Xuandou looked at the Masked Man before him, whose gaze held scrutiny and curiosity.
Xuandou knew that, after all this time, word of him had spread, and with Konan deliberately mentioning him, he had successfully caught Obito's attention.
Still, he feigned caution, staring warily at the Masked Man as he drew back slightly and discreetly rested his right hand on the kunai at his waist.
"Who are you?"
"And what does the Akatsuki do?"
The Masked Man gave a contemptuous laugh, carrying a hint of condescending arrogance.
He folded his arms across his chest and said evenly:
"The ideal of our Akatsuki is to change this rotten world. As for me..."
He paused, his single exposed scarlet Sharingan narrowing slightly:
"I am Madara Uchiha!"
Of course, Xuandou knew that the Masked Man was Obito in disguise.
He was merely borrowing Madara Uchiha's name to deceive people.
Still, he played along with Obito, his pupils abruptly contracting as his body visibly stiffened.
The wariness on his face instantly gave way to shock, and even his voice began to stammer:
"Wh... what?"
"Madara Uchiha?"
"Y-you must be joking!"
"Madara Uchiha was killed by the First Hokage long ago!"
The Masked Man seemed very pleased with Xuandou's reaction and gave a low chuckle.
He tilted his head slightly and said:
"If you live as long as I have, you will understand that nothing in this world is impossible."
"Besides, the organization has many talented people like you. Deserters, outcasts, people who want to change the world."
He slowly approached Xuandou, his tone becoming more enticing:
"Well? Interested in joining us?"
To avoid arousing Obito's suspicion, Xuandou deliberately put on a hesitant expression.
He frowned, his gaze flickering as though weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
After a moment, he raised his