166-170

Chapter 166: The Village Hidden Among the Stars

One month later, Kimimaro departed from Otogakure.

However, his destination wasn't Crow's Town to meet Itachi, but another location.

The Land of Bears, Hoshigakure (The Village Hidden Among the Stars).

Legend had it that two hundred years ago, a meteorite fell from the sky, landing in the Land of Bears.

Later, someone discovered that this meteorite contained a vast amount of chakra and used it for training.

By chance, they created a secret technique called the Mysterious Peacock Method, capable of harnessing the power of the star.

From then on, they remained there, gathering people and establishing a tribe, known as the Star Tribe. They called the meteorite the "Star."

As the Five Great Shinobi Villages were established, the Star Tribe became the ninja village of the Land of Bears, named Hoshigakure.

Their leader proclaimed themselves as Hoshikage.

Despite using the "Kage" title reserved for the leaders of the Five Great Villages, for unknown reasons, the Five Villages didn't pursue the matter.

Perhaps Hoshigakure possessed sufficient strength at the time, or the Five Villages didn't want to bother with a minor nuisance.

Years passed, and the Five Great Villages remained the dominant forces in the ninja world, while Hoshigakure declined.

Especially after the death of the Third Hoshikage, Hoshigakure's talents dwindled, and no one could master the complete Mysterious Peacock Method.

Even some ninja who used the Star for training gradually fell seriously ill.

This was the information Kimimaro had gathered.

He had little interest in Hoshigakure itself; his focus was on the Star.

The Star contained immense chakra, which could potentially aid Kimimaro.

Of course, this was contingent on Kimimaro being able to eliminate the Star's side effects. Otherwise, he wouldn't create trouble for himself.

After all, unlike ordinary people, he already bore the burden of illness.

"Hoshigakure, the Star," Kimimaro murmured, quickening his pace.

The Land of Bears was far from Otogakure, separated by half of the Land of Fire.

It took Kimimaro five days to reach the vicinity of Hoshigakure in the Land of Bears.

"So this is Hoshigakure?"

Kimimaro frowned slightly, looking at the valley shrouded in miasma.

With his medical expertise, he could immediately tell that the miasma was poisonous and quite potent.

Entering unprepared would lead to unconsciousness in a short time.

Prolonged exposure could even be fatal.

"No wonder no one attacks Hoshigakure; it's a natural barrier."

Kimimaro leaped onto a large tree.

"Byakugan!"

His vision expanded!

All scenery within a two-kilometer radius appeared in his mind.

"Hoshigakure is indeed here. Wait, that's..."

Kimimaro spotted four familiar figures.

Naruto, Tenten, Rock Lee, and Shino.

"Are these four on a mission together?" Kimimaro muttered, paying them no further attention.

His two-kilometer vision still couldn't encompass the entire valley.

"Kagura Mind's Eye!"

Activating the Kagura Mind's Eye, which had a far greater range than the Byakugan, Kimimaro finally perceived everything clearly.

The Kagura Mind's Eye was like a wide-range chakra search radar, while the Byakugan provided a comprehensive short-range view.

Each had its strengths and weaknesses, and Kimimaro used them in perfect coordination.

"There are a total of one hundred and twenty-one chakra signatures in Hoshigakure. Excluding the Konoha ninja, the rest feel the same. It seems this is the so-called Star Chakra.

"However, I can't sense the Star's location. It must be sealed with some kind of barrier to prevent prying eyes. Huh..."

Within the Kagura Mind's Eye's range, Kimimaro detected another chakra signature.

This one was also Star Chakra, but more refined and larger than that of the other Hoshigakure ninja.

Moreover, although the owner of this chakra was in the valley, they were quite far from Hoshigakure.

"This person must be Natsuhi."

Natsuhi, a jonin from Hoshigakure, was said to be a powerful ninja who had completed the Star Training, but disappeared ten years ago.

Her husband, Hotarubi, vanished along with her.

The information flashed through his mind, and Kimimaro decided to seek out Natsuhi first.

Obtaining the Star through her shouldn't be a problem.

