A special thank you to my patrons:
—Miguel razo, Cain, Shahzaam, Splendid, Jacob Mooe, Varun Madhu, Gonzalo Sumalavia, kevin Williams, Jose Carrillo, Jose Sierra, Salim, Edvards Kazlouski, Wilver, Archer, ManyEB.
You can read 30 chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.
P@TREON - [email protected]/lessaservantofcosmos
(just replace the "@" with "a")
ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Next, many more lines extended outward, but they were mostly white or light yellow, insignificant except for one.
Stars representing Kagaya, Shisui, and Itachi each extended a line, connecting to a single star that displayed a composite image of the three.
[The three geniuses of the Uchiha, the final pride before the clan's annihilation.]
[When the three unite, each person's abilities will be greatly enhanced. Witness what true Uchiha genius means!]
"What about the so-called events?" Kagaya asked after reviewing the bonds in the starry sky.
[Events refer to major events you've experienced and those you will face. Note: These primarily record canon events. Events you uniquely create in the Naruto world will only be recorded if they have a massive impact.]
After the system's explanation, the faces in the starry sky vanished, replaced by three massive images.
The first image was split down the middle. On the right was Itachi, on the left Kagaya, both with dazed expressions, their Mangekyō Sharingan flickering in their eyes.
Above it read: [The Death of Uchiha Shisui—Completed]
The second image was also divided. The right side showed Itachi, his face splattered with blood. On the left, Obito restrained Izumi with chains, while Kagaya, in his Akatsuki robe, appeared to be saying something.
Above it: [The Night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre—Completed]
The final image was shrouded in shadows, depicting a group standing together, but their identities were indistinct.
Above it: [Akatsuki's Full Assembly—In Progress]
After Kagaya finished viewing them, the system continued. [Experiencing events yields no direct rewards, but completing three major events unlocks the Bond Pursuit function.]
"Bond Pursuit? What's that?" Kagaya inquired.
[Apologies, unable to disclose.]
"I see."
The system's functions seemed limited for now. Kagaya glanced over and exited.
Regardless, tomorrow he'd continue missions with Juzo.
Boom!
A large bridge exploded under a barrage of explosive tags.
Kagaya and Juzo watched from a distance.
"Most missions are this boring," Juzo remarked.
"Indeed." Kagaya agreed.
"Tch, let's go. On to the next one."
"Alright."
Akatsuki members' strength was generally Kage-level, making even S-rank missions seem trivial and boring.
After several more days of tasks, Kagaya and Juzo received Pain's summons. They didn't need to go in person; Pain could project their bodies to the Akatsuki base via their rings.
Hum!
Hum! Hum!
Projections appeared one by one in the base, colorful and ethereal, with heads mostly shadowed except for clear eyes.
"How's Akatsuki treating you, Itachi? Why not switch partners? Teaming with that intern isn't ideal. How about partnering with me?"
Orochimaru immediately addressed Itachi's projection.
Kagaya's presence hadn't diverted Orochimaru's interest; he remained fixated on Itachi.
Kagaya closed his eyes, uninterested. A mere Orochimaru couldn't harm Itachi, so Kagaya saw no need to interfere.
Juzo watched with amusement, eager for drama.
"Heh, poaching right away?"
Sasori, beside Orochimaru, spoke coldly. "I agree on switching. Partners need to mesh."
Orochimaru and Sasori's relationship was toxic—forced together, they despised each other.
Orochimaru chimed in. "Hope the leader considers it."
The only consensus between Orochimaru and Sasori was changing partners.
"Shut your mouth, you foul snake," Sasori retorted, still repulsed by Orochimaru agreeing.
"Tch." Orochimaru scoffed, refusing to bicker.
Hum! Hum! Hum!
The last members arrived, and Kagaya opened his eyes.
Pain spoke once all were present. "Your performances have spread Akatsuki's name in the underworld. Commissions grow more significant, rewards increase—but these are mere means. Akatsuki enters the next phase."
He paused. "Next: the tailed beasts."
Juzo exclaimed in surprise. "Tailed beasts? The nine of them?"
Pain didn't deny it. "Most are held by the Five Great Nations, but some are missing. Those with free hands, investigate their whereabouts."
Kakuzu said coldly, "Just investigate?"
Pain: "For now."
Orochimaru: "And later?"
Pain: "Collect all tailed beasts."
Orochimaru: "Then?"
Pain: "They'll become the deterrent to conquer the world."
Orochimaru mused. "Tailed beasts… I think other methods abound."
Zetsu's raspy voice countered. "The leader's plan is flawless."
Pain moved on. "Now, assignments: Juzo, you handle the Land of Water commission."
Juzo grumbled. "No other options?"
Pain matter-of-factly: "You know the area."
The projections vanished.
On two large rocks, Kagaya and Juzo opened their eyes.
Kagaya asked curiously. "They called it assignments, but only gave us one?"