Despite the fact that Konan might have some misunderstandings about him, Byakuya couldn't be bothered to explain any further.
Once a stereotype is formed, any explanation will only make things worse. He was merely preparing based on his knowledge of future events, but to Konan and Yahiko, it seemed like he had a persecution complex.
However, they also knew that everything he did was for the sake of the Akatsuki organization, and they were just teasing him.
In the following week, Konan was busy procuring various supplies and started investing in industries that would be promising in times of peace. Following Byakuya's suggestion, she also began to establish peripheral organizations.
Byakuya, on the other hand, stayed active near the black market, observing the black market merchant Shigure and gathering relevant intelligence.
Through the black market and various Akatsuki members, Byakuya collected a lot of useful information.
The information revealed that Shigure was a Jōnin from Amegakure. He had participated in the last Shinobi World War under Hanzō's leadership, earning numerous merits. However, for some reason, not only was he not given any important roles, but he was also relegated to guarding the black market, thus exiting the core circle.
Moreover, Shigure had severe internal injuries, which seemed to prevent him from exerting his full Jōnin strength.
After facing these setbacks, Shigure found it impossible not to resent Amegakure. In addition, Byakuya observed that Shigure appeared dissatisfied with Hanzō the Salamander.
This dissatisfaction seemed to stem from Hanzō's recent years of inaction. Most importantly, Shigure had a considerably favourable impression of the Akatsuki organization, as he had often assisted Konan.
Armed with this information, Byakuya decided to meet Shigure. If he could persuade Shigure to cooperate with the Akatsuki, they could provide false information to Hanzō the Salamander at crucial moments, giving the Akatsuki more time to develop.
That very night, Byakuya intercepted Shigure in a small alley without wasting any time. Seeing the unidentified ninja ahead, Shigure reached for his kunai and said warily.
"You have three seconds to state your identity and purpose, or I'll attack."
Byakuya slowly stepped out of the shadows, revealing his slender figure and delicate face. Seeing that the intruder was just a boy, Shigure sighed in relief.
After all, he was just a boy; how strong could he be even if he was a ninja?
However, he did not let his guard down, as he was no longer at his peak strength. Byakuya raised his hand, and golden chains shot out from his sleeve, subduing Shigure with a speed imperceptible to the naked eye.
Shigure struggled, waving his limbs, but found himself unable to break free.
"Who are you?"
Shigure's eyes were filled with shock.
Despite being significantly weakened by an injury sustained years ago, he still maintained the skills of an elite Jōnin.
However, he was swiftly defeated by the young boy standing before him. At his age, possessing such power was even more terrifying than Konoha's prodigy Kakashi.
He wondered what kind of monster had appeared before him. Not only was his body under control, but his chakra flow was also restricted.
In his shock, Shigure began to attempt to persuade Byakuya.
"Who exactly are you? Look, I am just a small-time merchant. Please don't make things difficult for a small-time merchant like me."
Byakuya responded with an expressionless face.
"A small-time merchant? A true small merchant wouldn't carry chakra-infused daggers, nor would they have the strength of an elite Jōnin."
Upon seeing Byakuya emerge and initiate conversation, Shigure breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that the boy didn't intend to harm him. Shigure had kept his identity as a ninja hidden for years. How did this boy know he was a ninja and even estimate his strength? In this situation, there were only two possibilities: either the boy knew about his past, or the boy's strength far surpassed his own and he possessed some special sensing ability.
Both of these possibilities posed significant threats to him.
Taking a deep breath, Shigure cautiously decided to make a talk.
"Why are you here? Is it for money, or did an enemy send you to kill me?"
Byakuya did not immediately respond. Instead, he walked over to Shigure, pried open his mouth, and fed him a pill.
Feeling the pill dissolve in his mouth, Shigure's expression changed. Was the boy trying to control him with poison? But soon, he realized something was amiss.
Not only did the pill not have any negative effects on his body, but it also began to heal his internal injuries.
Byakuya had not poisoned him but had given him a miraculous pill. However, since they didn't know each other, Byakuya must have some ulterior motive.
So, even though he had received a favor from Byakuya, Shigure's expression became even more serious.
Seeing that the atmosphere was sufficiently tense, Byakuya began to release the Adamantine Sealing Chains while speaking.
"I'm here to invite you to join our organization. If you refuse, I'll have to make you forget this encounter."
Shigure's face changed as he quickly recalled the events of the past few months and the various organizations active within the Land of Rain.
Thinking of a particular name, his expression softened somewhat, and he tentatively raised a brow.
"What's the name of your organization?"
Byakuya saw no need to hide the truth and straightforwardly replied, "Akatsuki."
To Byakuya's surprise, Shigure responded without any hesitation, "Alright, I'll join Akatsuki."
Hearing this, Byakuya was taken aback. This Jōnin from Amegakure agreed to join Akatsuki so easily? He had expected to have to lay out the benefits and perhaps use some coercion.
However, could this be a delaying tactic from Shigure?
Byakuya was suspicious, but at that moment, a clear electronic voice echoed in his mind:
[Special Jōnin Shigure has joined Akatsuki. You have acquired the Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique.]
The system notification turned Byakuya's suspicion into confusion. He then asked Shigure.
"Aren't you agreeing too quickly? You are, after all, a ninja of Amegakure."
Shigure raised his head and sighed.
"I am a ninja of the Land of Rain. If your organization is indeed the Akatsuki I've heard about, I have no reason to refuse.
The Akatsuki I've heard of is an organization that helps villagers defend against bandits. As a ninja of the Land of Rain, what's so strange about choosing to join such an organization? Moreover, I've already taken your pill, so I don't have much choice. All I can do is hope that you truly are from Akatsuki."
"Are you still worried about the pill I gave you?"
Byakuya saw through Shigure's thoughts at a glance, understanding that Shigure only boasted about the Akatsuki organization in front of him because his life was in Byakuya's hands.
It was surprising to Byakuya that the Akatsuki organization could receive such high praise from a Jonin of Amegakure. It's no wonder that the original Yahiko could rise to power in just a few years, posing a threat even to Hanzo the Salamander.
It's just a pity that the Akatsuki was too idealistic at that time, just too naive an organization that shouldn't exist in the ninja world.
Honestly, if Byakuya were the leader of Amegakure and heard that Yahiko had such influence within the Land of Rain, he would attempt diplomacy the first time. If that failed, he would immediately eradicate the threat.
===
BONUS CHAPTERS!
Let's aim for the ranking this time, and you will get bonus chapters:
1000 PS = 5 Bonus Chapters!
1500 PS = 10 Bonus Chapters!
Please get this book in ranking so I can translate more chapters in a batch.