More than ten minutes later.
Nagato, controlling Pain, ended the [Projection Technique], concluding this cross-server private chat.
At this moment, within a tower in the western district of [Rain Hidden Village].
"Finished talking?"
"This time took a bit longer. Did he agree?"
Konan approached from behind Deva Path Pain, asking coolly.
Pain nodded, responding flatly:
"He had no choice but to agree."
"Unless he's willing to reveal himself to the entire ninja world..."
"But he's hiding too deep. His intentions are definitely not simple!"
"Therefore, unless forced, he would never expose himself prematurely."
Konan: "He's using us..."
Pain: "It's mutual utilization."
"In any case, whether or not he is Madara Uchiha; no matter what his intentions are."
"In the end, he will bow before my [Mangekyo Sharingan]."
Konan remained silent for a moment, offering no further reply.
As for Nagato, she truly had full confidence in him.
"Oh, there's one more thing."
"Orochimaru contacted me just now, wanting to recommend someone to join Akatsuki."
"Who?"
"A brat from the Uchiha Clan named Shimoku Uchiha."
"That kid who awakened his [Mangekyo Sharingan] at barely over ten years old?"
Konan suddenly realized.
Clearly, Akatsuki's intelligence network had already collected considerable information about Shimoku Uchiha and [Homuragakure].
She had also recently heard rumors about this rising young Uchiha gaining attention.
"Did you agree?"
"Not yet. But I agreed to meet with him."
"Still, considering the current tension between 'Madara' and the Uchiha Clan, bringing in another Uchiha may not be wise."
Konan reminded cautiously.
Pain: "That brat knows I'm inside [Rain Hidden Village]!"
Konan was startled: "How could that be! How did he find out?"
Pain: "That's exactly what interests me."
"In that case, it's indeed necessary to meet him."
"Perhaps such a threat should be neutralized as much as possible!"
After a brief pause, Konan replied coldly.
"Make preparations."
"When we finally meet, we'll understand his motives."
"They say he currently leads the Uchiha Clan."
"If that brat is easy to control, we can use him to access the entire Uchiha Clan's power, assassinate the Hokage, and capture the Nine-Tails!"
"If not? Then eliminate him!"
Pain said casually, still composed.
We'll meet the brat first, then decide.
As for any potential danger?
Nagato felt no concern at all.
If he himself couldn't even defeat a ten-year-old kid, what kind of god would he claim to be!
...
"Did Pain agree?"
"He agreed."
"What about the timing?"
"Five days from now, location at [Rain Hidden Village]. However, only me and you are allowed to attend."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, replying with certainty.
Upon hearing this, Shimoku couldn't help but feel a sense of joy inside.
Nagato had indeed agreed to his request for a meeting.
As for the condition of not bringing anyone along—that was hardly an issue.
His own strength was the best guarantee.
He alone was more than capable of wiping out the entire Rain Hidden Village—no need to bring any additional manpower.
"Great. Then we'll go together."
"You can also take the opportunity to acquire a few White Zetsu corpses."
"Oh right, what did you discuss at Akatsuki's meeting?"
Shimoku asked in a cheerful mood.
"We're planning an attack on Konoha and targeting Sarutobi, the Third Hokage," Orochimaru replied with a shrug, speaking as if the elderly Sarutobi meant nothing to him at all.
Shimoku's eyes lit up slightly, showing both surprise and delight.
"Oh? Why the sudden change?"
"This kind of aggressive move doesn't seem like Akatsuki's usual style."
"It's a mission ordered by Iwagakure. Seems they're willing to pay well, enough to tempt some people..."
Shimoku looked thoughtful and nodded.
At this stage, Akatsuki might indeed be short on funds.
Whether it was Konan's six thousand Explosive Tags, Sasori's [Hundred Puppet Army] technique, or even the development of the Rain Hidden Village itself—all required financial support.
If Iwagakure truly spared no expense to hire Akatsuki,
then Nagato, Kakuzu, and others might very well agree.
In fact, using the assassination attempt as cover to destroy part of Konoha and capture the Nine-Tails simultaneously…
That would kill several birds with one stone.
"Fascinating!"
"Iwa Hidden Village's support is really impressive this time!"
"That old grump Onoki must still be fuming about it."
"But whatever helps weaken Konoha is welcome in my book."
"By the way, if Akatsuki does accept this mission…"
"Orochimaru, this time there might actually be a chance to destroy Konoha completely!"
"If you *still* have any lingering feelings for Konoha… better prepare yourself and try to sabotage things secretly."
Shimoku shot Orochimaru a teasing glance.
Orochimaru simply smiled faintly:
"You flatter me, Lord Shimoku. There has long been nothing left between me and Konoha..."
Shimoku smiled knowingly and said no more.
After giving Orochimaru a few more reminders—
telling him to perfect the [Impure World Reincarnation] technique soon so he could summon complete versions of Kinkaku and Ginkaku for extracting tailed beast chakra—
he left Otogakure with Yueji, whose injuries had mostly healed.
As for visiting Rain Hidden Village five days later… Well, they'd deal with that when the time came.
...
It had already been over half a month since the second wave of Uchiha clansmen moved into Homuragakure.
And nearly four or five days since the Hyuga Branch House officially merged into Homura Hidden Village.
Although minor tensions naturally occurred between the two groups during this period,
overall, relations remained harmonious without significant issues.
After all, they were both former defectors from Konoha,
and shared a common enemy: Konoha itself.
Moreover, one side had just escaped discrimination and oppression while the other finally obtained their longed-for freedom.
Everyone was too caught up in enjoying this new beginning to waste time on internal conflicts.
Moreover, with the addition of a new batch of Hyuga laborers, the construction of the Homura Hidden Village accelerated significantly. Though still unable to rival the Five Great Hidden Villages, it already looked quite impressive compared to smaller hidden villages.
What can you do?
Too much money! Too much extravagance!
With all the wealth Shimoku had accumulated from hustling here and there using Robin Hood tactics (robbing the rich to help the poor), even a bunch of pigs could build a city. Much more so when they're ninjas...
The next few days were pretty boring.
Wake up, breakfast, study sealing techniques, lunch, spar with Yueji on taijutsu, dinner, bath, massage, sleep...
Shimoku's daily routine was as dull as it was fulfilling.
Until the third day.
Riyō, the great contributor who had been happily away in Kumogakure for several days, finally returned.
Exactly as Shimoku predicted.
Kumo readily accepted the deal.
They traded a pair of aged, cloudy Byakugan eyes for 20 million ryo in cash and 300 tons of fresh beef.
Total value close to 40 million ryo!
And even made Kumogakure take on a big share of blame.
It was a wildly profitable deal...
Originally, Shimoku thought the Shipping Company would return first with last month's profits and proceeds from selling jewelry.
But unexpectedly, Riyō arrived sooner.
However, the difference wasn't that big.
With the 20 million silver coins Riyō brought back, Shimoku's coin savings once again surpassed the ten-thousand mark.
[Ding!] Congratulations! You've earned Value Points.
[Top-up Successful!] Congratulations! You've received 2000 coins.
[Current Balance: Coins]
Finally saved up ten thousand coins again!
This time, I can finally exchange for [Immortal God Body].
A true immortal body, combined with the fully opened [Eight Gates Technique]—here I come!
Shimoku cheered excitedly in his heart.
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