"To enter Hoshigakure's territory, I need to deal with this poisonous miasma first."

Hoshigakure ninja wore specially made gas masks when entering and exiting the village. Kimimaro naturally didn't have one.

However, this level of poison wasn't a threat to him.

He looked around and quickly found a large quantity of nameless herbs.

In nature, everything had its counterbalance. Where poison existed for a long time, there was usually something that could detoxify it.

These nameless herbs were likely the antidote.

Kimimaro walked over, picked some, and chewed them slightly.

"That's right, these are detoxifying herbs."

Kimimaro quickly confirmed his judgment, then swallowed the herbs and picked a few more before jumping into the valley.

The yellow miasma was not only poisonous but also obstructed vision.

However, these issues couldn't stop Kimimaro. Soon, he arrived in front of a cave.

"This is it."

Without hesitation, Kimimaro was about to enter.

Just then, several kunai shot out from the cave, blocking his path.

"Someone's there. Please don't enter without permission," a woman's voice echoed from the cave.

"I'm here to see you."

Silence fell upon the cave, then a figure wearing a gas mask emerged.

"I don't know you."

The person examined Kimimaro, surprised.

How could he be here unharmed without a gas mask?

"But I know you, Natsuhi."

Upon hearing this, the person became alert and assumed a fighting stance.

"Who are you? How do you know me?"

"Simply put, I'm here for the Star. I hope you'll hand it over to me," Kimimaro cut to the chase.

"Another outsider seeking the Star. Give up; I won't give it to you."

Natsuhi was resolute.

Kimimaro knew that threats of life and death wouldn't sway such a person.

Before he could speak again, Natsuhi began forming hand seals.

"Mysterious Peacock Method!"

Instantly, a massive surge of chakra erupted from Natsuhi's back.

This chakra was unexpectedly purple.

It condensed into the shape of a peacock's tail feathers.

"So this is the Mysterious Peacock Method. Quite unique indeed."

Slightly surprised, Kimimaro activated his Byakugan, clearly observing the flow of chakra within Natsuhi's body.

Manipulating chakra to this extent was no simple feat.

Especially with such a vast amount of chakra.

Kimimaro's interest in the Star grew.

The Star Chakra gathered, and a peacock's head materialized.

In the next moment, the peacock's head lunged at Kimimaro!

Impact!

Kimimaro retreated half a step, narrowly dodging the Mysterious Peacock Method's attack.

The ground shook as the peacock's head smashed into the earth, creating a deep crater.

"Impressive power."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 167: The Villain's Demise by Talking Too Much

Seeing Kimimaro effortlessly dodge her attack, Natsuhi's pupils contracted.

Such quick reflexes.

Evading with such precise movements showed immense confidence in his abilities.

"I don't want to hurt you. Please leave," Natsuhi repeated.

"I won't leave until I get what I want. Don't worry, this is a transaction. I'll offer you satisfactory compensation. For instance, curing your illness and your child's."

Natsuhi was taken aback once more.

This young man seemed to know a lot about her.

But how could a teenager, barely sixteen, cure the aftereffects of Star Training?

"Do you think I'll believe you? If you won't leave, then don't blame me for being impolite."

Natsuhi attacked again.

Purple chakra transformed into a ferocious beast, lunging at Kimimaro.

"As expected, fists speak louder than words. Before a transaction, one must first subdue the other party."

Kimimaro shook his head slightly and charged towards the purple chakra beast.

His right hand extended, forming a bone sword, which he gripped tightly.

A jet-black aura enveloped the bone sword.

Sonic Impact!

The bone sword pierced the head of the purple chakra beast.

Tear!

Wherever the black bone sword touched, the chakra beast was sliced apart like tofu.

The Mysterious Peacock Method was instantly broken!

"What?!"

Natsuhi's eyes widened, only to see Kimimaro already standing before her.

With a twist of the sword, the blade pointed backward, and the hilt slammed into her abdomen.

The sudden impact caused Natsuhi to double over in pain, her gas mask falling off, revealing her delicate face.

However, at this moment, her delicate face was contorted in agony.

Thud!

