"Shimura Danzō, I've brought the order of our Akatsuki Organization leader. He invites you to join our organization!"
Deidara cleared his throat and recited the matter by rote.
"Oh?"
Shimura Danzō raised an eyebrow.
"What makes you think I'll cooperate with you?"
The invitation to join the Akatsuki Organization truly caught Danzō off guard.
But it was also perfectly reasonable.
Whether it was the Tailed Beast Capsule in his possession or the secret techniques he controlled, they were all things others coveted.
"Because of the strength of our Akatsuki Organization!"
Deidara shouted.
"We Akatsuki can even scare off the Five Kage. Do you need me to show you footage of them running away with their tails between their legs?"
Deidara was referring to what had happened atop the ruins of Amegakure.
After Nagato's battle with Hyuga Sho, the Five Kage had fled in disarray.
Nagato had consequently become the greatest threat to the Five Great Nations.
After returning to his village, the Raikage had actively pursued technological research.
He began developing the Space-Time Chakra Cannon.
It was meant not only to defend against Hyuga Sho but also to eliminate Nagato.
Iwagakure and the other ninja villages had likewise been thrown into a state of alarm, constantly on guard against Nagato's attacks.
Sending the Jinchuriki to Kumogakure's Turtle Island had also been a choice born of necessity.
But the situation in the Shinobi World had become even more bewildering after Hyuga Sho's death.
"..."
Danzō fell silent.
He seemed to be calculating the gains and losses.
As a member of the Hawk Faction, Danzō had always disdained joining his enemies.
At most, he would turn enemies into friends and make them allies.
But having him join the Akatsuki Organization... wouldn't that amount to confirming his reputation as a rogue ninja?
That