"What a pity. They're all useless."
Kakuzu looked at the ninja who had come to pledge themselves to him, deeply dissatisfied with their strength. Although some had reached the level of jonin, they still fell far short compared to the members of Akatsuki.
What they needed were elite jonin at the very least, with some positions even requiring fighters at the Kage level.
"There's no point in letting them join."
The latest intelligence was delivered to Uchiha Yū. He was not surprised by the result. In a ninja world this vast, the ninja who had come were merely passable. It would take time for the truly strong to arrive.
"I have someone quite promising here. It depends on whether he can withstand your test."
Konan and Kakuzu had joined forces to manage the ever-growing organization. One was responsible for gathering intelligence, while the other handled Dawn's funds. Their complementary roles had dramatically improved the organization's efficiency.
"Hmm?"
Uchiha Yū looked over the list she had submitted, a peculiar glint appearing in his eyes. He knew this person—it was Hiruko, who had once hunted him down. Back then, Uchiha Yū could only follow behind Hatake Sakumo. During his battle with Hiruko, he had been suppressed the entire time.
As a missing-nin from Konoha, it seemed Hiruko could no longer withstand the pressure Konoha had placed on him and wanted to find an organization that could share that burden. Akatsuki's emergence had arrived at just the right time, giving him an option.
"His strength is indeed quite good."
That scene from years ago felt as though it had happened only yesterday. Recalling Hiruko's strength, Uchiha Yū nodded lightly and said,
"Perfect. I want to see Hiruko too. But only you know my identity. This isn't the time to reveal it to the