Natsuhi collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Kimimaro picked her up and carried her into the cave.

An hour later, Natsuhi slowly awoke on the bed.

"You're awake?"

Hearing the voice, Natsuhi, who was still groggy, instantly became alert.

She looked at Kimimaro, who was sitting on a chair nearby, with wariness.

"Who are you? What did you do to me?"

Recalling Kimimaro's terrifying strength, Natsuhi was filled with fear.

She knew she was no match for him.

He was frighteningly powerful.

"Try circulating your chakra."

Kimimaro didn't answer her question but instead asked Natsuhi to sense her own body's condition.

Natsuhi was puzzled but complied.

The next moment, her eyes widened.

"This... how is this possible? My illness is cured?"

"The terms of the transaction remain the same. You give me the Star, and I'll heal you and your child. Now that your illness is cured, it's time for you to make a choice.

"If you agree, then everyone's happy. If you disagree, you'll die here first."

Kimimaro's killing intent enveloped Natsuhi without reservation, sending shivers down her spine.

Natsuhi knew he wouldn't stop until he achieved his goal.

In a fit of rage, he might even destroy Hoshigakure.

What good would it be to protect the Star then?

It was better to turn an enemy into a friend than to antagonize him.

The injuries caused by Star Training were the biggest problem plaguing Hoshigakure.

And this person could solve that problem.

Handing over the Star for that wasn't a big deal.

People were always more important than objects.

After a moment of contemplation, Natsuhi made her decision.

"Alright, but I have one condition. You need to heal everyone injured by Star Training."

"Deal."

"Follow me."

Natsuhi led Kimimaro out of the cave.

Using the Mysterious Peacock Method, a pair of purple chakra wings appeared on her back.

"I'll fly you there."

"No need, just lead the way."

Kimimaro said, then leaped into the sky.

Shunpo!

Mastering Shunpo to a certain extent allowed one to achieve flight.

Natsuhi's pupils shrank in slight surprise.

In such a short time, this white-haired youth had surprised her countless times.

Without further ado, Natsuhi guided Kimimaro to where she had hidden the Star.

Ten years ago, the Third Hoshikage discovered the side effects of Star Training and banned it.

At the same time, he tasked Natsuhi and Hotarubi with hiding in the shadows, protecting Hoshigakure and preventing anyone from restarting Star Training.

Unexpectedly, the Hoshikage died the next day, and Natsuhi and Hotarubi were accused of assassinating him.

Since then, they could only protect the village from the shadows.

A year ago, Hotarubi succumbed to the side effects of Star Training, and now Natsuhi's lifespan was also limited due to the same reason.

Yet, half a year ago, Akahoshi, the acting Hoshikage, restarted Star Training.

Helplessly, Natsuhi stole the Star a few days ago.

She wanted to use this method to completely eliminate the possibility of Star Training.

After a few minutes of flight, Natsuhi brought Kimimaro to Hotarubi's grave.

She formed hand seals, and a massive rock opened, revealing a stone coffin.

Inside the coffin was a corpse and the Star, brimming with purple chakra.

"This is the Star."

Natsuhi took out the Star and handed it to Kimimaro.

Taking it, he immediately sensed the immense chakra within.

What a treasure!

Kimimaro was inwardly delighted; his mission was accomplished.

This wasn't a suitable place to study the Star, so he prepared to store it away.

But at that moment, someone approached.

"Natsuhi, it was you after all. You intend to give the Star to an outsider? You traitor!"

The newcomer was Akahoshi and his two subordinates.

"Akahoshi, the Third Hoshikage banned Star Training years ago. You shouldn't have restarted it."

"Hmph, that old fool was short-sighted. His foolish actions have caused Hoshigakure to decline all these years. What's a little injury compared to gaining great power? These are necessary sacrifices.

"If you don't want those children to die, you should hand over the secret to successful training instead of spouting nonsense. As long as they succeed in training, they can at least live to thirty. That's enough for Hoshigakure!"

"There's no secret to Star Training; it all depends on talent. I've told you before, but you didn't believe me. Akahoshi, it's not too late to turn back. Abolish Star Training."

