"So, you finally show yourself... You've been hiding quite well."
Ash narrowed his Sharingan as the masked man emerged from the swirling distortion. Since joining the Akatsuki, Ash had seen this masked figure fewer than ten times—never once getting close enough to uncover his identity.
"Who is that guy…?"
The other Akatsuki members tensed. Every one of them was Kage-level or close to it, and they recognized the signature of space–time ninjutsu. Minato Namikaze's exploits had taught the shinobi world to fear anyone with such power.
"Good evening, seniors! I'm Tobi, your client this time!"
The masked man waved cheerfully, acting like a fool—so much so that Ash immediately suspected there was more lurking beneath the act.
"He will serve as our client for this mission," the Deva Path (Yahiko's body under Nagato's control) clarified. "He is also a reserve member of the Akatsuki. From now on, call him Tobi."
"Tch. Then hurry up and explain the mission. I'm low on time," Sasori growled impatiently from within Hiruko.
"Wow~ So scary~ Senior Sasori is terrifying," Tobi gasped dramatically, hands flailing.
"…Is he an idiot?"
Hidan stared at him with genuine disbelief. For someone who personally lived like the definition of madness to call another man an idiot—that meant something.
"Stop fooling around, Tobi. State the mission," Yahiko ordered coldly, suppressing the urge to sigh.
"Okay! For this mission… I only need Ash to accompany me."
Tobi pointed straight at Ash.
Instantly, the atmosphere changed.
"Hey, brat—are you looking down on us?" Hidan snapped, and several others glared daggers at the masked man. They all acknowledged Ash's frightening power, but they were Akatsuki—pride came with the rank.
"Silence." Yahiko's voice cut through the tension.
"Only Ash is suitable. Tobi intends to release the Nine-Tails from Konoha."
"Release the Nine-Tails?"
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, golden pupils shrinking. He stared at Ash, stunned by what this implied.
"Though the war has ended, the major nations are rebuilding. But Konoha's strength remains nearly untouched thanks to Minato Namikaze—Fourth Hokage. To weaken the balance of power, we must strike Konoha. If possible… eliminating Minato would be ideal."
He continued:
"Only Ash has fought Minato to a standstill… repeatedly. And with his Sharingan, he alone can control the Nine-Tails if necessary. It must be him."
Orochimaru's shock grew. His Sharingan has evolved far enough to dominate a Tailed Beast…
A hunger flickered in Orochimaru's eyes. If Sharingan could command that kind of power… then his desire to possess it only intensified.
Sasori huffed. "If this mission doesn't involve us, why assemble everyone?"
Ash stepped forward calmly. "I asked Zero to gather you. I require assistance on a separate matter."
Zero — the organization's codename for Nagato.
Hidan perked up first. "Fine, fine! Just say what you need—anything to get away from bounty hunting for a while."
Ash nodded.
"When you carry out your next assignments… search for the location of the Sky Country. There is something there I want."
After receiving Nagato's summons, Ash realized this was the perfect moment to request assistance locating the Sky Country. He had considered relying on White Zetsu's network of clones, but something about Black Zetsu always put him on edge. Even Ash couldn't explain why—simply instinctive distrust.
"The Sky Country was wiped out by Konoha long ago. How could it still exist?"
Kakuzu frowned, skeptical.
"It was reported destroyed," Ash corrected calmly.
"But it survived—only relocated. My informants confirmed it. Whoever helps me find the precise location… will receive a life-saving item in return."
The room fell silent.
They ignored the details of his mission completely—"life-saving item" was all any of them heard.
Ash continued:
"There is something important hidden in Sky Country. A creature known as Zero-Tails—capable of absorbing the darkness in human hearts and converting it into dark chakra."
If his memory was right, Zero-Tails could become a crucial piece of his future plans. With that power, Ash could construct an ability most would believe impossible.
"Life-saving item?" Hidan repeated, eyes narrowing in interest as the others leaned forward.
Ash produced a small bean between his fingers.
"A Senzu Bean. No matter how severe the damage, consuming this will instantly restore you to peak condition—vitality, chakra, mental strength… everything. No side effects. Only permanent amputations are beyond its healing."
Shock spread among the Akatsuki.
Even Orochimaru temporarily forgot his obsession with Sharingan.
Sasori, who lived inside a puppet body, still stiffened in surprise.
Kakuzu stared as if he saw overflowing treasure.
Hidan looked ready to worship the thing as a new religion.
Ash felt satisfied. If even Kage-level shinobi were stunned by Senzu Beans, then his offer was more than enough incentive.
He had nine of them in total.
Spending one or two was irrelevant—
Because the Zero-Tails was worth far more.
...
TN:
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