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The others looked at Hidan with peculiar expressions.
While they weren't afraid of death, none of them wanted to become targets of the five great ninja villages.
"What're you staring at?" Hidan spread his hands. "They can't kill me anyway."
Midorima rubbed his forehead.
Though every member of "Akatsuki" met their end in death, Hidan's demise was arguably the most brutal—buried alive, even his immortal body could only succumb to starvation.
"I like your enthusiasm. I hope you can keep that energy in the missions to come," Pain said.
Hidan gave a thumbs-up. "No problem."
Pain steered the conversation back on track.
"We can't control how the five great ninja villages treat us. If they set their sights on us and we're unprepared, only destruction awaits."
"So, what exactly is the 'Ten-Tails'?" Midorima helped keep the topic moving.
"It's a long story. You all know of the nine tailed beasts, but in truth, those nine aren't their original form. Initially, there was only the Ten-Tails, which the Sage of the Six Paths split into nine beasts. The Ten-Tails, stripped of its power, became an empty husk—the statue you saw at our 'gathering,'" Pain explained.
"So, 'Akatsuki' already has the 'corpse' of the tailed beast, but its power is split among the others. Where do we even get the 'Ten-Tails'?" Itachi asked skeptically.
"Simple. The tailed beasts were divided from the Ten-Tails' body. If we reinject them into the statue, we'll recreate the 'Ten-Tails.' At that point, even against the five great ninja villages, we'll have the strength to resist," Pain said, spreading his arms.
"Wait—you're saying we need to capture all the tailed beasts?" Kisame asked.
"Not exactly. To be precise, we need to capture the jinchuriki. But remember, don't kill them. If a jinchuriki dies, the tailed beast leaves their body," Pain clarified.
At their core, tailed beasts were chakra lifeforms—catching them directly wasn't so straightforward.
"But there's a problem. Jinchuriki are heavily protected by their villages. If even one goes missing, it'll draw the attention of the other ninja villages. Targeting jinchuriki is basically begging the great villages to focus on us," Kakuzu said, frowning.
He knew about the Ten-Tails but hadn't expected the next phase to involve jinchuriki.
"You're right. We don't even know who all the jinchuriki are. From what I know, the Three-Tails' jinchuriki is the Fourth Mizukage. We'll need to investigate the identities and whereabouts of the others. Also, not all jinchuriki stay under their village's protection. Some stray from it, and we can start with those. But first, we must track down their locations."
Pain's gaze swept across everyone in the room. "Any suggestions? Speak freely."
Midorima shook his head.
Pain was ambitious, but he was also tragic—manipulated by Obito, then defeated by Naruto's "talk-no-jutsu."
Of course, Midorima didn't think he could "talk-no-jutsu" Pain.
Naruto's success partly stemmed from his genuine belief in his words and his emotional connection with Nagato.
Still, if Pain realized Obito's true intentions, Obito's expression would probably be priceless.
"If we get the 'Ten-Tails,' how will you use it?" Itachi asked. "Just to fend off the other ninja villages?"
"No—it's to end wars," Pain shook his head. "Using the tailed beasts, we'll create a new forbidden technique capable of destroying an entire ninja village. In a war, we'll give this technique to the warring nations. Once they witness its power, people will fear war. When new conflicts arise, both sides will consider the devastation war brings, preventing large-scale battles."
"But... that's too..." Itachi trailed off, unable to finish.
If you can't resolve conflict, just eliminate the ones causing it...
Wasn't that just absurd!?
"It's a great idea—I love it!" Hidan clapped enthusiastically.
"Huh?" Itachi stared at Hidan, whose expression confirmed he was dead serious.
Itachi quickly glanced at the others. Without exception, nearly everyone remained calm, easily accepting Pain's plan.
The only one showing hesitation was "Yoshida Shin," and Pain's gaze soon landed on him.
"Mr. Yoshida, is something dissatisfying?" Pain asked.
Itachi's heart raced.
He'd just struck a deal with Midorima and didn't want him to vanish the next moment.
"It's not dissatisfaction—I just don't quite get it," Midorima said.
"Go ahead and explain."
"You said you'd give the 'forbidden technique' to warring nations, let them see the brutality of war, and make them fear it, right?"
Pain nodded.
"What if they don't want this forbidden technique?"
"..."
"Like you said, if the technique's consequences are so severe that they'd fear war, they could just use less destructive methods to create conflict—like hiring ninja organizations."
"The initiative lies with me. When the warring sides are unevenly matched, the weaker one will be tempted to use the technique," Pain said, glancing at Midorima, thinking: What a shortsighted guy.
"I see... But if the weaker side gets the technique and wins the war, they'll be the beneficiaries. After winning, they'll likely want to use it again, not fear war. Unless the technique wipes out both sides—boom! But then, who'd dare use it?"
Itachi lowered his head.
He wanted to laugh, but the setting wasn't right.
If a forbidden technique could stop wars, the First Hokage would've done it long ago. Why would it be Pain's turn?
Pain stared at Midorima for a long moment before saying, "Are you here to cause trouble?"
"Of course not. I'm thinking this through seriously," Midorima replied.
"Here's the thing: developing a forbidden technique isn't quick, and we have ways to prevent that scenario. Plus, for self-preservation, we need the Ten-Tails," Konan interjected.
Midorima spread his hands. "No objections. Uh, I mean, I'll complete the mission."
Pain didn't respond, just nodded, then stood and addressed Itachi. "You, come with me."
"Me?" Itachi asked, surprised.
Pain said nothing, pushing open the door and leaving.
Konan also stood, addressing the others. "Later, we'll distribute rings to signify membership for the newer members."
Itachi hesitated briefly but followed Konan out of the room.