Mokgetsu stared at Danzo for a few days and discovered that Danzo was completely engrossed in Wood Release and did nothing else. Mokgetsu left a Yang Seal Shadow Clone and went to the Ninja Sect himself.
This time, the main involvement still revolved around his alias, and the influence on Konoha wasn't particularly significant.
Upon arriving at Six Paths City, Mokgetsu immediately dismissed the Shadow Clone of the Ninja Sect, allowing the clone's memories to return to the original.
He needed to know if any strange incidents had occurred in the Ninja Sect during his absence and what the situation was with Roshi.
Mokgetsu personally kept an eye on Danzo, but he was unaware of Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu's situation, so he had to be cautious.
"Their focus should be on Danzo and Hanzo," Mokgetsu thought after carefully considering the memories of the Shadow Clone. During his absence, everything in the Ninja Sect remained the same.
Mokgetsu thought it made sense, as, at most, Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu only wanted to kill him.
With Danzo and Hanzo teaming up, along with their subordinates, luring Sosuke to kill him was indeed enough; no additional actions were necessary.
"I need to get Roshi to leave Six Paths City first." Mokgetsu immediately thought of Roshi.
Although Roshi hadn't expressly stated he wanted to join the Ninja Sect, he had been seeking Mokgetsu to learn about the sect and had been chatting well with Kakuzu.
Of course, Mokgetsu wanted Roshi to leave Six Paths City, which had nothing to do with whether or not he joined the Ninja Sect.
It's because of the recent plot against Sosuke by Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu.
Currently, Mokgetsu isn't aware of whether Uchiha Madara has information about Roshi being in the Ninja Sect.
If he does, then Mokgetsu might have to face ninjas from the Hidden Rock Village, not just Danzo.
Unlike Danzo, who flaunts the Konoha banner, if Uchiha Madara exposes Roshi's situation, as long as Roshi is in the Land of Rain, it will create a bunch of troublesome issues.
Therefore, Mokgetsu wants Roshi to lay low for a while, giving Uchiha Madara the impression that Roshi is just passing through the Land of Rain.
Once Mokgetsu deals with Danzo and integrates the Rain Village's strength, the Ninja Sect will reach a new phase, and some troubles won't be so troublesome anymore.
Mokgetsu invited Kakuzu over and, after some thought, said:
"The situation in the Land of Rain has stabilized, and there won't be significant changes short-term. I think we can consider spreading our Ninja Sect's ideology to nearby small countries without Ninja Villages."
Spreading the Ninja Sect in countries with Ninja Villages could be seen as a provocation because, in many Ninja Villages' eyes, the Ninja Sect is essentially a Ninja Village, just without the word 'village' in the name.
"Indeed, it's time to start international expansion," Kakuzu agreed with a nod.
Although the Land of Rain has only recently become peaceful, theoretically, the Ninja Sect should recuperate and gather strength.
But Kakuzu believes the current chaotic situation is a rare opportunity for the Ninja Sect.
If the major Ninja Villages stop warring, expanding and spreading the ideology will be more challenging for the Ninja Sect.
Besides, just laying out the plan won't consume too much effort and won't significantly impact the Land of Rain.
"Do we have suitable candidates? This is the Ninja Sect's first formal step out of the Land of Rain, requiring someone with a deep understanding of the sect's thoughts," Kakuzu asked.
He wanted to recommend Nagato.
Firstly, Nagato has a sufficient understanding of Ninja Sect thoughts, and secondly, Kakuzu feels Nagato isn't mature enough and could use this opportunity for some experience.
"Yes," Mokgetsu nodded.
"Who?" Kakuzu was a bit curious.
In terms of importance, this task is undoubtedly a heavyweight S-level task.
If not done well, it won't only affect the Ninja Sect's image abroad but also be a considerable blow to its ninjas.
After all, their dream is world peace, and facing setbacks on the first step would understandably be tough.
Mokgetsu smiled at Kakuzu without saying a word.
"Me?" Kakuzu pointed at himself, looking both surprised and unexpected at Sosuke's expression.
In his heart, Sosuke was very likely to choose Nagato, with a small chance for Yahiko.
Because Nagato is Sosuke's disciple, hailed as the first genius of the Ninja World, and has learned plenty of the sect's thoughts.
Such meaningful and important tasks, if Nagato were responsible, no one in the Ninja Sect would object.
Yahiko's Akatsuki Organization had directly integrated into the Ninja Sect, and he worked earnestly, acknowledged by many sect ninjas. Choosing Yahiko wouldn't surprise Kakuzu either.
"A bit inappropriate, isn't it?" Kakuzu couldn't help but say.
In terms of position and capability, to outsiders, Kakuzu is the undisputed second-in-command in the Ninja Sect.
But Kakuzu's joining the sect is different from other ninjas; he joined after failing to assassinate Sosuke and being impressed by his actions.
Even if no one in the sect mentions this, it did happen.
Can he, having once attempted to assassinate Sosuke, really take on this significant role?
"Why not? Your experience is among the most in the sect, and your learning of sect thoughts isn't bad. You're the most suitable candidate," Mokgetsu patted Kakuzu's shoulder.
Even without adding Roshi as an unexpected factor, in times of war, Kakuzu is still the most suitable.
Though Nagato is strong, his survival skills aren't as good as Kakuzu's, his experience isn't rich enough, and he might cause trouble with Uchiha Madara.
"No matter how you say it, I can't guarantee I'll do the task well," Kakuzu said calmly, suppressing his slightly excited mood.
If you ask Kakuzu, 90% of the credit for the sect's foundation and development goes to Sosuke himself.
The most suitable candidate is actually Sosuke. If Sosuke traveled around Bird Country, Kakuzu believes he could replicate the success with Rain Village and establish another sect branch.
"No one can be sure until they try," Mokgetsu encouraged with a smile.
"All I can say is I'll try my best," Kakuzu replied, crossing his arms.
"Do you plan to let Roshi join the Ninja Sect?" Kakuzu suddenly asked, thinking of something.
He's unsure about Sosuke's intentions in this regard.
Previously, Kakuzu saw Sosuke allowing Roshi to ask questions in his office, thinking Sosuke might want to absorb Roshi. But later, Sosuke's actions didn't indicate that.
If Sosuke intends for Roshi to join, this could be a good opportunity to invite Roshi to practice the sect's ideology.
"If he wants to join, the sect welcomes him," Mokgetsu replied, maintaining his previous stance toward Roshi.
"I see," Kakuzu showed a thoughtful expression.
A few days later, Kakuzu, with several sect ninjas and a disguised Roshi, went to Bird Country bordering the Land of Rain.
After handling the matter, Mokgetsu left a Shadow Clone in the Ninja Sect and returned to Konoha himself.
PS: Quite busy today, a bit shorter.