Chapter 159: The Plan to be Advanced.
Amegakure, Akatsuki Organization base.
It was rare for all members of the Akatsuki Organization to be present today; Deva Path Pain, the Puppet controlled by Nagato, stood at the head of the table, with Konan standing by his side.
"Kakuzu, you are the one managing the organization's finances. Report the current reserves of ryo now."
Kakuzu, with his dead-fish eyes, remained expressionless. The large box behind him was sealed, filled entirely with the currency commonly used in the Ninja World.
"There are 385,280,000 ryo in banknotes, enough to support all of the organization's upcoming activities."
"Hmm."
The Deva Path Pain controlled by Nagato nodded expressionlessly, the syllables spilling from his mouth devoid of any emotion. Once he was satisfied, he raised a finger and pointed at Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki.
"When you went to Konoha to pursue the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki last time, what exactly happened?"
"I have already detailed that in my previous report," Uchiha Itachi replied with his usual aloof expression.
However, Kisame Hoshigaki, standing beside him, did not share Uchiha Itachi's demeanor. He remained somewhat restrained around Pain; after all, not everyone could maintain composure in the face of the Rinnegan like Uchiha Itachi.
"Kisame, tell everyone the intelligence you gathered once more."
Nagato bypassed Uchiha Itachi, and the Deva Path Puppet he controlled turned its gaze toward Kisame Hoshigaki, who stood beside Uchiha Itachi.
"Actually, it's not much different from Itachi's previous report," Kisame Hoshigaki said, first showing consideration for Uchiha Itachi. "But since the leader is asking, I will repeat it."
Kisame Hoshigaki shrugged, a flash of helplessness crossing his face. Although he greatly respected Uchiha Itachi, he did not want to easily offend Nagato's authority within the Akatsuki Organization.
"Uzumaki Naruto—this person is not as simple as he appears on the surface," Kisame Hoshigakirecalled. "He is proficient in swordsmanship, taijutsu, and Ninjutsu, and his physical fitness far exceeds that of an ordinary person. Among the enemies I have encountered, his strength ranks near the top."
He touched his chest, where Naruto had left a mark on him. Although that long slash had healed, the scar looked gruesome and terrifying whenever he saw it.
"This wound was left by Uzumaki Naruto, and the swordsmanship he used was very strong—it wasn't power that someone of his age should be able to master. Something must have happened to him that we are unaware of."
"Furthermore, Uzumaki Naruto's combat insight, intelligence, and tactics are no less than those of the older generation of Ninjas; they even equal or surpass most of the people in our organization."
"But he is not without weaknesses. Uchiha Sasukemight be Uzumaki Naruto's weak point; the now-deceased Danzo Shimura used this to lure him outside the village."
After rambling on at length, Kisame Hoshigakifinally finished, and the Deva Path Pain controlled by Nagato turned his gaze back to Uchiha Itachi.
"Do you have anything to add to what Kisame Hoshigaki said?"
"Yes," Uchiha Itachi said, lowering his eyelids. "Uzumaki Naruto's resistance to genjutsu is the most outstanding I have ever seen. This should be thanks to the Nine-Tails inside him."
Uchiha Itachi, who had become a triple agent, had the necessary resolve and did not hesitate when it came to selling out his employer.
"When Kisame was at a disadvantage and temporarily lost the ability to attack, Uzumaki Naruto made me his primary target. He displayed another one of his abilities—the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Uchiha Itachi downplayed the situation, never mentioning that he had used Tsukuyomi, a Mangekyo Dōjutsu, on Naruto.
"Furthermore, Uzumaki Naruto is also extremely proficient in using the hand-Seal-less NinjutsuRasengan, which is extremely compatible with the Flying Thunder God Technique. Although I have never witnessed the combat power of the fourth hokage Minato Namikaze in his prime, I think that based solely on his use of the Flying Thunder Godand Rasengan, Uzumaki Naruto is already no weaker than his father."
After Uchiha Itachi mentioned the words "Flying Thunder God," everyone present in the Akatsuki Organization wore an uncomfortable expression. The impression Minato Namikaze had left on the Ninja World would not dissipate just because of his death.
No matter how many people were in a squad or how important the mission was, the order to retreat and flee immediately upon encountering Minato Namikaze remained fresh in everyone's memory to this day.
Especially for Uchiha Obito, who was disguised as Tobi; his expression was even more subtle. Although the Dōjutsu Kamui was a panacea, the only time he had suffered a setback so far was when he dueled his own mentor, Minato Namikaze.
The three words "Flying Thunder God" had intimidated three generations of the Ninja World!
"Is there anything else to add?"
"But no matter how strong the Flying Thunder Godis, in the face of my Susanoo, Uzumaki Naruto's attack power is still insufficient to break through the defense. However, it is also as difficult as ascending to heaven for me to attack him."
Uchiha Itachi finally showed some expression on his face. "I suggest that the Tailed Beast capture plan be advanced, and we must capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki first. Even if we cannot Seal the Nine-Tails first, we can still..."
"I have my own considerations!" Nagato coldly interrupted Uchiha Itachi's suggestion. "I will deal with Uzumaki Naruto personally, and I agree with Uchiha Itachi's suggestion just now; the plan must be advanced."
Deva Path Pain slowly walked down from the high platform, the reflections of the Akatsuki Organization members visible in his purple Rinnegan.
"The plan remains the same as before. Moreover, Sunagakure is currently in the throes of Painfollowing the death of Rasa; now is undoubtedly the best time to strike."
He cast his gaze toward Sasori of the Red Sand, who was hiding inside Hiruko. Seeing that he was still alone, he changed his mind.
"Although the plan is being advanced, it will still be delayed for a while. The organization's members are not all present yet. According to intelligence, I have two reserve member slots."
The source of the intelligence was naturally White Zetsu, who had infiltrated the Akatsuki Organization. With him around, the Ninja Worldwas like a defenseless maiden, holding no secrets in Nagato's eyes.
Of course, White Zetsu clearly wouldn't mention the biggest secret to Nagato.
"I have been paying attention for a long time to 'Tian,' who has recently risen to fame in the Ninja World. He is very strong, and he acts on his own terms. I will leave the task of recruiting him to you, Tobi."
"Eh? Me?" Uchiha Obito pointed at himself quite comically, his face hidden behind the mask revealing no expression. "The Seniors in the organization are all stronger than me. Is it not a bit... for the leader to call me out directly?"
Glancing at Uchiha Obito, who was waving his hands in refusal, Deva Path Pain, being a Puppet, naturally did not have very vivid expressions, but his gaze made people feel inexplicably flustered.
"Don't talk so much!" Nagato reprimanded. Uchiha Obito, posing as Tobi, instantly fell silent and scratched his head, looking quite embarrassed.
"Itachi, Kisame, Sasori, the three of you go and recruit Deidara, who has escaped from Iwagakure. Zetsu will provide you with his specific location, itinerary, and ability intelligence shortly."
After assigning the tasks, Deva Path Pain, who had been pacing in front of the Akatsuki Organizationmembers, returned to the high platform, adjusted the hem of his Akatsuki uniform, and sat back down in his chair.
"Regardless of which of the two is successfully recruited, once the organization's personnel are replenished and have had time to coordinate, we will officially launch the Tailed Beast capture