Chapter 185: Miss Konan, Care to Join?

"No!"

Hearing Konan's words, Shishou immediately shook his head in refusal.

"Why?" Konan frowned.

In her opinion, Nagato was committed to peace and would certainly be willing to help Shishou, or at least give it a try.

"Because Nagato is not a good actor," Shishou said with a smile, directly stating his reason.

"Actor? What do you mean?" Konan was puzzled.

"If I cooperate with Nagato, it will undoubtedly be noticed by other Akatsuki members, making them think about leaving the organization," Shishou explained.

Konan fell silent at these words.

She knew Shishou was right.

If the Akatsuki members found out that Nagato had recruited them to keep them in check, they would certainly try to escape.

Moreover, 'Uchiha Madara' would definitely take action as well.

"I understand. I won't tell Nagato about anything related to you," Konan said after a period of silence.

"Let's go talk to the Priestess about the next steps," Shishou said, extending his right hand.

"Okay." Pressing her lips together, Konan placed her hand on his.

The two then disappeared from the spot.

...

In the palace of the Land of Demons.

"Master, you're here."

Uzumaki Eri saw Shishou appear and excitedly ran to his side, clinging to his arm like a little bird.

Konan ignored their intimate behavior, curiously looking at Uzumaki Eri's red hair.

Noticing Konan's curiosity about the red hair, Shishou explained, "She is Nagato's relative, a member of the Uzumaki clan."

Since he needed Konan to help him, Shishou decided to try trusting her. Hence, he brought Konan to meet the Priestess Miroku and others.

Additionally, at Shishou's suggestion, Priestess Miroku had sealed several of Shishou's shadow clones into scrolls, which she and Uzumaki Eri carried with them at all times, ensuring their safety.

Nagato's relative!

Konan was surprised and then greeted Uzumaki Eri, "Hello, I'm Konan."

"Hi, I'm Uzumaki Eri. From now on, we are sisters," she said, thinking Konan was also Shishou's woman, and intimately took her hand.

Sisters?

What does she mean?

Konan was confused, but then remembered her brother-sister-like relationship with Nagato and accepted Uzumaki Eri's statement since she was Nagato's relative.

"Master, the Priestess has already prepared dinner."

Leading Konan, Uzumaki Eri took them to the dining hall, where the Priestess Miroku had been waiting.

"Where are little Shion and little Karin?"

"They've already eaten."

"Is that so."

After greeting Miroku, Shishou sat at the head of the table and began eating.

"Priestess, I'm Konan."

Seeing Miroku in her priestess attire, Konan introduced herself.

"Miss Konan, just call me Miroku," the Priestess Miroku, who was sitting beside Shishou, said with a smile while helping him with food.

Seeing Miroku and Uzumaki Eri sitting beside Shishou, Konan pressed her lips together and began eating.

After dinner, Shishou discussed the planning with Miroku, Konan, and Uzumaki Eri.

Though called a discussion, it was mainly Shishou speaking while the three women listened.

Seeing Shishou speaking confidently, Miroku and Uzumaki Eri's eyes sparkled with admiration.

Even Konan was captivated, occasionally glancing at Shishou.

It wasn't until midnight that they finished their discussion and prepared to rest.

"Miss Konan, care to join us?" Uzumaki Eri smiled at Konan and extended an invitation.

Shishou's power was growing, and Uzumaki Eri thought it would be good to have another ally.

"Join for what?" Konan was puzzled.

"Uh..."

Seeing Konan's confusion, Uzumaki Eri and Priestess Miroku blushed, unsure how to explain.

"Haha."

Shishou laughed, scooping up Miroku and Uzumaki Eri in his arms, heading to the bedroom to rest.

Watching Shishou enjoying the company of two women, Konan's face turned red with anger and embarrassment. She finally understood what Uzumaki Eri had meant by "joining."

Flustered and cursing Shishou silently, Konan followed a servant to her own room.

Three days later...

Back at Shishou's secret laboratory.

After handling the affairs in the Land of Demons and settling Konan, Shishou returned to his secret laboratory.

Seeing Hyuga Rimei and Hyuga Natsu diligently studying the sensory technique, Shishou decided not to disturb them.

The sensory technique was simple for Shishou but challenging for Rimei and Natsu due to their less intense talents and spiritual strengths.

Heading to the insect breeding chamber, Shishou planned to check on the progress of his insects.

The Glassy Worm, Healing Worm, and Armored Beetle had all advanced and could be further evolved using the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Taking out the Glassy Worm, Healing Worm, and Armored Beetle, Shishou began inspecting them.

[Seven-Colored Glassy Worm: Rare species, prefers darkness, venomous, stings cause severe itching and swelling, difficult to treat by ordinary means, but its secretions can neutralize the effect. Skill: Venom Sting]

[Detoxifying Healing Worm: Rare species, can expel toxins and heal bodily injuries, has potent detoxifying properties]

[Armored Beetle: Epic species, can merge with a target to grant an armored transformation, enhancing all attributes of the host. The host's overall quality determines the extent of the enhancement, and the transformation model can be adjusted by the host]

"This one is suitable for interrogation and torture. Too bad I don't have a test subject right now."

"I should have used it on Anko to let her experience the sting."

Holding the finger-sized Seven-Colored Glassy Worm, Shishou found it quite beautiful.

Deciding to use the Glassy Worm for future stings, Shishou activated his Mangekyou Sharingan, spinning rapidly.

[Seven-Colored Glassy Worm, rare species, currently eligible for evolution]

After a few minutes, the Seven-Colored Glassy Worm in Shishou's hand met the conditions for evolution.

[Please choose an evolution path]

[Evolution Path 1: Enhanced Toxicity]

[Evolution Path 2: Enhanced Camouflage]

[Evolution Path 3: Enhanced Speed]

[... ]

[Ding! Evolution Path 5: Special Evolution - Invisibility]

[Invisibility: Becomes invisible, difficult to detect with the naked eye]

"A special evolution! My luck is pretty good this time."

Rubbing his chin, Shishou chose the special evolution.

[Selection successful, Seven-Colored Glassy Worm evolved successfully]

[Returning to the breeding chamber for further cultivation. Once matured, it can continue evolving]

"Tsk, the waiting time for evolution has also increased."

Seeing the three-day evolution period, Shishou muttered and turned his attention to the Healing Worm and Armored Beetle.

"Let's hope for two more special evolutions."