The valley was pitch-black, with mist drifting close to the river's surface.
A small boat rocked forward across the water. Obito, wearing a spiral mask, and Itachi Uchiha both had their eyes closed.
Obito cracked his eyelids open and, without turning his head, said to Itachi, "Oh, right. In the organization, I go by Tobi. I'm not an official member."
"At most, I'm just a useless trainee in Akatsuki. Watch your tone when you talk to me."
Itachi paused, then turned to look at him. "Why hide your true identity?"
There was a smug note of contempt in Obito's voice. "If people found out Madara Uchiha was still alive, it would be a huge hassle. I'll take you to meet Akatsuki's leader soon. He's the only one who knows who I really am."
Beneath the enormous Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, translucent figures glowing with rainbow light stood atop its fingers.
Phantom Body Technique.
This was an ability unique to the Rinnegan—Pain received the chakra "Thought Waves" released by the organization's members, amplified them, and projected them as illusions at designated locations.
Unlike ordinary shadows, these illusions could use all kinds of jutsu through Pain's relay.
The illusions flickered with multicolored patterns.
"Well, if it isn't Itachi. It's been a while."
A hoarse voice slipped into Itachi Uchiha's ears.
"Orochimaru!?"
Itachi's pupils contracted sharply. He never would have imagined that Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, had joined this organization too.
Obito, who had been acting aloof the whole time, suddenly seemed like a different person. In an utterly idiotic tone, he hollered, "Ha~ Oh, right! You two are from the same hometown~ What a touching reunion~"
"I've heard of you."
Orochimaru chuckled. "So you're a ninja from that side too. The kind of ninja who sees villages, clans,