Simultaneous Time Travel: What Villain? I'm the Protagonist!

A cold glint flashed in Sheng Ren's eyes. Zetsu's arrival was both unexpected and reasonable. Madara was able to manipulate Kirigakure to seal the Three-Tails, a strategic nuclear weapon, inside Rin, which showed his control over Kirigakure. It was only natural that Zetsu knew about him.

"Perfect, let me test the power of this visualization network," Sheng Ren thought to himself.

He closed his eyes, immersing his mind completely in the network of faith. At this moment, more than three hundred people in Xingnin Village had already practiced visualization techniques. Although most of them were still at the beginner level, the minds of more than three hundred people were connected, forming a sensory network covering the entire village.

Within this network, Sheng Ren is the absolute core. He can not only sense the inner thoughts of everyone, but also "see" the scene outside the village through this network—of course, this perception is still very vague, like infrared light, but it is enough to detect anomalies.

Sure enough, three miles southeast of the village, a strange figure, half black and half white, silently emerged from the ground—it was Jue.

"They're here." Sheng Ren sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm, continuing to speak to Ye Ying and Xia Rixing:

"I will teach you the cultivation methods of these techniques in detail later. Now, go and prepare for the establishment of branch altars. Remember, keep a low profile in the early stages and do not attract the attention of other major powers."

"Yes!" Although the two noticed a subtle change in Sheng Ren's tone, they did not ask any further questions out of absolute trust in their sect leader and respectfully withdrew.

After the two left, Sheng Ren's figure vanished instantly, and the next moment he appeared three miles outside the village, blocking Jue's way.

"Yo, you came fast." The white half-face revealed an exaggerated smile. "As expected of a genius boy who could defeat Suigetsu Fuguki."

The black half remained silent, merely scrutinizing Sheng Ren with its eerie eyes.

"May I ask what brings you here, sir?" Sheng Ren ignored the playful White Zetsu and asked Black Zetsu in a deep voice.

"At only eight years old, you were able to defeat the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and completely outmaneuver the entire Hidden Mist Village. A genius like you is rare even in the history of the ninja world. It's a pity that your path has come to an end."

Black Zetsu's words were full of regret, but Sheng Ren sensed something else in them. For example, he didn't see the moment when Sheng Ren passed on the teachings, and he also sensed that Black Zetsu was trying to recruit him.

As expected, seeing that Sheng Ren didn't respond, Hei Jue took the initiative to speak, "If you want to go further, we can give you a chance."

"Going a step further?" Sheng Ren looked at Hei Zetsu with a half-smile. "What do you mean by 'going a step further'?"

Sheng Ren knew what Hei Jue was talking about, but he didn't expose him. It wasn't the right time yet. If he had another three to five years, everything would be fine.

"Naturally, I mean... true power." Black Zetsu's voice was deep and seductive. "You defeated Suigetsu Hozuki, which is indeed remarkable. But that's not enough, far from enough."

White Zetsu chuckled and added, "Yeah, yeah, do you know how vast the ninja world is? Five great nations, five great ninja villages, dozens of Kage-level ninjas. Your current strength might make you a king in the Land of Bears, but in the entire ninja world, it's not enough."

Sheng Ren didn't immediately refute, but calmly asked, "Then what can you give me?"

"Capacity," Black Zetsu replied. "What's the point of you hiding in a tiny Star Ninja Village and ruling like a king? Join us and you'll not only gain powerful ninjutsu and taijutsu, but you'll also see the real world."

"It sounds tempting." Sheng Ren nodded. "But why should I believe you? A mysterious person of unknown origin and suspicious behavior suddenly says they want to help me. Is there such a good thing in the world?"

"We can show our sincerity first," Black Zetsu said, "For example... a truce with Kirigakure!"

Sheng Ren raised an eyebrow. This was indeed good news; a truce with Wuyin would save a lot of time. However:

"I've already made a deal with Suigetsu Hozuki..."

"Ha ha ha ha,"

Sheng Ren wanted to take advantage of this to extort more benefits, but unexpectedly, White Zetsu burst into laughter as if he were insane, and Black Zetsu also sneered.

"You know in your heart whether that agreement is reliable or not," Black Zetsu said, his smile gradually fading. "We can give you anything you want, but only if you join us."

Having said that, Sheng Ren said no more. "Alright, as long as we can stop the war with Kirigakure, I'll join you."

Moreover, the opportunity to get up close to the Ten-Tails is one that shouldn't be missed.

"A wise choice. From today onwards, you are a member of our Akatsuki organization." Black Zetsu took out a ring and handed it to Sheng Ren, which was engraved with the character "Qing". "After you receive the news of the ceasefire from Kirigakure, we will send someone to contact you."

Jue's figure completely disappeared from sight, but Sheng Ren still stood in the same spot, his fingertips caressing the ring engraved with the character "Qing".

Akatsuki... the position of Azure Dragon...

"It seems Obito is moving faster than I thought," Shengren muttered to himself.

In the original storyline, the Akatsuki organization was taken over and transformed by Nagato after Yahiko's death. The fact that Zetsu was able to produce the Azure Dragon Ring indicates that the Akatsuki had already completed its transformation, and at least core members had begun recruitment.

What does this mean?

This means that Madara Uchiha may have already "died"—or rather, he has completely handed over the plan to Obito, while he himself hides behind the scenes, waiting for the opportunity to be resurrected.

This also means that Nagato has completely turned to the dark side, becoming "Pain" and beginning his plan to collect the tailed beasts.

This also means that... the turmoil in the ninja world is about to enter a new phase.

"Three years..." Sheng Ren looked up at the starry sky. "I need at least three years to develop the Feathered Immortal Sect and to have the power to protect itself and even change the situation."

He turned and walked towards the direction of Xingnin Village. His steps were neither hurried nor slow, but each step was exceptionally firm.

After returning to the meditation room, Sheng Ren did not immediately begin cultivating. Instead, he first called over Ye Ying and Xia Rixing.

"Sect Master, you're back." The two bowed respectfully.

"We just had some guests outside the village; they're from the Akatsuki," Sheng Ren said bluntly. "I've already agreed to join them, and in exchange, Kirigakure will cease hostilities with us."

"The Akatsuki?" Night Hawk frowned. "That mercenary organization that's been active in the ninja world lately? Why would they contact us?"

"It's not just a mercenary organization," Sheng Ren shook his head. "Their goal is the entire ninja world. But this is a good thing for us; at least it brings us temporary peace."

Xia Rixing asked worriedly, "Sect Master, isn't it dangerous to join them? What if they ask us to do...?"

"No," Sheng Ren interrupted her. "I've joined the core of the Akatsuki organization, which is a special position. They need my strength, so they won't send us on dangerous missions until the Feathered Immortal Sect truly becomes powerful. Instead, they'll provide resources to help us develop."

This was Sheng Ren's deduction, and also his plan.

The Akatsuki's core objective is to collect the Tailed Beasts and activate the Infinite Tsukuyomi. In doing so, they require a large amount of resources and manpower.

Therefore, at least in the initial stage, the Akatsuki organization will not only not suppress the Star Village, but will also provide support—of course, this support is conditional, as they hope to cultivate the Star Village into their vassal.

But Shengren was confident that with the "help" of the Akatsuki, he could grow rapidly and eventually turn the tables.