Rain fell in a steady drizzle.
The sky over the Land of Rain was forever shrouded in gray clouds, as though the country had never seen true sunlight. Rainwater slid down the spires of the towers and dripped onto the stone-paved streets, splashing into tiny droplets before quickly being covered by fresh rain. The entire city seemed soaked in damp mist; even breathing carried the weight of moisture.
Inside the tower, dim candlelight flickered, casting twisted shadows across the walls. Six Paths of Pain—Deva Path Pain, Yahiko's body—stood silently in the center, his purple Rinnegan cold and profound, as though they could see through every illusion. Behind him stood Konan in silence, her paper wings slightly folded as her pale violet eyes watched ahead.
"Phantom Lantern Body Technique." Deva Path Pain spoke softly, forming hand seals.
In an instant, several illusory lights lit up the dim chamber. Blurred figures gradually solidified, eventually taking on the forms of Akatsuki members. They stood at different positions, their phantom chakra projections rippling faintly amid the rain like mirages that could vanish at any moment.
Shinichi's figure was among them as well. His Phantom Lantern Body projection wore a black robe patterned with red clouds, and his crimson Sharingan appeared especially eerie beneath the dim light. He swept his gaze around, lingering on Obito Uchiha, disguised as Tobi, for a moment before casually looking away.
"Everyone is here." Deva Path Pain's deep, imposing voice echoed through the chamber.
"The organization has gained a new member. You may call him—" Pain had not finished speaking when an absurd voice interrupted him.
"Tobi, Tobi! My name's Tobi! Please take care of me, seniors!"
Obito, dressed as Tobi, deliberately shouted in a goofy manner.
"He doesn't look very smart," Hidan said.
"Has the organization declined to the