'Something's Off!'
The masked man pondered for a moment, feeling like this whole situation was a little too fantastical.
Hayashi Yuto was a member of Konoha's Root, a trusted subordinate of Danzō. How the hell had Nagato managed to get in touch with him?
Was there some kind of conspiracy here? Had Danzō set his sights on the Akatsuki?
His gaze shifted to Konan across from him, and he spoke in a low voice, "According to my intel, this new member's identity seems… unusual. How exactly did Pain come to know him?"
"In the Land of Waves," Konan replied, seemingly unsurprised by his suspicion. "We took on a mission there recently and crossed paths with Hayashi Yuto."
This was only half-true—technically, she was the one who had accepted the mission.
"The Land of Waves?" The masked man's eyes narrowed.
"I know what you're worried about. Hayashi Yuto is not Danzō's man," Konan said flatly, her expression unreadable. "In fact, he and Danzō have irreconcilable differences."
"Oh?"
"His teacher at the Konoha Orphanage, Yakushi Nonō, was killed by Danzō."
"Ah."
The masked man nodded in understanding.
A young man, seeking vengeance for his slain teacher, infiltrates his enemy's ranks, only to be recognized for his potential by Pain during a mission.
The logic did hold up.
Still, something about it nagged at him. Frowning, he pressed, "But what exactly are his abilities? What made Pain take notice of him?"
"Pain has decided to let him demonstrate that during the meeting," Konan replied coolly, her eyes downcast. "You'll both see for yourselves then."
"Fine. The Akatsuki isn't some ragtag group that just lets any stray dog in," the masked man said dismissively.
"Madara." Konan's pale golden eyes suddenly locked onto him, sharp as blades. "Pain is the leader of the Akatsuki. It's not your place to dictate who joins."
She had never liked this masked man—not from the start.
And now, after learning the truth of this world from Yuto, her distaste had solidified into outright loathing.
This guy was a complete piece of work!
Just to push Nagato into darkness, he had callously orchestrated the deaths of her former comrades—Jūgo, Daibutsu—all of them, slaughtered because of him!
If not for the fact that she was playing along with her little brother's plan, she might've already treated him to a "Divine Might Can't Hide Tears" special right then and there.
The masked man was visibly taken aback by her sharp retort.
'What's her deal today? Did she wake up and choose violence?'
He was speaking from the Akatsuki's standpoint—nothing he said was out of line, right?
This was… frustrating.
But for the sake of the "greater plan," the masked man swallowed his pride and let it go.
Following Konan into the Akatsuki's hideout, the dimly lit chamber was already filled with all the members—Pain included.
The masked man, draped in his black cloak, took his usual spot in the corner. The others barely spared him a glance.
By now, everyone in the Akatsuki knew about this mysterious figure—never paired with anyone, never spoke during meetings. He just popped in occasionally to remind everyone he existed.
Compared to the faceless enigma, the white-clad boy standing in the center was far more intriguing.
"Oh? So this is the new recruit?" Orochimaru was the first to speak, his long hair swaying as he smirked. "He looks like he hasn't even graduated from the Academy yet."
"I actually am still a Konoha Academy student, Orochimaru-senpai," Yuto replied, smiling politely.
"Hm?" Orochimaru's brows lifted in surprise. "A Konoha Academy student… who also recognizes me?"
"Indeed," Yuto nodded. "I also happen to be a Root operative under Danzō-sama. I'm familiar with some of your… illustrious achievements."
"I see. To be noticed by Danzō at such a young age…" Orochimaru's tongue flicked out, his grin turning predatory. "You must have something special about you."
"A Root operative?" Kakuzu, standing to Orochimaru's left, cut in flatly. "I'd like to know why a loyal hound raised by Danzō would want to join us."
"This brat… isn't a Konoha spy, is he?" Sasori's voice was icy.
"Only the mediocre allow themselves to be leashed," Yuto countered smoothly, unfazed. "Those with independent thought don't breed foolish loyalty."
"Hah! This kid's got a mouth on him," Jūzō chuckled, finding himself somewhat agreeing with the sentiment.
'Why had he defected from Kirigakure?'
Because he couldn't stand the Fourth Mizukage's idiotic policies—nor the sycophants who blindly followed them!
"Seems you're quite confident in your abilities," Kakuzu remarked, his gaze cold.
"Confidence isn't proven with words," Yuto said, meeting his stare. "Senpai, would you care to test it yourself?"
Silence.
The entire hideout froze.
This rookie was openly challenging Kakuzu?
The other Akatsuki members exchanged glances—some curious, some amused, some outright baffled.
"Interesting. The youth these days truly know no fear,"* Kakuzu's emerald eyes bore into the boy as he stepped forward. "Your head might not fetch much bounty, but your heart… I'll be taking that."
*WHOOSH!*
Before the words had even fully left his mouth, Kakuzu shot forward like an arrow, fist swinging down with a vicious CRACK of air.
BAM!
A burst of mist erupted where Yuto had stood.
'Huh?'
The masked man and Itachi both activated their Sharingan—only to find that a normal three-tomoe couldn't pierce the fog. It wasn't until their Mangekyō spun to life that they finally saw what was happening.
Yuto's blade rested against Kakuzu's throat, his smile still perfectly polite.
"My win, senpai."
"Tch."
Kakuzu, of course, wasn't having it. Getting his head cut off wouldn't kill him anyway. He was just about to unleash his real power and show this brat what true strength looked like when—
"That's enough."
Pain's voice cut through the tension like a blade.
"Kakuzu. Return to your position."
"???"
Kakuzu froze, staring at Pain in disbelief.
'Bro. Are you SERIOUS right now?'
"Must I repeat myself?" Pain's gaze was unwavering.
Kakuzu sucked in a sharp breath, then—with the world's most aggrieved expression—stalked back to his spot.
He felt like a man mid-way through private time only to have his equipment abruptly confiscated. The sheer injustice of it all was unbearable.
"Quite the impressive genjutsu," Orochimaru mused, smirking at Kakuzu's suffering. "Almost like Kirigakure's Hiding in Mist Technique?"
"Mirage of the Blossoming Moon. A genjutsu of my own creation,"Yuto said, flipping his blade with a casual flick of his wrist.
A faint blue shimmer rippled through the air—his Shikai activating.
Yet not a single person noticed. Not even the masked man or Itachi, despite their Mangekyō still being active.
"A self-made genjutsu?" Orochimaru's smirk faltered slightly. "A true prodigy, no wonder Pain took an interest."
"Actually, I've also dabbled in forbidden techniques," Yuto added.
"Oh? Such as?"Orochimaru's interest was instantly piqued.
[Choose.]
[1. "Granny's Big Iron Hammer!"]
[2. "Monkey in a Sack!"]
[3. "Barrel of Laxatives!"]
'Goddammit!'
Yuto's eye twitched imperceptibly as he forced out, "G-Granny's Big Iron Hammer."
Dead silence.
[Congratulations! You have acquired the Scorch Release Kekkei Genkai.]
'Oh, fantastic. Now I get a bloodline limit for free? What the hell am I supposed to do with THIS?!'
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