While the Akatsuki expanded across the world, I was doing something far more important.
Training.
Inside a vast underground chamber deep within the base, dozens of my shadow clones worked in perfect synchronization.
The Multi Shadow Clone Technique wasn't just for combat anymore.
It had become my ultimate development tool.
Each clone focused on a different objective:
Refining elemental ninjutsu.
Designing new techniques.
Improving existing jutsu structures.
Stress-testing barrier formulas.
Enhancing genjutsu frameworks.
Perfecting chakra flow efficiency.
With the Indra Ōtsutsuki talent, technique innovation felt natural.
With the Tobirama Senju talent, optimization became systematic.
Together, they made progress explosive.
Every hour felt like days of development.
Meanwhile, my real body was elsewhere.
And not in the base.
I was currently inside a high-security chamber belonging to the League of Shadows.
Across from me stood Ra's al Ghul.
The Demon's Head.
Calm.
Measured.
Observant.
Negotiations had been underway for several minutes.
The League of Shadows had noticed the Akatsuki's rise.
Of course they had.
An organization capable of:
Eliminating high-level criminals
Engaging Superman-level beings
Operating globally without detection
And nearly killing a Kryptonian
That kind of power drew attention from strategic minds.
Ra's al Ghul was one of the most strategic minds on Earth.
He spoke calmly.
"The League of Shadows seeks balance in this world. Your organization has proven… effective."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"I wish to know whether the Akatsuki will align with our goals."
I remained relaxed.
From the system earlier, I had already spent 250 points on something critical.
Flying Thunder God Technique mastery.
That changed everything.
Instant spatial teleportation.
Mark-based movement.
Zero travel delay.
Even if this meeting turned hostile, I could leave instantly.
Not that I expected it to.
Ra's wasn't reckless.
He was testing.
Always testing.
Behind him, several League members observed silently.
But none dared intervene.
The aura in the room made it clear—
This wasn't a fight.
It was a calculation.
Ra's continued.
"I would like the Akatsuki to assist in certain operations."
He paused.
"Strategic removals. Political restructuring. Controlled destabilization."
Classic League of Shadows ideology.
Systematic global correction.
I folded my hands calmly.
"We operate as a mercenary organization."
Ra's nodded.
"Yes."
"That means payment."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Of course."
We discussed financial terms.
High-value contracts.
Resource exchange.
Access to hidden networks.
The League possessed enormous global influence.
If used properly, this partnership could significantly expand Akatsuki reputation and income.
Which meant more system points.
And more growth.
Ra's then leaned slightly forward.
"I will need assurance of your strength."
There it was.
The test.
I didn't react outwardly.
Internally, I understood.
He wanted to evaluate whether I was truly fit to interact at this level.
But this world had few beings capable of threatening me directly.
And with Flying Thunder God mastered…
My safety margin was extremely high.
Ra's gestured subtly.
One of his elite assassins stepped forward.
The signal was clear.
A demonstration.
Not assassination.
A controlled engagement.
I stood calmly.
"No fatalities."
Ra's nodded.
"Agreed."
The assassin moved first.
Fast.
Highly trained.
Elite League combatant.
But I had already begun observing with enhanced perception.
With my chakra control refined by Indra's talent, reacting felt effortless.
A simple step.
A flicker of movement.
Flying Thunder God mark activated.
I teleported behind the assassin instantly.
No sound.
No delay.
Just spatial displacement.
The assassin froze.
The League members stiffened.
Ra's expression shifted slightly.
Not surprise.
Assessment.
I didn't attack.
Instead, I placed a small chakra mark on the floor.
"Speed is not an issue," I said calmly.
Ra's studied the technique carefully.
"Spatial manipulation."
"Yes."
A pause.
Then he nodded once.
"Impressive."
The test ended without further conflict.
No bloodshed.
No escalation.
Exactly as intended.
Ra's leaned back.
"The League of Shadows acknowledges the Akatsuki as a legitimate power."
Good.
That was the goal.
Reputation.
Influence.
Resources.
As I prepared to leave, Ra's spoke again.
"One question."
I looked at him.
"Your organization seeks peace?"
I answered without hesitation.
"Yes."
But I didn't elaborate.
Peace could mean many things.
Ra's smiled faintly.
"Then perhaps our goals are not entirely incompatible."
I activated Flying Thunder God.
A flash of light.
And my real body vanished from the chamber.
Reappearing instantly inside a pre-marked seal location deep within Akatsuki territory.
Safe.
Efficient.
Perfect mobility.
Back in the base, my clones continued their training cycles uninterrupted.
The organization was expanding.
Money was flowing.
Elite members were operating globally.
The Justice League was investigating.
The League of Shadows was observing.
And the Akatsuki's reputation was rising rapidly.
Everything was progressing.
Exactly as planned.