Chapter 335

Eventually, after much persuasion, Pain rejected Shinji's request by explaining that Kakuzu already had a partner and instructed Shinji to work alone for now.

"So, if his partner meets with an accident, can I pair up with him then?"

Shinji's persistent smile and pointed remarks towards Kakuzu made it clear he wasn't planning to let him off easily. Kakuzu felt a deep sense of frustration, realizing Shinji was always ready with a reason to take him down.

Feeling that this couldn't continue, and having a sudden inspiration, Kakuzu, who was standing behind the Deva Path, exclaimed that the organization's tasks and team arrangements were all painstakingly considered by the leader based on the members' abilities. How could they change everything just because of a few words from a newcomer? Did Shinji even respect the organization or the leader? Was he planning a rebellion?

Konan frowned slightly at Kakuzu's remarks, realizing he was shifting all his conflicts with Angolmanue onto the organization and Pain.

"Pain..."

Konan was about to speak up but was stopped by Pain's raised hand.

Although Nagato stayed in the tower, he could easily tell Kakuzu was diverting the conflict. However, he found Kakuzu useful to the organization and didn't want to dwell on it.

But...

A slight reprimand wouldn't hurt.

"Angolmanue, it's too early to talk about this now. We'll see when the time comes. If Kakuzu indeed lacks a suitable partner then..."

Kakuzu was dumbfounded by Deva Path's response.

What's going on? Why didn't the leader assert the organization's authority and his own? How did he end up being the one in trouble again? Does this mean if his current partner dies, he'd be next?

Glancing at the bewildered Kakuzu, Shinji smiled lightly, "Then I'll... look forward to it."

"Wait..."

Kakuzu tried to say something, but Deva Path interrupted him, handing Shinji a ring marked with the word "blue" and continued, "From today, Angolmanue, you are not a member of Akatsuki, but a partner. As a partner, you have only one requirement, which is to..."

As Pain paused, Shinji glanced at Konan, who was holding the red cloud black robe of Akatsuki with a complex expression. After a brief contemplation, he smiled and turned away.

Snap!

"Little Minato, it's up to you."

Minato's face was filled with a complex expression as he accepted the ring and robe. Understandably so, as Minato had just joined his enemy's organization and would likely have to carry out tasks that might harm the interests of the Land of Fire and Konoha, and possibly threaten the safety of the ninja world.

"Um... Can I ask what the purpose of this organization is? And what kind of tasks are generally involved?"

"Alright, since everyone is here, I'll explain once more."

Pain surveyed his members and Shinji, who had found a rock to sit on, then continued in a calm tone, "Akatsuki's ultimate goal is to control all wars in the world to achieve true peace. To achieve that end, our current objective is money."

"Everything requires money."

Orochimaru interjected, his long tongue once again licking his lips, eyes hidden with a deep desire for those Rinnegan.

But it was just desire. In their initial clash, Deva Path had defeated him with one Shinra Tensei.

Control the world? Achieve true peace?

Minato was taken aback, finding the goal not entirely evil. Though controlling wars sounded ominous, the idea of peace appealed to him.

"Yes, money is essential. Once we've gathered enough, we'll move to the second phase, which is to establish the first mercenary organization in the ninja world based on this wealth."

Minato frowned slightly, but Nagato, noticing his reaction, continued, "Don't misunderstand. We're different from the ninja villages. Akatsuki will be an organization not affiliated with any nation, ready to mobilize necessary ninja and power when needed.

Akatsuki will accept war commissions from small countries or minor ninja villages, no matter the price at first, monopolizing the war market. We will then use special forces to trigger conflicts and ultimately control all wars. This will cause the major ninja villages to collapse, forcing them to seek our help, leading to the third phase..."

Pain paused, raising his hand slowly.

"...completely conquering the world, achieving true peace."

Minato, shaken by these words, wanted to refute but couldn't find the words. Shinji shrugged and asked, "If this is your true intention, it sounds interesting, but can you be sure this is your true intention, kid?"

Pain was silent for a moment before turning to Shinji and affirming, "While achieving peace will inevitably cause pain to many, this is Akatsuki's true purpose."

Seeing that Pain was sincere, Shinji shrugged again.

"Well, do as you please. I'm not interested in such things. I'm only interested in your outcome."

Despite appearing indifferent, Shinji gained a deeper understanding of Nagato. In the original story, when Tobi fought Konan during the "Six Billion Explosive Tags" scene, Tobi mentioned Nagato agreed with the Eye of the Moon Plan. However...

It now seemed not entirely true.

Nagato had his own vision for peace, different from the Infinite Tsukuyomi of the Eye of the Moon Plan. His three-step plan for peace was clear and well-thought-out, indicating serious contemplation.

This suggested Nagato hadn't fully trusted Tobi, who claimed to be Uchiha Madara. Their cooperation might have been mutually exploitative.

Tobi likely knew Nagato didn't fully trust him, but didn't care as long as Nagato collected the tailed beasts for him.

This might be why Tobi killed Konan, knowing her death would plunge Nagato into deeper darkness, making him easier to manipulate.

"Excuse me, could you explain the special force mentioned earlier?" Minato asked.

"The tailed beasts."

Minato was shocked, and before he could respond, Juzo Biwa, with his cross-scarred face and Executioner's Blade on his back, spoke up, "The tailed beasts? You mean those nine creatures?"

"Yes, most of them are held by the five great nations, but a few are unaccounted for. Those who are free should investigate their whereabouts."

"Just investigate?" Kakuzu asked.

"For now, yes," Pain replied.

"Tailed beasts... There are many other ways to conquer the world, such as..." Orochimaru licked his lips again, eyeing Shinji with interest, "...a living sacrifice crowned as the evil of this world, Angolmanue."

"Do you know about Angolmanue, Lord Orochimaru?"

Minato instinctively called out Orochimaru's name.

Orochimaru looked at Minato with interest, "Oh? You know my name? How strange, since I haven't introduced myself. Are you a former Konoha ninja? If so, your mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique makes sense."

Realizing his slip, Minato laughed, scratching his head, "No, I'm just a ninja from a small country. I owe my life to Lord Angolmanue, who saved me, and became his steward. I recognized you from the portraits of the Sannin I saw as a child."

"I see, but a small country ninja mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique is unheard of. If you developed it yourself, you must be a genius on par with the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato."

"Not at all, I'm far from the Yellow Flash," Minato laughed awkwardly, skillfully deflecting the topic.

Seeing Minato deny being a Konoha ninja, Orochimaru didn't press further and turned to Shinji.

"I wouldn't say I know much, but from ancient records and today's encounter, I've made some reasonable guesses.

Angolmanue, the evil of this world, isn't something mere tailed beasts can compare to. It's an existence that embodies all the evils of this world. I believe you have the power to destroy the world with that ultimate and pure evil, that evil forcibly imposed by humanity..."