Xuanming smirked and continued,
"The second method is to completely suppress the entire ninja world with absolute power—either through an individual or an organization—so that they have no choice but to obey us."
"They won't dare to start wars because we don't allow wars."
"They will be forced to coexist peacefully under our rule, ensuring the ninja world remains stable."
Xuanming paused, then added,
"Of course, when I say 'absolute power,' I mean it literally."
"If we truly want to accomplish this, we must have unquestionable dominance over every power in the ninja world."
"We must be so overwhelmingly strong that no one can even dream of surpassing us—so strong that even the thought of resisting never enters their minds."
"And if the one holding this power is an eternal, undying god, that would be even better."
"In that case, the deterrence would never fade, and wars would never return."
This was exactly the path Nagato would later take in the original timeline.
Unfortunately, by then, he had become twisted by Yahiko's death.
Not only that, but he lacked the raw power to enforce his will. His frail body, combined with being manipulated, ultimately led to his failure.
Even so, upon hearing Xuanming's words, Nagato's eyes lit up, and his expression grew intense.
Clearly, this idea resonated with him.
Yahiko, noticing Nagato's reaction, turned toward him and, more specifically, his Rinnegan, before exclaiming excitedly,
"This could work! This is it! With this method, we might actually have a real chance to achieve our dream!"
"As long as Nagato keeps growing stronger, he'll eventually be able to crush the ninja world and become its god!"
Yahiko never doubted Nagato's potential.
"The Living God?"
Nagato lowered his head slightly, his fingers brushing over his eye sockets.
"Can I really do it?"
Konan, more rational than Yahiko, asked,
"If we choose this path… what should we do next?"
Both Yahiko and Nagato snapped back to reality.
They realized that thinking about the end goal was useless if they didn't know how to take the first step.
Xuanming calmly replied,
"The first priority is to strengthen Akatsuki's internal structure."
"We need to improve our propaganda, funding sources, recruitment efforts, training systems, and promotion mechanisms."
"If we want to change the world, we need money and manpower."
"When we're strong enough, we can first use missions to build our reputation."
"And when the time is right… we'll have enough power to coerce the entire ninja world."
Xuanming then spent half a month refining detailed strategies with Yahiko and the others.
Akatsuki soon began implementing these plans.
Uchiha Xuan's Perspective
Meanwhile, Uchiha Xuan—through his connection to his supernatural clones—absorbed all their recent memories.
Clone No. 1 had gained more influence in Mist Village.
But Clone No. 2? He had hijacked Akatsuki and become its master strategist in just a few months.
"So… why do these guys keep thinking I want to dominate the ninja world?"
"Do they have any idea how exhausting that sounds?"
Uchiha Xuan sighed.
Still, since they were so eager to do it… why stop them?
If his clones could reshape the ninja world on his behalf, why not sit back and reap the benefits?
Mist Village – A Visit to Clone No. 1
Suddenly, Uchiha Xuan teleported to Mist Village, appearing in front of Clone No. 1.
"If you want to protect the Minazuki Clan, why not just handle it yourself? Why drag me into it?"
Clone No. 1 rolled his eyes and scoffed,
"Stop talking nonsense. Just update my abilities and strength—I'm falling behind."
"Fine."
Uchiha Xuan sighed and simply canceled Clone No. 1, before immediately recreating him with full updates.
The new Clone No. 1 stretched and grinned.
"Much better. Alright, now get lost."
Uchiha Xuan flipped him off before teleporting away.
Meeting Uchiha Shisui
On his way home from Kushina's house, Uchiha Xuan strolled through the Uchiha District.
That's when he noticed a toddler—barely a year old—staring at him with curiosity.
The boy had spiky black hair and was following him like a little shadow.
Uchiha Xuan chuckled, stopping to crouch down in front of him.
He ruffled the child's hair and asked,
"Hey there, kid. What's your name? Who do you belong to? Why are you following me?"
The toddler grinned and answered in a clear, innocent voice,
"My name is Shisui! Uchiha Shisui! Are you Master Xuan? Grandma talks about you all the time!"
Uchiha Xuan froze for a moment.
"Wait… this little guy is Uchiha Shisui?"
The future wielder of Kotoamatsukami—one of the strongest genjutsu users to ever exist?
The same Shisui who, in the original timeline, was manipulated into handing over his Mangekyō Sharingan before tragically killing himself?
But in this timeline, Shisui was still just a kid.
And thanks to Uchiha Xuan's influence, Danzo and the elders held far less power than before.
"I can't let him walk the same path this time."
"He needs to be properly educated so he doesn't get brainwashed again."
Uchiha Xuan's New Plan
Uchiha Xuan made a firm decision.
"The Uchiha clan's early education system is still incomplete. I need to change that."
"This isn't just about Shisui—the entire Uchiha suffers from a lack of proper education."
"That's why so many of them are easily manipulated into extreme beliefs."
If things continued as they had in the original timeline, Shisui might have ended up the same way—dying for ideals he never needed to die for.
"Not this time."
Uchiha Xuan was ready to force his plan through, even if he had to convince the entire Uchiha leadership.
He wouldn't let Shisui—or any other talented Uchiha—waste their potential on foolish ideals.
Shisui deserved better.
And this time, he would get it.
To Be Continued…
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