"Hahaha! How ridiculous! I killed the Third Hoshikage who abolished Star Training years ago. It seems you want to follow in his footsteps!"

"What! You killed the Hoshikage?"

Natsuhi was shocked.

"It's too late to know now! Natsuhi, prepare to die!"

Akahoshi and his two subordinates simultaneously used the Mysterious Peacock Method. Akahoshi even absorbed all the Star Chakra from his subordinates, causing a surge of immense chakra.

"Hahaha! See this? This is such wonderful power, and you wanted me to give it up? What a foolish thought!"

Akahoshi laughed maniacally and soared into the sky.

"This guy..."

Natsuhi's eyes were filled with seriousness.

At that moment, Kimimaro extended his left hand, instantly forming a bone bow.

His right index finger elongated into a bone arrow, which he pulled back on the chakra bowstring.

Drawing the bow and releasing the arrow!

Whoosh!

The white bone arrow turned jet-black the moment it was shot!

Akahoshi was startled and immediately used his chakra wings as a shield.

But it was useless.

With a cracking sound, the wings shattered instantly!

Piercing the heart!

Akahoshi looked at the wound in his chest in disbelief; his heart was completely destroyed.

"This... how is this possible..."

In the next moment, he plummeted from the sky, crashing onto the ground.

Natsuhi looked at the indifferent white-haired youth beside her in shock.

"What a noisy fellow. It's much quieter now."

Kimimaro commented expressionlessly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 168: The Second Chakra Source

"You handle the Star Ninja Village's affairs yourself. I'll be staying in that cave for a while. Bring the patients over, and I'll heal them all."

Kimimaro said, turning and leaving.

"What a strange guy."

Natsuha muttered to herself. At this time, Naruto and Shino rushed over.

"Aunt Natsuha, was that Kimimaro just now?"

Naruto said excitedly.

They had met before, and Naruto knew her identity, so he asked directly.

"You mean that white-haired boy? I don't know his name either."

"It must be him! I'm going after him!"

Naruto said, and was about to follow, but Shino stopped him.

"Calm down. That place is poisonous. If you follow him, you won't be able to catch up, and you'll die."

"But..."

Naruto looked unwilling.

"Is there any grudge between you and him?"

Natsuha asked in confusion.

"That guy took away my best friend!"

...

On the other side.

Kimimaro had already arrived at the previous cave.

He naturally sensed Naruto's presence.

But now he just wants to study the star as soon as possible and is not interested in Naruto.

Byakugan activated!

The star had few secrets in Kimimaro's eyes.

"This thing does store a lot of chakra, about ten cards. But the most amazing thing is that the chakra in it can automatically recover after it is consumed.

Although the speed is not fast, it is also very amazing. If you can use the chakra in it for your own use, it is equivalent to having an extra chakra power bank."

After realizing this, Kimimaro was overjoyed.

Then the next step is to deal with the side effects.

When Kimimaro helped Natsuha heal before, he had almost understood the side effects of the star.

Simply put, the chakra is too violent, causing damage to the meridians, which in turn damages the internal organs, leading to injuries and eventually death.

With a thought, Kimimaro pulled the purple chakra out of the star.

"This chakra is even more violent than the Nine-Tails' chakra. The person who invented the Peacock Mystic Method is also a talent. He can actually come up with a way to devour this kind of chakra for his own use.

It's a pity that after a long time, the human body's meridians still can't bear it."

Kimimaro tried to devour the star's chakra, but the meridians in his body soon protested.

Although it was very subtle, it was enough to make him give up trying.

He is a person who cherishes his life, and he will carefully weigh any matter that endangers his health.

As long as there are other ways to solve it, he will not choose a method that harms his body.

"Sure enough, you can't let the star's chakra enter the chakra meridians, otherwise it will more or less affect your lifespan. Did you get it for nothing?"

Kimimaro frowned slightly, feeling a little depressed.

"No, chakra can't enter the meridians, it doesn't mean it can't be used. The energy of the ghost way can be condensed and released outside the body."

The ghost way is a move from Bleach. It was originally a move activated by spiritual power, but the Space-Time Inn changed it to a chakra version so that Kimimaro could use it.

