Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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" Orochimaru-Sensei, our agreement has been fulfilled. You can take a few of the younger members of the Fuuma clan now."

Compared to the wealth of Ryūchi Cave, the Fuuma clan seemed almost insignificant. Noticing Orochimaru's sly, half-smiling expression, Muzan's brow furrowed slightly. "Is there something else, Orochimaru-sensei?" he asked.

Orochimaru's grin faded as he extended his tongue to retrieve a sealed scroll from his stomach. Holding the scroll delicately, as if it disgusted him, he replied, "The agreement is complete, but there's one more thing I'll share with you—for free."

Muzan's gaze shifted to the scroll. Anything Orochimaru kept within his body was bound to be valuable.

"This is..." Muzan murmured as he unsealed the scroll.

It contained information about a significant event in the ninja world—the Five Kage Summit. The Land of Iron was set to host a meeting of the Five Great Shinobi Nations. Muzan wasn't surprised by the news itself, but one detail caught his attention.

"Disagreement?"

Unlike the original Five Kage Summit, which united the five major villages against the Akatsuki, discord was brewing this time.

Sunagakure and Iwagakure refused to join the alliance. Sunagakure, still suffering from poverty, relied heavily on Konoha's aid to fend off threats like the Akatsuki. With only one Jinchūriki—Gaara—who was more of a liability than an asset, the village's position remained precarious.

Iwagakure, under the leadership of the aged yet shrewd Ōnoki, retained much of its strength from the Third Great Ninja War and felt confident in its ability to withstand the Akatsuki.

Then there was Kirigakure, whose stance was the most intriguing.

Hostile to Konoha, Kirigakure viewed the Twelve Kizuki as the lesser of two evils. The humiliation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, along with Zabuza's defection to the Twelve Kizuki, had only deepened their resentment. Despite their silence, the scars left by Konoha's interference were still fresh.

"It's quite ironic, isn't it?" Muzan mused, burning the scroll with a precise Fire Release technique. The disunity among the villages worked in his favor. Without a strong bond like the one between Sunagakure and Konoha in the original timeline, the chances of an alliance were slim.

"As long as the other villages remain divided, they're no real threat to us," Muzan concluded, watching the ash drift away.

Kirigakure and Kumogakure harbored grudges against the Twelve Kizuki, but the remaining villages were more concerned about the Akatsuki's threat to their tailed beasts.

"I've been planning to establish a village and train a group of subordinates," Orochimaru interjected. "Perhaps we can collaborate."

Since leaving the Akatsuki, Orochimaru had struggled with funding, which hindered his experiments. The Land of Waves, under Muzan and Kabuto's control, had become a thriving hub for trade, making it the wealthiest region in the ninja world.

"I'll provide the technology; you'll provide the funds. Together, we can build a world of unparalleled advancements," Orochimaru proposed.

Muzan nodded, seeing mutual benefit in the partnership. The Land of Waves' progress in biological research was steady but slow. Orochimaru's innovations in ninja tools could strengthen their forces and open new markets.

"You've already chosen a location for your village," Muzan observed.

"Indeed. It's on the outskirts of the Fuuma clan's territory," Orochimaru confirmed.

Muzan remained impassive, which relieved Orochimaru. If Muzan had opposed the plan, it would have forced Orochimaru to find another location, wasting valuable time.

"You plan to use the Fuuma clan as a front," Muzan said flatly.

"Exactly. By training a few talented Fuuma members, I can create the illusion of the clan's resurgence while operating in the shadows," Orochimaru explained. "Of course, since the Fuuma clan is now under your control, I need your permission."

Muzan sneered. "I have no reason to refuse, but I dislike being manipulated. If you want the Fuuma clan's territory, you'll pay the appropriate price. I want the Curse Seal."

Orochimaru's expression darkened. The Curse Seal was the culmination of years of research. While the current version was still experimental, it had enormous potential.

"You have quite the appetite," Orochimaru muttered, reluctantly handing over detailed notes on the Curse Seal's development.

"My dear disciple," Orochimaru added with a sly grin, "I'll be counting on your protection. Konoha and the Akatsuki are both hunting me, after all."

Muzan's eyes narrowed, but Orochimaru's laugh was cold and unrepentant.

