So much had changed in the Ninja World recently.
Kumogakure had been crushed, Ryūchi Cave had collapsed, the Land of Water had endured a Chaotic April, Gelin City had fallen not long ago, and the Sky Ninja Legion had risen abruptly before plummeting just as quickly.
The entire Ninja World was as lively as the New Year. Some cheered, some worried, and others remained wary of the ever-expanding Awakening Ideology. People had nearly forgotten about one group—
Akatsuki.
In just a few months, the rogue ninjas and powerful fighters all looked sleep-deprived, especially Itachi Uchiha, whose tear troughs were practically as deep as nasolabial folds.
Those who knew him knew he was a handsome sixteen-year-old boy. Those who did not would think he was an old man who merely looked young.
Their exhaustion was inevitable.
While Lin Qing threw the Ninja World into turmoil, every member of Akatsuki had been working around the clock.
In the past, they had joined Akatsuki for all sorts of reasons: too many rules in their villages, being forbidden from killing people, restrictions on spending money...
Now, under Pain's management, there were no rules aside from not killing comrades. They could kill anyone they wanted and spend money however they pleased. Whenever something happened, a carrier pigeon only had to be sent out, and hundreds or thousands of Conglomerate employees would arrive to clean up the mess and handle all the loose ends perfectly.
All they had to do was what they were best at—
Clear away every obstacle in their path and capture the Tailed Beasts.
Deidara let out a long yawn and raised a hand to cover his mouth. Unfortunately, the mouth on his hand was yawning too, and the two tongues bumped together, making his stomach churn. He coughed several times.
Sasori