So Kimimaro has always used the chakra in his body to release it.

Because there is no chakra outside his body that he can control.

But now it's different.

As long as the star is in his hand, he can control this chakra.

Thinking of this, Kimimaro did not hesitate and immediately began to test this idea.

"Destruction Spell Number Four, White Thunder!"

Kimimaro tried to control the star's chakra to activate the Destruction Spell, and unexpectedly it went smoothly.

White lightning appeared on his right index finger, and then shot out directly!

Boom!

The white lightning hit the stone wall, creating a deep pit.

"It really works! And the power seems to be stronger than usual. It seems that the star's chakra is stronger than ordinary chakra."

Kimimaro's face showed joy.

Only he can use this method.

Other people don't know this special energy control method at all.

"Although this method cannot be applied to all skills, it is very good to be able to use it to display the abilities in Bleach."

The power of the Destruction Spell and the Binding Spell is very good, and Kimimaro often uses them.

With the addition of the star, it is of great benefit to him.

Kimimaro placed the star on his lower abdomen, and then the white bones in his body drilled out, wrapping the heart-sized star and dragging it into his body.

With the white bone sealed, the star's chakra will not overflow in Kimimaro's body.

And when you want to use it, you can also quickly mobilize it.

At this moment, the star completely became Kimimaro's second chakra source.

"Done."

Having obtained a chakra power bank with a capacity of ten cards, Kimimaro was very satisfied with the results of this trip.

In the next few days, Natsuha brought the ninjas who were injured due to star training to Kimimaro for treatment.

Everything went smoothly.

Kimimaro also learned about the recent situation in Star Ninja Village from Natsuha.

With the testimony of Akahoshi's subordinates, his crime of killing the Third Hoshikage was confirmed.

And Natsuha, who recovered her health, naturally returned to Star Ninja Village and became the Fourth Hoshikage with the recommendation of everyone.

"Mr. Kimimaro, thank you so much for your help this time. Otherwise, Star Ninja Village might have been destroyed by Akahoshi."

Natsuha expressed her sincere gratitude to Kimimaro.

"No need, we each get what we need. This should be the last patient, right? I'll leave here later."

Kimimaro stood up and said.

"Mr. Kimimaro, there is one more thing. I want to ask for your opinion."

"What's the matter?"

"Konoha ninja Naruto Uzumaki wants to see you. If you don't want to see him, I will help you stop him."

"Oh? With his personality, he didn't follow you here?"

Kimimaro was slightly surprised.

"Naruto knows that you are treating ninjas in Star Ninja Village. He is afraid that if he comes, you will leave immediately, so he doesn't dare to come easily."

"This kid has grown up a bit. Well, let him come."

"Yes, Mr. Kimimaro."

Natsuha left, and not long after, Naruto came over.

"Kimimaro! Where's Sasuke?"

As soon as he came up, Naruto shouted loudly.

This temper still hasn't changed.

"Don't worry, he's still alive. And within three years, he won't be in any danger. Even Mr. Orochimaru will do his best to train him.

He is now much stronger than he was a month ago. And you don't seem to have made much progress. If you continue like this, in three years, you will be far behind him."

Naruto was stunned when he heard this.

He didn't expect Kimimaro to tell him the information directly.

"If you want to save Sasuke, become stronger. After all, this world needs strong power to achieve what you want to do.

Whether you want to become Hokage or chase Sasuke back, it's the same."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 169: Dawn of the Akatsuki

Having gone through so much, Naruto knew that Kimimaro was telling the truth. In this world, strength ultimately dictates the rules.

"I will definitely get Sasuke back from Orochimaru!" Naruto declared resolutely.

Kimimaro shook his head slightly.

"Naruto, you still don't understand. Sasuke left on his own; no one forced him. If you don't understand why he left, even if you have the power to defeat him, you won't be able to bring him back."

Naruto was stunned.

Kimimaro flashed and appeared beside him, placing his right hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"You have three years to think about it. When you understand, then go find Sasuke."

With that, Kimimaro was about to leave.

