Chapter 155: Shifting Alliances and New Targets
A heavy silence lingered in the spectral meeting chamber after Pain's declaration. The idea of a single shinobi possessing such cataclysmic power was a concept that challenged the very foundation of Akatsuki's confidence.
"But if their goal is also the Tailed Beasts," Zetsu's black half spoke up, his voice a sibilant whisper, "what is their purpose? It can't possibly align with ours—to gather the beasts and use their power as a deterrent to force peace upon the world."
"Tch. What a lofty goal," Deidara sneered, though his usual bravado was noticeably subdued. "Yeah."
"We do not know their ultimate objective," Pain admitted, his Rinnegan eyes glowing with cold light. "But the Eagle team's actions have directly impeded our mission. More critically, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki is now in their possession. To complete our goal, we must retrieve her. Therefore, this team presents a binary choice: absorption or annihilation. We must make contact, gather intelligence, and ascertain their motives. If their ideals, however unrefined, run parallel to ours, we will extend an invitation. If not..." Pain's voice held a finality that chilled the air. "...then we will deliver divine judgment."
"Judgment?" Kisame grinned, his sharp teeth on full display. "Heh. The kid tore through a hidden village like it was paper. I doubt any single team among us could handle that. What's your plan for 'sanctioning' him, Leader?"
A flicker of impatience crossed Pain's stoic face. "If one team is insufficient, then two shall act in concert. And if that proves inadequate," he declared, his voice resonating with absolute authority, "then I will descend upon them myself. No one, no matter their power, can escape the judgment of a god."
"So, the Leader himself will act?" Deidara mused, a spark of his old excitement returning. "In that case, there's nothing to worry about, un! But before that... let me have a shot at him! They sound like an interesting bunch. And if this Uchiha Ren has enough destructive power to level a village... I hope his art can stand against my fleeting beauty! Yeah!"
"Wait, wait, wait! Don't go getting interested in dangerous things, Senpai! I don't want to get involved!" Tobi whined, waving his arms frantically. "And he's not even a Jinchuriki!"
"Where should we head next, then? Yeah!" Deidara continued, ignoring his partner's complaints.
"Next, Senpai? Where are you talking about?"
"Isn't it obvious? After the Nine-Tails brat and Kakashi's team... or after Uchiha Ren himself!"
"No, no! I don't want to go after either! Our targets are the Tailed Beasts, and Uchiha Ren isn't one! Yeah!" Tobi shook his head so vigorously his mask seemed in danger of flying off.
"However," Deidara's voice dropped to a deadly serious tone, "Uchiha Ren has the Two-Tails. And there is also the matter of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki who injured me, and the arm I lost to Kakashi. Yeah."
*'This guy, once he gets an idea in his head...'* Tobi thought, his comical posture vanishing for a fraction of a second, replaced by an unnerving stillness. He slumped again, muttering in a defeated tone, "Really, once he's decided, he won't listen to anything..."
"What was that?"
"Nothing! Nothing at all, Senpai!"
"Hmph! Let's go, Tobi!" Deidara's image vanished from the Golem's finger.
"Y-yes, Senpai!" Tobi's projection disappeared with a comical wave, leaving the others in silence.
"Heh. So Deidara's heading straight for the Uchiha brat. Is that wise?" Kisame chuckled, glancing at Itachi, who remained as impassive as a statue.
"Let him go," Pain stated flatly. "Perhaps he will glean valuable information. Or perhaps he will serve as a measuring stick for Uchiha Ren's true power. The meeting is adjourned. But remember this: since the Eagle's goal is the Jinchuriki, they may see Akatsuki as either rivals or prey. I will send an envoy to discern their intentions. Until then, all of you, be vigilant."
One by one, the projections flickered and died, leaving the cavernous chamber in darkness.
***
Far from the scheming and turmoil, the subject of the world's attention was walking a quiet forest path. Uchiha Ren led his small team away from the Land of Lightning, the events at Kumogakure already a closed chapter in his mind.
"It's incredible... unbelievable," Suigetsu marvelled, breaking the peaceful silence. "I, Suigetsu of the Hidden Mist, was part of something that shook the entire world! We destroyed one of the Five Great Villages! It's like a dream!"
"*We?*" Karin retorted, shooting him a venomous look. "As I recall, Ren did that by himself. You're just taking credit."
"Taking credit? Hey! I took down plenty of Cloud-nin myself! I contributed! Unlike someone who hid inside Ren's protective space the entire time!"
"I did not! That was... that was Ren's order! I was following strategy, you muscle-headed idiot!" Karin yelled, her face turning red as she raised a fist.
"Enough," Ren's voice cut through their bickering, calm but leaving no room for argument. "Your constant arguing is tiresome. Suigetsu, silence yourself."
"Y-yes, Boss! Sorry!" Suigetsu immediately backed down, offering a sheepish grin.
Karin hmphed and turned away, satisfied that Ren had taken her side.
"Ren," Jugo spoke, his voice a gentle rumble. "Now that we have the Two-Tails, what is our next objective? Do we hunt the Three-Tails?"
"Precisely," Ren confirmed without breaking stride. "The Three-Tails is our next target. But before that, we return to Otogakure."
"Orochimaru's old hideout?" Suigetsu asked, intrigued.
"Yes. Orochimaru had been researching the Tailed Beasts. He possesses intelligence on the Three-Tails' location and, more importantly, a certain item that will make capturing it significantly easier. It will save us considerable effort."
Jugo nodded in understanding. "A sound strategy."
As they continued their journey, Ren's mind was already mapping the steps ahead. The world was in an uproar, and Akatsuki was stirring. But for Uchiha Ren, it was all just background noise. His path was clear, and he would walk it, regardless of who stood in his way.
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