After Sailing with the Pirate King, I Returned to Konoha - 215

Chapter 215: Itachi Uchiha: Three Years Then Another Three Years

In a hidden shrine, three people stood facing each other: Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki, plus the newest Akatsuki member, Hiruko.

Initially, Hiruko wanted to bring his subordinates along, but considering his base at Mount Sumeru still needed guards, he abandoned that notion. Originally, the group planned to return to the Hidden Rain Village to report to Pain as agreed. But midway to the Land of Rain, Zetsu suddenly appeared before them.

For this intelligence officer who always came and went mysteriously, both Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki were long accustomed. Conversely, Hiruko, the newcomer, was being approached so silently for the first time. He couldn't help raising his evaluation of the "Akatsuki" organization.

Joining such a capable organization doesn't seem like a bad idea. At least my plan to capture special kekkei genkai ninja should become easier.

But he celebrated too soon. Zetsu brought shocking news to the group: Akatsuki's leader "Pain," was confirmed dead. The organization was now fully under the control of "Madara Uchiha."

Regarding this, Kisame Hoshigaki showed no dejection. Instead, he became excited. He'd met Obito long ago and knew clearly that he was Akatsuki's true controller behind the scenes. With Madara-sama stepping forward, the plan should be officially starting.

Hiruko's just-elevated evaluation first dropped then rose. Dropped because he'd just joined and the boss was already gone. Rose because, as a ninja from the same era as Konoha's Sannin, he'd naturally heard of "Madara Uchiha's" legendary reputation. That was a mythical figure, though he remained uncertain whether this Madara was real or fake. If real, he'd be far more convincing than that incomprehensible "Pain."

Comparatively, Itachi Uchiha's mood wasn't very pleasant. He knew "Madara Uchiha," or rather, someone using that title, existed within Akatsuki. He'd even contacted that person during the massacre night. Since joining Akatsuki on its first day, Itachi had been observing the organization's movements, periodically relaying information back to the village.

As an undercover agent, despite doing many dirty deeds for Akatsuki, he hadn't forgotten his purpose.

Somewhat anxiously, Itachi and his two colleagues simultaneously formed seals. Through their organization rings, they entered a "remote meeting." Hiruko wore the "Sky" ring once belonging to Orochimaru, while Konan's "White" ring had also been casually taken by Obito that day.

The Magic Lantern Body Technique transformed the three's consciousness into illusions synchronized with their bodies, projecting onto the familiar Demonic Statue's fingers. Upon arriving at the meeting, they saw the art duo of Sasori and Deidara had already appeared. Zetsu had also positioned himself in advance. But the spots belonging to Konan and Pain were empty.

Seeing everyone else arrive, Deidara couldn't help speaking first.

"Hey, hey! What kind of joke is this?"

His boisterous voice rang in everyone's ears.

"That Pain guy actually got killed? Even the leader's dead, do we still need to stay here? Hm?"

Beside him, Sasori, rarely not appearing in Hirudo form, uncharacteristically didn't scold Deidara. Clearly, his sentiment matched Deidara's.

"The plan remains unchanged. Tailed beast capture has begun."

Then Obito's low, hoarse voice suddenly sounded. That spiral-masked figure also appeared at the head position.

"Hey, you! Are you that 'Madara Uchiha' Zetsu mentioned?"

From his tone, Deidara didn't believe the legendary ninja, rumored dead, was the concealed guy before them.

"What a joke. Madara Uchiha died long ago."

Sasori rarely echoed him, also looking at the other party with unfriendly eyes.

"Names are just labels. If you want, call me 'Tobi' or whatever else, it doesn't matter."

Obito didn't argue much about identity, knowing clearly today's meeting key wasn't this.

"In fact, Akatsuki's founding was always driven by me behind the scenes. Even the tailed beast capture plan was my proposal."

Then Zetsu enthusiastically raised his hand.

"I can testify! I've been watching all along."

In the crowd, as "Madara Uchiha's" informant, Kisame saw someone speak for the leader and didn't rashly expose his identity. Having such a mole embedded in the organization, Madara-sama will surely find use for it eventually.

"Hmph."

Deidara muttered quietly but didn't continue.

"Deidara, Sasori, I want to ask you two—where's the One-Tail Jinchūriki?"

Obito suddenly attacked with the question, his tone confrontational. Faced with this interrogation, the previously displeased Deidara quickly backed down. Sasori answered.

"It was Orochimaru. While we fought the Sunagakure ninja, he took the One-Tail Jinchūriki before we could."

"Orochimaru..."

Obito murmured the name, then raised his head.

"I'll handle him personally. Now, two matters."

Compared to Nagato, who always spoke in cryptic riddles and maintained an air of mystery, Obito's style was far more efficient. It couldn't be helped—their motivations were fundamentally different. One carried the weight of a world-saving mission, while the other? Call it love, or obsession.

"First, a new member. Hiruko, I originally planned to pair you with Shinnō, but he's dead. Zetsu will team with you now."

Unlike Nagato, Obito addressed others by their real names. After all, an organization with barely ten people still using code names constantly? Everyone knew who was who anyway.

Hearing this, Hiruko showed no resistance, simply following his gaze toward the "Venus flytrap" head who'd just spoken.

"I'll join you and work for you, but I have conditions."

Obito paused briefly, then said, "Kekkei genkai ninja from the Five Great Nations, correct? Acceptable. This is the second matter. From now on, tailed beast capture officially begins."

"Itachi Uchiha, you and Kisame head to the Land of Fire. Go to the Fire Temple and find a monk trainee named Sora. Capture him alive."

From Zetsu's investigation, Obito already knew this monk called Sora harbored some Nine-Tails chakra. Whether it would prove useful or not, capture him first.

"Hiruko, you and Zetsu go to Takigakure to find the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki."

"Sasori, you two head to the Land of Earth this time. If I recall correctly, Iwagakure should still have two Jinchūriki. Consider this your redemption task."

Sasori showed little reaction, but Deidara's face immediately darkened. He absolutely did not want to return to Iwagakure.

Actually, unlike other rogue ninja who wished for their villages' complete destruction, Deidara felt differently. He'd simply left in anger because his art wasn't recognized. But before he could protest, Obito canceled the Magic Lantern Body Technique.

"Damn..."

He could only curse quietly before hurrying away. On the Demonic Statue's fingers, the figures decreased one by one until only Itachi Uchiha and Kisame remained.

"Itachi-san, what are you thinking?"

"Nothing."