"Of course it's true. I scheduled the duel because our fighting range is too wide, and it would affect many innocent people. So, I set the duel to be in three days at the Valley of Death in the Land of Fire," Shishou explained the reason behind his agreement for the duel.
Tsunade thought about Shishou's Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees and the Akatsuki leader's Planetary Devastation, falling silent.
The range and power of the ninjutsu used by Shishou and the Akatsuki leader were incredibly vast and powerful. In front of these two, even other Kage-level ninjas would have no chance to fight back.
"I want to go watch the battle," Tsunade said, looking at Shishou.
The battle between the two strongest ninjas of the time was an opportunity not to be missed.
"Of course you can, but don't be too surprised when the time comes."
Shishou agreed to Tsunade's request. Not only would he take Tsunade, but he would also bring all the women around him to watch the battle.
This would help Mikoto and the others realize the gap between them and the top-tier ninjas, shaping a correct worldview.
Understanding their own limitations compared to others would help them set clear goals for the future and motivate them to work harder, rather than slacking off after gaining a bit of strength.
Just like Tsunade, who, after realizing the gap between her and Shishou's strength, had picked up her long-abandoned ninjutsu training and started learning Sage Mode to enhance herself.
Moreover, the Otsutsuki clan was incredibly powerful. Even Shishou couldn't guarantee he could protect everyone around him in the future. Thus, he had to find ways to enhance the vision and strength of people like Mikoto.
"By the way, how's the joint investigation by the Five Great Shinobi Villages on the Akatsuki going?" Shishou asked, revealing his true purpose for finding Tsunade.
He didn't want to suppress the Akatsuki, making them lie low and stop causing trouble, only to have the Five Great Shinobi Villages relentlessly pursue them. This would give the Akatsuki legitimate reasons to break their agreement and continue causing chaos.
Of course, if the Five Great Shinobi Villages stopped targeting the Akatsuki, and yet the Akatsuki still caused trouble, then Shishou would have no qualms about dealing with the troublemakers himself.
"Don't mention it. Each village wants the others to take the lead and be the main force, so they're all arguing. I think it will take at least one or two months to form this so-called joint investigation, if it ever comes together at all. There's a high chance it will just fall apart," Tsunade shook her head helplessly, showing little confidence in the joint investigation by the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
"Is that so?" Shishou nodded in satisfaction.
It would be best if this joint investigation never came together.
"In that case, you should go rest first. I'll be on my way now."
With that, Shishou disappeared, heading to Kirigakure to invite Mei Terumi to watch his duel with Nagato.
Looks like I need to hurry up with my Sage Mode training.
Thinking this, Tsunade returned to her room.
...
In the huge cave of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
At Tendo Pain's summons, the Akatsuki held an emergency full meeting.
"Kisame, why is your arm broken again?" Kakuzu had just appeared on the hand of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and immediately noticed Kisame's broken arm, smiling as he asked.
He found it amusing that ever since Deidara and the others provoked the Flying Thunder God user, someone would always end up with a broken arm at every meeting, be it Deidara or Kisame.
"Hmph!" Kisame gritted his teeth at Kakuzu's mockery but had no retort, only able to snort coldly and keep silent.
"I have an announcement to make," Tendo Pain said coldly, looking around at everyone.
Seeing that all Akatsuki members were looking at him, Tendo Pain continued, "In three days, I will duel the Flying Thunder God user in the Valley of Death. You can come and watch."
Nagato announced his duel with Shishou and invited everyone to watch because he wanted to establish his absolute authority within Akatsuki after defeating Shishou. This would make the members more obedient to his future commands.
Uchiha Obito glanced at Tendo Pain and quickly understood his intention to assert dominance through this duel.
However, he had just reclaimed his left eye and needed some time to adapt, so he had no other thoughts for now.
Moreover, in Obito's opinion, the Flying Thunder God user wouldn't be easy to defeat.
What? The leader is going to duel that Flying Thunder God user?
Did I hear that right...
Juzo Biwa stared at Tendo Pain in shock.
Kakuzu, Kisame, and Sasori's eyes lit up simultaneously.
To them, the Akatsuki leader and the Flying Thunder God user could be considered the two strongest in the shinobi world. Their duel would undoubtedly be spectacular and not to be missed.
Shinnō, however, was somewhat confused. He had been recruited by Kisame and had not seen Pain's power or knew much about the Flying Thunder God user's deeds. He didn't understand the significance of this battle.
Uchiha Itachi remained expressionless, glancing at Tendo Pain and Uchiha Obito before lowering his eyes, lost in thought.
"Yo, are you having a meeting!"
Suddenly, a figure leaped onto the head of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, looking at the Akatsuki members with a smile.
It was Shishou, returning once again.
He had just been to Kirigakure to ask Mei Terumi to watch the duel in three days. Casually mentioning that he found Kisame's hideout by marking the Samehada with the Flying Thunder God seal, Mei Terumi had asked him to bring Samehada back to her.
After Mei Terumi promised to wear a swimsuit and go to the beach with him this summer, Shishou returned to the Demonic Statue with two lip prints on his cheeks.
Unexpectedly, he arrived just in time for an Akatsuki meeting...
"What are you doing here..." Kakuzu and Kisame saw Shishou's 1.8-meter tall figure and trademark beard and immediately became alert, staring at Shishou in shock.
Sasori, who had always been curious about the Flying Thunder God user, carefully scrutinized him.
Uchiha Obito also remained vigilant, staring at Shishou, wary of any tricks he might be planning.
Other Akatsuki members were equally stunned, not expecting to see the Flying Thunder God user here.
Juzo Biwa almost broke out in cold sweat; he had always been somewhat fearful of Shishou.
Uchiha Itachi, however, remained calm, contemplating the significance of Shishou's appearance.
"Don't panic, you are just projections; he can't harm you," Tendo Pain said coldly, glancing at everyone.
Juzo Biwa, Kakuzu, and the others breathed a sigh of relief.
Kisame's face twitched involuntarily. Both he and Uchiha Obito were physically present at the Demonic Statue...
"What are you here for?" Tendo Pain turned to Shishou on top of the statue, asking coldly.
"Just came to pick up something I left behind," Shishou replied nonchalantly, raising Samehada in his hand.
Kisame stiffened upon seeing the Samehada, while Kakuzu laughed gleefully.
Shishou then looked at the Akatsuki members and said enthusiastically, "Continue, don't mind me."
He was curious to see how Akatsuki held their meetings.
Hearing this, the Akatsuki members were speechless, almost wanting to curse.
Continue what? Continue being watched like monkeys in a zoo?
"Hmph!" Tendo Pain snorted coldly and dispelled the technique, while the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path vanished with a 'poof.'
Obito appeared beside Kisame, pulling him into the Kamui dimension before disappearing.
"How boring!" Seeing everyone leave, Shishou tutted and also vanished.
Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 387+ at patreon.com/Betek.