I Thought You Looked Like a Promising Young Man-Want to Join the Jashin Cult?

Gojo Satoru looked at Uchiha Ruri in surprise, rubbing the back of his head with a slightly awkward smile. "Oh, I'm just a clone, little buddy. That question really caught me off guard—it's both fresh and interesting. You have to understand, even though I'm your Shadow Clone, you and I share the same consciousness and memories. So your confusion is actually my own, too."

Uchiha Ruri blinked with interest and replied with a mysterious, playful smile. "Listen to you. You're a mature Shadow Clone now, so why are you still fooling around like a little kid? Besides, your original self has turned into a woman. Don't you think you should consider changing your identity, too, so we can adapt better to all sorts of situations? Maybe try experiencing life as a woman yourself?"

Gojo Satoru was instantly stunned by her words. Surprise and confusion flickered in his eyes; he clearly hadn't known how to handle this sudden suggestion.

Deep in his memories, he was the fearless, exceptionally powerful Gojo Satoru. Though he was a Shadow Clone, he hadn't gone through the trials the original Gojo Satoru had endured, nor had he experienced that infamous agony of being cut in half.

Yet now, faced with this entirely new challenge of changing genders, he was at a loss.

But Gojo Satoru had always been easygoing and carefree. He quickly composed himself, smiled, and accepted this seemingly absurd yet amusing suggestion.

He formed Hand Seals, and a strange ripple of power surrounded him. His short, dashing hair gradually changed, long locks cascading from his shoulders, smooth and lustrous. His features also took on a softer, distinctly feminine charm, and the transformation was complete.

In that instant, Gojo Satoru appeared before Uchiha Ruri in an entirely new, female form.

Gojo Rin's eyes widened in amazement as she stared at the scene before her. Reflected in her bright eyes was Gojo Satoru, who had just transformed from a man into a woman. She blurted out, "My big brother has actually turned into a woman?"

Her voice was tinged with disbelief and excitement. Then, half joking, she called out, "Big sister!"

Gojo Satoru chuckled softly and waved at Gojo Rin, as if she had long since grown accustomed to such astonishing changes.

Nearby, a sly glint shone in Uchiha Ruri's eyes as she watched the two of them interact. Then she confidently proposed a bold idea. "In that case, let's go along with it and change your backstory after you join the Akatsuki. You'll take on the role of a kind big sister who's good at listening. That'll help you fit into the organization, and you can use the role to achieve unexpected results during missions."

As it turned out, Uchiha Ruri had devised an ambitious plan. She intended for Gojo Rin, Hanabi, and Gojo Satoru, now a woman, to join the notorious Akatsuki together and fight alongside Pain and the others.

She wasn't simply planning for them to sign on. She hoped they could subtly change or influence the Akatsuki's actions and, in the future, use their special identities and relationships during the battle against Konoha to stage a one-of-a-kind "Bag of Rice Pain" incident.

The plan would require careful planning and clever strategy. They would have to infiltrate enemy ranks, then demonstrate sufficient strength and intelligence at the crucial moment to achieve their intended goal.

Amid the laughter and conversation, Uchiha Hanabi quietly moved behind Gojo Satoru, who had just completed her transformation. A mischievous glint shone in her eyes; she was clearly quite curious about Gojo Satoru's new appearance.

She gently reached out and cautiously touched Gojo Satoru's chest, which had become fuller after the transformation. A subtle, satisfied smile appeared on her face.

Lowering her voice, she teased with a hint of admiration, "Wow, Teacher Gojo feels amazing now. Compared to when you were a man, this soft, comfortable feeling really is on another level."

Gojo Satoru was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help laughing.

Though Gojo Satoru kept smiling, she decided to return Uchiha Hanabi's teasing in kind.

She pretended to be displeased, lightly touched Uchiha Hanabi's chest, and joked, "Hanabi, yours is still as flat as a board. Looks like we all have room to grow. You really are hopeless."

Watching Gojo Satoru and Uchiha Hanabi's exchange, Uchiha Ruri couldn't help laughing. She pretended to shake her head sternly, though amusement shone in her eyes. "You two—how did you manage to turn such profound Six Paths techniques into this? They were supposed to be important tools for tactical planning and strategic disguises, but now you're using them to 'experience life' with each other."

Gojo Satoru withdrew her hand, a faint smile on her face. She hadn't taken the joke to heart and agreed readily. "You're right, original me. But this just shows how flexible and versatile ninjutsu can be. Even a Six Paths Level technique can have unexpected uses in different situations."

A trace of sorrow still lingered on Uchiha Hanabi's face. She glanced at Gojo Satoru's chest and murmured, "Tsk."

The mysterious Masked Man raced through the silent night toward Yugakure.

At last, he caught up with the Akatsuki team led by Konan, a few kilometers from the village.

"Oh? Konan, I'm here. Sorry I'm late."

His voice was muffled by his mask, but his words were delivered with a carefree, laughing tone, as if he didn't mind being late at all.

Kakuzu turned at the sound, his brow furrowed in impatience. "New guy, why did it take you so long to use the bathroom? Did you have diarrhea or something?"

His words were coarse. He had no idea that the tardy companion before him was no ordinary newcomer.

Standing nearby, Itachi Uchiha watched in silence, his gaze deep and unreadable. He knew there was more to this than met the eye.

The horrific memories of the Night of the Uchiha Massacre were still fresh in his mind. That very incident had driven him to join the Akatsuki.

This Masked Man who had suddenly appeared was no ordinary person. He was likely the key figure behind many of the upheavals—Madara Uchiha, or rather, Obito.

What normal person spent dozens of minutes in the bathroom? And squatted in the woods to do it, without the slightest shame?

