Deep within the cold, shadowed confines of a dark stone chamber, a number of figures gradually appeared, each one stepping into the dimly lit room with purposeful intent. They gathered quietly, their eyes and expressions sharp, awaiting the arrival of their leader—Pain.
With a sudden gust of wind, Pain's imposing figure materialized, standing tall amidst the assembled members. His calm, penetrating gaze swept across the group, confirming that everyone had arrived. Without hesitation, he began to assign tasks with deliberate authority.
"Now that Orochimaru has betrayed the organization and abandoned us," Pain announced in a steady voice, "we are down one member. I have decided that the vacancy will be filled by one among Yan and Tobi."
At once, Yan raised a sign high above her head, boldly proclaiming: "Of course it will be me! Since joining, I have made significant contributions to the organization."
Before the others could react, a sudden movement disrupted the moment—Tobi stomped forcefully on Yan's puppet suit, sending a cloud of dust swirling in the air.
"Hahahahaha!" Tobi laughed mockingly. "Lord Pain, surely you will choose me. Yan here only spoils our organization's image!"
Not to be outdone, Yan swung a sign to swat Tobi away and then quickly raised another sign: "How could it possibly be you? I have close ties with several senior members—Itachi and Kakuzu in particular. Our relationship is extraordinary. How dare you challenge me!"
Watching the exchange, both Kakuzu and Itachi exchanged long, slow breaths, restraining themselves from intervening. Kakuzu, especially, felt a sting of humiliation but buried it deep within his chest. The strength Yan had displayed was undeniable.
Tobi, unwilling to concede defeat, continued the skirmish, but soon found himself entangled by a thin but unbreakable paper net launched by Yan.
"No… This… this is Konan-senpai's technique!" Tobi muttered nervously, struggling in vain against the binding paper.
With a smug smile, Yan held up a sign boasting: "That's right. I have already received the true teachings of Konan-senpai and Kakuzu-senpai. Our powers are no longer comparable, hahahahaha!"
The final 'hahahaha' was even drawn on the sign, as Yan playfully pretended to laugh triumphantly, clearly relishing the moment.
Hidan furrowed his brow and asked, "Kakuzu, when exactly did you teach her Ninjutsu?"
All eyes turned to Kakuzu.
He snorted and said, "She bought it."
"Oh." The room collectively understood; that answer was fitting for Kakuzu's style.
Tobi pounded the ground in frustration, letting out a cry that sounded almost childlike: "Damn it! That's so unfair! She secretly got in good with the seniors and left me behind! Wuwuwuwu…"
The others watched this scene in silence, dumbfounded by the odd little battle between Yan and Tobi.
Pain finally spoke to Yan: "Very well. Yan, you will be the new member. I will assign tasks to you personally."
Yan beamed with pride, then quickly flipped her sign down and back up, this time with a different message: "Everyone, we are now comrades. Just call me Yan. If you need anything, I will help you."
Deidara frowned, muttering, "Why do I feel so annoyed? Hey, Leader, won't letting someone like this become a full member lower the organization's image?"
Pain offered no response, remaining silent.
Ignoring the others, Yan wrote a quick message for Tobi to see: "From now on, you must call me senior. If you behave well, I might even give you some pointers."
Seeing this, Tobi wailed even louder.
"Ah, ah, ah! I'm so envious—no, furious! I wish I could say things like that too! Ah, ah, ah!"
Yan decided not to tease him further. Instead, she picked up the small ring that represented Empty Chen and slipped it onto the puppet bird's wing. The thick band tightened like a comical necktie, making the puppet look absurdly dignified.
Deidara couldn't hold back any longer. "Hey, hey, hey, Leader, can we just kick her out? This is too embarrassing!"
Pain said nothing, remaining expressionless.
Hearing Deidara's words, Yan swiftly ran over and squeezed herself between him and Itachi.
"What are you doing?" Deidara and Itachi both shifted to either side, making room.
Once in place, Yan straightened her posture and looked around at everyone's reactions—especially at the puzzled looks from Deidara and Itachi.
Pulling out her sign, she declared: "I am an official member now, and I want to be part of your circle. Deidara, move over a little."
Deidara blinked, pointing at her. "Hey! Yan, what's gotten into you? You don't even call me senior anymore after becoming official. You just say my name? You're too realistic!"
Tobi seized the opportunity. "Deidara-senpai! Please let me become an official member too! I'll always call you that!"
"Get lost!" Deidara roared. Tobi immediately crouched in the corner, covering his head in mock fear.
"Sorry!" he squeaked, drawing small circles on the floor.
Yan lifted her sign again: "I am an official member, so please show me some respect, okay? Deidara, move over to your side."
Deidara scowled. "Hey, there's more space on Itachi's side. Why don't you make him move?"
Yan's sign reply read: "Because Itachi is stronger than you. I heard you got one-shot by him!"
A few of the others chuckled quietly.
"I'm so mad!" Deidara growled, clenching his fists. He wanted to strike, but he wasn't in his real body—just a clone created by his Shape-Shifting Jutsu.
"You!…"
Pain's voice cut sharply through the tension. "Alright, Yan, Deidara, enough. In-fighting is forbidden within the organization. And Deidara is your senior."
"Yes!" Yan quickly wrote: "Sorry, Deidara. Please forgive me! But don't take it too hard—he's an Uchiha, so it's normal to be unable to beat him."
"Hmph." Deidara snorted, tightening his fists in frustration.
"Uchiha Itachi," he muttered, "it's all because of you!"
Deidara's mind flashed back to the humiliation Itachi had dealt him—the disdainful, cold, and arrogant gaze.
"I will become stronger. And I will surpass you through my art!"
Meanwhile, Uchiha Itachi watched Yan, newly inducted, with calm eyes. He knew she was trying to shift blame, but to him, it was meaningless. After all, he was Itachi Uchiha—fear was a foreign concept.
"With this Mangekyō, who could be my match?" he mused silently.
His gaze shifted to Pain's Rinnegan, then to Tobi, who was feigning foolishness, and finally back to Yan.
"I cannot yet see their true strength," Itachi thought. "Is Yan strong or weak?"
He noticed something strange—Yan's puppet suit appeared to block his Sharingan's perception, something unusual and unsettling.
Just then, Pain spoke: "Our next mission is to continue with our assignments and gather more funds."
"Itachi, Kisame, stay behind for a moment. I have a special task for you. The others are dismissed for now."
One by one, the figures dissolved into thin air, leaving only Itachi and Kisame behind. Yan and Tobi also departed silently.
As Yan watched Zetsu burrow underground, her lips curled into a sly smile.
She stuck out her tongue, licking her lips as she whispered, "I'll give you a surprise later."
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