First, the plan was to win over Konan.
For an idealist like her, the best way to achieve this was to help her realize her ideals.
Second, create a comparison.
Konoha's current progress was still in its early stages, so the advantages weren't obvious yet.
But given time, the difference between Konoha and Amegakure would become stark.
By then, without Shinho saying anything, Amegakure would willingly merge into Konoha.
As the saying goes: Comparison breeds discontent.
He might even rack up some achievements along the way.
This strategy also applied to other villages.
Of course, it only worked if they were willing to surrender.
Those who refused? They'd be crushed completely.
This approach extended not only to shinobi villages but also to the various trades and industries in the Land of Fire, giving merchants a sense of participation and belonging.
"We agree."
After contemplating for a long time, Nagato finally spoke.
Konan nodded in agreement.
"Select the fifty shinobi when you have time."
Shinho said with satisfaction.
"What about the rest of the shinobi?"
Nagato hesitated before asking.
"They'll receive the same treatment as Konoha's shinobi," Shinho replied after a pause, "as long as they're obedient."
Nagato's heart trembled slightly.
This was the true, bloodstained side of the Hokage.
The only way to prevent unrest was for them to personally pacify Amegakure's shinobi and villagers, especially Konan.
She was revered as the Angel of Amegakure and held immense prestige.
"When can we return to Amegakure?"
Nagato asked frankly, "Black Zetsu and Madara are still in Amegakure, but they aren't aligned with us."
"Once your legs are healed."
Shinho answered casually.
Actively seeking out Black Zetsu and Obito would likely be futile.
The former was a master of concealment.
The latter had Kamui.
The best approach was to stay close to Nagato and wait for them to walk into the trap.
With his current strength far surpassing Black Zetsu and Obito, Shinho wasn't the least bit worried.
He'd play their game.
Maybe he could even gain a couple of achievements.
The only concern was Black Zetsu's tendency to disappear and hide.
In that case, it would be a battle of prolonged patience.
Nagato looked like he wanted to say something but held back.
He wanted to return immediately.
But under someone else's roof, he had no choice but to lower his head.
"Black Zetsu and Madara have no interest in Amegakure," Konan said calmly. "They've likely already taken the Jinchuriki and left."
Nagato was momentarily stunned.
She had a point.
He felt a little more at ease.
Shinho glanced at Konan.
Her temperament was indeed perfect for the role of secretary.
"We're here. From now on, this will be your residence."
Shinho stopped and pointed out the allocations, "The house on the left is for you, Konan-nee, and the one on the right is for Nagato."
Both Nagato and Konan nodded.
"Here's something for you."
Shinho took out a scroll and handed it to Nagato. "Your Five Paths."
"Thank you."
Nagato accepted the scroll.
The Six Paths of Pain had been created due to his crippled legs.
Logically, once his legs were healed, he wouldn't need them anymore.
But Deva path was Yahiko.
Nagato would never give that up.
As he unfurled the scroll, five figures appeared one by one.
Aside from the Preta Path, the other four stood upright.
"Konan."
Nagato called out.
Konan raised her hand and waved gently.
Paper scattered across the area, revealing Deva path, Yahiko's corpse.
Nagato controlled the Naraka Path and formed a hand seal.
King of Hell: Rebirth!
With a loud bang, a massive, sinister statue of the King of Hell appeared.
Its enormous jaws opened wide, swallowing the Tendo and Preta Paths.
After a few moments of chewing, it spat them back out.
The previously damaged bodies had been fully restored.
Such was the special ability of the Naraka Path.
Shinho couldn't help but feel impressed.
Each of the Six Paths of Pain had its own function, all of which were practical.
But it didn't matter, they now essentially belonged to Konoha.
"Nagato."
After a moment of thought, Shinho said, "With Konan-nee as the Hokage's secretary, she won't be able to care for you like before…"
Before he could finish, Nagato interrupted him.
"No need."
Nagato shook his head and replied, "With the Six Paths, I'm more than capable on my on."
Under his control, the Six Paths moved no differently than normal people. Even without Konan, he would be fine.
Shinho nodded slightly.
He didn't press the matter further.
He had planned to find two people to look after Nagato.
But since Nagato refused, there was no need to force him.
Besides, since Nagato would be living at the Senju residence long-term, he could have Karin and her mother keep an eye on him.
Their exceptional sensory abilities made them perfect for semi-surveillance.
"Once you're settled, Konan-nee, come to the Hokage's office to find me."
With that, Shinho turned and left.
"Konan."
Nagato asked with some confusion, "Are you familiar with him?"
"We met once a long time ago," Konan explained, recalling the Kusagakure mission.
"I see."
Nagato shook his head. "This man is truly unpredictable."
"He is."
Konan agreed wholeheartedly.
"No matter what, let's wait and see," Nagato said in a low voice. "If his path to peace is disappointing, we'll find a way to leave."
…
Raikage's Office;
The atmosphere in the room was tense.
