Ren quickly recalled Orochimaru's First Shinobi World War with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The information from Black Zetsu's side was incomplete, but Hiruzen Sarutobi and Itachi described the process in detail.
It's probably because of Nagato's victory over Hashirama Senju that Nagato has become arrogant and thinks he can act recklessly now.
Since it's a problem with Nagato, let's get straight to the point.
Ren would never kill Nagato, since he's still needed to push forward the Eye of the Moon Plan.
However, the chess piece has become a bit arrogant and doesn't know its own worth.
Ren thought it would be better to give him a beating so he would face reality.
As the Sword God of Shili Slope, Nagato should be continuing to level up, not causing trouble.
Once the idea was formed, the next step was to make a plan.
Rushing straight to Amegakure and beating up Nagato is definitely not an option.
Rushing in without a reason might make the other side nervous and start overthinking things, which would be bad.
We need to find a plausible excuse.
There were countless reasons like this, and Ren came up with an idea without much thought.
Not long after, Konan was taken to the Hokage Building.
Instead of being taken directly to the office, they stayed in a meeting room.
Konan was also wondering if she had been exposed, but she quickly dismissed the idea.
Having disguised herself, Konan felt that even if Jiraiya saw her, he wouldn't recognize her, given how many years had passed.
Konan wasn't particularly careful with her disguise; she simply dyed her hair black.
While he was still wondering why he had been summoned by the Hokage of Konoha, Ren walked in.
Konan, who wasn't very good at social skills, didn't know whether she should stand up and say hello.
What should I say when I greet someone?
Wouldn't it seem too arrogant not to greet them? After all, I'm only playing the role of the leader of Amegakure right now.
Konan noticed that Ren looked a little flustered and conflicted.
He said with a smile on his face.
"I am very sorry to have invited Ms. Bai Rong here. I have some questions that I would like to ask a Jonin from Amegakure."
Ren then sat down opposite Konan.
"If it involves secrets of Amegakure, I cannot disclose them!"
Clearly unsure how to handle the situation, Konan could only coldly state her position.
Ren still had his signature warm and welcoming smile, unchanged despite Konan's words.
"It shouldn't be anything particularly confidential. Does Bai Rong Jonin anything about the Akatsuki?"
These words caused Konan's expression to change drastically, and her pupils contracted.
Seeing Konan's expression, Ren quickly added something to prevent her from overthinking.
"It seems that Bai Rong Jonin has some knowledge of the Akatsuki. According to Konoha's records, the Akatsuki was initially established after the Second Shinobi World War, the exact time of which is unknown, but they were quite active in the Land of Rain during the Third Shinobi World War!"
As he spoke, Ren even gave a slightly self-deprecating expression.
"Due to certain events within Konoha, much of the information from the past has been lost."
Ren paused briefly, feigning regret, clearly waiting for Konan to process and connect the dots.
Almost all the intelligence Nagato received within the Akatsuki passed through Konan's hands, so Konan naturally connected this to the rumors of discord between the former high-ranking officials of Konoha and the Uchiha Clan.
Feeling that he had said enough, Ren continued speaking.
"However, the Akatsuki in the Shinobi World has been quite active in the mercenary market recently, and there is intelligence indicating that the Akatsuki is interested in recruiting missing-nin from various villages, such as Orochimaru from Konoha, as well as Sarutobi, Hibiki, Hiruzen, and Zanpakuto!"
Ren's face gradually turned serious as he stared intently at Konan.
"I wonder if your village has any connection with the current Akatsuki. Please tell me the truth!"
Konan was completely taken aback by Ren's abrupt change of direction. He was just telling a story, and now he's gone straight to the point?
Not being good at handling these kinds of situations, Konan could only keep a cold face and frantically think of how to answer.
However, Ren didn't actually wait for a reply, as following the rules wouldn't be in line with the usual behavior of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
[Sharingan!]
A Genjutsu was launched directly at Konan. Although Konan was on high alert, she had relaxed slightly because of Ren's previous words and was unsurprisingly caught in the trap.
But nothing happened; Konan, who had just been under the Genjutsu, was instantly freed.
Looking at the black rod on Konan's chin, Ren knew that Nagato must have put a lot of effort into Konan.
Just a moment ago, Ren felt an unstoppable force of eye power that completely blocked his Genjutsu.
That amount of eye power was something Ren never possessed even at his peak, let alone in terms of quality.
"Hmph! You're indeed not simple. It seems I made the right choice in coming to you, Bai Rong Jonin. Accompany me!"
The transition was rather abrupt and without reason, but because of the Akatsuki and the soon-to-be-exposed headquarters, Konan had no time to think about it.
Countless sealing characters formed from the void and covered Konan's body, completely rendering her unable to move or speak.
In short, they were silenced!
Ren then addressed the doorway.
"I'm sorry to trouble you again, Shisui!"