with the addition of these four clans and Amegakure's shinobi, we are no longer short on personnel," Hanzō argued passionately.
He was particularly eager to integrate the four clans, given Amegakure's lack of shinobi with Kekkei Genkai. "I'll scatter them throughout Amegakure. There won't be clan compounds to encourage unity or tribalism."
This approach aligned with Hanzō's own objectives. He wanted to ensure Amegakure's shinobi benefited from the Kekkei Genkai of these clans, while avoiding the formation of tight-knit factions within the village.
Hanzō's reasoning left Dak and Izuna momentarily silent. It seemed plausible.
"Don't worry; no one will dare start a war for at least ten years. Especially Sunagakure—the Second Kazekage is a pragmatic leader and won't act recklessly."
Madara supported the idea of settling the clans. "Besides, Dak, didn't you want to make Akatsuki's name known? Exposing Hanzō and Kakuzu's affiliation with Akatsuki, along with Amegakure joining its ranks, will send ripples across the shinobi world."
Madara's argument was valid.
"If Amegakure gains recognition, it could attract more people yearning for peace, bolstering Akatsuki's ranks."
Hanzō added fuel to the fire.
Eventually, Dak and Izuna exchanged a glance and decided to follow Madara and Hanzō's proposal.
Thus, the Uzumaki, Uchiha, Chinoike, and Yuki clans became part of Amegakure, while Amegakure itself became an extension of Akatsuki.
The relationship between Akatsuki and Amegakure now resembled that of the Pokémon League and the Navy.
"What about the One-Tails Jinchūriki? If you ask me, we should kill him and extract Shukaku."
Kakuzu brought up another topic once the meeting concluded.
The One-Tails Jinchūriki, Bunpuku, had been in a state of isolation ever since Madara's earlier comments.
Initially, he thought Madara and Izuna intended to use Shukaku's power for evil. But upon learning it was for peace, the pacifist Bunpuku was eager to join Akatsuki and contribute his strength.
However, Madara informed him that achieving peace would inevitably require a war. Bunpuku would need to be ready to kill for this goal or remain in Amegakure as a civilian.
The One-Tails' power wasn't essential to Akatsuki. Their purpose in capturing Tailed Beasts was to prevent other villages from using them as weapons.
"He's prepared and has decided to join us," Hanzō replied.
Over the past week, Hanzō and Dak had worked tirelessly to instill the concept of peace in Bunpuku, ultimately convincing him to join Akatsuki.
"Good. What about the Three-Tails and Seven-Tails? Can they remain in Amegakure, Hanzō?"
Madara asked about the Tailed Beasts that had been released for negotiation over the past week.
Isobu quickly agreed to join Akatsuki, as he detested war and valued a peaceful life where he could bask in the sun and rest without being sealed inside a host.
Chōmei, however, was initially reluctant. But after a long discussion with Madara, the Seven-Tails also agreed to assist Akatsuki, on the condition that he wouldn't be disturbed unless needed for combat and could spend his free time in the lake.
"No problem. We have suitable accommodations for them, and I'll calm the villagers."
Hanzō, though initially overwhelmed at the thought of housing three Tailed Beasts, felt reassured with Madara, Izuna, and Dak around.
"Then let's make the announcement."
With Madara's final words, the Akatsuki meeting concluded.
Hanzō left to organize housing for the clans, while Izuna and Darkrai searched for suitable locations for the Three-Tails and Seven-Tails. Kakuzu used his connections and wealth to spread the news.
In the cave, only Dak, Madara, and their Pokémon remained.
Madara's Hisuian Growlithe.
Izuna's Growlithe.
Kakuzu's Tangela.
Hanzō's Qwilfish.
Hanzō's Water- and Poison-type Qwilfish was the perfect partner for him, reflecting his title as the "Salamander Hanzō."
Renowned for his unmatched mastery of Water Release—even surpassing Tobirama—Hanzō excelled at combining Water Release jutsu with his salamander's poison. The Qwilfish, immune to poison and adept in water, complemented his fighting style flawlessly.
Hanzō cherished the Pokémon Dak had selected for him.
The four Pokémon were always kept close by their trainers, particularly Kakuzu, who treated his Tangela like his own child, fearing a lack of bond might lead to betrayal.
Today, they had gathered for Dak to check the Pokémon's health and ensure there were no genetic issues.
Without specialized equipment, Dak used his Aura and psychic powers to assess their well-being.
"Woof!"
Madara's Hisuian Growlithe, covered in mud, pounced on him, leaving two paw prints on his pants.
As a Fire- and Rock-type, the Hisuian Growlithe loved playing in rocky terrains. However, Amegakure's constant rain turned the soil into mud, resulting in dirty paws whenever the Growlithe returned.
"…"
Madara merely chuckled indulgently and scratched the Pokémon's chin.
Since Dak's arrival, Madara had undergone two major changes.
The first was Izuna's resurrection, which reignited his hope for the world and his desire to achieve peace more gently.
The second was the arrival of Hisuian Growlithe, whose innocent eyes and lively demeanor made Madara feel both like a sibling and a parent.
Through Growlithe, Madara glimpsed a fragment of the "Pokémon Era" Dak had described.
If before, Madara sought peace without caring about the subsequent era, now he hoped for a world where Pokémon like Growlithe could thrive happily.
Izuna, though once the recipient of Madara's doting, didn't mind sharing the affection, especially since he had his own Growlithe to care for.
"Arf!"
Izuna's Growlithe leaped onto the back of Madara's, licking its fur.
Meanwhile, Tangela used its vines to lift Qwilfish closer. Being covered in poisonous spikes, Qwilfish couldn't cuddle with the Growlithe duo, leaving Tangela as its only playmate.
"How are they?"
"All healthy. In a month, they'll be ready for training."
"Training?"
Madara tilted his head, confused.
As new trainers, they were clueless about how to train Pokémon. Fortunately, Dak planned to guide them in the coming days.
(End of Chapter)
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