A Name That Shakes the Table
"…!"
Orochimaru's snake-like pupils narrowed.
Just as he had expected—
he couldn't stay in the Akatsuki much longer.
What he sought was the truth of life.
Immortality.
He had joined Akatsuki only for resources.
But the organization's ultimate objective—
the "Tailed Beast Deterrence Plan"—
required absolute obedience.
That ran completely counter to his personal research.
And now—
with the introduction of two-man teams—
members would inevitably monitor each other.
That meant—
his freedom would be restricted.
After a moment of deep thought, Orochimaru sneered inwardly.
"Playing savior with a group of lunatics…"
"…is far less interesting than dissecting a tailed beast."
It was time to consider leaving.
At present, among all Akatsuki members—
aside from Pain and Konan—
only Jūzō Biwa truly believed in Pain's ideology.
Having defected from Kirigakure due to its brutal regime, he sought a path to reshape the world.
Just then—
Pain's gaze drifted toward Orochimaru.
A chill ran through him.
His thoughts halted instantly.
"Enough," Pain said calmly. "Share any recent intelligence."
Silence.
Then—
Zetsu spoke first.
"I have confirmed information."
"One week ago…"
"The Uchiha clan of Konoha was annihilated."
The room shifted.
Aside from Orochimaru, Pain, and Konan—
everyone reacted.
Orochimaru already knew.
Pain and Konan had been informed in advance by "Madara."
"What?!"
Jūzō's voice rose in shock.
He knew what the name "Uchiha" meant.
In Kirigakure—
they would rival even the Hōzuki clan.
Kakuzu frowned.
"You're certain?"
Zetsu nodded.
"Completely. Only one child survived."
"…What a pity," Kakuzu muttered. "Sharingan are priceless. If I'd known, I would've gone to Konoha a week ago—might've picked up a few."
Sasori spoke, rare curiosity in his tone:
"Who did it?"
The room fell still.
All eyes turned to Zetsu.
He didn't hesitate.
"An Uchiha."
"Uchiha Itachi."
Silence.
Each member searched their memory.
Pain spoke:
"He will be joining us."
"…So he's the new recruit?" Kakuzu raised a brow.
Jūzō chuckled, glancing at Orochimaru.
"I thought Kirigakure produced the most rogue ninja…"
"Looks like Konoha wins in quality."
To slaughter one's entire clan—
and the Uchiha at that—
such a man was more than qualified for Akatsuki.
Sasori smirked.
"Congratulations, Orochimaru. A fellow countryman."
"Heh…"
Orochimaru let out a low chuckle, unfazed.
But inwardly—
he was shaken.
He knew the truth behind the massacre.
But Itachi joining Akatsuki—
that was unexpected.
Then again—
perhaps this was an opportunity.
He had long coveted Itachi's body.
Especially now—
with the Uchiha gone—
opportunities to study the Sharingan were dwindling.
A flicker of excitement rose in him.
Pain continued:
"Konoha has long been rotten."
"The conflict between its leadership and the Uchiha was inevitable."
"Itachi carried out the act…"
"But the true instigators—"
"…were Konoha's higher-ups."
Konan added coldly:
"Whether internal war or clan annihilation…"
"Both benefit our plans."
Pain nodded.
"Konoha's strength will weaken."
As a former Konoha elite—
Orochimaru felt nothing.
Yet inwardly, he couldn't help but sneer:
"That old fool…"
"He's grown so weak he can't even suppress internal conflict?"
"At this rate…"
"Konoha will fall under your rule."
"If destruction is inevitable…"
"…then it might as well be by my hand."
A plan began forming.
Pain's voice cut through the silence:
"Itachi has witnessed Konoha's hypocrisy."
"He will understand our cause."
"He will walk our path."
The others nodded.
The room fell silent once more.
Compared to this—
their smaller bits of intelligence felt insignificant.
"No further reports?" Pain asked.
No response.
"Then this meeting is adjourned."
The projections began to fade—
when suddenly—
Orochimaru spoke.
"My apologies, Leader. I've just recalled… another piece of important intelligence."
Kakuzu snapped:
"If it's important, why 'recall' it now?!"
Pain shot him a glance, silencing him.
"Speak."
Orochimaru smiled faintly.
He hadn't planned to share this.
But he needed to demonstrate value—
to keep the funding flowing.
After a pause, he said:
"The night after the Uchiha massacre…"
"Konoha's Root organization was destroyed."
The room—
shifted again.
Even Pain and Konan showed subtle change.
Another bombshell.
Pain turned to Zetsu.
"And you failed to report this?"
White Zetsu responded quickly:
"We did obtain the information…"
"But its authenticity was uncertain."
All eyes turned back to Orochimaru.
"It's real," he said firmly.
In truth—
even he couldn't confirm completely.
But every spy he had placed in Konoha reported the same thing.
What was certain—
Root was gone.
Pain's voice dropped.
"Who did it?"
Orochimaru answered:
"Kamizuki Gen."
"A civilian ninja from Konoha."
"But during his Academy years…"
"He was said to rival Itachi."
"One of Konoha's 'Twin Stars.'"
Jūzō let out a low whistle.
"…Konoha really does produce monsters."
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