Chapter 57: The Child that Shook the Organization

The Akatsuki base was shrouded in darkness. Within the dimly lit hall, ghostly figures appeared one after another, each taking their place on the fingers of the Gedo Statue.

Hidan, clearly irritated, scratched his head and complained, "Why are we having meetings so frequently lately? Can't we get a little freedom? I still have rituals to conduct! If this keeps up, I'm done!"

Kakuzu sneered, "Your meaningless rituals are the only thing wasting your time and freedom."

Deidara, looking displeased, grumbled, "Leader, what's so urgent this time? Hmm?"

Sasori admonished, "Quiet, Deidara. Just listen..."

Normally, the members were spread across various nations, carrying out missions for the organization. However, for some reason, Pain had forcibly summoned them back.

All eyes turned to Pain, waiting for him to speak.

Pain slowly opened his Rinnegan eyes, his gaze piercing through each member, and said coldly, "There's something I need to remind you all..."

"Konan... is pregnant."

"Ah?" Everyone was initially stunned, but then quickly offered their congratulations:

Deidara exclaimed, "Congratulations, boss! A new addition to the family! Let's celebrate with some art, hmm!"

Hidan smirked, "I always knew something was up between you two with all those exchanged glances. Seriously! You wait until the deed is done to tell us?"

Sasori advised, "When's the wedding? Make sure to treat the child well and not let them feel lonely..."

Kakuzu, feeling his five hearts ache simultaneously, grumbled, "Hmph, frivolous. Young people just can't control their desires! Damn it, I don't want to give any money for this..."

Itachi Uchiha suggested, "I recommend having another child, a brother perhaps..."

Kisame chuckled, "Itachi, are you suggesting a spare for eye transplants, even with the Rinnegan? You really think ahead..."

Itachi, expressionless, shook his head internally, thinking, "You wouldn't understand..."

Zetsu, surprised, asked, "When did this happen between you and Konan? Why didn't I know?"

Pain responded, "Quiet down, everyone. Listen to me. The child... is not mine."

"?????"

"Not yours? Then whose?"

Pain replied, "I don't know, and Konan doesn't know either..."

The group exchanged confused glances.

Seeing the murderous glint in Pain's Rinnegan, they quickly offered their explanations.

Deidara was first, "Boss, it's not me! I'm not even of age! I wouldn't do such a thing! Hmm!"

Itachi added, "Same here."

Kisame shrugged, "Definitely not me. You all know sharks. If it were mine, Konan would be carrying ten."

Hidan snorted, "Why are you looking at me? It's not me either. I only use my knife for stabbing, not for this!"

Sasori dryly commented, "Exclude me as well. I don't have that... capability at the moment."

Zetsu echoed, "Not me."

Kakuzu grumbled, "Certainly not me! I'm immortal; I don't need to pass on my legacy. Having children is just a financial drain."

Hidan suggested, "Then who could it be? We're the only ones always together. Could it be... that brat Tobi?"

Zetsu dismissed the idea, "No way. That guy struggles with basic tasks."

Everyone was left speechless, pondering the mystery.

Pain, hearing the logical reasons, couldn't deny the truth of the situation. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone within their ranks was responsible.

Pain finally declared, "Enough. Accusations will only sow discord within the organization. Let's put this matter aside for now. In nine months, we will have an answer."

Kisame asked, "Nine months? What do you mean?"

Pain clarified, "When the child is born, we'll see who it resembles. The truth will be revealed then."

Deidara agreed, "Makes sense! Each of us has a distinct hair color! We won't even need to look at the child's face, just the hair! Hmm!"

Zetsu pointed out, "Pain, you shouldn't be asking us. Konan is the one who's pregnant. No matter what, she is directly involved. You should ask her."

Pain responded, "I have. She doesn't know. She looked more innocent than any of you."

Kakuzu grumbled, "Doesn't know? Is that reasonable?"

Sasori stated, "Not really. I understand human anatomy well. Without engaging in certain activities, only puppets can be created."

Hidan speculated, "That's not necessarily true. We've all seen Konan's techniques. She scatters herself into countless paper fragments. Maybe during recovery, some... accidental absorption occurred..."

Kakuzu snapped, "Shut up, Hidan! Do you think Konan is as foolish as you?"

Deidara laughed, "Hidan, your imagination is quite artistic, hmm!"

Pain shouted, "Enough! Konan is one of us. No mocking her!"

Seeing Pain's anger, the members fell silent immediately.

"In any case, if Konan says she doesn't know, then she doesn't. I believe her. Initially, I didn't want her to keep the child. However, she believes that bringing a child into this chaotic world is a blessing from above. I respect her wishes..."

"During this time, Konan will rest and prepare for the baby. She will not participate in any organization missions."

"That's all I have to say..."

"Dismissed!"

...