Chapter 332

Country of Rivers, Akatsuki Base

"Huh? Recruiting new members?"

Moryo, an immortal who could wield black dragon-headed chakra tentacles that most female ninjas found hard to handle, perked up with interest upon hearing Konan's words.

"There's no need for all that trouble; I can handle it alone!"

After years of recovery, Moryo had reached the level of an elite Jonin, possibly even higher. With his immortality and status as a founding member of Akatsuki, he had grown arrogant once more.

Initially, Moryo joined Akatsuki to hide from the priestess and bide his time until his powers returned, aiming to establish his millennium kingdom. However, things didn't go as planned.

Who the hell knew about the Rinnegan or the Ten-Tails? Could he defeat them? Even with another ten years, it seemed unlikely!

Thinking it over, Moryo, under the alias of his former subordinate's name, Huang Quan, considered quitting. But who could have guessed that this organization had a lifetime membership? Once you join, you can't leave!

Given the circumstances, Moryo stayed in Akatsuki, although he hadn't completely abandoned his ambitions. After all, Akatsuki's goal was to unify the world, so why not ride along?

Once the leader unified the ninja world, he could emerge like that historical figure from a certain country's past, surnamed Tokugawa, and enjoy the fruits of victory once the leader naturally passed away.

Eventually, Moryo gave up on the idea of defection, changed his name to Tokugawa Huang Quan, and worked diligently for Akatsuki, all in for the organization and its leader.

If asked who was the most loyal to Tendo Pain in Akatsuki, the answer would be Moryo.

At this moment, hearing the leader's orders, Moryo stood up to express his loyalty, confidently declaring that he could handle the task alone.

"No, this time, more people are needed..."

Konan began to speak but was interrupted by Pain.

"Alright, Huang Quan, you and Konan will go."

"Pain..." Konan hesitated.

"That's settled. The other members are on missions."

Nagato had his reasons. Given the unknown nature of this 'Evil of the World,' sending the immortal Moryo, who also harbored human desires, was the best option.

Additionally, it was a chance to gauge Moryo's loyalty. His inexplicable sense of responsibility and belonging to Akatsuki was peculiar and needed understanding.

"Hurry up and set off."

"Leave it to me, leader!"

Nagato: ...

Why is he so loyal to me?

Two days later.

Country of Hot Water, Southern Coast

On the beach in front of an inn, Shinji lay on a beach chair under an umbrella, wearing sunglasses and shorts, sunbathing as he awaited the recruitment team.

The three kids played in the water, while Minato pondered how to carry the door without looking ridiculous.

Carrying it on his back was out of the question—it would lower his dignity.

Sealing it in a scroll? That was also impossible.

As Anri-sensei had said, Minato could feel the connection between himself and the door. Sealing one would seal the other.

Difficult indeed...

As Minato fretted, a small black boat carrying two people slowly approached the shore.

This event would be known in history books as the Black Ship Incident, playing an irreplaceable role in promoting the development of the ninja world.

"Children?"

Seeing the three kids playing on the beach, Huang Quan (Moryo) frowned, unprepared for this sight. In contrast, Konan, upon noticing the kids, instantly thought of that man.

It had to be him. With these three kids here, the man who left an indelible mark on her heart and mind must be nearby!

So, his name is Angra Mainyu...

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Konan turned her face away, having already spotted the man.

Under the umbrella, wearing floral shorts and large sunglasses, he still looked as irreverent and indecent as ever.

And his abs were still as chiseled...

!!

Noticing Huang Quan's sudden stiffness, Konan frowned and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Huang Quan lied through his teeth, feeling utterly screwed.

He hadn't expected the new recruit to be this guy! If they had told him earlier...

This man had almost killed him at his peak, sparing him at the last moment!

Even now, Huang Quan couldn't forget the sight of the blue-haired youth, hands in pockets, summoning countless sword shadows that shredded him.

"Um... Miss Angel, is the leader sure about recruiting this guy? Honestly, I think we should reconsider. He's not a normal person."

"A monster? You know him?"

"Uh..."

To save face, Huang Quan didn't reveal that he had been nearly killed by Shinji and opted for a more tactful explanation.

"I've fought him once, so I know. He's not..."

Huang Quan's words halted abruptly, and his body froze, trembling. A hand had lightly touched his shoulder.

"Hey, lucky you're still alive. I heard you talking about me. What were you saying? I'm not what?"

Huang Quan had to admit, he'd never forget that voice! And his life now hung in the balance!

In an instant, Huang Quan made a decision. He turned, scratching his head with a forced smile. "Ahaha, long time no see! How have you been? I was just saying you're not an ordinary person, but a great one!"

"Really? I thought you were bad-mouthing me."

"No way, big brother! My admiration for you is like..."

"Alright, alright. I'll let you off this time. You know why? Because..."

Shinji glanced at Konan, who was staring blankly at him, and smiled. He didn't finish his sentence.

Instant movement... no, space-time ninjutsu?

Konan analyzed silently. From Huang Quan's fear, it was clear these two had met before, and Huang Quan had likely been badly beaten.

This man was indeed strong, at least Kage level! After all, he made the tentacle monster tremble!

"Ding! Flash!"

"Anri-sensei, what happened?"

Seeing Minato instantly appear on the boat with a kunai, Konan was once again shocked. She hadn't expected even his servant to know space-time ninjutsu!

"Nothing, just... guests."

...

Seeing Shinji return to the shore, hands in pockets, Minato thought briefly and kindly advised, "If possible, don't provoke Anri-sensei. The consequences aren't something one or even a few people can bear."

After all, she was like a junior sister. Though he didn't know her purpose, he couldn't push her into the fire again.

"I think he's right. Let's go back, Miss Angel. This man isn't someone who can be subdued easily. A conflict would be bad, don't you think? Hehehe..."

Huang Quan was ready to turn the boat around. He didn't want to share an organization with someone who could kill him at any moment!

After a moment of silent consideration, Konan said, "No, this is our mission. Whether he agrees to join or not, we must complete it."

Foolishness!

Minato and Huang Quan's thoughts synchronized, both exclaiming in their minds.

Why provoke such a person?

But what Konan did next left them both speechless.

She calmly approached Shinji, who had resumed his place under the umbrella, his face slightly flushed for some reason.

"Our organization... wants to invite you to join."

"What organization?" Shinji responded casually.

"Ak... Akatsuki."

"Ha? What's that? Speak up, didn't you eat?"

Angered by Shinji's teasing, Konan raised her voice, "It's Akatsuki! An organization that does anything, like assassination and war!"

Minato instantly became alert. He'd never heard of this organization, and it sounded like a group that did only bad things!

"Really? Sounds boring. Well, I'll take a look first. Maybe it has something interesting. Right, Minato?"

"Uh... I think..."

"You understand me well, Minato. Everyone, get ready to leave!"

I didn't even finish speaking, Anri-sensei!

Minato inwardly complained, but it was useless. Shinji was already calling the three kids.

Konan sternly said, "Akatsuki doesn't allow visitors. If you don't want to join, just say so, and we'll leave."

"Why the rush? I said I'd look first. Have you forgotten? I hate forced sales."