"What job is it, boss? Why the rush? I still wanted to play with the baby some more, hmm!" Deidara pouted and replied unhappily.
Pain said, "This mission concerns the future direction of our organization. In short... it's important."
At those words, the members' expressions froze. They unconsciously fell silent, then headed toward the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path together.
The fingertips of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path were where the members of Akatsuki always held their meetings.
In an instant, nine figures-Pain, Konan, Zetsu, Uchiha Itachi, Kisame Hoshigaki, Kakuzu, Hidan, Sasori, and Deidara-stood atop nine of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path's fingers, quietly waiting for Pain to speak.
Just as Pain was about to speak, Tobi suddenly jumped up and said with a laugh, "Hehehe, seniors, let me join in on this meeting too."
Hidan shot Tobi a disdainful glance. "Huh? Tobi! What are you doing up here? You're just a trainee!"
Tobi said, "The seniors haven't said anything, but you're already picking on me! Hidan, don't forget that you joined the organization even later than I did. Going by seniority, you're my junior. Hmph!"
Hidan said, "Tch! That's because I'm stronger than you!"
Kakuzu said, "Shut up, Hidan. You're just a little harder to kill, that's all. As far as I'm concerned, you're the most useless one, especially with that lousy ritual of yours. It's tedious and long-winded..."
Hidan flared up at his words. "Kakuzu! What did you say?"
Kakuzu said, "Quit yapping. Make another sound, and I might just kill you!"
Kisame Hoshigaki said, "Hehehe, the Immortal Duo is arguing again. It really feels strange if I don't see you two arguing every day. But speaking of which, Tobi, how come you're in the mood today? I've never seen you volunteer to