"That woman doesn't look like the type to betray her village," said Sasori, born in Sunagakure and the trigger for the Third Great Ninja War. He naturally knew Pakura, the wielder of Scorch Release, who had made great contributions to Sunagakure during the war. He understood she wasn't the kind of shinobi to betray her village.
"Perhaps she once wasn't," Pain replied. "But now, things are different."
With that, Pain glanced at Black Zetsu, who nodded and explained, "According to the information I just received, the Fourth Mizukage is dead, and the elder of the Hidden Mist Village, Genshi, has recommended Mei Terumi—who possesses the Boil and Lava Releases—to become the Fifth Mizukage. In exchange for a peace treaty with Kirigakure, the leaders of Sunagakure have decided to sacrifice Pakura, in line with Genshi's conditions. Pakura, however, is unaware of this. If things proceed as expected, she will surely die during this mission. If we rescue her, considering her hatred toward both Sunagakure and Kirigakure, she might agree to join our organization."
Hearing this, Kirito realized the timing. Though he vaguely remembered that Pakura was betrayed by Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage and Gaara's father, the details were sparse in the original narrative. He hadn't expected this was the moment it would occur.
It all made sense now. After being half-burned to death by Itachi's Amaterasu, Yagura was rescued by Mei Terumi and Genshi. Then, his trusted confidant Ao used the Byakugan he obtained in the Third Ninja War to dispel Obito's genjutsu. However, Yagura was mortally wounded and could no longer suppress the Three-Tails. Not wanting to endanger his village, Yagura revealed to his closest comrades that Akatsuki had manipulated him. He then chose to commit suicide, dying alongside the Three-Tails. It would be years before the Three-Tails reappeared, only to be captured by Deidara and Obito.
"That's dark," Kirito commented. "It seems the Fourth Kazekage is cut from the same cloth as the Third Hokage and Danzo. They're great at internal strife but weak against outside threats. If men like them remain in power, both Sunagakure and Konoha will eventually fall."
At this point, Kirito turned to Sasori with a mischievous grin. "Sasori, if you hadn't defected from the Sand Village, with your talents, strength, and the connections your grandmother and uncle have, wouldn't you have become the Fourth Kazekage yourself?"
"Who cares?" Sasori glared at Kirito. Though his tone was dismissive, he seemed lost in thought. Kirito's knowledge of him was unsettling. Had his parents not died, perhaps Sasori might have been on the path to becoming Kazekage.
"It's too late for what-ifs," Sasori muttered to himself.
"Don't get upset," Kirito said with a shrug, sensing Sasori's unease. "I was just making conversation." Kirito liked Sasori in his previous life, viewing him as a tragic character. Turning back to Pain, Kirito said, "Leave this to me, Leader. When it's time to move out, have Konan send me the signal."
Pain nodded. "Since the Fourth Mizukage's death, Kirigakure has grown wary of Akatsuki. You may encounter elite Mist shinobi. Do you want additional backup?"
Kirito shook his head. "No, sending too many people will just attract attention from Kirigakure. Have Black Zetsu guide me. If you're really concerned about my safety, feel free to send Konan along."
Before Kirito could finish, Pain cut him off, "Black Zetsu will guide you."
Nagato, hidden atop the tower in Amegakure, twitched slightly. He was suspicious of Kirito's intentions toward Konan. The man seemed to have a particular interest in any attractive kunoichi. In Nagato's mind, Kirito was a younger, more charming version of Jiraiya, the same perverted tendencies intact.
But Kirito was different. Where Jiraiya had struggled with romance, Kirito had a natural allure that women found hard to resist. Konan, being a dear friend of both Nagato and Yahiko, needed to be protected. He couldn't allow her to fall into Kirito's grasp.
"Fine," Kirito sighed, realizing Pain wasn't budging on the matter. "There will be other opportunities."
Meanwhile, Kakuzu, standing quietly at the back, finally worked up the courage to speak. "What about me? Am I still partnered with Itachi?" Ever since Kirito destroyed four of his hearts in their last battle, Kakuzu had developed a lingering fear of him.
"You'll operate solo for now," Pain replied. He then glanced at Itachi. "I've arranged a different partner for you."
"Leader," Kirito began, surveying the remaining members, "won't we have too many members? There are only ten rings in Akatsuki, right?"
Kirito glanced around at the team: the mysterious Obito, anti-establishment Pain, the greedy Kakuzu, the heartbroken Sasori, the stoic Itachi, Black Zetsu, and himself. Then, there was Konan, who wasn't present, along with future members Kisame, Deidara, and Hidan. That made eleven members.
Kirito recalled that Akatsuki was only supposed to have ten rings, as Orochimaru had taken one when he defected. Even after Obito joined, he didn't get a ring until after Sasori's death. So where would the eleventh ring come from?
"Only ten rings were made originally," Pain explained. "Though it's time-consuming, making an extra one isn't an issue."
Satisfied with the explanation, Kirito turned back to Itachi. "Looks like we've got a solid lineup."
Pain nodded at Itachi and Sasori. "You'll meet your new partner soon, Itachi. Afterward, head to the Land of Earth with Sasori to bring in the new recruit."
Then, addressing Kirito, Pain added, "Stay put for now. Konan will contact you when Sunagakure makes its move."
"Dismissed," Pain declared, and his figure vanished.
The rest of Akatsuki began to disappear one by one, leaving Kirito alone with Obito.
"So, what happened with Orochimaru earlier?" Obito asked, reverting to his Madara persona.
Kirito shrugged nonchalantly. "Didn't I explain it already?"
"Do you expect me to believe that?" Obito's voice dropped. "With your strength, you could've easily severed Orochimaru's wrist—or even his head—before he could use any jutsu."
Kirito let out a sheepish laugh. "You're too sharp. Fine, Orochimaru offered me something in exchange for his life: the Ryūchi Cave Summoning Scroll and the technique for Rashomon. I figured it was a decent trade. But don't worry, I won't be so lenient next time."
"Make sure you don't," Obito replied coldly before using Kamui to disappear from Kirito's sight.
Kirito clicked his tongue, muttering under his breath, "What a middle schooler."
With that, Kirito's figure vanished as well, racing toward Amegakure. It had been three or four months since he'd last seen Ms. Izumi and Mrs. Mikoto, and to be honest, he missed them terribly.
(End of Chapter).
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