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Shin returned to the Land of Whirlpools and began instructing Karin and Hinata. He paid little attention to events in the outside world.
If anything truly significant happened—either White Zetsu or the Third Raikage puppet, now controlled by Gyūki, would inform him.
Meanwhile, Itachi Uchiha, having defected from Konoha, successfully evaded pursuit for several days and joined the Akatsuki.
Obito had informed Nagato—and Pain brought Itachi into the organization. Obito also revealed to Nagato that Itachi was a spy.
Nagato initially wanted to eliminate Itachi immediately to avoid future trouble.
However, Obito dissuaded him.
After all the effort he put into recruiting Itachi, killing him before he even contributes to the Akatsuki? Unacceptable.
Even if Itachi had to be killed eventually, it should only happen after he had outlived his usefulness.
Currently, Itachi was still valuable—Obito coveted his combat strength.
Besides, knowing Itachi was a spy, if they still couldn't handle him, they'd be pathetic.
"So Itachi-kun has joined the Akatsuki." Orochimaru observed with a sinister smile.
Itachi Uchiha glanced impassively at Orochimaru.
They were somewhat acquainted from before. Orochimaru had taken an interest in the exceptionally talented young Itachi, even considering him a potential rival to Shin Uzumaki.
"To annihilate an entire clan at thirteen, especially the renowned Uchiha Clan… I'm quite curious about your strength,"
Kakuzu remarked, sizing up Itachi.
The Uchiha Clan was legendary; Itachi's ability to wipe them out spoke volumes about his power. Even in its weakened state, the Uchiha Clan was still considered one of the strongest in the Shinobi world.
"I don't want to see infighting among the Akatsuki's core members." Pain intervened, sensing Kakuzu's intention to test Itachi.
Pain didn't care about the expendable recruits absorbed into the Akatsuki, like Kakuzu's previous partners.
Before Hidan joined, Kakuzu had gone through countless partners, most of whom he killed himself. Pain hadn't interfered; those members weren't considered core. They could be replaced at any time.
But Kakuzu and Itachi were different.
They were valuable tools. They couldn't be damaged, at least not before fulfilling their purpose.
Kakuzu suppressed his impulse. Honestly, he only wanted to test Itachi out of boredom.
Since killing the Daimyo's son and Hiruzen's son, Kakuzu's situation had become precarious. He rarely took bounties from the black market anymore. Even after several years, Konoha ninja still pursued him relentlessly.
Orochimaru looked disappointed. He really wanted to gauge Itachi's strength.
Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan… Orochimaru coveted it greatly. He had always desired the Sharingan.
Obtaining the Rinnegan was difficult, perhaps impossible, so Orochimaru settled for the next best thing—the Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Shin Uzumaki once said that if brothers both awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, transplanting a sibling's eyes can evolve it into the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan… Itachi Uchiha has a younger brother, doesn't he?" Orochimaru thought to himself.
This thought intensified Orochimaru's desire for Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan.
However, attacking Itachi would surely provoke Pain's wrath, forcing Orochimaru to defect from the Akatsuki.
He hesitated, weighing his options.
"Orochimaru, what are you thinking?"
Sasori suddenly asked.
His instincts told him Orochimaru was plotting something sinister. Sasori and Orochimaru were partners, but they disliked each other intensely. If not for Pain's authority, they would have likely fought already.
"What I'm thinking is none of your concern." Orochimaru turned and left. He had made his decision.
After Orochimaru departed, Sasori looked at Itachi.
"You'd best be careful around Orochimaru. My instincts tell me he means you harm."
Itachi was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't expected Sasori to warn him. However, Itachi had already sensed Orochimaru's ill intentions.
"Thank you." Although Itachi appeared indifferent, he still thanked Sasori for the well-intentioned warning.
"Don't thank me. I just despise that damn snake." Sasori's warning wasn't out of goodwill towards Itachi, but purely out of his hatred for Orochimaru. If he could thwart Orochimaru's schemes, Sasori would gladly do so.
"It seems the Akatsuki isn't exactly harmonious internally," Itachi thought, watching Sasori leave.
He wasn't wrong. An organization composed mostly of missing-nin… how could it be harmonious?
Only Pain's immense strength kept the unruly members in check. If Pain weren't strong enough, the Akatsuki would have disbanded long ago.
"You'll stay here for now. We'll notify you when there's a mission," Pain instructed Itachi.
After Itachi acknowledged the order, Pain left.
Itachi then returned to the quarters Pain had prepared for him. He felt utterly exhausted.
Overusing the Mangekyō Sharingan a few days ago, the strain of Susanoo, and the relentless pursuit over the past few days had taken their toll.
Konoha's pursuit had been genuine; they truly wanted to kill Itachi.
The pursuers were Danzō's Root ninja. Danzō wanted Shisui's other eye, which Itachi now possessed.
Furthermore, if Danzō could kill Itachi, he'd acquire another pair of Mangekyō Sharingan. How could Danzō not covet such powerful eyes?
As Itachi arrived at his quarters, he found Orochimaru waiting inside.
Orochimaru emanated a dangerous aura; his intentions were clearly hostile. Itachi immediately became wary. Facing Orochimaru, a veteran Kage-level shinobi and one of the Sannin, Itachi couldn't afford to be careless.
"Nice to meet you, Itachi-kun."
Orochimaru's greedy, snake-like eyes fixed on Itachi. He licked his lips, a perverse smile spreading across his face, sending chills down one's spine.
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