Chapter 7: Regrouping, Obito's Wariness!
With the power of Flying Thunder God, Oborotsuki caught up to Konan and Sasori in no time.
After rejoining them, he gave a simple, pre-prepared excuse for his delay. Neither Konan nor Sasori suspected a thing.
The trio took multiple detours and disguises before finally slipping safely back into the Land of Rain.
No sooner had Oborotsuki, Konan, and Sasori settled in at headquarters than Pain's Deva Path returned with Kakuzu and Orochimaru.
Seeing Orochimaru of all people surprised Oborotsuki.
But it confirmed one crucial fact: Konoha was still intact.
Minato Namikaze had overwhelmingly won the Fourth Hokage election against Orochimaru and Uchiha Fugaku, earning the Third's endorsement.
Losing the bid, unsupported by his teacher, and exposed for forbidden human experiments—Orochimaru fled Konoha, becoming an S-rank missing-nin before eventually joining Akatsuki.
From the current situation, Minato had either just become or was about to become the Fourth Hokage.
Meaning Obito hadn't yet unleashed the Nine-Tails attack.
My chance is still there!
Oborotsuki's heart raced.
Uzumaki Kushina and Naruto—he was absolutely claiming them this time.
Just needed the right opportunity to slip into Konoha…
While he fantasized, Konan pulled Deva Path aside into a private chamber.
She recounted the battle in the Land of Wind in detail—highlighting Oborotsuki's and Sasori's standout performances.
After hearing her report, Deva Path glanced at Oborotsuki in surprise.
"So… make him a full member?"
Konan asked.
"No need for now."
Before Deva Path could answer, a voice sounded beside them.
Konan looked up in shock as Uchiha Obito materialized.
"What's your opinion, Madara?"
Deva Path asked.
"Hōzuki Oborotsuki hasn't passed a real test yet. He's not qualified for core membership."
"I'm keeping the spots open. I have better candidates in mind—I'll bring in more suitable members later."
Obito didn't elaborate.
Truth was, he was wary—borderline paranoid.
The Hōzuki clan had been heavily purged under the Bloody Mist.
Oborotsuki left the village and joined Akatsuki shortly after. No proof he knew Akatsuki's deeper secrets or Obito's own involvement, but suspicion lingered.
Every time Obito saw him, something felt off—like the kid had hidden motives.
Better safe than sorry.
Konan and Deva Path didn't press further.
After all, this was the legendary "Madara Uchiha"—the true mastermind behind Akatsuki.
"One more thing," Obito lowered his voice. "Send a small team to Konoha. This mission is top secret—don't breathe a word to the others…"
…
Three days passed in a flash.
In those days, Akatsuki gave the new recruits—Orochimaru and Sasori—a brief orientation and time to handle personal affairs.
Oborotsuki paid little attention to that.
Besides popping back a few times to check on Mayumi, he spent most of his time with Konan.
Right now, he was sharing his "special" homemade breakfast with her.
But before she could finish, Pain summoned everyone for a meeting.
The man really knew how to lead.
Once all members gathered in the chamber, Deva Path addressed the two newcomers:
"You've had time to get acquainted. Now we'll reassign teams for upcoming operations."
Their strength clearly met core member standards.
Their backgrounds were well-known—infamous S-rank criminals from their villages, notorious past and present.
"Orochimaru, your codename in Akatsuki is 'Void.' This is your ring—your symbol and communication tool."
Deva Path handed him a ring, then turned to Sasori.
"Yours is 'Jade.'"
He passed Sasori his ring.
"What about mine, Leader?"
Oborotsuki couldn't resist asking.
He had to keep up appearances.
No way a hot-blooded young guy joins Akatsuki and acts completely unambitious.
Lying flat from day one would raise red flags.
"From today, you're a senior member, Oborotsuki."
Deva Path looked his way.
"Madara" had vetoed full membership, so there was nothing he could do.
Akatsuki needed manpower badly—he couldn't demotivate the kid.
A "senior member" title was the compromise.
"Senior member, huh…"
Oborotsuki feigned disappointment, eyes lingering enviously on the rings now glinting on Orochimaru's and Sasori's fingers.
Deva Path ignored the act and moved on.
"Now, team assignments:
Orochimaru with Sasori.
Oborotsuki, you're with Kakuzu."
A cold gleam flashed in Kakuzu's eyes—he'd been silent and sour-faced the whole meeting.
The old miser didn't trust easily and had a short fuse.
"Tch. Keep your eyes open around me, brat. Don't blame anyone if you slip up."
Oborotsuki shrugged.
"You watch yourself too, old man.
If the mood strikes, I might 'accidentally' take you out."
No point arguing with Pain's orders given his current standing.
He fired back sharply.
Kakuzu snorted coldly.
Watching the two bristle like they might actually fight, Konan glanced at Deva Path.
"Why not pair me with Oborotsuki instead?"
She suggested.
"…"
Deva Path paused, surprised.
Kakuzu and the others turned to look.
Deva Path glanced between Kakuzu and Oborotsuki, recalling Kakuzu's habit of "accidentally" killing partners, and nodded.
"Fine.
Konan, you team with Oborotsuki.
Kakuzu—until we find you a new partner, to stop you from randomly murdering teammates, you're with me again."
"Teams set.
Now take your assigned missions and move out.
Until we recruit more members, we keep gathering funds for the next phase."
Deva Path handed out mission scrolls to the three teams.