"Are you sure it's the Rinnegan?"
The Fourth Raikage's face was filled with astonishment.
"At least, that's what Jiraiya and Tsunade called it," Mabui said seriously.
The battle between Shinho and Nagato had shaken the world.
Kumogakure's spies in Konoha had, of course, noticed it.
As soon as the Blood Curtain Skyflower Gu was dispelled, the information was immediately relayed back.
It wasn't just Kumogakure, other villages like Iwagakure and Kirigakure also received the news.
Spying between the Five Great Shinobi Villages was the norm, after all.
"But Shinho defeated the one with the Rinnegan," Samui muttered, frowning slightly.
"Based on the battle reports, both of them were exceptionally powerful," Mabui said, rubbing her temples, sensing just how troublesome the situation was.
"I'd love to see for myself just how strong they really are," the Fourth Raikage said, his eyes gleaming with eagerness.
Mabui sighed helplessly.
The Raikage was formidable in every respect, except for his battle-loving nature.
Just then, the air in the office distorted.
"Who's there?!"
The Fourth Raikage jumped to his feet.
Samui immediately moved in front of Mabui, gripping a short blade tightly.
The Fourth Raikage didn't need protection as he was the strongest shinobi in Kumogakure.
But Mabui wasn't a combat-type ninja, making her the most vulnerable present.
"Akatsuki!"
The Raikage's gaze locked onto the black cloak with red clouds that Obito wore, his rage flaring instantly.
"You dare show yourself before me?!"
Lightning flashed around the Raikage as he surged toward Obito in an instant.
Liger Bomb!
The Raikage's massive arms lunged forward to grab Obito.
In the original timeline, only Sasuke with his Susanoo could withstand this taijutsu.
Other shinobi caught in this attack were either severely injured or killed outright.
The Raikage, enraged, wasn't holding back at all.
However, his grip passed through thin air.
The space twisted.
Obito's body vanished.
"Capture him alive!"
Mabui's warning came a moment too late.
All three of them were momentarily stunned.
"Space-time ninjutsu?"
The Fourth Raikage's face darkened.
He was reminded of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
Capturing a space-time ninjutsu user was notoriously difficult.
"You don't want Yugito Nii back?"
Obito's voice came from the distorted air as he reappeared.
"Raikage-sama!"
Mabui immediately stepped forward to stop the Raikage.
"Let me handle this."
"Hmph!"
The Fourth Raikage stopped but kept a sharp gaze fixed on Obito.
The slightest hostile move from Obito would trigger a thunderous counterattack.
Obito's heart stirred uneasily.
To be honest, ever since he had Kamui, he feared nothing.
But the Fourth Raikage's sheer speed had actually made him sense danger.
No wonder Kumogakure could rival Konoha.
For the first time in a long while, Obito felt a glimmer of hope.
Perhaps this anti-Konoha alliance had a chance after all.
"You've come to propose cooperation with Kumogakure, haven't you?" Mabui's sharp eyes gleamed with intelligence.
"Oh?"
Obito raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"
"The last two times Akatsuki came for a Jinchuriki, you attacked us directly. Yet this time, you're being courteous, you must need something," Mabui said with a slight smirk, "And your leader has already been defeated by Shinho Aburame."
"Smart," Obito admitted, "I want Kumogakure to join us in resisting Konoha."
"You'll need to release Yugito Nii first," Mabui said firmly.
"We will release her, but not now," Obito explained, "It will happen after the alliance is signed and made public across the shinobi world."
Mabui sighed internally.
As expected.
The Akatsuki weren't foolish.
There was no way they'd return the Jinchuriki before securing a pact.
Making the alliance public was essentially declaring war. There would be no turning back.
To be honest, after gaining an understanding of Shinho's strength, Mabui didn't want to make an enemy of Konoha.
Though the Fourth Raikage was powerful, the risk was too great.
"Konoha is our common enemy," Obito pressed, seeing her hesitation, "Do you think Konoha will spare Kumogakure?"
Mabui's face hardened.
He was right.
There was no way Konoha would let Kumogakure go.
There was too much bad blood, like the attempted abduction of Kushina Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga.
Now that Konoha was stronger than ever, what was Shinho's next step?
Undoubtedly, it would be settling old scores.
"What about the other villages?" Mabui asked, regaining her composure.
"They'll receive the same terms," Obito replied with a chuckle.
"So, it's an anti-Konoha alliance of the shinobi world?"
Mabui's mind stirred.
She felt the potential.
A single shinobi village could muster only around ten thousand ninja at most.
But if Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure united, they could raise thirty or even forty thousand ninja.
Forty thousand versus ten thousand, it was an overwhelming advantage even with the powerful shinho -present in th eopposite side!
No matter how strong an individual shinobi was, there were limits to their strengths.
Even the Third Raikage, the so-called strongest Raikage, had been worn down and killed by sheer numbers from Iwagakure's army.