"Wait!" Naruto suddenly called out.

"Hmm?"

"I want to know, are you and I friends?"

Their previous interactions had been harmonious, and Naruto truly considered Kimimaro a friend. But now, everything seemed to have changed. Naruto wanted to know if their friendship was real or not.

Kimimaro looked into Naruto's bright blue eyes, filled with longing and innocence. He rarely smiled, but he did now.

"Perhaps one day, we'll have the chance to eat ramen together at Teuchi's again. I still remember you owe me a bowl."

Kimimaro didn't answer directly, and after saying that, he left.

But for Naruto, this answer was enough.

A few days later, in the Village Hidden in the Sound.

Sasuke and Neji had completed the training plan Kimimaro had designed for them. During their training, they were surprised to find that following this plan was extremely efficient.

Their plans were slightly different but perfectly suited their individual fighting styles. This showed how well Kimimaro understood them.

Perhaps few people in the ninja world possessed such teaching ability.

Kimimaro was able to achieve this thanks to the max-level teaching ability he had obtained from Ebisu. This ability wasn't useful for himself, but it was quite effective for nurturing talent.

He had also designed training plans for Suigetsu, Jugo, and Karin, and their progress was equally rapid.

Getting stronger every day, Neji and Sasuke were very satisfied.

"At this rate, within three years, I should be able to have the power to defeat Itachi."

Sasuke felt more and more that leaving Konoha was the right choice. Otherwise, how could he have progressed so quickly?

On the other side, Kimimaro had found Orochimaru.

"Are you preparing to go to the Akatsuki?"

Orochimaru saw through his intentions at a glance.

Kimimaro nodded slightly.

"Everything is arranged. It's time to go. If I delay any longer, the excuse I made up before won't hold up. Even though it's just a flimsy excuse, it still needs to be somewhat believable."

"Hehe, you're right. Take this."

Orochimaru tossed a ring over.

Kimimaro reached out and caught it.

It was a peach-colored ring with the character "空" (Kū, meaning "Sky" or "Emptiness") inscribed on it. It looked quite exquisite.

"This is..."

"An Akatsuki core member's ring. There are a total of ten. This 'Kū' represents the codename - Kūchen. I always thought these rings had some special use, but after researching them, I found nothing.

Over the years, Deidara and Sasori of the Akatsuki came after me as a team, aiming for this ring.

You take it and join the Akatsuki, saying you took it from me as a gesture of your sincerity to join."

"Just for this?"

"Of course not. I also want to know what the use of this ring is. Maybe you can uncover this secret after you take it back."

Orochimaru had always been interested in such things, so Kimimaro wasn't surprised.

"Understood."

"Are you going alone again this time?"

"Yes. It's a defection, so it's not convenient to bring people along. Others going to the Akatsuki with me would just be a burden. I'll leave Suigetsu and the others in your care for now, Orochimaru-sama."

For Suigetsu and the others, the Village Hidden in the Sound was the most suitable place for training.

"Hehe, if you're entrusting them to me, then leave them all here."

"Thank you, Orochimaru-sama."

"The leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, possesses the Rinnegan. He's powerful and mysterious. I still remember his face; he should be one of the disciples Jiraiya took in back in the Land of Rain.

But at that time, he didn't have the Rinnegan. I joined the Akatsuki before to investigate the Rinnegan. Unfortunately, because of Itachi, I had to leave early.

You can also investigate Pain this time. My intuition tells me this person is not simple."

Kimimaro nodded slightly.

"I understand."

"Go then, and be careful. Don't lose your life because of your curiosity about the Akatsuki."

"Don't worry about that, Orochimaru-sama. I've always cherished my life."

With that, the two exchanged smiles.

Because they were both people who valued their lives.

The next day, Kimimaro left the Village Hidden in the Sound.

Before that, he had made proper arrangements for Suigetsu and the others.

A day later, news reached Zetsu, a member of the Akatsuki.

Kimimaro of the Village Hidden in the Sound had defected!

The reason was unknown, suspected to be a complete fallout with Orochimaru.

A few days later, in Crow Town.

