When the three arrived at the Golden Shadow Office, Orochimaru was idly reading the newspaper.
That's right, it's the newspaper, a unique form of information dissemination in the Northern Lands.
Don't underestimate the stone man just because he has only one eye; he can stir up the Yellow River and cause the whole world to rebel!
At times, public opinion has a great influence, and the power to disseminate this information must be firmly controlled by the authorities.
This also serves as a bridge between the past and the Northern Lands, broadening the villagers' horizons and knowledge.
For example, agricultural newspapers publish agricultural knowledge from time to time.
The science and technology newspaper will introduce the usage of a series of newly released electrical appliances.
For example, audio equipment, projectors, records, or the use of functions in cars, etc.
Entertainment news is even simpler: which celebrity or girl group debuted today, and who released a new song.
At first, people may not be used to the information overload, but they will get used to it over time.
Haven't you seen how these Spokesperson of the Northern Lands are now driving sports cars and living in villas?
"Sir!" X3
Kisame and his two companions, who had just entered, quickly greeted Orochimaru.
"Oh...!"
Orochimaru stretched lazily and then tossed the newspaper aside.
Since he delegated power, he hasn't been as busy as before.
If he were to manage all the industries in the Northern Lands, including scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, he would probably die young in just a few years.
He always believed that professionals should do professional things, and he wasn't afraid of his subordinates causing trouble.
"You've arrived! Please have a seat!"
He gestured to the others, and since they were all on the same side, there was no need for formalities. Kisame and his two companions then sat down opposite Orochimaru without any hesitation.
"I just got back from Beidai Bridge a few days ago, and I didn't want to assign you any tasks so soon, but there's something I need you to do!"
As he spoke, Orochimaru opened a drawer, took out a document, and handed it to Kisame.
After Kisame took it, Hozuki Mangetsu and Anko also peeked over to take a look.
These key personnel usually have their own things to do in the village, and they are not allowed to run around unless there is a special mission.
This whole thing happened rather suddenly, Orochimaru himself couldn't get away.
Besides, if he has to handle everything personally, what's the point of having a subordinate who's busier than him?
Each of the three was poured a cup of tea, and they finished reading the information in the document.
"Deidara, the Rogue Ninja from Iwagakure!"
Kisame and Hozuki Mangetsu were the first to finish reading the information, handed it to Anko was craning her neck behind them.
Orochimaru picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then turned his gaze to the two of them.
"This guy isn't a bad person, just a bit playful! He does have some ability, and what we in the Northern Lands are lacking right now is talent!"
The information contained clearly stated Deidara's intelligence, which the Net had only recently collected.
This guy was noticed by the Net not long after he defected from Iwagakure. The current timeline is much earlier than in the original timeline.
It's not that he defected too early, but rather that he was noticed by the Net (a secret organization) as soon as he came out.
In the original Trails, he was recruited by Itachi and Orochimaru, and it was from that time that he fell under Itachi's Genjutsu and has been resentful ever since.
The Akatsuki probably haven't received the intelligence yet, so Orochimaru simply decided to go all out and intercept it for them!
"That guy can fly, he might actually escape if we're caught off guard!"
Hozuki Mangetsu pursed his lips and said, "As expected, it's a lineage from Iwagakure!"
"Aren't Clay Bomb similar to Explosive Tag or Zabuza's Exploding Blade Shibuki?"
Anko had just finished reading the intelligence, couldn't help but chime in.
Zabuza is currently using the Kubikiribōchō, which is Zabuza with Jūzō Biwa Exploding Blade Shibuki.
Orochimaru actually felt that this sword was more suitable for him. The guy wasn't very strong to begin with, and he was carrying such a heavy Kubikiribōchō.
The Exploding Blade Shibuki technique is actually more powerful. Combined with the Hiding in Mist Technique and the Silent Killing Technique, wouldn't it be satisfying to blow people up everywhere in the fog?
"His Explosive Clay is still worth studying, and his ability to fly is just a bird created with clay!"
Full Moon, your Water Gun Technique is perfect for hunting birds!
Orochimaru gave him a wicked smile, and the others couldn't help but chuckle when they heard it.
Although Deidara is somewhat capable, it shouldn't be too difficult for Kisame and Hozuki Mangetsu to defeat him; the two of them worked together quite well last time.
As for Anko, last time I brought Guren but not her, and she came back feeling very wronged, so this time I'll bring her along to make a brief appearance.
"What if that guy doesn't agree to join?"
Kisame asked tentatively, after all, they didn't know what the other person's personality was like, and it was impossible for everyone to be as sensible and discerning as they were.
"If they don't join, just kill them. They've already defected, so we're not afraid of Ōnoki getting angry!"
Rumors circulated that he was Ōnoki's disciple, but Orochimaru wouldn't tolerate that.
In the original timeline, he could be recruited by Akatsuki, so why couldn't he be recruited by himself? If he were actually recruited by Akatsuki, it would be a loss for him.
After receiving Orochimaru's confirmation, the group slowly left.
As soon as the group left, Orochimaru seemed to sense something, and immediately formed a hand seal, creating a cloud of smoke.
A familiar little figure appeared before Orochimaru; it was Shiro, who was carrying a small scroll in his mouth.
"It seems there's something unusual going on with the Akatsuki!"
Just as Orochimaru was assigning tasks to Kisame and his two companions, three members of the Akatsuki were also having a conversation.
"Our neighbor Kusagakure, was annexed by the Northern Lands, and just a few days ago they severely injured the Raikage and his group at Beidai Bridge!"
A man with Swirl Mask said in a gloomy tone, adding that he had just learned about this matter himself.
"This emerging force rose silently and was able to severely injure the Raikage; it seems they are indeed quite capable!"
Before Pain could speak, Konan began her analysis.
The rise of the Northern Lands was something that not only they, but even the Five Great Nations were slow to realize.
Their Amegakure has been closed off from the world for many years, so news is relatively scarce. In addition, the organization is not yet fully formed, so the information they receive will naturally be slower.
"Tch... They should be glad their ninja village isn't in Kusagakure!"
Deva Path Pain's blue-purple Rinnegan remained emotionless as he spoke arrogantly.
Although this emerging country was beyond their expectations, in their eyes, whether it was the Five Great Nations or the six major powers, they could be destroyed at will.
"We are severely understaffed! We have to envy some talented people!"
As he spoke, the Masked Man looked at the Six Paths of Pain. Although these people were also combatants, they were all just Nagato's puppets.
It would be too troublesome if the organization required them to do everything themselves, making it impossible for the Masked Man to remain hidden in the shadows.
Pain fell silent after hearing his words. Six Paths of Pain couldn't be too far from his main body, otherwise the signal would be poor!
"I have a suitable candidate in mind: Itachi from Konoha!"
Seeing that Pain and Konan had fallen silent, the Masked Man pressed his advantage and said something.
In the Original Work, the Akatsuki collected information about Itachi, Kakuzu, and Kisame at the same time, but unfortunately, Orochimaru intercepted it all.
"Since you're handling this matter, I'll leave it to you. Do you want me to send someone to assist you?"
Pain's suggestion to send someone to assist naturally refers to some idle person within the organization.
Orochimaru is also from Konoha, so he should know about the situation there. Moreover, when he said he wanted to join the organization to do research, he really meant it, spending all his time indoors.
"Absolutely not! You're coming with me!"
The Masked Man offered to team up with Jue, and Jue was the only person in the organization who knew him inside and out.
Upon hearing the order, Black Zetsu emerged from underground, seemingly unsurprised by the request.