Illusion Body Technique

The Rain Country, where incessant drizzle never ceases, and the sky is perpetually shrouded in gloom, as if the sun's rays have never shone upon this country.

"A resurrected spirit from ancient times, a man seeking the power of a sage's body, who also possesses the title of a god?" Listening to Konan's report, a ripple of surprise appeared in Pain's lifeless pupils. He hadn't expected that the blood sacrifice ritual, which was the same as usual, would undergo such a major change this time.

"Yes, he is very strong, possessing Body Technique that surpasses anyone in this era, and his mental will is also extremely strong. Ordinary genjutsu can even be directly reflected by him. His combat experience is also incredibly rich. He can often see through the enemy's attack methods at a glance. Apart from not knowing ninjutsu, he has almost no weaknesses." Although it was just one battle, it was enough for Konan to give him a very high evaluation.

"In that case, he is indeed qualified to replace Hidan and become a major asset to the organization's operation to capture the Tailed Beasts. Konan, you've done a great job in that regard." Although Roy was powerful and of unknown origin, Pain, who claimed to control the God Power, was not worried at all that a newcomer would threaten his position.

For him, the more powerful the new members joining the organization, the better.

After all, the power of the gods is in the hands of humans, and the price to pay is life. He did not want to die at the hands of that overly powerful force before he could fulfill his ideals, because of his frequent actions.

"Hmm, should we see him now?" Konan's cool voice slowly drifted out.

"No need. Let's use the Illusion Body Technique. Since a new member has joined, it's good to let the others know. Besides, it's time to begin the capture operation for the Isobu and the Four-Tails," Pain said slowly.

"I see."

After Konan left the room, a dark figure emerged from the spatial vortex, wearing a vortex-shaped mask.

"Now that new forces have filled the void, you don't need to show up for the time being," Pain said without turning his head.

"Is that so? It seems that Tobi's identity will have to be put on hold for a while. But aren't you worried about the purpose of that 'Evil God'?"

There is only one God in this world!

"Lord Roy, this is where the organization stores the ninjutsu scrolls." One by one, the outer members of the Akatsuki looked at the ring on Roy's left index finger with awe and envy.

Within the Akatsuki, rings are symbols of status and position. Since the ring that should have belonged to Hidan was worn by Roy, the meaning behind it is self-evident.

Therefore, they did not hesitate to bring Roy here. After all, Rain Ninja Village was not as wealthy and powerful as Konoha, which had the Book of Seals containing a large number of forbidden techniques developed by the Second Hokage. The seemingly numerous and complicated ninjutsu scrolls here actually only contained A-rank ninjutsu at most.

Although A-rank ninjutsu is extremely rare in the eyes of these peripheral members, it has little value or meaning to those powerful S-rank rogue ninjas from various ninja villages. Roy, on the contrary, is the first official Akatsuki member to enter here.

"Methods for refining Chakra nature transformations, Wind Release: Great Vacuum Sphere, Fire Release: Majestic Destroyer Flame, Lightning Release: False Darkness, Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall, Water Release: Water Fang Bullet... It's really a jumbled mess. It seems these were spoils of war from the Akatsuki during their mercenary operations." Roy casually flipped through the scrolls displayed in the room, gaining a general understanding of the so-called power of Chakra.

"Your Excellency, Lord Roy is in the room. Shall I inform him?"

"No need, you can go now."

Hearing the sound coming from outside the door, Roy stopped what he was doing and looked out.

"The leader is about to hold a meeting, so I will now teach you the Illusion Body Technique."

"The Illusion Body Technique?"

"The members of Akatsuki are often scattered across the country, and they rely on the Illusion Body Technique to communicate with each other. The key to performing the technique lies in the ring in your hand, so the technique itself is not very difficult. Now, remember the steps of my hand seals." Konan slowly performed the hand seals so that Roy could see them clearly.

"This time, I will demonstrate the normal hand seal speed..." Konan Nan quickly formed hand seals, but found that Roy's hand seal speed was much faster than hers, almost instantaneous, leaving her words stuck in her throat, and she could only look at him coldly.

Within the dimly lit space, several figures appeared one after another. Although their faces could not be seen clearly, their identities could be easily determined from their clothing, attire, and demeanor.

"Hmm? I'd heard that Hidan and Kakuzu killed by some brats from Konoha. I thought there would be two empty spots again, but I didn't expect new people to fill them so quickly!" Kisame Hoshigaki said, squinting his beady eyes as he noticed a stranger in Hidan's spot.

"This is the organization's newest member, Roy. From now on, he'll be paired with Deidara," Pain said indifferently.

"Hey, hey, hey, this newbie won't hold me back, will he?" Deidara's suspicions were not unfounded. It seemed that no one in the Shinobi World had ever heard of Roy, and even Kisame Hoshigaki and Uchiha Itachi were skeptical about him.

"Roy is very strong. The Konoha team that defeated you was defeated by him."

Konan finished speaking, several surprised and uncertain gazes were cast over. That team, which had the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and Kakashi Hatake, had defeated three members of the Akatsuki in a row. Their strength was not to be underestimated, yet they had been defeated by a newcomer!

"Hmph, I only suffered from a lack of information last time. If I had known Kakashi had that kind of eye technique and had taken precautions, I wouldn't have lost to those guys from Konoha." Despite saying this, Deidara's words still acknowledged Roy's strength. After all, he was only confident that he wouldn't lose, while that newcomer had genuinely defeated his enemy.

"Alright, next we'll begin the capture operations for the Isobu and the Four-Tails. Deidara and Roy will capture the Three Tails Isobu, while Itachi and Kisame will handle the Four Tails Jinchuriki. Any questions?"

"The Four Tails Jinchuriki? Itachi and I happen to be near Hidden Stone Village, so we can leave him to us," Kisame Hoshigaki said.

"Three Tails Isobu, I've heard that Orochimaru is also after it. That traitor was my target anyway, so I might as well take care of him too." Deidara said, looking at Roy, "Hey, newbie, you don't mind if I take care of the traitor while I'm at it, do you?"

"Orochimaru? Of course I don't mind, after all, he happens to have something I need!"