A white-haired youth slowly stepped into this remote town.

"So this is Crow Town? It's really a fitting place for Uchiha Itachi."

Kimimaro muttered, taking off his hood, revealing his delicate face and the ninja headband on his forehead.

The headband had a musical note symbol, but now there was a scratch running through it.

Dozens of crows gathered, forming a human figure.

The figure's face gradually became clear.

It was Uchiha Itachi!

"You're here."

Looking at the appearing Uchiha Itachi, Kimimaro's lips curled into a slight smile.

"You're on time."

"Where's Sasuke?"

"He's training with Orochimaru. Don't worry, he's safe now."

Itachi looked at Kimimaro, feeling that he seemed a bit stronger than the last time they met.

What an elusive guy.

"Come with me. Pain has agreed to let you join the Akatsuki."

"Thank you."

Drip...

In a dark and damp cave, water slowly dripped from the stone wall above.

"Why did you suddenly call us all here? Is there some big mission?"

Deidara asked curiously.

"The last time we were all together like this was when Orochimaru betrayed us."

Kakuzu said coldly.

"There's a new member joining, and there's also something to announce."

Kisame, who had obviously received the news beforehand, answered everyone's questions.

"A new member? Who?"

At that moment, Pain and Itachi walked in with Kimimaro.

"A missing-nin from the Village Hidden in the Sound, Kaguya Kimimaro. From today on, he's a member of the Akatsuki. He will take Orochimaru's former position, codenamed Kūchen, the Dawn of the Akatsuki."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 170: Essential Knowledge for Joining the Akatsuki

Kimimaro's gaze swept across the surroundings. Besides Itachi and Kisame, the rest were just illusions.

Including himself, there were a total of nine people.

Pain, Konan, Kakuzu, Deidara, Sasori, Kisame, Itachi, and Zetsu.

Hidan had not yet joined the Akatsuki at this time, so he wasn't present.

And Obito was still operating behind the scenes in the early stages, so he didn't appear on the list of core members.

"Otogakure? Isn't that Orochimaru's village? This kid is Orochimaru's subordinate?"

Sasori looked at Kimimaro, a curious glint in his eyes.

He had teamed up with Orochimaru in the early days, but they couldn't stand each other.

When Itachi joined the Akatsuki, Orochimaru took the initiative to break up his team with Sasori and team up with Itachi.

Sasori then started teaming up with others, and his teammates changed several times, all becoming his human puppets.

This phenomenon only eased with Deidara's arrival.

Therefore, he was still somewhat interested in Kimimaro, who came from Otogakure.

"The surname Kaguya sounds familiar. Is it Shikotsumyaku?"

Kakuzu, as one of the living fossils of the ninja world, knew more than others, so he quickly deduced Kimimaro's ability from his surname.

"Hello, seniors. I am indeed from the Kaguya clan."

Kimimaro greeted everyone.

"Hey, kid, you're not here to spy for Orochimaru, are you?"

Deidara blurted out.

"Of course not. I'm actually on the run from Orochimaru."

"Really?"

Deidara was skeptical of Kimimaro.

Sasori, on the other hand, looked at Kimimaro more like he was looking at a piece of art. He seemed to have already started imagining how to turn Kimimaro into a human puppet.

"Alright, enough chit-chat."

Pain spoke, and everyone else fell silent.

He looked at Kakuzu and said, "Didn't you kill your teammate three days ago?"

"That guy was too weak and got in the way, so I just took care of him along with the mission target."

Kakuzu spoke matter-of-factly, as if this wasn't the first time he had done such a thing.

"Hahaha, I knew Kakuzu-senpai's partner this time wouldn't last a month."

Deidara had an "I told you so" expression on his face.

The others were also unsurprised.

Pain didn't intend to blame Kakuzu either. Compared to Kakuzu, the dead person was worthless.

"Then Kimimaro will be your new teammate. After the meeting, your real body will come and meet him."

Kakuzu sized up Kimimaro upon hearing this.

"I heard that the Kaguya clan's bones are very hard. I hope you can last a little longer this time."

"Thank you for your concern, Kakuzu-senpai."

