"A complete Uchiha corpse, with the eyes still intact."
Shinichi spoke softly, his voice like a demon's whisper. "Just imagine it—the Sharingan, combined with the four bloodlines you already possess..."
Hiruko's breathing quickened, and his crippled right hand trembled involuntarily. "Why are you helping me?"
"Because Akatsuki needs a genius like you."
Shinichi rose to his feet and walked toward the cave entrance. "Follow me once you've made up your mind. Hidden Cloud Village's pursuers will be here soon."
Urgent whistles sounded from outside the cave, along with faint shouts of "Intruder spotted!"
Hiruko struggled to his feet, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of madness and desire.
"Wait for me!"
He staggered after Shinichi's retreating figure. "I'll go with you!"
The corner of Shinichi's lips curled into an imperceptible smile.
The two figures soon vanished into the thunderclouds blanketing the canyon, leaving behind only laser-burned scorch marks on the cave walls as witnesses to the clash that had changed both their fates.
Several days later...
Land of Rivers, where Shinichi had first gathered them. In a dim cave, every Akatsuki member stood scattered about in turn, their silhouettes outlined by shadow radiating an imposing aura.
It had to be said, Akatsuki's efficiency was truly top-notch.
Shinichi looked at Hidan, Deidara, and Hiruko, whom he had recruited himself, standing at the far end. He secretly gave himself a pat on the back, while countless snarky remarks surged through his mind, demanding to be voiced.
Neji discovered that whenever he shifted his consciousness into this incarnation, the livelier side of his personality became amplified. He had been somewhat wary at first, but as time passed, he wholeheartedly accepted this liveliness, following the natural course of the Dao.
The Dao was wondrous beyond words.
Shinichi leaned against a rough stone pillar, his