Entering the Akatsuki

As the vortex swirled, Obito appeared atop Amegakure's tower, before Pain and Konan.

"You've heard about Kakuzu and Hidan, haven't you?"

Pain and Konan said nothing. Their eyes simply followed Obito.

Obito walked straight past them toward a chair in the corner, lifted the back of his Akatsuki Robe, and sat down.

Pain and Konan each took a seat.

Obito propped the cheek of his mask on one hand and tilted his head slightly. "I regret the loss of the wealth the Akatsuki accumulated over more than a decade, but we cannot let that bring us to a standstill. Why not move the Tailed Beast hunt ahead of schedule..."

Rumble!

A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky outside the tower!

Konan said coolly, "Zetsu discovered that Orochimaru had set his sights on Kakuzu, yet he failed to report it to us immediately. Don't you owe us an explanation?"

Obito's gaze shifted toward Konan beneath his mask as he turned the question back on her. "Are you questioning me?"

Konan remained composed. "I wouldn't dare. I merely want to identify the weaknesses in the Akatsuki's intelligence network so we can prevent another oversight."

Obito looked away and offered the explanation he had prepared.

"Kakuzu apparently failed to follow Nagato's directive to 'keep a low profile' at our last meeting. He went to the hideout in the Land of Fire to stitch Deidara's arm back on. And what did he do afterward? He brazenly attacked the Fire Temple. Nagato, surely that wasn't on your orders?"

Pain said, "No, I didn't order it. Kakuzu never sought my approval beforehand, either."

Obito said, "It was Kakuzu's reckless behavior that exposed their whereabouts and directly caused the Akatsuki's losses this time. They have only themselves to blame!"

Konan stood her ground. "Even so, Zetsu was much slower to act this time than we expected!"

Obito answered without hesitation. "Zetsu's abilities aren't all-powerful, and Orochimaru has a formidable intelligence network of his own. Also, while this is only speculation for now, I'm certain they possess an eye with a Space-Time Dōjutsu, wielded by Orochimaru's trusted subordinate, Kabuto Yakushi!"

Konan said, "But..."

Pain said, "Konan, enough. What's done is done. We need to consider how to limit our losses, not point fingers at one another."

Konan bowed slightly, her expression turning cool again. "My apologies... I lost my composure."

Obito let the matter drop. "It's fine. You were thinking of the Akatsuki's interests. Let's discuss the business at hand."

Pain said, "Mr. Madara, would you hear my thoughts?"

Obito said, "Go ahead."

Pain said, "It's too early to abandon our fundraising efforts. Orochimaru stole that wealth, and we can steal it back."

Obito said, "Yes, as a secondary objective. Making the search for Orochimaru the Akatsuki's primary goal would only be counterproductive."

Pain said, "Also, Kakuzu's and Hidan's deaths have left a gap in our fighting strength that must be filled as soon as possible!"

Obito said, "I already have candidates in mind..."

Pain said, "Oh?"

Obito said, "They're at the foot of Amegakure's tower. They were once Orochimaru's subordinates. I captured them at the Northern Hideout, and they now serve me. Both have considerable potential. They're still inexperienced, but with a little training, they're certain to become pillars of the Akatsuki!"

Pain said, "Since you recommended them, I ought to accept them unconditionally. But this is no small matter. You wouldn't mind if I assessed them myself, would you?"

Obito said, "Of course not. The Akatsuki has always held strength above all else. Weak mediocrities have no right to wear this Akatsuki Robe, a symbol of bloody war!"

Obito rose and strode toward the observation deck at the front of the tower.

"Sasuke Uchiha destroyed two of Kakuzu's hearts with a single, casual blow. He even quickly found a way to counter Hidan's curse without any prior intelligence."

"More importantly... he obtained the 'power of the Senju' through Orochimaru. Heh, does he hope to recreate my power as Madara Uchiha? He's still a long way from that!"

Rumble... Lightning flashed and thunder roared!

Before the observation deck, he pulled up the hood of his Akatsuki Robe. As he slowly turned, the Sharingan beneath his mask shimmered with a mesmerizing light!

"Because... the power of the Sharingan is my power—the power of Madara Uchiha!"

Whoosh!

A black vortex emerged from his eye!

Before leaving, Obito delivered his ultimatum. "Nagato, at the Akatsuki's next meeting, I hope to hear that we have officially begun the Tailed Beast hunt..."

Obito vanished into the space-time vortex.

Pain rose and gazed at the curtain of rain outside the tower. Flashes of lightning illuminated his cold face.

Konan came up behind Pain, worry flickering in her eyes. "The sky is crying again. Pain, you..."

Pain's low voice rang out. "Sasori's death and Kakuzu's death were certainly no coincidence. He's displeased that I haven't followed his arrangements to the letter, so he used Orochimaru's actions to force a confrontation. As for the two new members he brought to replace Hidan and Kakuzu, they're another step in his infiltration of the Akatsuki. Does he intend to seize control?"

Konan said, "Then are we just going to let him lead us around by the nose?"

Pain said, "Now is not the time to turn against him. He did help me, after all. For now, we'll go along with his wishes. Sealing the Tailed Beasts into the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path is, at least, a goal we share..."

Konan clenched her fists. "And what happens afterward?"

Pain said, "We'll deal with that when the time comes. He's right. The Akatsuki must hold strength above all else. Those with strength will always have the final say!"

At that moment, Konan silently resolved, It looks like I'll have to prepare my final countermeasure ahead of time, too, for when we finally turn against each other...

Pain looked toward the foot of the tower.

"Let's go see the two 'newcomers' he brought."

Konan said, "Should I test them?"

"No, I'll do it myself..."

Whoosh!

Pain leaped from the tower. His Akatsuki Robe whipped in the wind as he landed in the mud below!

Suigetsu and Jugo, who had been waiting there for some time, watched the man before them warily!

"This guy... is the Akatsuki's leader? He's way younger than I imagined!"

Pain slowly straightened. His Rinnegan swept over Suigetsu and Jugo as he murmured, "You've each had a Sharingan implanted? It seems he's taken quite good care of you."

Suigetsu approached with a broad smile to greet him. "Ah, you're the leader? I'm Hozuki Suigetsu, a new member recommended by Tobi. Looking forward to working with you!"

Pain's Deva Path remained expressionless.

"Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, Dōjutsu, secret techniques, forbidden techniques, Ninja Tools, Poison Tools—use anything you like. Nothing is off-limits. Throw everything you have at me. If you can touch the hem of my robe, you qualify to join the Akatsuki. Otherwise, you'll make your home in Amegakure. For. Ever..."

The smile slowly faded from Suigetsu's face. Beside him, Jugo clenched his fists tightly.

"What... is this guy saying? There's a limit to how much you can look down on people, isn't there?"