After Ren left quickly, he did not return directly to Konoha.
During the battle just now, Ren sensed being watched from multiple directions.
Clearly, his every move was being watched, as there were quite a few small boats in the surrounding waters.
The people on the ship used their respective methods to record the battle that had just taken place.
Ren naturally had no interest in dealing with these small fry, and he certainly wouldn't stop them from passing on information.
Ren was also counting on these intelligence agents to spread his fame.
The reason Ren changed his target was simple: he spotted someone familiar, and even though they were disguised, Ren knew who it was immediately.
A small boat, no, it should be called a speedboat, speeding along at breakneck speed, given its streamlined appearance, which is unlike most ships in the Shinobi World.
Ren flew low over a great distance, almost skimming the surface of the sea, since flying in the sky would be too conspicuous.
As they approached the speedboat, Ren jumped up from the sea and landed gently on the small boat.
Looking at the two people opposite him, one wary and the other slacking off, Ren smiled and spoke.
"Gentlemen, we've come uninvited. Hope you don't mind!"
The two people opposite Ren were Kakuzu and Sasori.
Upon seeing the Eight-Tails wreaking havoc in Hidden Cloud Village from afar, Sasori decided to leave immediately.
The Eight-Tails, which had Kamui, didn't seem to be in any trouble. The mission was accomplished, and especially with Ren still there, leaving as soon as possible was the right thing to do.
Kakuzu wholeheartedly agreed. The Akatsuki's missions were always poorly paid, and if it weren't for the fact that they couldn't defeat Pain, Kakuzu would never want to waste time on missions that didn't pay him.
The little boat, handcrafted by Scorpion, is incredibly fast despite its wooden structure; unfortunately, what runs on water can never outrun what flies in the sky.
Seeing that Ren had caught up, Sasori completely gave up and didn't even bother to control the ship anymore.
"Scorpion-senpai, are you back working for your old employer again? Were you unhappy working in Konoha?"
Ren's casual teasing made Sasori extremely nervous.
Having learned his lesson, Scorpion naturally wouldn't answer Ren's question, lest he easily fall into a trap.
However, Sasori felt that now was an opportunity, and if Ren just tried a little harder, he would reluctantly agree.
Then, add some conditions, such as those related to freedom.
At this moment, Scorpion felt just like those young people who tighten screws in factories or work 996 coding jobs in companies, always feeling that they were not free in factories or companies.
He dreamed of starting his own business Tenten, but after a period of hardship, he realized that working in the factory was more comfortable.
It's true that you have thoughts in your mind, but you can't show them. You even have to act reluctant when the other party extends an invitation.
So Scorpion said coldly.
"Uchiha Yushu, this time I will not surrender easily. Freedom is more important to me than anything else!"
After Scorpion finished speaking, his face remained expressionless, but his heart was filled with anticipation.
Invite me now!
If negotiations fail, force may be used!
Ren was just there to say hello to Sasori. After all, he had been Sasori's employee for several years, and apart from his poor interpersonal skills, his abilities were unquestionable.
The unexpected Kakuzu of Ren sparked a slight interest in Yuuki.
As the protagonist of the next version, the Akatsuki will naturally require Ren to intensify his infiltration efforts in order to better control the progress.
Besides, Kakuzu is a capable man, and it's worth taking the plunge and undermining him.
As for Sasori, Ren didn't have much interest in him, especially after hearing Sasori's words.
Sasori was ultimately a ninja, not a full-fledged researcher.
In such a harsh environment, with such a backward industrial base, is freedom still what you yearn for most?
Ren had already begun planning for Sasori, whether it was vigorously developing various industries or introducing him to the powerful mechanical creations from his own memories.
Making money and developing the business are the main goals, and there's also the possibility that they might use this opportunity to tie Sasori to the Konoha's chariot.
In the end, it was all for naught!
Ren knew he wasn't a god, so it wasn't surprising that he misjudged the situation. So be it if Akatsuki; he had his own channels to obtain Sasori's results anyway.
"Senior Scorpion, there's no need to be so agitated. Our relationship was purely one of employment. Although you broke the contract early, we'll consider it all in consideration of your contributions to Konoha."
Ren spoke to Sasori in a very kind manner, then looked at Kakuzu and said...
"This must be Mr. Kakuzu, a powerful ninja who is said to have fought a great battle against our First Hokage of Konoha. I have a big business opportunity for you, Mr. Kakuzu, are you interested?"
The two of them were stunned as soon as they finished speaking.
Scorpion couldn't even control his expression; his eyes were full of confusion.
Why is this happening?
We met first, please love me again!
Kakuzu was initially delighted upon hearing about the big deal, but quickly became wary.
There's a problem!
It's very likely a trap!
I don't even know my own level. Kakuzu doesn't believe he can hide his true strength from Ren.
In this situation, Ren's words seem very suspicious.
At a young age, Kakuzu, lacking social skills and interpersonal understanding, was sent to assassinate Hashirama Senju. After failing the mission, he was imprisoned in Takigakure.
After serving his Kakuzu ran away from home and joined the yakuza.
Even though Kakuzu is now over 90 years old, he still doesn't understand social etiquette or the art of language.
Mistaking Ren's simple praise, meant to build rapport, for ulterior motives, she finally blurted out a remark.
"Not interested!"