"In this painful world, it takes powerful people like you and me, who have experienced sorrow and pain, to change it—to set this chaotic world right and turn it into the land of our dreams! Are you willing to join my organization, Nightmare Buddha Akatsuki?"
"Why did you choose me?"
Uchiha Itachi looked at Pain seriously. After hearing his introduction, he asked the question. Pain spread his hands, then slowly clenched them into fists.
"Because you and I are the same kind of people! We share the same dreams and ideals!"
He had nowhere to go now. Although Konoha Ninja Village was not pursuing him too intensely, remaining in the Land of Fire did not seem like a solution either. Yet going to another country could prove even more dangerous than staying in Konoha or the Land of Fire, because their enemies would see him as a spy. Even though the Uchiha Clan of Konoha had been destroyed, throughout the four great ninja nations, the Uchiha Clan remained an unshakable symbol of Konoha.
"I can agree to join your organization, but I have one condition!"
Uchiha Itachi considered it carefully. The other party was undoubtedly a Kage-level powerhouse, and an organization like this was bound to have its own objective. If he joined, he could judge whether they were good or bad for Konoha. At the same time, he did not want to have any further ties to Konoha Ninja Village. Rather than acting as a spy, he might as well see from the start whether they would keep their promise.
"Go ahead."
Pain fell silent for a moment before slowly nodding. Uchiha Itachi then stated his condition.
"Never make a move against Konoha!"
The corners of Pain's lips curved into a faint smile as he promised, "As long as