Sasori of the Red Sand truly is a master of provocation.
Although one must admit his true form is indeed quite handsome, he's currently disguised as the hideous Hiruko. Doesn't this insult his own sense of aesthetics?
Momochi Zabuza instantly flew into a rage, gripping his Decapitating Carving Knife and glaring at Sasori of the Red Sand: "You bastard, what did you say?"
Sasori of the Red Sand sneered coldly: "I said you all look too ugly..."
"Sasori!"
Pain, standing on the finger of the Gedo Statue, loudly interrupted Sasori's words, continuing coldly: "Every member must have a partner—this is not something you can refuse!"
"..."
Sasori of the Red Sand fell silent upon hearing Pain's words.
"Hehehe..."
Zetsu spoke menacingly from the side: "It doesn't matter if Sasori truly doesn't want to; I've discovered a newcomer who would be perfect as his partner."
Zetsu hadn't been idle during this time.
Even the significant event of expelling Uchiha Obito from the Akatsuki wouldn't affect Zetsu's work ethic.
To realize the Eye of the Moon Plan, Akatsuki must recruit enough powerful ninjas, thus Zetsu kept finding ways to unearth skilled ninjas.
Coincidentally, Zetsu discovered a genius ninja exiled from the Hidden Rock Village. Apart from having a somewhat volatile temperament, his strength was truly formidable.
"Then once the teams are organized, send a team to go with Sasori!"
Pain nodded in agreement with Zetsu's suggestion and then looked at Uehara Naraku: "Uehara, introduce the newcomer to everyone!"
"Alright."
Uehara Naraku stopped the furious Momochi Zabuza, speaking softly: "This is a member of the Seven-swords Ninja of the Hidden Mist, Momochi Zabuza, the current holder of the Decapitating Carving Knife. The predecessor of the Decapitating Carving Knife was Mr. Itachi's partner, Biwa Juzo."
Upon hearing the name Biwa Juzo, Uchiha Itachi slowly lifted his gaze to look at the Decapitating Carving Knife in Zabuza's hand, then lowered his head again.
Simply being the holder of the Decapitating Carving Knife and the person who killed the Fourth Mizukage, Uchiha Itachi was not entirely opposed to Zabuza becoming his partner.
After all, the former holder of the Decapitating Carving Knife, Biwa Juzo, sacrificed himself to save his life.
Uehara Naraku pointed at Hozuki Mangetsu behind him, continuing softly: "This is Hozuki Mangetsu, who became a member of the Seven-swords Ninja of the Hidden Mist at the age of thirteen, like Mr. Itachi, he is a rare genius ninja..."
After saying this, Uehara Naraku chuckled mischievously: "What's interesting is that the prestigious Hozuki Family of the Hidden Mist Village has only two members left, Mangetsu even has a younger brother who has a deep-seated hatred for him..."
"Oh?"
The crowd immediately became interested.
Kakuzu unabashedly asked: "This little brat called Hozuki Mangetsu, did he also wipe out his entire clan?"
Uehara Naraku shook his head: "That's not it, the downfall of the Hozuki Family was due to the persecution by the Fourth Mizukage Yagura."
Pain posed the question he cared most about: "Uehara, can you ensure he isn't a spy from the Hidden Mist Village?"
"No."
Uehara Naraku glanced at Hozuki Mangetsu, and upon seeing his nod, Uehara smiled lightly and said: "What Mangetsu desires most is to revive the Hozuki Family. When his younger brother grows up, he plans to use the hatred his brother feels for him as a sharpening stone on his brother's path to maturity..."
As he said these words, Uehara observed everyone's expressions, speaking softly: "This secret is enough to ensure he won't betray us, and I'm sure none of you would harm Hozuki Suigetsu or want to miss out on a good show of brotherly conflict, right?"
"Hmph, interesting."
Kakuzu nodded with folded arms.
The others also nodded in agreement; they weren't particularly interested in the story of a fallen ninja clan's revival.
