Uehara Naraku looked at Kakuzu, who nodded seriously with a sincere expression and said, "Whether the future of the Ninja World is war or peace, money is always indispensable. We will have many opportunities to discuss making money in the future."
"Well said."
Upon hearing this, Kakuzu nodded seriously and sat down in a strange position. "Uehara Naraku, I recognize your succession to the position of Leader of Akatsuki. Whatever you plan to do in the future, as long as I can make money!"
Uehara Naraku: "…"
Kakuzu is really straightforward!
Kakuzu's stance is very clear: no matter what Akatsuki plans to do in the future, as long as it doesn't affect his ability to make money, that's just his personality.
Sasori of the Red Sand raised his head and gazed at Uehara Naraku, speaking softly, "Uehara, have you reached an agreement with Konoha, the Hidden Sand Village, and the Hidden Mist Village? Will Akatsuki be forced to disband?"
"There is no agreement."
Uehara Naraku slowly lowered his head, seemingly understanding Sasori's concern. If Akatsuki became a subordinate of the Great Ninja Villages, it would mean that these S-Class Traitors would no longer have a place to belong.
Uehara Naraku raised his head again, snorted coldly, and said, "Senior Sasori, do those ninjas whose villages we easily destroyed have the right to demand our disbandment? If it weren't for Nagato's wishes, I wouldn't mind destroying Konoha again!"
Sasori slowly nodded, a creepy smile appearing on his face. "Well said, those cowardly, decaying guys have no right to interfere in our lives. Only we can decide what to do."
After saying this, Sasori spoke softly, "When Pain mentioned you becoming the next Leader of Akatsuki, I had no objections then."
"…"
Everyone's gaze began to meet each other.
Ultimately, their gazes gradually landed on Hoshigaki Kisame, who evidently had also become a senior figure in Akatsuki.
Hoshigaki Kisame grinned, revealing his full set of shark teeth. "We've never really had any objections... as long as the Leader can provide a place for us homeless guys."
The Seven-swords Ninja of the Hidden Mist are basically our people.
After Hoshigaki Kisame finished speaking, the others also nodded. Kakuzu's gaze remained cold as he said calmly, "Since Pain's death, all of you have been inactive. Are you spies sent by someone else?"
Uehara Naraku: "…"
Kakuzu actually guessed right!
However, these Seven-swords Ninja are all spies under his command as the new Leader of Akatsuki, so how could they make any moves?
Hoshigaki Kisame grinned again, chuckling as he said, "Senior Kakuzu, have you ever seen four members of the Seven-swords Ninja act as spies together? What kind of fool… no, how strong would they have to be to use all four of us as spies?"
Hoshigaki Kisame looked at the people around him and spoke softly, "Mangetsu and I left our hometown because of the painful Blood Mist policies...
As for this young Hozuki Suigetsu, you should understand why he joined us; and as for this little Ameyuri, you should have understood why she joined us by now, right?"
"Hmm, I'll accept your explanation for now."
Kakuzu slowly nodded. The Seven-swords Ninja had gathered like they were entranced by some offer, all joining Akatsuki one after another.
It seemed a bit ridiculous.
But somehow acceptable?
Deidara raised his hand quickly, laughing noisily, "It's my turn, it's my turn! Hey, Uehara, what are we going to do in the future? Are we going to instigate a Ninja World war or something?"
"No."
With one word, Uehara Naraku made Deidara's expression drop.
Uehara Naraku glanced at Deidara and rubbed his forehead. "In any case, next we'll try to deal with Orochimaru, Uchiha Obito, and Yakushi Kabuto. Konoha has agreed to help us gather intelligence."
"Alright, alright!"
Deidara nodded enthusiastically like a pecking chick. "By the way, Uchiha Sasuke has also betrayed us along with Yakushi Kabuto. That means we could eliminate the last two Uchihas in the Ninja World!"
After saying this, Deidara looked at Sasori beside him and laughed, "Coincidentally, Sasori-danna also really dislikes those two, Orochimaru and Yakushi Kabuto. We can take them down together!"
"Hmm."
Uehara Naraku nodded and continued, "After we deal with them, Akatsuki might become an organization mediating wars..."
"Huh?"
Everyone couldn't help but look at Uehara Naraku.
Is this a joke? Aren't the Akatsuki members committed to instigating wars? Why suddenly start mediating them?
"No need to be so surprised."
Uehara Naraku looked at those present and continued softly, "I will inherit Nagato's will. Even though we no longer have the Tailed Beasts and the Gedo Statue, we can find ways to become stronger, either by recruiting new members or creating more powerful war mechanisms, so the world cannot resist our will!
In the future, if two places go to war, we have the strength to wipe out their warring ninjas directly. That would be tantamount to eliminating war, wouldn't it?
Eventually, in future wars in the Ninja World, even if the Five Great Countries want to start a Ninja World war, they must have our permission. Any war without our consent will absolutely not be allowed!"
"…"
Everyone present was a bit stunned by this. At first glance, Uehara Naraku's words seemed quite valid, and it actually aligned with their intentions?
Only Hoshigaki Kisame looked puzzled.
Hoshigaki Kisame felt these words might be half-true, half-false. Perhaps his boss truly wanted to do this, or maybe he was just appeasing these guys?
Regardless, at least all present Akatsuki members now recognized Uehara Naraku, even including Hidan, whose intelligence isn't the sharpest, no longer opposed him.
"For now, everyone go and rest first!"
Uehara Naraku squinted his eyes slightly, speaking softly, "In a while, I still need to attend the Five Kage Summit to gather information about Orochimaru and the others..."
Hoshigaki Kisame: "…"
You truly are remarkable, Master Uehara!
Always managing to sneak into some bizarre meetings!
Each Akatsuki member's face gradually took on a strange look, wondering how this person, who just mentioned putting the Five Great Countries under their surveillance, was now infiltrating their meeting?
It's still that familiar feeling…
After all, Uehara is still that familiar guy…
"Don't look at me with that expression!"
Uehara Naraku slowly turned his head to the crowd, firmly continuing, "When we eliminate Orochimaru and those guys, we'll prove to this world that no one can defy Akatsuki's will, and no traitor can escape our judgement!"