"Infinite Tsukuyomi...?"
"What kind of nonsense is that?"
While others were still puzzled, only Kisame's eyes showed a fanatical glint.
He had been waiting for this day for a long time.
Finally, it was almost here.
Only one Nine-Tails remained.
This false world was finally about to become the truest realm he envisioned.
Obito stood up and began speaking slowly:
"Once I become the Jinchuriki of the Ten-Tails, my ocular powers will be maximized. I will project my eyes onto the moon and cast a genjutsu on everyone on Earth, controlling all those within the genjutsu, and unifying the world into one..."
"I want to create a world without barriers, without disputes, where everything merges with me, where everything is unified..."
"Under my genjutsu, everyone will be able to realize their deepest desires. Over time, they will be able to do whatever they want, love the people they cherish the most—be it family, friends, or lovers—whether those people are still alive or not..."
"Kakuzu, don't you love money? I will make you the wealthiest person in this world."
"Deidara, I can make everyone recognize your art."
"Sasori, all your regrets can be remedied within my genjutsu."
"Hidan, no matter how many people you sacrifice, no one will stop you. In fact, everyone will willingly join the cult of Jashin. If you wish, I can even make you Jashin himself!"
"In short, my ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone can do whatever they desire."
Obito's words were undeniably enticing.
Aside from Hidan and Deidara, the remaining members had all experienced the dark side of the ninja world.
What is false...
And what is reality...
It's not up to them to decide.
It's determined by their own feelings.
Where they feel comfort and happiness, that is truth.
Where they feel pain and despair, that is false.
So false that it makes one regret, makes one wish time could be reversed, makes one wish these things had never happened.
"Madara, can you really do this?" Sasori asked quietly.
He was a bit tempted.
"Of course," Obito nodded. "When that day comes, you'll understand everything. Now, we're just one step away, just one Nine-Tails short..."
As he spoke, Obito glanced at all the members:
"I've said all I need to say. You should all be clear by now. If anyone still wants to leave, I won't stop you..."
"I'll give you one minute to decide. Whether you stay or leave, let your actions give me the answer..."
"..."
One minute later...
All the members returned to their positions and raised their hands to form seals.
The work of sealing the tailed beasts resumed.
This time, there were no complaints.
"Heh..." Obito chuckled softly, and said in a low voice, "Congratulations, from now on, we are the saviors of this world. This twisted world... will be personally changed by the Akatsuki..."
With that, he looked toward Uchiha Itachi.
Among the members, only Itachi remained unreadable to Obito.
From beginning to end, Obito had been observing him.
No matter how compelling Obito's words were, Itachi's expression remained unchanged.
This made Obito very wary.
"Forget it..."
After much thought, Obito decided not to dwell on it. After all, his loyal Kisame was monitoring Itachi in real-time. If anything went wrong, Obito would know immediately.
As long as Itachi didn't make any sudden moves, Obito had no reason to act against him.
After all, Itachi was a valuable asset.
At least, now wasn't the time to deal with him...
...