Amegakure.
The high tower.
Konan stood at the edge of the tower. A blond figure in a black robe patterned with red clouds sat half-reclined nearby.
"The newly recruited guy—letting him manage the organization's funds,
is that really okay?" Konan asked Pain.
"It's fine. This guy is a ninja who survived since the Warring States Period.
I think he should hold power in awe," Pain said indifferently.
Konan nodded. "Yes, we will definitely fulfill Yahiko's dream."
A trace of remembrance filled her eyes.
"Before you complete your plan, I think you should deal with a few Konoha rats.
This is Amegakure's business, so I think it's better left to you."
The Spiral Man suddenly appeared beside them and spoke.
"Rats?"
Konan and Pain looked at him, this man who called himself Madara Uchiha.
The Spiral Man smiled. "Yes. I originally came to discuss something with you, but I happened to run into a few Konoha spies.
They're probably on their way out of Amegakure now.
"If you need help, I can lend you a hand as well."
The two were stunned as they looked at the Spiral Man.
Pain stood up. "It seems Konoha still has capable people. They managed to remain undiscovered for so long despite such intense searches and high alert.
Impressive."
"I think so too. To hide even from your perception," the Spiral Man said with a smile.
To evade the Uzumaki clan's sensory abilities, the power of the Rinnegan, and the search efforts of an entire village—even he was interested.
"Hah, I wonder if we can recruit them into Akatsuki." At last, he made a suggestion.
Outside Amegakure, near the Konoha border.
Whoosh!
Four figures sped forward.
Teksen Shiso looked at the border they were about to reach, a smile on his face. "Sensei, you're