Kakuzu, who possessed the Earth Grudge Fear, was a good partner for him.

Kimimaro was quite satisfied with this.

He was one of the three people in the Akatsuki that he was most interested in.

After arranging Kimimaro, the meeting moved on to the main topic.

"For the next three years, the Akatsuki will enter a dormant state and try to minimize the outside world's attention to us. Especially Jiraiya from Konoha, he has already started investigating the Akatsuki. Before we are fully prepared, do not easily come into contact with such strong individuals.

During these three years, Konan and Zetsu will continue to search for powerful ninjas and recruit them to strengthen our combat power. As for the rest of you, there is only one mission: to make money. Only after gathering a large amount of funds can we initiate the final operation and capture all the tailed beasts!"

Pain's cold voice echoed in the cave, and the meeting concluded there.

After Pain announced the dismissal, the illusions of the members dispersed, leaving only Kimimaro, Kisame, and Itachi.

"Kimimaro, Kisame and I will leave first. You just wait here for Kakuzu to arrive. He will tell you everything you need to do to join the organization."

Itachi glanced at Kimimaro and said.

"Thank you for your guidance, Itachi-san."

Soon, only Kimimaro was left in the cave.

"Itachi-san, you seem to be very concerned about that Kaguya kid. Is it because he came from Otogakure?"

Kisame inquired in a low voice.

"I can't see through him."

After saying that, Itachi didn't speak any further, and the two left directly.

Kimimaro didn't wait long in the cave before Kakuzu arrived.

"Kakuzu-senpai."

Kakuzu didn't say anything and directly threw something in his hand at him at a considerable speed.

Kimimaro caught it effortlessly.

It was a black robe with red clouds and a scroll.

"Kid, not bad reflexes. Pain asked me to bring you this robe. It's an organization rule to wear this during missions. And this scroll contains a technique that all core members of the Akatsuki must learn. Learn it as soon as you have time. If you can stay alive, it will come in handy. Destroy the scroll after learning it and do not pass it on to others."

"Yes, Kakuzu-senpai."

"There's only one requirement for teaming up with me: don't hold me back. Otherwise, don't blame me if you die by my hand one day."

Kakuzu was quite adept at killing teammates, so without some strength, teaming up with him wouldn't last long.

Pain couldn't even remember how many teammates he had replaced for Kakuzu.

There were two major teammate consumers in the organization: one was Kakuzu, and the other was Sasori.

In comparison, Kakuzu's consumption rate was even higher.

"Understood."

"Good. I've accepted a bounty mission. This is what we'll be doing for the next two days. Follow me."

After saying that, Kakuzu turned and left, and Kimimaro followed behind him.

Along the way, neither of them spoke.

During a break, Kimimaro took out the scroll.

The scroll recorded a ninjutsu, no, it should be said to be half a ninjutsu.

The Art of the Astral Projection!

After sitting in meditation, one converts their chakra into thought waves. Pain, upon receiving these thought waves, amplifies them and projects an illusion at a certain location.

This illusion can use all the ninjutsu of the original body.

The illusions of the Akatsuki members that Kimimaro had just seen were all created through this technique.

"It's quite an interesting ninjutsu. Unfortunately, this scroll only records the method of converting chakra into thought waves, not how to convert thought waves into illusions. It seems to be one of the special abilities of the Rinnegan. Just like the Elephant Transformation Technique, it's one of the Rinnegan's skills."

It had to be said that Pain's Rinnegan had a wide variety of tricks, so many that it was enviable.

Kimimaro muttered to himself and then began to try converting his chakra into thought waves.

This process went very smoothly.

He succeeded on his first attempt.

And the moment he succeeded, Nagato, who was far away in Amegakure, also sensed it.

"This newcomer is quite talented. He learned how to convert chakra into thought waves so quickly."

"Nagato, you arranged for Kimimaro to be with Kakuzu. Aren't you afraid he won't survive a few days?"

Konan, who was beside him, said.

"The Akatsuki doesn't need weaklings. If he can't survive under Kakuzu's hand, then it doesn't matter if he dies."

(End of Chapter)