As one of the Akatsuki's core members, Konan knew the man's true identity all too well: Madara Uchiha, otherwise known as Obito.

Madara's arrival would only bring more uncertainty to an already complicated Akatsuki. So when Madara showed up among the trainees as a newcomer, Konan couldn't help feeling wary and resistant.

Faced with Hidan's ignorance and Itachi's silence, Konan suppressed her distaste and addressed the Masked Man evenly. "I hope you'll arrive at the meeting point on time next time. The Akatsuki has strict rules. We can't tolerate delays."

On the surface, she was reprimanding a newcomer, but in truth, she was warning Madara that his every move would be closely watched.

"Yes, yes, I really should improve my efficiency. This time, I passed through a bustling market and remembered that Itachi liked Three-Color Dango, so I picked up a few portions. I thought they might bring a little warmth to this tense mission."

The Masked Man—who was actually Obito Uchiha—explained as he held up the Three-Color Dango he had bought at a nearby shop.

Itachi Uchiha's gaze fell on the familiar sweets. His expression barely changed, but a ripple stirred deep within him.

He remembered that, when they were young, Izumi Uchiha had once made similar Three-Color Dango for him. They were more than a sweet childhood memory; they reminded him of his deep longing for his family and the bonds he had lost.

He gave a slight nod, his voice calm and reserved. "That's true. Three-Color Dango has a delicate texture, and it brings back good memories of childhood. Thank you for thinking of me."

Kakuzu, a veteran of the Akatsuki, demonstrated his strict and practical nature. He reminded the newcomer, "It's good to be considerate of your teammates, but completing our missions is what matters most in this organization. Next time, plan your route in advance. Don't let trivial matters delay us again."

Konan chose to keep quiet for the moment. "Come on. Recruiting new members is what matters most. Eat the dango on the way."

"Got it. I'll remember next time, seniors!" The Masked Man followed them toward Yugakure.

The next day.

On an ordinary afternoon, the sun lazily bathed the streets and alleys of Yugakure, while the villagers went about their daily business.

Just then, Hidan suddenly appeared in front of an ordinary villager who was hurrying along. Dressed in ninja attire, with a mysterious smile on his lips, he looked every bit like a con artist.

"Hey, brother, you've got fine features and an extraordinary build. You're a once-in-a-century prodigy!" Hidan put on a friendly air and patted the man on the shoulder, inviting him with an earnest expression. "You should consider joining the Jashin Cult, serving Lord Jashin!"

The villager stopped, clearly bewildered by the sudden question. He stared blankly at Hidan, then came to his senses a moment later and scratched his head, asking innocently, "The Jashin Cult? That sounds new. Does this religion offer any special benefits?"

Hidan's eyes lit up, and he beamed as if he'd found the perfect opportunity to make a sales pitch. "Haha, brother, you've come to the right place! The Jashin Cult offers incredible benefits! First, all you have to do is bravely stab yourself in the heart, and you'll feel the sublime thrill of your soul communing directly with Lord Jashin! Take a look at my scythe. It's no ordinary weapon—it's a sacred tool for sacrificial rituals. It looks incredibly valuable, and only the most distinguished followers of the Jashin Cult can own one!"

As he spoke, Hidan proudly drew his bloodstained weapon and deliberately waved it around in the sunlight, making it shine with an eerie light.

The villager stared at the weapon in Hidan's hand, first in surprise, then with deep confusion. He pondered for a long while before finally managing to say, "...So the benefit is that I get to stab myself, then own an expensive-looking scythe that I'll use to stab myself?"

The air around them froze. Hidan's smug expression stiffened, and after a moment, he forced an awkward but polite smile. "Ahem, well, brother, you've got a slight misunderstanding, but you've more or less got the idea... Anyway, this is the only path to truth and eternity. It's absolutely worth every penny!"

The villager's face went blank. He had no words, and could only think to himself, Did I just run into some kind of high-level cult recruiter...?

The villager gave a slight shake of his head, disdain written across his face. "Forget it. I'm not interested."

His words put an end to Hidan's bizarre pitch. He had clearly turned down the offer.

The grin on Hidan's face froze, replaced by a sinister cruelty.

His lips curled into a strange smile, like those of a sly fox. "Oh? So you won't cooperate. In that case, I'll just have to offer you to Lord Jashin as a sacrifice."

The villager rolled his eyes and thought to himself, What a nutcase.

He turned to leave, planning to return to the village and tell the other villagers about this con artist spouting nonsense, so they could stay alert.

Hidan had no intention of letting him go. A crafty glint flashed in his eyes, and he darted in front of the villager.

He decided to try one more time to get him to join the cult. Putting on a mysterious air, he lowered his voice. "Don't you really want to know Lord Jashin's secrets? If you'll cooperate, I promise you'll get everything you want."

The villager stopped and looked at Hidan curiously. He wondered if the con artist had gone crazy. Who would use Lord Jashin as a pretext?

Still, he didn't want to miss this chance. Unmasking the scammer might even help the village.

So he deliberately feigned interest. "Oh? Then tell me—what exactly is Lord Jashin's secret?"

Hidan laughed smugly, as if he could already see the villager taking the bait.

He began making up all sorts of absurd stories, trying to trick the villager into believing his lies.

The villager listened with keen interest, nodding along now and then. When Hidan had talked himself hoarse, the man suddenly changed the subject. "I see. Lord Jashin's secret really is something else. But I think you should go look in a mirror first and ask yourself: do you look anything like a follower of Lord Jashin?"

Hidan froze, then his expression darkened. He hadn't expected the villager to dare make fun of him.

If he was the only member of the Jashin Cult, how could an ordinary person get away with mocking him?

"I'll just have to sacrifice you, then." Hidan's greatsword swept across the villager's throat. Blood sprayed, and he collapsed dead.