Amid the arguing among the Akatsuki members, HIruko and Shinnō also roughly figured out the identities of the remaining Akatsuki members, just as they had guessed.
They were basically all S-rank missing-nin from the various great ninja villages, each with extraordinary strength. If this organization played its cards right, it might actually conquer the ninja world.
"The purpose of summoning you all this time is twofold. First, to let you meet these two new members and avoid unnecessary conflicts in the future.
Second, because some unknown ninja have been acting under the Akatsuki's name, the plan to lurk and accumulate strength has been forced to end ahead of schedule.
Therefore, our plan will begin in the near future. All of you should prepare in advance so we can complete it as quickly as possible."
As he spoke, the Deva Path subtly glanced at the projections of Black Zetsu and White Zetsu that had appeared beside him at some point, his gaze meaningful.
"Oh oh oh, is it finally starting? I can't wait anymore. But from what the leader said, the ones who attacked the Land of Iron earlier were deliberately framing our Akatsuki, right?
That's really annoying. Because of this, the bounty hunters coming after me and Sasori-danna have increased a lot lately. Though without exception, they all got to experience me and Sasori-danna's art, un."
"Who knows."
Faced with Deidara's complaints, the Deva Path only chuckled lightly and did not respond further.
Sometimes certain things did not need to be spelled out too clearly. Maintaining surface-level harmony was still very necessary, especially in a place like the Akatsuki where every member was a vicious criminal.
"What about you? You idiot Deidara, you just had people attacking you. That guy Kakuzu even wants to take my corpse to exchange for the Akatsuki's bounty.
Although I'm not afraid of death, Lord Jashin's power isn't meant to be used for that! Lord Jashin will get angry."
"Shut up. This is just reasonable utilization. Anyway, you won't die. Using you to earn some money is perfect."
"Haha, I think what Kakuzu said makes sense too, Hidan. Isn't exchanging you for money already your greatest purpose?"
"You bastard, do you want to die? Don't think that just because you're also in the Akatsuki I won't kill you."
"The one who dies will only be you, Hidan. You'll only turn to ashes under my art, not even a speck left."
Watching the few fall back into arguing, the Deva Path subtly shook his head. Although his strength was enough to suppress everyone, which of those who became missing-nin and joined the Akatsuki was not an untamed individual? It was impossible to turn them into obedient subordinates.
"If there's nothing else, then let's end it here. From now on, await my notifications at any time."
Seeming fed up with the noise, the Deva Path saw that everyone had nothing more to say and immediately dispelled the ninjutsu. After Deidara, Hidan, and the others' projections vanished, the surroundings instantly returned to calm.
After the projections of the silent Itachi and Kisame also disappeared, only the four people present in the flesh remained, along with the projections of Black Zetsu and White Zetsu.
"He is the one in charge of our organization's intelligence and logistics... 'person.' He is extremely proficient in aspects other than combat. If you two have any needs for your experiments, you can go to him."
Although he knew Black Zetsu and White Zetsu belonged to "Uchiha Madara" and that the two sides were destined to oppose each other in the end, that did not prevent him from using them now. Maximizing their value was the best choice.
Moreover, he had previously promised that the Akatsuki would provide help to Shinnō and Orochimaru. If he did not use Black Zetsu and White Zetsu, would he not become just another god who only drew big pies?
Using the energy of a hidden opponent to fulfill his own promises—how delightful.
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu nodded upon hearing this, then immediately summoned many nearby White Zetsu clones. Pointing at the group of White Zetsu clones, they gestured to Shinnō and Orochimaru.
"If you have anything, just find them. They will handle it for you."
Looking at the group of White Zetsu that they only noticed after they appeared, both Orochimaru and Shinnō could not suppress their astonishment. They had not expected these unremarkable-looking things to possess such strong concealment abilities.
Did that mean all their previous actions might have been under someone else's surveillance? This was something too terrifying to think about deeply.
Fortunately, now that they had joined the Akatsuki, they could temporarily set this worry aside.
"Alright. If there are any missions, I will notify you through these White Zetsu as well. For now, you can go handle your own matters. Once your research is complete, our plan should be about ready to begin."
"Hm."
After HIruko and Shinnō both left, the Deva Path and Konan remained standing in place, as if waiting for something. After a while, another projection that had never appeared before emerged beside Black Zetsu and White Zetsu.
He wore a spiral mask. Even though it was only a projection, the single eye visible carried a faint gloomy feeling, as if his mood was not very good.
"Nagato, weren't the organization's members already enough? Why are you recruiting others again?"
"As the leader, do I still need you to point fingers at what I do? As for why I recruited new members, isn't it because of the recent incident in the Land of Iron?
It has caused the five great nations to raise their alertness toward us greatly. To ensure the plan proceeds smoothly, more combat power is necessary."
Although both sides knew the real reasons clearly, since the plan had not yet begun, it was not good to make the relationship too tense.
"Heh." Although Nagato did not say it outright, the implication in his words kept harping on the Land of Iron. But this time Obito only sneered mockingly and did not explain further.
At this point, explanations were useless. It was better to let this misunderstanding persist, letting Nagato believe Furina and that Uchiha were his people. That way, the other side would have a few more reservations in various matters.
As for what to do when the lie was exposed later? That was even simpler. Furina and the others indeed were not his people, but that did not matter.
He could just use this period to recruit people who truly belonged to him. If Nagato could do it, Obito naturally could too. And with the intelligence advantage from White Zetsu, his actions would only go more smoothly.
"Enhancing combat power? Indeed, it should be done that way. Then let us continue forward toward our common goal."
With those words, Obito's projection also vanished. There was nothing much to say between them anyway. This visit was merely to express his stance. Now that the purpose was achieved, there was naturally no need to stay longer.
"Heh heh, see you later then, Leader-sama."
"His intentions are already very clear. Afterward, he will definitely go recruit new members to oppose us as well."
"Indeed. But this is not entirely a bad thing. Although our ideologies do not align, as he said, at least for now our goals are still the same."