Cross-World Exchange

Akatsuki appeared to be controlled by Nagato.

But behind him stood Uchiha En.

And behind Uchiha En lurked Black Zetsu, who had hidden himself for a thousand years.

Everyone believed they were using others.

Yet the one truly driving everything was Black Zetsu.

"What is Akatsuki's current objective?"

"Recruit powerful people, accumulate funds, and collect the Tailed Beasts."

Fang Xu explained the future organization's structure in detail.

"Nagato will control the organization under the identity of Pain."

"Konan is his core companion."

"Uchiha En hides in the shadows, guiding Nagato under the identity of Madara Uchiha."

"Black Zetsu is responsible for gathering intelligence, while White Zetsu handles scouting and surveillance."

"The other members operate in two-person teams."

"They will accept bounty missions and take part in wars between nations."

Kakuzu quickly understood Fang Xu's plan.

He had originally been a rogue ninja.

Having spent many years active in the Underground Bounty Exchange, he possessed the reputation of a top-tier bounty hunter.

He liked money and had no village or clan ties holding him back.

A person like him indeed fit Akatsuki's recruitment standards.

"Do I need to approach them proactively?"

"Don't be too proactive."

Fang Xu shook his head.

"After restoring your identity as a bounty hunter, take on several high-value bounties."

"Let Akatsuki notice you."

"With your strength, they will recruit you on their own."

"If you go directly to them, it will instead easily arouse suspicion."

Kakuzu nodded.

His decades-long career as a bounty hunter had given him ample patience.

"After joining, what do I need to do?"

"Complete missions normally."

"Do your best to access the organization's core intelligence."

Fang Xu looked at Kakuzu.

"Focus on investigating Nagato's location, the abilities of the Six Paths of Pain, the location where the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path