"Obito, why did you agree to let Orochimaru join?"
That was the one thing Zetsu couldn't understand. Why had Obito opposed Nagato right from the start?
"Orochimaru... back when I was in Konoha, his research skills were already impressive...
As far as I know, the Hashirama cells in Light Release Xuanhui and Senju Nawaki were the results of Orochimaru's research.
With him around, perhaps I can improve my physical condition..."
"Then should we approach him privately?"
"I'll take care of that. I'm certain he'll come over to our side..."
Obito's body disappeared into a vortex, and Zetsu sank into the ground.
Nagato sighed as he watched the two leave.
"Let's go. We still need to enter Amegakure and deal with the remnants."
"What about us?"
Orochimaru pointed at himself and Kakuzu.
"Do whatever he tells you to. You can come help me if you have time."
"All right."
Orochimaru and Kakuzu both knew exactly who Nagato meant by "he"...
Flying high overhead, Xuanhui finally breathed a sigh of relief once he saw everyone disperse.
The first phase of his plan-the founding of the Akatsuki-was more or less complete.
Things had gone smoothly. The death of Shimura Danzō, Konoha's greatest internal threat, would undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences.
The Darkness of Konoha was gone, and the main source of the village's talent drain had been plugged.
Orochimaru and Kakuzu had also taken the opportunity to join the Akatsuki.
Kakuzu's gains spoke for themselves. He had acquired four powerful hearts, making him more than three or four times stronger than in the original timeline!
By joining the Akatsuki, Orochimaru could use the artificially created White Zetsu for human experiments and return to the peak of his research in the original timeline!
As for the other future members, Xuanhui had already made contact