Anyo said aggrievedly, "Uncle, I came all this way to help you complete the organization's mission."
As he spoke, Anyo tossed the container holding Seven-Tails to Kakuzu.
Kakuzu caught it casually and said in understanding, "It seems One-Tail is already under your control too."
Anyo said frankly, "Yes, it's already been extracted from its Jinchūriki."
After a moment's thought, Kakuzu said, "With your help behind the scenes, the Akatsuki will collect the tailed beasts very quickly. Once they've gathered them all, are you confident you can handle it?"
Somewhat amused, Anyo teased, "Uncle, are you worried about me?"
Seeing Kakuzu's expression darken, Anyo hurriedly continued, "It won't be a problem. Everything is under control. My goal is precisely to have it collect the nine tailed beasts as soon as possible."
Kakuzu cut him down. "Don't take everyone else for fools. After you reclaimed your surname, the Akatsuki took notice of you. They even discussed whether to send someone to test you."
"Oh? What did they decide?"
Anyo hadn't known about this. Sasori had never mentioned it, because he knew Anyo's strength very well. Unless the entire Akatsuki went together, anyone sent to test him would only be going to their death.
"Uchiha Itachi accepted the mission. He said he'd find you once you left Konoha. Who would've thought you wouldn't come out for over two years?" Kakuzu was surprised too. The brat before him had loved running around since childhood, yet now that he was grown, he could actually stay put.
"So it was him." Anyo actually hoped he would come looking for him. The plan to collect the tailed beasts had already begun, so there was no need for Itachi to remain undercover. The next time they met, he would bring him back to the clan. Mikoto had probably