Alex, still in the guise of Ainz Ooal Gown, leaned back on his throne, his crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation. His plan to divide the ninja world had already begun, but now came the next critical step—finding allies. Not the obvious kind, but those lurking in the shadows, driven by ambition, fear, or desperation. He needed individuals who could be molded, who would see him not as a threat, but as a necessary force in a world that would soon collapse into chaos.
Ainz's thoughts turned to Demiurge, his most cunning and manipulative guardian. If anyone could sniff out potential allies in the darkest corners of the ninja world, it was him. And Demiurge had already reported whispers of such groups—independent factions operating beyond the control of the major ninja villages, rogue shinobi who thrived on chaos and survival.
Summoning Demiurge to the throne room, Ainz's mind raced with the possibilities of these rogue shinobi. Many of them were disillusioned with the existing order, distrustful of the larger clans, and driven by their own ambitions. They would be perfect pawns.
Demiurge bowed as he entered the chamber, his ever-present smile curling his lips. "You called, my lord?"
"Yes," Ainz began, his voice calm but commanding. "I want you to investigate these rogue factions you mentioned earlier. If there are any shinobi with enough power and influence, but too weak to challenge the great clans on their own, we may be able to bring them to our side."
Demiurge nodded, his eyes gleaming with understanding. "Ah, you wish to recruit those who operate in the shadows, those who feel betrayed by their current alliances. A brilliant strategy, my lord. They will flock to you, seeking refuge or opportunity. And, when the time comes, they will be ours to command."
Ainz remained silent for a moment, contemplating the wider implications of recruiting from the shadows. "They will not know our true intentions. They will believe they have chosen us, but in reality, they will only be tools for our conquest. Have our agents spread rumors that Nazarick is willing to offer power and protection to those who align with us. Let them come to us."
Demiurge's smile widened. "Of course, my lord. I shall see to it personally. The rogue shinobi will soon be under our control, eager to serve."
As Demiurge departed to carry out his orders, Ainz felt a familiar sense of satisfaction. Every move he made was calculated, every ally he recruited would further his ultimate goal—domination of the ninja world. But these rogue factions would not be his only target. He needed to think larger. There were clans, even within the major villages, that might be swayed if approached carefully.
Meanwhile, across the ninja world, rumors of Nazarick's strength began to spread. Rogue shinobi, those operating outside the influence of the great villages, whispered of a new power, one that was offering sanctuary and support. Some were skeptical, but others, tired of living on the edge, decided to investigate.
Deep within the forests on the outskirts of Fire Country, a small group of rogue ninja had gathered. They were a mix of outcasts, mercenaries, and fugitives, bound together only by necessity and survival. Their leader, a seasoned shinobi named Ryuga, stood before them, his face grim as he addressed his men.
"I've heard the rumors," Ryuga began, his eyes scanning the group. "There's a power rising out there, something called Nazarick. They say it's offering protection, even power, to those willing to join. What do you think?"
His second-in-command, a burly man with a scarred face named Kenzo, snorted. "Sounds like a trap. We've been on our own for years. Why would we trust some mysterious group offering us power? Probably just another clan trying to use us."
Ryuga nodded, considering Kenzo's words, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes—curiosity, perhaps even hope. "Maybe. Or maybe this Nazarick is exactly what we need. We've been living on scraps, hunted by every village for years. If they're offering us power, maybe it's worth checking out."
One of the younger shinobi, a woman named Sora, stepped forward. "What if they're serious? What if this Nazarick really can give us the power to stand up to the villages? We've been running long enough. I say we see what they're about."
Kenzo scowled but didn't argue further. The group was tired, worn down by years of hiding and fighting just to survive. They had lost comrades, seen their homes destroyed, and had nothing to lose by investigating this new potential ally.
Ryuga nodded, his decision made. "We'll go. But we'll keep our guard up. If this Nazarick is a threat, we'll deal with it. But if they can give us what we need… we'll make a deal."
With that, the group prepared to move. They had little information about Nazarick, only vague rumors and reports from other rogue groups, but that was enough to spark their interest. Ryuga knew that this could be a turning point for his people—either they would find the power they needed, or they would fall into yet another trap. But either way, they had to act.
Back at Nazarick, Demiurge observed the arrival of several rogue shinobi through one of the magical mirrors used for surveillance. Ryuga's group was one of several who had taken the bait. Already, a few smaller factions had sent messengers to Nazarick, curious about the offer of power and protection.
As the rogues approached the entrance to Nazarick, they were greeted by a small detachment of undead soldiers, their eyes glowing with eerie light. Ryuga tensed, but did not falter. The undead led them deeper into the fortress until they arrived in a vast chamber, where Demiurge awaited them with a cold smile.
"Welcome to Nazarick," Demiurge said, his voice smooth and inviting. "You have come seeking power, yes?"
Ryuga stepped forward, his eyes locked on Demiurge. "We've come to see what Nazarick is offering. But we're not fools. We won't be used."
Demiurge's smile widened. "Of course. Nazarick offers protection and strength to those who are worthy. But you must understand, everything comes with a price."
Ryuga hesitated, but then nodded. "We're willing to listen. What do you want from us?"
Demiurge stepped forward, his gaze sharp. "Loyalty. Serve Nazarick, and you will be granted the power you desire. Resist, and you will be destroyed."
The tension in the room was palpable. Ryuga's group exchanged uncertain glances, but they knew they had few options. In the end, it was Ryuga who made the decision.
"We'll serve," he said, his voice steady. "But if you betray us, we'll fight back."
Demiurge chuckled, his smile dark. "Oh, I assure you, loyalty will be well rewarded. Welcome to Nazarick."
As the rogue shinobi left the chamber, now sworn to serve Nazarick, Demiurge's smile remained. Another piece had fallen into place, another faction now under Ainz's control. Soon, the rogue shinobi would spread the word, and more would come. Nazarick's power was growing, and soon, no one in the ninja world would be able to stand against it.
And in the shadows of Nazarick's throne room, Ainz Ooal Gown watched it all unfold, his plan moving ever closer to fruition.