The Akatsuki Organization

In less than two days, Hyuuga Nen entered the Land of Rain with Pain.

The Land of Wind bordered the Land of Rain, and the Rōran Ruins were actually not far from it. However, Hyuuga Nen and Pain had to avoid detection by Sunagakure's ninja along the way, so the journey took quite some time.

As soon as they entered the Land of Rain, Hyuuga Nen noticed the difference between it and the Land of Wind. Within seconds, the rain had soaked him.

Watching the steady drizzle, Hyuuga Nen couldn't help remarking, "The weather here is the complete opposite of the Land of Wind."

"It rains year-round in the Land of Rain. That's how the country got its name," Pain said, his gaze fixed ahead.

Hyuuga Nen also noticed that the Land of Rain had many high-rise buildings, a sight rarely seen in other countries. These tall structures were made of stone and steel, and were somewhat waterproof. The buildings were also connected by numerous drainage pipes.

"The scenery in the Land of Rain really is unique." Hyuuga Nen took in his surroundings and came to that conclusion.

"I'm taking you to meet the person in charge of the organization. Be careful not to let the Rain Ninja spot you. Follow me." After speaking, Pain headed toward what looked like a remote area of the Land of Rain.

"The Rain Ninja... You mean Hanzo of the Salamander?" Hyuuga Nen was astonished. Could Hanzo still be alive?

"He's holed up deep inside Amegakure now, hardly ever venturing out. He leaves the day-to-day affairs to his subordinates. Hanzo has become a coward."

"The Rain Ninja's control over the Land of Rain has weakened. Our organization now controls part of the country," Pain continued.

Hyuuga Nen nodded to show he understood.

They said nothing more as Pain led Hyuuga Nen carefully around the Rain Ninja. At last, they reached a modestly sized building.

"Go in. This is our organization's temporary base. Someone will be waiting for you inside." Pain pointed in one direction, then left through another entrance.

Hyuuga Nen followed the direction Pain had indicated. At the end of the passage, he saw a room with its door open. A young woman with blue hair sat inside.

"You're Hyuuga Nen?" The woman turned and looked at him.

Hyuuga Nen nodded in confirmation.

"My name is Konan. I'm a member of the Akatsuki and one of its founders. When Pain isn't here, you'll follow my orders. Understood?"

"Understood," Hyuuga Nen replied.

"Also, don't activate your Byakugan around the organization unless you have to, unless you want to invite unnecessary trouble."

Konan seemed to have it in for him, so Hyuuga Nen said, "From the way you're acting, it seems you don't want me in your organization."

"That's right. But Pain insisted on recruiting you, so there's nothing I can do."

"In that case, why not talk to Pain and have him kick me out?" Hyuuga Nen suggested.

"No one can change a decision Pain has made. But even if he changed his mind, you wouldn't be able to bear the cost of leaving the organization. Do you understand?" Konan warned.

"Fine." Konan's words left Hyuuga Nen feeling dispirited.

"Wait here for a bit. I'll get you something. There's more I need to tell you." With that, Konan left the room.

After a while, Konan returned with a set of clothes: a black robe patterned with red clouds, the Akatsuki uniform.

Konan nodded in satisfaction at the sight of Hyuuga Nen, handsome in his new outfit. "Not bad. The organization has another normal-looking person now. There won't be quite so many oddballs."

Konan then brought out a handful of rings. "Pick one. Once you put it on, don't take it off. Pain uses these rings to contact the organization's members."

Hyuuga Nen picked one at random. It had the character for "three" engraved on it, and he slipped it onto the index finger of his left hand.

Hyuuga Nen pointed at a small bottle of purple liquid on the tray. "What's this?"

"Nail polish. Every member of the organization has some," Konan replied.

"Huh?"

Only then did Hyuuga Nen notice that Pain and Konan had nail polish on their fingers, too.

"It's nail polish," Konan repeated.

"Can I refuse?" Hyuuga Nen asked.

"Suit yourself."

Hyuuga Nen shook his head, declining Konan's "kind offer."

Konan set the nail polish aside and turned to Hyuuga Nen. "Now I'll tell you about the organization. Besides Pain and me, our other members are Zetsu, Kakuzu, Sasori, and Orochimaru."

"You should have met Zetsu when Pain recruited you. He handles intelligence for the organization."

"As for Kakuzu, you've had a bit of a disagreement with him. I'm sure you're not unfamiliar with him."

"'A bit of a disagreement' doesn't cover it. He tried to kill me," Hyuuga Nen said, displeasure showing on his face.

Konan acted as if she hadn't noticed his expression and continued, "Sasori used to be from Sunagakure. Have you heard of Sasori of the Red Sands?"

"I have." Hyuuga Nen nodded.

"As for Orochimaru, he's one of the legendary Sannin. He joined our organization only a few days ago, just a little before you did."

"These are the only members we have for now, but we're still recruiting. There will be more in the future."

"I see. Most of the ninja your organization recruits are famous. So what exactly does the organization do? You're not recruiting all these ninja just for fun, are you?" Hyuuga Nen looked at Konan and asked.

"I can't tell you the details yet, because I don't trust you enough. In a few days, the organization's members will have a mission. After we complete it, once you've earned some of my trust, I'll tell you."

"What kind of mission is it?" Hyuuga Nen asked.

"I'll tell you before we set out."

Hyuuga Nen looked displeased. "Isn't this a little ridiculous?"

"All I can tell you is that our organization's goal is peace in the Shinobi World," Konan said, ignoring his expression and speaking as if to herself.

Seeing that Hyuuga Nen seemed unmoved, Konan said, "You really are different from us."

"Different? How?" Hyuuga Nen asked, puzzled.

"Never mind." Konan turned away. "Once you leave here, there are empty rooms on either side. Pick one to stay in. And don't leave during the next few days. If there's nothing else, I'll be going."

Hyuuga Nen said nothing, and Konan left the room.