Chapter 60. Konan arrives

"Hehehe..." Kakuzu observed the exchange between Zetsu and Konan with cold, calculating eyes.

It was evident that Zetsu, responsible for intelligence, had failed to report crucial information on time.

While Kakuzu didn't mind being ignored, the conflict among the members added a layer of intrigue to the situation.

The leader remained silent throughout, yet his presence exuded an increasingly potent aura.

Despite being a mere ball of light and shadow, the palpitations it induced were undeniable.

In comparison to Kakuzu's recruitment, the leader had grown significantly stronger.

One by one, the light and shadow disappeared.

Obito chose not to participate in the gathering, remaining hidden behind the scenes.

He planned to join the group as a significant player only after Sasori's death.

Currently, his focus lies on infiltrating the Kirigakure. Utilizing Sharingan to control Yagura, he imposed a ruthless rule over Kirigakure.

To eliminate potential threats and exact revenge, Obito directed the extermination of numerous powerful clans.

Zetsu recognized the rise of the Uchiha clan as the most significant variable in future plans, prompting him to take decisive action.

If Uchiha Natsuki, the pivotal figure within the Uchiha clan, could be incorporated into the organization, Zetsu believed his plans would unfold with greater ease.

Hence, he promptly shared all the acquired information with the group.

...

"Would you like to bring him into our organization?" Konan inquired.

Pain remained noncommittal, "You can try it. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The Rinnegan has grown stronger again, and I need to spend more time controlling him. Organization matters should be your concern."

He continued, "However, these are all insignificant things until I fully control the rinnegan."

A moment of pause followed, and he spoke slowly, "In the face of overwhelming power, all this is meaningless. I will make the world feel pain, and then true peace will be born."

Konan, observing Nagato's imposing Rinnegan, knew that he sought to use its power to address all issues.

She recognized her role in supporting Nagato, especially in the future capture of the tailed beasts, for which more individuals would be required.

Nagato's restricted mobility needs the assistance of others.

Regardless, Yahiko's dream must be realized, and with renewed determination, Konan cheered up.

"Then I'll go."

Konan unfurled her white wings and ascended into the sky. Villagers below caught sight of her figure and exclaimed in awe.

"Ah, it's God's Angel..."

"I'm so lucky today..."

...

In the vast desert, a lone figure marched forward.

Swish, swish—the wind carried endless gravel, swirling around in the sandy breeze.

The harsh environment demanded proper attire to avoid being scratched by the abrasive gravel.

Natsuki tightened his cloak and secured the hat on his head before continuing his trip.

It was no wonder the residents of the Sunagakure were often covered in bandages and paint.

The relentless wind and sand acted like knives, and any exposed skin risked sunburn or painful abrasions from the cutting sand.

He contemplated approaching a child playing in the sand to educate the father.

Witnessing this scenario, his frustration grew. The idea of continuously testing a child until failure, considering them a mere product, struck him as incredibly foolish.

In his eyes, such a method was similar to determining at what height a glass would break when dropped—it was destined to shatter.

Gaara, innocent and deprived of a mother since childhood, suffered from a mentally troubled father.

Fearing the loss of control over Shukaku, Gaara's father neglected considerations of strengthening the seal and subjected his son to relentless tests until failure.

After deeming Gaara a failure, his own father sent assassins to constantly torment him, provoking Gaara relentlessly.

Who would enjoy playing with fire next to bombs? Orochimaru's attempt on Gaara's life could be considered a stroke of luck; if Gaara had survived, he might have eventually succumbed to Shukaku and wreaked havoc upon the village.

Natsuki continued his journey toward Sunagakure Village, pondering how to teach Rasa, this seemingly unparalleled fool.

Suddenly, a shadow descended from the sky, sending a chill down his spine.

Raising his head, he beheld two enormous white wings landing gracefully with the wind.

As the paper wings dissipated, Konan touched down lightly. Her stunning beauty left him momentarily taken aback; it was no wonder she was referred to as an angel in the Amegakure.

Curiosity lingered in his mind. Why did she come to him? Despite her affiliation as the secretary to the leader of a terrorist organization, she was not known for indiscriminate killing.

Perhaps she was here for her part-time role as the talent director?

Observing his composed demeanor, she chose to break the silence.

"I am Konan from the Akatsuki organization. I'm here to invite Mr. Natsuki to join our Akatsuki organization."

Natsuki stared in bewilderment, the question marks forming a silent response. Why on earth would he consider joining Akatsuki?

Pointing at himself, he asked, "Me? What does the Akatsuki organization do, and why would you invite me?"

Konan explained softly, "We are an organization dedicated to creating peace. Mr. Natsuki has values aligned with ours. He has brought numerous opportunities to the Uchiha, and it's likely that [Summer Food] is his creation."

Natsuki waved his hand dismissively, "So what? I'm a Konoha's ninja. Why would I join an organization that doesn't appear serious at first sight?"

Konan smiled, remarking, "Mr. Natsuki, your relationship with Konoha is not exactly favorable."

She raised a finger, proposing a condition, "Answer a question first, and then I'll consider your proposal."

Konan, somewhat surprised, agreed, "Mr. Natsuki, please ask."

He gestured toward the scorching desert, "It's so hot here. Why are you wearing black clothes? Don't you know black absorbs heat?"

Konan, taken aback, responded, "Mr. Natsuki, it's just our Akatsuki organization's uniform."

Rubbing his chin, he posed another question that had been bothering him, "If the clothes are uniform, does that mean the nail polish on your hands is also uniform?"

"Is it possible that both men and women who join your organization wear nail polish?"

Konan was taken aback, and surprised by his awareness of this confidential detail.

Natsuki, sensing her unease, casually waved his hand before producing a seal scroll.

"Bang~!"

Under her scrutinizing gaze, he unfurled a parasol, a large kettle, and two cups. He set up two chairs and a table with ease.

Nonchalantly, he sat down on one of the chairs, inviting, "Don't be nervous. Sit down and have a cup of herbal tea."

He poured herbal tea into two cups and slid one toward her. She felt a bit perplexed by his unusual behavior.

Natsuki's manner of enjoying tea seemed to deviate from the typical ninja style.

Storage scrolls were considered valuable and were usually reserved for storing essential supplies.

A few shurikens or kunai would be negligible compared to the cost of a storage scroll.

The scrolls he used to effortlessly retrieve these items would be worth at least several million.

It became evident that he was exceptionally rich.