Inside the cold, stone, circular hall, eight flickering phantom images floated like will-o'-the-wisps.
Upon hearing Deidara's question, Pain merely glanced at Deidara, his voice cold and hollow, his oppressive Rinnegan sweeping over everyone present.
"Begin."
At his words, the previously nonchalant Akatsuki members all straightened up.
"Deidara and I are currently on a mission, and it can be completed within a day at the fastest." Sasori's Hiruko's tail lifted high, emitting a grating sound, and a muffled voice came from beneath his hood.
Deidara, standing beside him, listened to Sasori's report and, uncharacteristically, did not object.
Pain's Rinnegan, at the head of the table, rotated slightly, looking elsewhere.
Kisame, watched by the Rinnegan, grinned, his unusual teeth visible even in his phantom form. "The whereabouts of the Six-Tails Jinchuriki have been found. If we're starting, I can act now."
"No, the initial capture must be swift, so I will go." Pain's voice was flat.
The Akatsuki's first capture couldn't cause too much of a stir. Once the Five Great Nations noticed it, it wouldn't be so easy.
As soon as Pain spoke, the phantoms in the hall all looked at him. He had previously said they needed to accumulate funds. They hadn't expected to start directly now, and with the leader himself taking action.
"I also have some intel."
A giant pitcher plant spoke, "The Five-Tails Jinchuriki seems to have been sent on a mission by the Tsuchikage, so it's also an opportunity."
Black Zetsu's voice was very low, but it was full of inducement.
"The change in the action plan is because Kumogakure is about to form an alliance with Konoha. And Iwagakure seems unable to sit still and intends for us to disrupt this alliance."
Pain ignored Zetsu's words and instead stated the reason for his change.
Everyone in the hall turned their heads at once, as this news was quite shocking.
"Sasori, go to Sunagakure and create chaos. Since Kumogakure is allying with Konoha, Sunagakure naturally cannot remain indifferent."
"Understood." Sasori did not refuse and readily agreed.
As one of the earliest members, he had naturally already told Pain all his secrets.
"Deidara, cooperate with Sasori to throw the Sunagakure high-ranking officials into disarray. A single Iwagakure cannot disrupt Konoha's movements."
Deidara sneered, "Heh, I will make Sunagakure bloom with the most beautiful art."
"Kakuzu, closely monitor the movements of Kumogakure's Two-Tails Jinchuriki. Kisame, you will cooperate with Kakuzu."
"Can do." Kisame responded indifferently.
Kakuzu merely glanced in Kisame's direction and remained silent.
"Zetsu, find the Three-Tails as quickly as possible. Don't be like last time." Pain then turned to Zetsu, his words indifferent and emotionless.
"Oh dear. It wasn't intentional last time. Who knew the Fourth Mizukage was so fragile?"
However, sensing Pain's aura growing colder, Zetsu quickly changed his tune, "White Zetsu's clones are already searching as fast as possible—"
Pain withdrew his gaze from Zetsu and once again swept his eyes over everyone present.
"Since this world wishes to experience pain, let them feel it even more deeply."
"All obstacles must be eliminated."
"Dismiss."
As the cold words fell, he vanished.
After watching everyone disappear, Zetsu looked at the spot where Pain had just been, then slowly vanished.
Land of Rain.
After disconnecting from the illusion, Pain stood alone by the window, outside which a fierce downpour raged.
His eyes reflected the shattered sky outside the window, and his low murmur slowly spread, "Let the world know pain."
— — —
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
By the waterfall, Sasuke opened his mouth and spewed flames, which split into three directions, attacking the waterfall. As he exhaled, Sasuke manipulated the direction of the fireballs using Chakra.
Rumble—
The raging flames, like giant dragons, charged towards the waterfall, then immediately exploded, filling the surroundings with high-temperature steam.
Whoosh—Whoosh—
Sasuke, panting, looked at Shinji beside him, his face asking a question.
[You taught Sasuke Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, and he quickly learned it.]
[Reward: Wind Release: Great Sickle Weasel (Proficient)]
Shinji chuckled. Sasuke had given him a B-rank Wind Release Ninjutsu within just two hours.
"Very good, Sasuke." Shinji nodded at Sasuke.
"Both the compression of the flames and the control of their direction are already excellent. Now, you just need to practice diligently."
"Yes, sensei."
Sasuke's lips curled into a slight smile upon hearing this, clearly very pleased.
"It's clear you haven't been slacking off during this time. Your Chakra control has greatly improved."
With his disciple making progress, Shinji naturally couldn't help but praise him.
Sasuke, even more delighted by Shinji's praise, glanced at Naruto beside him.
"Sensei! I've learned it too!" Naruto naturally noticed Sasuke's smugness and quickly raised his hand, saying.
"You've learned it?"
Shinji was a little unsure, as he seemed to have taught Naruto the B-rank Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall before.
"That's right. Sensei, look."
Naruto finished speaking and began to form hand signs, then slapped the ground.
Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!
Rumble—
As a massive amount of Earth Chakra poured into the ground, a high, ten-meter-tall earth wall rose from the ground.
Shinji looked at the size of the Earth-Style Wall and couldn't help but twitch his lips. It was almost comparable to an advanced version of Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall.
This was not only due to Naruto's Chakra but also indicated that Naruto had definitely not been slacking in his Earth Release Nature Transformation training during this time.
Shinji estimated that Naruto's Earth Release Nature Transformation had already reached proficient level or above, just not yet touching the master level. However, with the boost of his vast Chakra, it was barely enough.
Naruto landed and quickly came to Shinji's side, his face full of eagerness for praise.
Shinji reached out and patted Naruto's head, saying, "It seems you haven't been slacking off while I was away."
"Hehe, of course."
Naruto rubbed the back of his head with an embarrassed expression.
Neji was improving, and Sasuke wasn't weak. There was no way he could let the two of them catch up, so he could only train diligently.
Moreover, unlike Sasuke and the others, even without Shinji, he could still ask Minato. At least he wouldn't get stuck on something he didn't understand.
Shinji then thought of Kitsuchi, the steady son of the Tsuchikage, whose talent was definitely not low.
"Keep up the good work. When I went to Kumogakure, I met an Earth Release master. His Earth Release Nature Transformation can be said to be one of the best in the Ninja World."
"Eh?! That amazing?" Naruto asked with a surprised expression.
"Yes, he is praised for controlling the earth. This reputation was earned on the battlefield, and I have seen it with my own eyes. He is indeed not weak."
"Don't worry, sensei. I will surpass him." Naruto said, full of fighting spirit.