A newcomer who had mastered Space-Time Ninjutsu?
The Akatsuki members all perked up their ears. Space-Time Ninjutsu was an exceedingly rare talent. Regardless of a ninja's own strength, as long as they mastered Space-Time Ninjutsu, they could remain invincible and might one day become as powerful as the Second Hokage or Fourth Hokage.
Yet Tobi's debut performance was a flat stumble, making him look none too bright.
He then casually introduced himself to the Akatsuki members, looking every bit like a rookie ninja fresh out of the gate. He seemed extremely unreliable, yet was unexpectedly well received.
Once Tobi's act had been accepted, he was assigned to Itachi Uchiha's team.
Itachi secretly frowned. He did not understand why the Masked Man had disguised himself as Tobi. Why would the Akatsuki's hidden leader pretend to be a newcomer? Was it simply for his own amusement?
Or had Juzo Biwa's betrayal made him decide to step in personally and prevent something similar from happening again?
After the Akatsuki meeting ended, Itachi contacted Orochimaru through his ring and asked about information concerning the Land of Whirlpools.
"Orochimaru, what is going on in the Land of Whirlpools? Why did Shisui join Uzushio Village, and who is Uzumaki Menma? I need the intelligence you have."
After receiving Itachi Uchiha's message, Orochimaru's lips curled into a smile before he replied.
"Information is not provided for free. You must offer intelligence that interests me as well. If there is an opportunity, the two of us should meet. Consider it a meeting between Konoha defectors, and I will give you information that satisfies you..."
"I don't trust you, but I can meet you. I'll choose the location."
"That will not do. What if you attack me? You are the one who needs the intelligence in my possession, so