Chapter 141: "Oh, Are You Having a Meeting!"

"Of course, it's true. One of the reasons I set the duel is because our battle range is too wide and would affect many innocent people. So, we agreed to fight in the Valley of Death in the Land of Fire three days from now," Shishou explained the reason for his duel.

Tsunade recalled Shishou's Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees and Pain's Chibaku Tensei, falling silent. The range of their jutsu was indeed vast and devastating. Compared to them, other Kage-level fighters were almost powerless.

"I want to watch the battle," Tsunade stated, looking at Shishou.

Witnessing a fight between two of the world's strongest ninjas was an opportunity not to be missed.

"Of course, but don't be too shocked when you see it," Shishou agreed, planning to bring Tsunade and all the women around him to watch. It would help them realize the gap between themselves and the top-tier fighters, fostering a correct worldview.

Understanding their differences would give them clear goals, motivating them to improve rather than becoming complacent after gaining some power. Like Tsunade, who, after realizing her gap with Shishou, resumed her neglected ninjutsu training and began learning Sage Mode to enhance herself.

Moreover, with the powerful Ōtsutsuki clan looming, even Shishou couldn't guarantee he could protect everyone around him in the future. Thus, he needed to expand the horizons and abilities of those close to him.

"By the way, how's the Five Great Shinobi Villages' joint investigation against the Akatsuki going?" Shishou asked, getting to the real reason for his visit to Tsunade. He didn't want the villages to push the Akatsuki too hard, giving them a reason to break their agreement and cause more trouble.

"Don't even get me started. Every village wants another to take the lead, and they're all arguing. I don't see this joint investigation forming in less than a month, if at all. It might just fall apart," Tsunade sighed, clearly not optimistic about the cooperation.

"I see," Shishou nodded, pleased. The best outcome was for this investigation to never materialize.

"Alright then, you should get some rest. I'll be off," Shishou said, disappearing on the spot and heading to Kirigakure to invite Mei Terumī to watch his duel with Nagato.

Looks like I'll need to intensify my Sage Mode training, Tsunade thought, returning to her room.

In a vast cavern housing the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, the Akatsuki gathered for an emergency meeting called by Pain.

"Kisame, your arm is broken again?" Kakuzu noticed Kisame's missing limb and laughed, "Every time we have a meeting since you tangled with that Flying Thunder God user, it's either you or Tobi who shows up with broken limbs. It's quite entertaining!"

"Hmph!" Kisame gritted his teeth at Kakuzu's mockery but could only respond with a cold snort, remaining silent.

"Now, I have an announcement," Pain began, his gaze sweeping over the group. "In three days, I will fight the Flying Thunder God user in the Valley of Death. You are welcome to come and watch."

Nagato wanted to establish absolute authority within the Akatsuki by defeating Shishou in front of everyone. This would showcase his power and ensure the members' loyalty to his plans.

Uchiha Obito, understanding Nagato's intention to assert dominance, had no objections. He had just recovered his left eye and needed time to adapt, so he wasn't planning anything else for now. Besides, he believed the Flying Thunder God user wouldn't be easy to defeat.

What? The leader is going to duel the Flying Thunder God user? Zabuza thought, stunned.

Kakuzu, Kisame, Sasori, and others were excited. In their eyes, this duel between the two strongest shinobi in the world was not to be missed.

Shinno, recruited by Kisame and unfamiliar with Pain's strength or the Flying Thunder God user's reputation, was puzzled by the importance placed on the duel.

Uchiha Itachi remained expressionless, glancing between Pain and Obito, deep in thought.

"Hey, you guys having a meeting?" A voice suddenly called out.

Everyone turned to see Shishou standing atop the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, smiling at them.

He had just returned from Kirigakure after convincing Mei Terumī to watch his duel, promising to bring back Samehada. Mei had agreed, on the condition that they go to the beach together this summer, wearing swimsuits.

Shishou hadn't expected to arrive right in the middle of an Akatsuki meeting.

"What are you doing here?" Kakuzu and Kisame were on high alert, recognizing Shishou's towering figure and signature beard.

Sasori, curious about the Flying Thunder God user, scrutinized Shishou carefully.

Obito also tensed, watching Shishou warily.

The other Akatsuki members were shocked to see him there. Zabuza nearly broke out in a cold sweat, having always feared Shishou.

Itachi, however, remained calm, pondering the significance of Shishou's appearance.

"Relax, these are just projections. He can't harm you," Pain reassured them, noticing their panic.

The group exhaled in relief, except for Kisame and Obito, who were physically present and felt the full threat.

"What do you want?" Pain asked coldly, turning to Shishou.

"Just retrieving something," Shishou replied, holding up Samehada. Kisame's expression stiffened, and Kakuzu chuckled.

"Carry on, don't mind me," Shishou added, genuinely interested in observing an Akatsuki meeting.

The Akatsuki members felt a surge of frustration. How could they continue with him watching like they were zoo animals?

"Hmph!" Pain snorted, canceling the jutsu and making the Demonic Statue disappear.

Obito then appeared beside Kisame, pulling him into the Kamui dimension before vanishing himself.

"How boring!" Shishou muttered, disappointed, before disappearing as well.