"Name."
"Uchiha Itachi."
"Place of origin."
"Konoha."
"Why did you defect?"
"I slaughtered members of the Hyuga Clan, violating the rules, and fled before I could be held accountable."
Uchiha Itachi brought out the bodies of several Hyuga Clan elders.
Black Zetsu went over to inspect them. Each had the Byakugan.
"Nagato, he isn't lying."
"Next question, then. What do you hope to gain from joining the Akatsuki?"
"I just want a job. Konoha would lock me up, after all."
After organizing Uchiha Itachi's personal information, Nagato glanced at Obito.
Obito took the hint and spoke to Uchiha Itachi.
"We need to test you to see whether you're strong enough to join the Akatsuki."
Obito led Uchiha Itachi to an open area outside Amegakure.
Standing there were the Six Paths of Pain!
"Are we sending all six against him?"
"There's no need for the Naraka Path or the Human Path. Those two just provide extra fields of vision and resurrection. We don't need them."
So Obito withdrew to the side with the Naraka Path and the Human Path.
Black Zetsu's head also emerged from the ground beside Obito's feet.
"What's the verdict?"
"The White Zetsu outside Konoha saw it. Uchiha Itachi really did kill those Hyuga Clan members."
"Then let's keep him. First, let's see how strong he is."
"What if he's strong?"
"Being strong is a good thing.
But if he's too strong... we'll need to assign someone to watch him..."
Obito narrowed his eyes slightly, as though everything was going according to his calculations.
Black Zetsu studied Obito's expression and sighed.
"As long as you have a plan."
Just then, Uchiha Itachi finally moved!
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
An enormous mass of flame spewed from Uchiha Itachi's mouth, its intensity instantly evaporating the raindrops around him!
"What