Pain's words left Naruto utterly bewildered!
"Ahem..." Itachi, standing in front, cleared his throat. "He can't..."
Still bewildered, Naruto actually heard Itachi say he couldn't! How could he let that slide?
"I can! I'm joining the Akatsuki, and that's final."
Itachi: ...
Itachi really wanted to say, Boss... we're here to get them to join our revolution. How did you end up joining their team instead?
Naturally, Naruto noticed Itachi's confused, speechless look. He waved a hand, signaling, No problem. Leave it to me!
Nagato hadn't expected it either. He'd only made an offhand suggestion, yet this kid had actually agreed.
After all... these guys had Kage-level chakra.
And judging by Itachi's expression, he clearly wasn't happy about it...
For the sake of the friendship between the Akatsuki and the revolutionary organization, Pain felt he should just drop the idea.
"Well..."
Before Pain could get the words out, Naruto cut in. "Don't worry! Once I join the Akatsuki, I'll make sure it shines as brightly as it deserves!"
"From now on, the Akatsuki is my home. Boss, you're my big brother now!"
"Oh! Right, boss, I still don't know your name!"
Pain: ...
Hearing Naruto's words, Pain finally remembered that he hadn't introduced himself yet, though... he was certain Itachi knew at least something about him.
"I'm Pain!"
"I'm Konan!"
"Oh! I'm Uzumaki Mei Zheren. You can call me Mei Zheren!"
"Uzumaki?"
At the mention of the surname Uzumaki, a complicated expression crossed Nagato's face as he controlled Pain from behind the scenes.
Seeing that Naruto truly intended to join the Akatsuki, Itachi stopped trying to prevent him. In his view, Naruto had his own plans, and all he needed to do was handle his own responsibilities!
"In that case, Mei Zheren, you'll be an intern in the