Itachi offered no comment and remained silent. Nagato, however, skipped over Zetsu entirely and turned his gaze toward Sasori of the Red Sand.
"A strong organization naturally needs capable subordinates," Sasori replied concisely, making his stance crystal clear. As someone with numerous agents spread across the ninja world, Sasori fully understood the value of loyal subordinates.
After Sasori, Hidan was ignored entirely—Nagato had no patience for his inflammatory comments, especially since he had already chimed in earlier.
"Kakuzu, what about you?" Nagato's tone softened slightly when addressing Kakuzu. After all, Kakuzu had diligently served Akatsuki for years and was personally acknowledged as its treasurer—arguably the only true officer besides Nagato himself.
Though "treasurer" might sound prestigious, Kakuzu's role was rather pitiful. He bore the title but never saw a single coin, as most funds were secretly funneled into purchasing exploding tags.
"If we want to amass wealth more efficiently, competent subordinates are indispensable," Kakuzu responded, aligning with the others.
"And you, Kisame?"
"I have no objections," Kisame replied with a grin. "In fact, if someone could lighten my workload, I'd be quite pleased."
In the end, nearly everyone was in favor of expanding Akatsuki's external network, with Uchiha Itachi abstaining and Zetsu being passed over. However, Nagato's decision carried the final weight—he could veto it if he chose.
"Very well. I'll give this matter some thought," Nagato concluded.
"Leader, what about the Nokizaru Group?" Deidara called out to Nagato after the meeting adjourned. "We've already captured them."
Nagato paused, then spoke through Deva Path: "Bring them to the base in the Land of Birds. For now, we'll accept them."
After ending the video conference, Deidara turned to the five captives from the Nokizaru Group.
"You've got guts attacking Akatsuki. Or maybe just a death wish?"
The Nokizaru Group exchanged helpless glances.
"We didn't know that a small-time organization with only a 10-million-ryo bounty was backed by you two monsters! Talk about bad luck. We were just trying to claim a bounty and accidentally provoked a nightmare!"
"So, what will it be? Will you die with honor or live to fight another day?"
"Don't joke around. Who wants to die if they can live?" the leader, Himushi, quickly responded.
"Well then, if you surrender, you're one of us now. But don't try anything funny, or we won't be so forgiving," Deidara said, undoing their restraints.
"Understood! We wouldn't dare!" The Nokizaru Group members shook their heads vigorously.
"Trust me, you won't regret it. After all, you're joining an organization that's destined to rule the world."
Deidara's attention shifted as he glanced at the nervous group. "By the way, I have a question for you."
"What question?"
Deidara pointed at one of the group members wearing half-purple attire.
"You're the Water Man, right?"
"That's me," the Water Man replied.
"Then why are you wearing purple instead of blue?"
He pointed to another member, dressed in half-blue, the Earth Man.
"And you, an earth-type ninja, why are you wearing blue instead of yellow?"
He continued down the line. "And you, Shadow Man, why are you wearing yellow? Himushi, why are you in red? Shouldn't the Fire Man wear red?"
Deidara was genuinely baffled. "Seriously, can't you dress according to your elements? A fire user not wearing red? A water user not in blue? It's driving me crazy!"
"Change your clothes. Now!"
A flurry of frantic activity ensued as the Nokizaru Group scrambled to adjust their outfits.
Deidara and Sasori escorted the now appropriately dressed group back to the secret base in the Land of Birds. Upon entering, they were greeted by the imposing figure of Deva Path's projection, its Rinnegan emanating a palpable sense of dread.
"Ri... Rinnegan!" Himushi stammered in shock.
"It's real! This legendary eye actually exists!" Their astonishment mirrored anyone witnessing the Rinnegan for the first time—a myth brought to life.
"No regrets now, huh?" Deidara said, clapping Himushi on the shoulder.
"No regrets!" Himushi affirmed fervently. Far from regret, this felt like hitting the jackpot! With an organization like this, they were bound to thrive. It wasn't misfortune; it was fate turning in their favor.
This was better than being a wandering rogue ninja, living on the edge. Being part of Akatsuki might even offer retirement benefits like the ninjas from the Great Villages!
"Don't get too excited," Deidara warned. "Our leader's a cheapskate. There's no salary here—you'll be making money for the organization. Prepare to be exploited."
Nagato: "..."
Nokizaru Group: "..."
"For now, you five will rebuild our external forces in the Land of Birds," Deva Path instructed.
"Just outer members?" Himushi hesitated. Despite being far from the league of Akatsuki's leaders, the Nokizaru Group had made waves in the underground world. They'd once even caused enough chaos to almost unseat the Raikage of Kumogakure. Surely, they deserved a core spot?
"Do you know who this is?" Deidara gestured at Sasori.
The Nokizaru Group Clan shook their heads.
"This is Sasori of the Red Sand, the greatest puppet master in history—an S-class rogue ninja."
Deidara then pointed at himself. "And do you know who I am?"
Another shake of heads.
"I'm Deidara, disciple of the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure. If I hadn't defected, I'd be the Fourth Tsuchikage. Also an S-class rogue ninja."
"Still think you deserve to be core members?"
The Nokizaru Group collectively shook their heads again. It was clear—they were way out of their league.
"If there are no further objections, we're done here," Deva Path said, vanishing.
At that moment, Sasori spoke up. "I need the Water Man to accompany me."
"Why, Sasori?" Deidara asked, curious.
"The defensive plating on Hiruko's back is incomplete. I've heard of a rare turtle off the coast of the Land of Lightning with an exceptionally tough shell. I want to capture it, and the Water Man's abilities will be helpful."
Deidara suddenly remembered that in the original timeline, Hiruko's shell was replaced with a less sturdy alternative, ultimately shattered by Sakura. It made sense that Sasori was aiming for an upgrade now.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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