"Leader?" Goldberry, who had just raised his head, showed a clear expression of shock. He couldn't help but look towards Deva Path, instantly captivated by the ash-purple Rinnegan in his eyes.
In truth, Goldberry's heart was as firm as a rock. If it weren't for Tobi planting the seed of doubt in him, Goldberry would never have submitted to Tobi.
But now, even though Goldberry was like this, his eyes were fixed tightly on the Rinnegan, as if he had already been enchanted, as if his entire soul had been sucked in.
Deva Path's eyes narrowed slightly, a strong sense of oppression emanating from his eyes, causing Goldberry's eyes to sting. Goldberry quickly lowered his head, afraid to look again.
Tobi watched all of this, with no intention of stopping it. In fact, he was pleased to see it happen. It wasn't enough for Goldberry to only submit to Tobi; he had to submit to the entire Akatsuki organization. After all, everyone in the Akatsuki organization was played by Wu Chen, all of them were on the same side.
So, when Pain Deva Path established dominance over Goldberry, making him a little more obedient and docile, it was exactly what Tobi wanted to see.
Seeing Goldberry bow his head to Deva Path, Tobi felt it was enough. He said, "That's right! You should still remember what I said before, right? This time, I will test your strength, and then let the leader decide whether to make you a full member."
"By the way, my code name is the Jade Maiden of Akatsuki." (When Tobi used the alias Afii, he wore the ring of the late Scorpion, and the ring of the Scorpion was the Jade Maiden).
"Jade Maiden?" Even though Goldberry was puzzled by this code name, he dared not voice his thoughts. Criticizing one's superior was the surest way to make them angry. While most people might only lose their job for doing so, if Goldberry did it, he might lose his life. After all, the Akatsuki was not a benevolent organization.
"Goldberry," Deva Path suddenly spoke.
"Here!" Goldberry responded promptly.
"How is the intelligence network in New York?"
Hearing this question, Goldberry suddenly felt delighted. "Leader, regarding the secrets of New York, I might not know everything, but I can gather most of the information for you!"
"You can think of me as the kingpin of New York."
This was not a lie. Goldberry was the underworld kingpin of New York, and even though many small-time crooks were arrested during the chaos of the Nine-Tails incident, after Goldberry demonstrated his powerful strength, more people chose to join him.
And those underworld factions that were unwilling to join, Goldberry would use some means to make them submit voluntarily.
So even though many of Goldberry's gang members were arrested, his power became even greater.
This situation may seem abnormal, but in a country like America, which worships freedom and coolness, it was quite normal. Here, personal strength made Goldberry appear cool and free to many people.
So, it was only natural for them to choose to join Goldberry.
"Very well." Deva Path nodded, his eyes still indifferent. "Goldberry, help me find someone named Wu Chen. I want his location and recent intelligence."
"Also, give me details about the United States, including what it has done in the past."
Goldberry immediately nodded and stood up straighter, making himself slightly shorter than Deva Path.
Deva Path noticed Goldberry's obedience and continued, "Wu Chen is Jiraiya's disciple, right?"
"Yes." Deva Path glanced at Goldberry, and he quickly nodded and bowed, making himself slightly shorter than Deva Path.
Deva Path continued, "Wu Chen is the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, and the Nine-Tails is our Akatsuki's target."
"In that case, there's no need to search, Leader! He once defeated me, so I have gathered his information and even had someone monitor him. I can give you his information directly."
With that, Goldberry immediately went back to his desk and printed out a stack of papers containing information about Wu Chen. Handing them over respectfully to Deva Path, Goldberry continued, "Please take a look at this first, Leader. I'll have someone look for the information you want about the United States!"
"Very well."
"You two stay here, I'll be right back!"
Goldberry hurriedly left the room, looking very anxious.
Two minutes later, Goldberry returned with a stack of papers. "Leader, here it is."
After taking it, Deva Path looked at Tobi and immediately understood. He said to Goldberry, "Don't resist."
Goldberry was taken aback, quickly straightened up, and then the office was engulfed in a huge whirlpool, sucking Tobi, Deva Path, and Goldberry in.
Several minutes later, the three of them reappeared.
Tobi was unscathed, Goldberry was soaking wet, with numerous injuries on his body, but his gaze towards Tobi became even more reverent.
At this point, Deva Path held a document in his hand and said to Goldberry, "Goldberry, I acknowledge your strength. I grant you the codename 'Southern Star of Akatsuki.' Here are your ring and uniform. Also, this jutsu must be mastered!"
Taking out a prepared ring, an oversized black robe with red clouds, and a scroll containing a jutsu, Deva Path handed them over to Goldberry.