Within a dark, subterranean space, atop the withered fingers of the Gedo Statue, ten figures formed from astral projection appeared one after another.
As the figures solidified, Hidan's projected image was the first to speak up. "Oi, oi! Boss, what's the big idea, callin' us all together like this?"
Pain didn't acknowledge Hidan's question, merely casting a dismissive glance his way without a word. Hidan didn't seem bothered by this, his gaze already darting around, curiously observing the other Akatsuki members. He had only joined the organization about half a year ago and remained intensely curious about his comrades.
Hidan's eyes swept over Pain, Konan, Kisame Hoshigaki, Uchiha Hiroaki, Sasori, and Deidara, finally lingering on the figure positioned near the end. Over the past six months, he had gained a general understanding of the abilities of Pain, Konan, Kisame, Hiroaki, Sasori,. None of them were easy opponents. Only this last person was a recent addition to the organization.
He was a young man, seemingly not much older than a boy. His left eye was obscured by his hair, which hung down past his face. A distinct ponytail stuck up from the top of his head, while the longer hair below was tucked into his cloak. This youth, who had also joined the Akatsuki recently, was named Deidara.
Deidara was the apprentice of the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, and the senior of Kurotsuchi. During his youth, eager to prove his "art," he had undertaken numerous terrorist bombing missions. Pain, recognizing Deidara's unique abilities, had dispatched members to recruit him into the Akatsuki.
However, diverging from the original storyline, Deidara in this world wasn't defeated and recruited by Itachi, but rather by Pain himself. When the Deva Path Pain, wielding the Rinnegan, appeared before Deidara and explained the Akatsuki's ideology, the bombastic artist hadn't needed much convincing. Compared to his own relatively small-scale solo acts, the Akatsuki's operations sounded far grander. The chance to continue researching his art while simultaneously helping to "save the world"? How could he refuse such a great opportunity!
After joining the Akatsuki, Deidara was partnered with Sasori, taking the codename "Blue Dragon".
Hidan grinned as he looked at Deidara. I really wanna test this new kid's abilities, yeah!
Deidara seemed to sense Hidan's scrutinizing gaze. He turned his head towards Hidan, frowning slightly. This guy's stare is kinda creepy, hm.
Just as Hidan was contemplating when he might find a chance to test Deidara, the Deva Path Pain, standing atop one of the statue's fingers, spoke. "Everyone is present. Then I will announce the next mission."
At his words, all eyes focused intently on the Deva Path.
Pain continued, "During their previous mission, Kakuzu and Hidan discovered a mysterious underground hot spring. Deep within it, there appears to be a spatial passage. While attempting to pass through, they were attacked by a large river crab proficient in genjutsu and numerous puppets. Based on the intelligence we've gathered, it's highly likely to be a ruin left over from the Warring States Period. I intend to personally lead a team to investigate."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled projections. "It is highly probable that the Divine Court will also intervene this time. Therefore, all members of the organization are required to accompany me."
Silence followed Pain's announcement in the subterranean space. A spark of interest lit up in the eyes of the Akatsuki members. Both the mysterious ruin beneath the hot spring and the prospect of encountering the Divine Court intrigued them greatly.
Pain surveyed the group for another moment before speaking again. "Very well. Since there are no objections, you should all go and prepare. I have already transmitted the location of the mysterious hot spring via thought waves. Everyone is to assemble in the Land of Rivers in seven days."
With Pain's final command, the astral projections on the Gedo Statue's fingers flickered and dispersed.
After the others had departed, two more projections appeared in the space: Obito and Zetsu.
Looking at the Deva Path, Obito spoke first. "This time, I will accompany you."
Pain stared back impassively. "With me present, your interference is unnecessary."
Obito countered smoothly, "Rest assured. I will merely follow you in the shadows. Unless absolutely necessary, I will not intervene."
Currently, Nagato was the nominal leader of the Akatsuki. To better manipulate Nagato, Obito generally avoided direct involvement in Akatsuki operations. But this time was different. The potential appearance of the Divine Court put Obito on edge. He too wanted to gauge the true strength of the organization that had caused Nagato trouble previously. If this Divine Court truly threatened his long-term plans, Obito would have to find a way to eliminate them entirely.
Pain didn't agree immediately. The two projections stared at each other in silence. After a tense moment, Pain slowly replied, "Fine."
With that single word, the astral projection forming the Deva Path wavered and quickly vanished from the space. Konan glanced briefly at Obito before her projection also disappeared.
Only Obito and Zetsu remained. They exchanged a look before their projections faded as well.
Back in the cave at the Mountain Graveyard, Black Zetsu's voice rasped, "It seems he still doesn't want you interfering in Akatsuki affairs."
Obito replied slowly, "That's perfectly normal. Our relationship is one of mutual exploitation and cooperation. Nagato and Konan are constantly wary of us. Regardless of Nagato's considerations, I will not allow years of my own efforts to be wasted."
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu remained silent. Quiet quickly fell over the room.
Konoha Village, Tatsuya Akimichi's Home.
In the dining room, Tatsuya was eating dinner with Kyoko and Mitarashi Anko. Outside, the sky had darkened; the day was drawing to a close.
At the table, Kyoko and Anko kept up a lively conversation, sharing amusing anecdotes from their respective days – Kyoko's related to life at the Ninja Academy, Anko's concerning her recent missions.
Watching them, an amused expression crossed Tatsuya's face. Both women were ostensibly sharing funny stories, but secretly, they were constantly observing his expression, occasionally dropping probing questions into the conversation. They had clearly noticed that Tatsuya wasn't quite himself today.
Seeing through their act, Tatsuya couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, you two can stop playing games. You're right, there is something I need to tell you."
Hearing this, both Kyoko and Anko visibly tensed, stopping their actions simultaneously and turning to look at him together. Worry was evident in their expressions. Given Tatsuya's current power, anything that weighed on his mind so heavily couldn't be simple.
Tatsuya said, "I'm preparing to leave the village for a while. I'll leave a Shadow Clone behind to maintain activities here. I need you both to help cover for me."
After Tatsuya finished speaking, Kyoko asked softly, "Will it be dangerous?"
Tatsuya shook his head. "I wouldn't call it dangerous, exactly, but a fight is almost unavoidable."
Both women's expressions grew serious at his words, and silence fell over the room. After a moment, Kyoko spoke again. "Okay. Then we'll wait for you here in the village."
Seeing their slightly downcast mood, Tatsuya smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry! If things get too difficult, I won't push my luck. You have to trust me – with my current strength, if I decide to leave, no one can stop me."
Confidence and pride radiated from Tatsuya's words as he spoke. However, a fleeting look of gravity flashed in his eyes. If he clashed with the Akatsuki again this time, the battle definitely wouldn't be as straightforward as the last encounter.