If they ever encountered Hozuki Suigetsu, they wouldn't choose to kill him in cold blood either.
A tale of brotherly strife...
Is certainly worth watching.
Only Uchiha Itachi's expression slightly changed, before quickly returning to normal.
Inwardly, Uchiha Itachi was inclined to curse. Why did Hozuki Mangetsu's story sound somewhat like what he intended to do?
Soon, someone else noticed this issue.
Konan approached and said to Uchiha Itachi: "Why do I feel like the newcomer's story is somewhat similar to Uchiha Itachi's?"
"Itachi is different."
Zetsu hurriedly shook his head and explained on behalf of Uchiha Itachi: "He personally killed all his clan members!"
"..."
Uchiha Itachi, worried about being exposed, reached up to touch his eye sockets, speaking in a deep voice: "I'm not like Mr. Hozuki here. I'm just waiting for my brother to grow up so I can gauge my power with his life."
Initially having some favor towards Uchiha Itachi, Hozuki Mangetsu became dissatisfied upon hearing Itachi's words: "Is there really someone who would want to kill their own brother?"
Damn, this heretic!
That lovable creature called a brother, and he actually intends to kill him!
"It's normal for us to have different ideas..."
Uchiha Itachi coldly lifted his head, his crimson eyes staring at Hozuki Mangetsu: "I yearn for myself to have greater power, even if it means sacrificing everything I have."
Uehara Naraku: "..."
Isn't it enough to imply things? Why does Uchiha Itachi exaggerate so much?
If one day, someone truly kills Uchiha Sasuke, won't you go all out to massacre the responsible clan?
Hozuki Mangetsu looked disdainfully at Uchiha Itachi, speaking solemnly: "I definitely don't want to team up with someone like him!"
"Just as well, I don't want to either."
Uchiha Itachi lowered his head, hiding his eyes.
Deep down, Itachi wouldn't mind having Hozuki Mangetsu as his partner, as two brother-loving individuals would certainly have much in common.
However, Itachi also worried that after spending enough time together, Hozuki Mangetsu might discover his secret.
After all, being brother-lovers, even the slightest look from his brother might expose his true feelings.
Just as Uehara Naraku was about to introduce Hoshigaki Kisame, Zetsu suddenly interjected: "In that case, why not let Hoshigaki Kisame be Uchiha Itachi's partner?"
This was exactly its and Obito's intention.
They needed to find a way to have Hoshigaki Kisame and Uchiha Itachi form a team so that Kisame could keep an eye on Itachi's every move.
Uehara Naraku glanced at Zetsu in surprise, speaking softly: "Mr. Kisame was originally chosen by Uchiha Obito, that traitor, to be Uchiha Itachi's partner. I'm somewhat skeptical of his loyalty, so I would suggest he spend some time as an intern with me first..."
If Black Zetsu insisted on Kisame partnering with Itachi, he would agree.
"Kisame is a recruit I found for Akatsuki."
Zetsu hurriedly interrupted Uehara Naraku, speaking sternly: "Uchiha Obito certainly fooled Kisame as well. Now Hoshigaki Kisame definitely doesn't want to see Uchiha Obito again, right?"
"Indeed!"
Hoshigaki Kisame bared his shark-like teeth, grinning: "If I encounter that masked guy again, I'll make him realize the cost of deceiving me!"
"..."
Uehara Naraku remained silent for a moment, then looked up at Pain, suggesting: "Then let's go with Zetsu's suggestion, arranging Mr. Zabuza and Hozuki Mangetsu in a team, and Mr. Hoshigaki Kisame and Uchiha Itachi in another?"
"That's fine."
Pain didn't mind, glancing at Kaguya Kimimaro and Haku behind Uehara, he spoke softly: "Uehara, as for those two brats you've brought..."
Konan placed her hand on Uehara Naraku's shoulder and suggested: "These two seem to lack combat power, so let them follow Naraku for now!"