Orochimaru, one of the Konoha Sannin.
To River, this man was an old acquaintance indeed.
They had met before the Nine-Tails' Rampage. At Orochimaru's invitation, River had even witnessed a horrifying session of human experimentation.
In a sense, it was thanks to Orochimaru that River had mastered Wood Release and developed his own Rinnegan.
His strength had surged back then. As time passed afterward, his power had continued to rise, making him stronger and stronger.
The same long table stood in the meeting room, where the atmosphere felt somewhat gloomy.
By the time River arrived, several figures were already seated there. Their gazes drifted over, all turning toward him.
"Hey, long time no see! I almost thought you'd left the organization."
Tobi was the first to raise a hand in greeting, his voice playful and comical.
Beside him, Zetsu silently watched River, his eyes narrowing slightly. He could sense an extremely dangerous aura from him.
What troubled him even more was that he could not see through River.
"It really makes me happy to see our organization thriving, with a few new members joining us."
River grinned and sat down opposite Konan, to Deva Path Pain's right.
"Long time no see, King."
Konan nodded. As she looked at River, her expression shifted, seeming both relieved and delighted.
As the Akatsuki's membership grew, the pressure weighing on her had also increased. Nagato was a taciturn man who disliked conversation.
In truth, she had felt lonely and lost throughout this period.
The moment she saw River, Konan felt her mood brighten. After all, he possessed a powerful, natural charm.
"Konan, you look like you haven't been very happy lately!"
"Have these new guys been bullying you?"
River chuckled, sweeping his gaze over the others after taking his seat.
The order in which