Ch-22 Uchiha Karan's strength

At the same time in Iwagakure.

Kitsuchi reported, "Father, the Akatsuki organization has rejected our request to apprehend Karan, either dead or alive."

Onoki's face displayed confusion as he inquired, "Could you please tell me the reason behind their decision?"

Kitsuchi handed over a scroll to Onoki and explained, "According to the Akatsuki organization, Karan possesses immense power which they are unable to handle. They have also informed us that due to the previous encounter with him, they lost one of their members. As a result, they declined to return the money we paid them to capture Karan. However, they have provided us with the information they gathered during their battle with him, which is in this scroll."

Kitsuchi handed the scroll to Onoki, who began to read it with keen interest. However, the more he delved into its contents, the more his apprehension grew. It appeared that Karan possessed a wide range of formidable abilities, including Mangekyo Sharingan, the ability to manipulate space, mastery of both kenjutsu and ninjutsu. It was a daunting prospect for anyone to go up against such a powerful adversary.

"Have you gone through the information provided in the scroll?" inquired Onoki.

Kitsuchi replied, "Yes, I have gone through it thoroughly, and based on my analysis, I believe that only you, Tsuchikage, and the Jinchuriki of our village have the necessary capabilities to confront him."

Onoki concurred, "I agree with your assessment, Kitsuchi. However, we must consider that the Third Ninja War has just concluded, and we cannot ascertain whether Karan has fully utilized his abilities. Engaging in combat with him now would be unwise." Onoki was among the few individuals in the world who understood the true extent of the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan, having experienced it himself. As the leader of Iwagakure, he could not afford to take unnecessary risks, especially as there were no clear successors to lead the village in the event of his demise.

In a solemn tone, Onoki suggested, "We could issue a directive to our troops that in the event of encountering Uchiha Karan, they should abort their mission. Additionally, we should disseminate the information regarding Karan's abilities among our elite Jonin forces."

"Very well," Onoki acknowledged, and once Kitsuchi had left his office, he gazed out the window with a sense of heaviness. "I am uncertain of what the future holds, but for as long as I am alive, I shall do my utmost to safeguard my village," he sighed.
......
Akatsuki organisation hideout in Rain country.

In the room sat Konan, Obito, Pain, and Zetsu, who had just spoken up. "I have completed the task as per your instructions, and Iwagakure now has all the information we had gathered about Karan," Zetsu informed the group.

Uchiha Obito contemplated for a moment before responding, "This will spread Karan's information across the entire Ninja world. It may not defeat him outright, but it will surely hinder any plans he has in motion."

With the issue of Karan seemingly resolved, Pain turned his gaze towards Konan and declared, "Now that this matter is settled, it is time for us to return home."

Konan sat silently, her mind preoccupied with worry for Nagato. Pain's words registered in her mind, but she couldn't muster up the energy to respond. She knew that her leader's health was in a precarious state, and that any action they took had to be carefully planned to avoid any unnecessary risk.

With a deep breath, Pain began to lay out their plan for taking down the Rain country. They discussed various strategies, weighing the potential risks and benefits of each approach. It was clear that this was not going to be an easy task, but they were determined to see it through. As the meeting drew to a close, they each took their leave, ready to set their plans in motion.
.....
As Obito and others thought the information on Karan reached major villages.

At the same time in konoha.

Danzo walked into the Hokage's office, holding a scroll in his hand. He approached Sarutobi Hiruzen and handed him the scroll, saying, "Take a look at this."

Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been busy working on some documents, looked up as Danzo entered the room. He accepted the scroll that Danzo offered him and began to read through the information it contained. As the Third Hokage, Sarutobi had been in his position for many years and was accustomed to receiving sensitive information such as this.

As he read through the details of Uchiha Karan's actions in the Grass village and the information gathered by Iwagakure, he maintained a calm and collected demeanor. Though the information was certainly concerning, Sarutobi was not one to react impulsively. He took a moment to process the information and consider the implications before speaking.

Once Sarutobi Hiruzen had finished reading the information, Danzo spoke up. "Hiruzen, I propose that we assemble a team of 1000 highly skilled ninja to surround Uchiha Karan and eliminate him before he can grow any stronger."

Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a deep sigh after hearing Danzo's proposal. "While Shinnoske was my son, his position as the ANBU leader was earned through his strength and capabilities. Only Jiraiya, Orochimaru, or I could match Karan's power, but unfortunately, they are not in the village at the moment. Moreover, we cannot send any ninjas because Kumogakure has been gathering their troops at our borders, and they can attack us anytime. So, forget about it," he explained, clearly frustrated with the current situation. Sarutobi Hiruzen realized that the safety of the village now rested solely on him, the only remaining Kage-level powerhouse in Konoha.

Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of responsibility as Hokage. He knew that Danzo had a point, but sending ninjas to face Uchiha Karan was not a decision to be made lightly, especially given the current situation with Kumogakure.

"Danzo, I understand the gravity of this situation, but we must also consider the risks and the consequences of our actions," Hiruzen replied firmly.

Danzo, however, was not easily swayed. "Hiruzen, we cannot afford to be idle while this threat looms over us. We must act now before it's too late."

"Danzo, we have bigger problems to focus on right now. We need to plan how to deal with Kumogakure instead of wasting time on Uchiha Karan," said Hiruzen, interrupting Danzo's insistence on pursuing Karan.

"You will regret this Hiruzen."after saying that Danzo left the Hokage office.