Despite the cost, Muzan saw the benefits. With the Curse Seal, members like Haku and Kaede could learn to harness natural energy, greatly enhancing their strength.

Thus, Orochimaru's plan came to fruition, and a new ninja village emerged—Otogakure.

Meanwhile, Muzan prepared to strengthen his forces. Among the Fuuma clan, only a handful of young geniuses caught his eye, but with the Curse Seal, their potential would be limitless.

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"They still don't agree," Namikaze Minato murmured, setting down the latest report from the ANBU. The Five Kage Summit had barely begun, yet it was already marred by division. Without a clear threat or unified leadership, progress remained at a standstill.

"Sensei," Kakashi began, standing behind Minato with an air of calm professionalism, "aside from Sunagakure, the other villages are pursuing their own agendas. We need to strengthen Konoha's defenses before the Akatsuki can target us again."

Minato nodded, his mind racing through possible strategies. The summit's lack of cohesion was a growing concern, but Konoha couldn't afford to be complacent.

A sudden knock interrupted the conversation, and Jiraiya entered the room. His usual boisterous demeanor was replaced by a grim seriousness that instantly caught Minato's attention.

"Jiraiya-sensei," Minato greeted, his concern evident. "What brings you here?"

Jiraiya closed the door behind him, his expression shadowed by unease. "I've uncovered critical information about the Akatsuki," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of his discovery.

Minato stiffened, the air in the room turning tense. "You've found their base?"

"Yes," Jiraiya confirmed, pausing briefly before adding, "and I've identified their leader. It's one of my former students."

The words hit Minato like a blow. While the revelation provided a tactical advantage, it also carried implications that could further isolate Konoha if the other villages learned of Jiraiya's connection to the Akatsuki.

Meanwhile, in the territory of the Fuuma clan, Muzan stood at the edge of a forest, his thoughts focused on the experiments ahead. Beside him was Haku, silent yet attentive, as they approached a small clearing where training would commence.

Muzan reviewed Orochimaru's notes on the Curse Seal, his sharp eyes scanning the details. While the method was crude compared to his perfected Sage Transformation, it held potential for strengthening his subordinates.

"Haku," Muzan called, his tone calm yet commanding.

Haku approached with practiced grace. "Lord Muzan, do you have instructions for me?"

Muzan's gaze lingered on Haku, assessing the compatibility of his abilities with the Snake Sage Technique. "I've obtained a method for channeling natural energy. It will amplify your power significantly, but it comes with risks. The process may alter your body, though your regenerative abilities should mitigate the damage."

Haku's usually composed expression faltered slightly. He had witnessed countless experiments in the Land of Waves—many ending in failure or agony. Still, his loyalty to Muzan outweighed his fears.

"Understood," Haku replied, sitting cross-legged as Muzan began channeling natural energy into him.

Muzan placed a hand on Haku's forehead, his control over natural energy precise and unyielding. A mark resembling three tomoe appeared, glowing faintly as it began to absorb and store the energy.

The sensation was overwhelming. Natural energy coursed through Haku's body, forcing him to activate his demonic transformation instinctively. Ice-blue veins pulsed beneath his skin, and his usually soft aura became sharp and predatory.

"Remarkable," Muzan muttered, observing the process with interest. "Your ice abilities harmonize with the Snake Sage Technique, reducing the usual side effects. Still, the transformation is taxing."

Haku's breathing grew heavier as the mark on his forehead expanded into a full Sage mask, further altering his appearance. Ice-blue wings sprouted from his back, and the temperature around them plummeted, freezing the nearby vegetation.

When Haku opened his eyes, they gleamed with a predatory coldness. He exhaled sharply, frost curling in the air as he spoke. "This power... It surpasses ordinary chakra. No wonder so many strive to master Sage Arts."

Muzan nodded, satisfied with the results. "You've adapted well, but prolonged use could still strain your mind and body. This technique isn't without its dangers."

Despite Muzan's warning, Haku's determination burned bright. Standing, he bowed slightly and said, "Lord Muzan, I am ready to lead an assault at your command."

Muzan allowed a small smile to form on his lips. Haku's transformation marked the beginning of a new era for the Twelve Kizuki. With the Curse Seal's power now under his control, Muzan's forces would become an unstoppable force.

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