WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎🔥 30→2ch | 60→5ch | 100→8ch | 200→15ch | 400→25ch⏰ Resets Monday!
--------------------
A vortex swirled.
Obito materialized on the high tower of Amegakure, standing before Pain and Konan.
"About Kakuzu and Hidan," he said. "You've heard."
Pain and Konan didn't answer. Their eyes just followed him.
Obito walked past them. He headed for a chair in the corner, swept aside the hem of his crimson-cloud robe, and sat down. Pain and Konan took their own seats.
Obito leaned his masked cheek against a propped-up hand, head slightly tilted. "The loss of the fortune the Akatsuki amassed over the past decade is regrettable. But we can't stop here. We should move the tailed beast collection plan forward."
BOOM!
A bolt of lightning tore across the sky outside the tower.
Konan's voice was cool. "Zetsu discovered Orochimaru was targeting Kakuzu but didn't report it to us immediately. Regarding that, shouldn't you offer an explanation?"
Obito's masked gaze slid to her. He threw the question back. "Are you questioning me?"
Konan remained unshaken. "How could I dare? I merely wish to identify weaknesses in our intelligence network. To prevent future oversights."
Obito withdrew his gaze. He delivered the prepared line.
"Kakuzu didn't seem to adhere to Nagato's directive of 'low-profile operations' from our last gathering. He went to a Land of Fire outpost to reattach Deidara's arm. And then what did he do? He brazenly attacked the Fire Temple. Nagato, that wasn't on your orders, was it?"
Pain spoke. "No. I did not order it. Kakuzu did not seek my permission beforehand."
"Precisely," Obito said. "It was Kakuzu's reckless advance that exposed them. It directly caused this loss. The fault lies with them."
Konan pressed on. "Even so, Zetsu's actions this time were far slower than expected."
Obito had his answer ready. "Zetsu's abilities aren't omnipotent. Orochimaru also possesses a formidable intelligence network. And, though it's speculation for now, I'm certain they possess an eye imbued with a 'space-time dojutsu.' Held by Orochimaru's right-hand man, Kabuto Yakushi."
"But—" Konan started.
"Konan, enough," Pain cut in. "What's done is done. Our focus now should be on damage control, not blame."
Konan gave a slight bow, her expression cooling once more. "My apologies. I was out of line."
Obito accepted the concession. "It's fine. Your heart was with the Akatsuki's interests. Let's discuss real business."
Pain interjected. "Madara-san. May I share my thoughts?"
"Go ahead."
"It's too early to abandon our fundraising efforts. That wealth was taken by Orochimaru. We can take it back."
"Hmm. If the opportunity arises, we should. But making the hunt for Orochimaru our primary objective would be counterproductive."
"Also," Pain continued, "the loss of Kakuzu and Hidan leaves a power vacuum. It needs to be filled. Quickly."
"On that," Obito said, "I already have candidates."
"Oh?"
"Right below this tower. They were Orochimaru's former subordinates, captured by me at a northern outpost. They now serve me. Both possess considerable potential. Still a bit green, but with some experience, they'll become pillars of the Akatsuki."
"You personally vouch for them, so I should accept them unconditionally," Pain stated. "But this is no small matter. You won't mind if I verify this myself?"
"Of course not," Obito replied, rising. "The Akatsuki always adheres to meritocracy. Mediocrity has no right to wear this cloak, the symbol of a storm of blood and war."
He strode toward the observation deck overlooking the rain-swept village.
"Sasuke Uchiha… With a casual strike, he destroyed two of Kakuzu's hearts. He even found a counter to Hidan's curse technique, without prior intelligence."
BOOM… Thunder rumbled.
"More importantly… he's obtained 'Senju power' through Orochimaru." A low chuckle escaped the mask. "Trying to recreate my power, 'Uchiha Madara's' power? He's not even close."
At the edge of the deck, he raised the hood of his Akatsuki cloak. As he turned slowly, the light from his masked Sharingan swirled, captivating and chilling.
"Because the power of the Sharingan is my power—the power of Uchiha Madara!"
SHWOOM!
A dark vortex spiraled from that eye.
Before vanishing into the Kamui dimension, Obito issued his ultimatum. "Nagato… At the Akatsuki's next gathering, I expect to hear that the tailed beast hunting operation has formally begun."
He was gone.
Pain stood, gazing at the curtain of rain beyond the tower. Flashing lightning etched his cold, unmoving features.
Konan moved to stand behind him. A hidden worry flickered in her eyes. "The sky is grieving again, Pain. You…"
Pain's voice was low. "Sasori's death. Kakuzu's death. These are no coincidences. He's dissatisfied I haven't followed his arrangements completely. He's using Orochimaru's actions as an excuse to lay his cards on the table. As for the two new members he brought to replace Hidan and Kakuzu… that's his way of further infiltrating the Akatsuki. Trying to seize the initiative."
"Then we just let him lead us by the nose?" Konan asked.
"Now is not the time for a break," Pain said. "And he did save my life. For now, we'll follow his wishes. Sealing the tailed beasts into the Gedo Statue remains a shared goal, at least."
Konan clenched her fist. "And what comes after?"
"What comes after… we'll deal with it then. He's right about one thing. The Akatsuki follows 'meritocracy.' The right to speak is always held by those with power."
In that moment, Konan made a silent resolution. It seems I must begin preparing my final gambit… for the day we finally turn on each other.
Pain looked down from the tower.
"Let's go see these two 'new recruits' he brought."
"Shall I conduct the test?" Konan offered.
"No. I'll do it myself."
SWISH!
Pain leaped from the great height. His crimson-cloud robe whipped violently in the wind as he descended, landing with a soft thud in the muddy ground below.
There, waiting, were Suigetsu and Jugo, their postures tense with wariness.
"This guy… is the leader of the Akatsuki?" Suigetsu muttered. "Way younger than I imagined!"
Pain straightened up. His Rinnegan swept over Suigetsu and Jugo. "Each of you has been implanted with a single 'Sharingan,' I see. It seems our mutual acquaintance has taken good care of you."
Suigetsu stepped forward, a wide, forced grin on his face. "Ah, Leader-san! I'm Hōzuki Suigetsu! New recruit, recommended by Tobi! Looking forward to working with you!"
The Deva Path of Pain remained impassively cold.
"Ninjutsu. Taijutsu. Genjutsu. Dojutsu. Secret techniques. Forbidden techniques. Ninja tools. Poison. Everything is permitted. Use every trick you have."
His voice cut through the rain.
"If you can touch the hem of my cloak… you qualify to join the Akatsuki."
A pause.
"If not… you can make Amegakure your home."
"Per… ma… nently."
The smile slowly froze on Suigetsu's face. Beside him, Jugo's fist clenched tight, knuckles turning white.
This guy… What the hell is he saying? Suigetsu thought, a cold anger rising. There's a limit to looking down on people…
--------------------
[FULL STORY ACCESS]
🚀 Why wait? Unlock (120+ Chapters) ahead of the public release!
Join Binge Ink on Patreon to access the full archive and read until the very last page today.
✨ Support the author:Patreon.com/BingeInk