"..."
Juzo's expression was strange as he glanced at Kyo.
He couldn't help but recall a past event.
Although he hadn't been in Akatsuki long and hadn't gone on missions with Kyo or seen his strength,
Juzo had once gone on a mission with Kakuzu.
During that mission, he witnessed firsthand the formidable strength of this legendary man known as the "Immortal Shinobi".
Controlling the powerful secret technique called Earth Grudge Fear, he alone could maneuver among several Jonin and even annihilate them.
Even Juzo, a member of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen, had to admit that his own strength... was indeed inferior to Kakuzu's.
However,
Not long after,
During a chance encounter on a mission, Juzo saw Kyo.
Initially thinking he was an enemy, he was surprised to see that he also wore the exact same Akatsuki uniform and the exclusive jade ring of a formal member.
Biwa Juzo immediately became very disdainful.
He very astonishingly questioned Kyo, asking why Akatsuki would let a kid like him join.
As a result,
Before he could even finish speaking, he saw Kakuzu beside him suddenly change expression, directly grab Juzo's arm, and forcefully drag him away.
At that time, Juzo was naturally bewildered.
What's going on?
The immortal Kakuzu changes his face just seeing this kid???
And,
When he asked Kakuzu the reason,
Kakuzu just snorted and said flatly with an indifferent expression:
"Tch, because this guy Kyo, on the very day he joined Akatsuki... destroyed two of my hearts."
"???"
After hearing this, Juzo was instantly dumbfounded.
He knew how powerful Kakuzu's secret technique, Earth Grudge Fear, was.
But that seemingly ignorant kid with golden eyes named Kyo could directly destroy two hearts?!
This was just damn ridiculous!
From then on,
Basically every time he saw Kyo, Juzo, like Kakuzu, chose to take a detour.
After all, although this guy smiled every day and seemed very kind,
When it came to fighting, he was fiercer than anyone!
A typical reserved and ruthless strong one.
...
Just as Juzo was thinking, suddenly Pain's voice came again, saying flatly:
"What's your decision?"
"Biwa Juzo, do you want to challenge Kyo and swap groups?"
"Uh..."
Juzo's expression clearly couldn't hold up, and he stammered:
"Ne-never mind,"
"Actually, I think partnering with this Uchiha kid is pretty good too."
As the words fell, everyone present was instantly speechless.
'Good grief, your change of heart is way too fast...'
"..."
Hearing this, Pain withdrew his gaze and said flatly:
"In that case, Akatsuki's initial grouping is temporarily set."
"Barring unforeseen circumstances, it will not change in the future."
"Next,"
"Is Akatsuki's action guiding principle."
"In view of the new member joining, I need to explain it again."
"Listen carefully, Uchiha Itachi—"
Pain's indifferent gaze looked over and said calmly:
"Akatsuki's ultimate plan is to use absolutely powerful strength to achieve true peace in the Shinobi World. To this end, we have three steps to accomplish."
"First step, accumulate wealth through bounties and commissioned missions from various countries, providing the economic foundation for all of Akatsuki's future actions."
"Second step, establish a mercenary organization that does not belong to any country. First provoke wars on a small scale. Then monopolize the war commissions of small countries at low prices, expanding the scale of war. Next, we can successfully break the shinobi systems of the major countries and monopolize all wars."
"Third step, also the most important step—"
Pain paused slightly, looking at Uchiha Itachi, and said flatly:
"Collect the Nine Tailed Beasts and manufacture them into Tailed Beast Weapons,"
"And use this as absolute power to conquer the entire Shinobi World, achieving... true world peace!"
"?!"
As the words fell, Itachi's heart instantly skipped a beat!
Even he, who was always very calm, couldn't help but have his pupils suddenly constrict after hearing this.
Although he had previously known about the Akatsuki and some of their actions,
He fundamentally hadn't expected that their ultimate goal was actually to collect Tailed Beasts and conquer the world!
Itachi's breathing momentarily stalled.
Seeing this, Orochimaru beside him revealed a somewhat surprised smile and said:
"Oh my,"
"I didn't expect Itachi-kun to be so surprised by Akatsuki's goal?"
"How interesting."
Hearing this, Itachi just slightly lowered his eyes and didn't respond.
Kyo beside him found it amusing inside.
Itachi's reaction would naturally be significant.
After all, this guy was almost the Shinobi in the entire world who most hated war.
Back then, precisely because he feared that the Uchiha Clan's rebellion would lead to Konoha being besieged by other countries, triggering a Fourth Shinobi World War, he simply annihilated his own clan to prevent the rebellion.
For someone like him,
Akatsuki's plan for peace naturally had a huge impact.
That's why this guy would frequently hold back in many subsequent actions.
Especially that fateful battle with his little brother Sasuke was enough to let him be the best Actor in Shinobi World's history.
Therefore, Akatsuki's goals of provoking wars almost completely ran counter to his life beliefs.
However,
After a moment of silence,
Itachi suddenly raised his eyes again and said expressionlessly:
"Understood, Leader."
"As a member of Akatsuki, I will do my utmost to contribute to Akatsuki's ultimate peace cause."
This spy among spies of Konoha, the fourth Oscar-winning actor of Akatsuki,
Finally, with his calm and composed acting skills, spoke the insincere words.
From beginning to end,
There was no fluctuation in his expression whatsoever.