Uzumaki Ku looked at the puppet-wrapped Sasori and replied, "Uzumaki Ku."
Sasori slightly lifted his head. In recent years, that name had become very well-known in the black market.
A combination of a space-time ninjutsu similar to Konoha's Golden Flash, plus the First Hokage's unique Wood Release, such a pairing in one person was bound to attract attention.
Moreover, this person resembled the leader very closely, except for hair color.
"Indeed, a powerful new member. Interested in teaming up with me?"
Before Sasori could finish, Orochimaru licked his lips. "Ku-kun is teaming up with me."
Sasori glared at Orochimaru. "Are you looking down on me?"
Hiss…
Orochimaru smiled but didn't reply, while the Deva Path said, "Kakuzu's team is still on a mission, and Biwa Jūzō hasn't returned yet. Teaming arrangements for Uzumaki Ku will be made once all members are present."
The Deva Path then looked at Ku. "Do you want me to introduce you to these two?"
Ku shook his head slightly. "In my eyes, this world has almost no secrets. Whether it's Orochimaru studying immortality or Sasori of the Red Sand achieving eternity through puppets, nothing is hidden from me."
"Buzz!"
The moment he finished speaking, the chakra burst, and the airflow instantly filled the entire cave.
But Uzumaki Ku remained unmoved, looking at both of them. "The death of a disciple, the other the death of parents, made you think of life and death. You two actually complement each other well."
Sasori's gaze fixed on Ku. "Who exactly are you?!"
Orochimaru's playful smile gradually turned grim. "Ku-kun, I don't believe the Third Hokage, who's always targeted the Uchiha, told you these things. So how do you know?"
At this moment, whether it was Sasori, Orochimaru, or Obito, who knew Ku's identity as an intelligence broker, all were eager to know his sources.
Behind Sasori, the venomous tail slowly rose, targeting Ku.
In memory, the last time Sasori died at the hands of his puppet-parents was deliberate, according to Chiyo.
Ku shook his head slightly and looked at the Deva Path. "I said this world holds few secrets to me, and that includes you, Leader. Whether it's the Rinnegan, the Moon's Eye Plan, or what lies behind this world."
He looked at the mural on the stone wall, at the massive head with countless closed eyes between two hands.
"Monsters like that… their power is mesmerizing. But even the Sage of Six Paths couldn't escape death."
"Shhh!"
The air was torn apart in an instant.
A faintly glowing tail struck toward Ku's back, and simultaneously, a giant snake lunged at him.
"Buzz!"
Ku spun around, eyes wide, and the Mangekyō Sharingan patterns suddenly manifested.
"Boom!"
The attacks of the snake head and Sasori's tail completely missed. When the dust settled, Orochimaru was already kneeling, gasping.
"Huff… huff… those eyes…"
Ignoring him, Sora turned to Sasori's puppet, now engulfed in black flames.
"If you don't abandon that puppet, the flames will reach you too, and you'll be reduced to ashes."
Just then, a Water Release technique hit the flames, but it had no effect.
"Crack."
A crisp sound echoed. The puppet shattered, scattering in flames. Sasori's real body appeared in midair.
With the same red hair, Sasori looked up. "Who are you? Even in Sunagakure, few know these things about me."
Despite losing his puppet, Sasori remained composed. That speed and reaction, defeating both him and Orochimaru in an instant, was enough to demand respect… the respect due to a true powerhouse.
Ku glanced at everyone present, bowed slightly, and smiled. "I am Uzumaki Ku, an intelligence broker. I've served many clients to their complete satisfaction, including… the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama…"
!!
Everyone present froze.
The Deva Path of Pain furrowed his brows. "If you're joking, clarify immediately. You weren't even born when Hashirama died, were you?"
Sora smiled. "Even those in the Pure Land aren't beyond trading. If you ever need something, come find me."
At his words, the Deva Path frowned slightly. Behind everyone, the apprentice Obito's single eye glinted darkly.
'What is this guy really planning?!'
The Deva Path produced a ring and handed it to Ku. "From today onward, you are Uzumaki Ku of Akatsuki. Orochimaru already has the Ring of the Sky, so this is the one you'll use."
Ku accepted the crimson-marked communication ring and smiled. Judging by memory, he realized he had now filled Itachi's previous position.
With this role, he could better advance subsequent plans.
His teammate, likely still on a mission, should be Biwa Jūzō.
So, he would start with that guy.
After a brief pause, Ku looked at Orochimaru, who had shakily stood, and smiled. "Soon enough, that ring of yours will belong to me."
Orochimaru flicked his tongue. "While I've long acknowledged your strength, Ku-kun, could that be considered provocation?"
Ku shook his head slightly. "You should understand my words. As for provocation? With you already starting that jutsu, you don't deserve it."
That jutsu…
Orochimaru frowned. With the Body Replacement Technique, in front of Ku who now possessed the Sharingan, his weaknesses were becoming apparent.
And that statement…
Akatsuki… is not my true home.
"Every word Ku-kun says makes one think. So, the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique and the First Hokage's Wood Release, were these also acquired through your deals?"
"That kind of power is enviable…"
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Space-time ninjutsu, Wood Release, and that Mangekyō Sharingan just now, possessing any one of these would drive someone insane."
"But only Ku-kun has all these powers concentrated in himself."
"I… am increasingly curious about your body, Ku-kun."
Ku scratched his head. "Could you put your tongue away? At this rate, I might actually want to kill you!"
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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