Chp-140: Akatsuki's Corporate Culture

*Translator's Notes: Apologies, but I had to leave some Chinese characters in this chapter for context.*

In a dimly lit cave, the massive statue of the Gedo Mazo stood menacingly in the shadows, its visage grotesque and intimidating. Nagato stood on one of its fingers, his Rinnegan eyes exuding a faint aura of pressure as he scanned the other Akatsuki members gathered around.

"The Konoha Hokage election is over, and the result was somewhat unexpected," his deep voice echoed through the cave.

"I didn't expect Orochimaru to become Hokage. It seems something unforeseen has happened," Zetsu remarked with a sinister smile.

Nagato remained silent. He had met Orochimaru before, the man who had shown an intense interest in his physical composition the first time they met. If it hadn't been for Jiraiya's intervention, he might have been secretly taken by Orochimaru during the Second Shinobi War.

The Land of Rain, that weeping nation...

A hint of anger flickered in Nagato's heart. If it weren't for the Konoha ninjas, his parents would still be alive. And then there was Yahiko... unforgivable.

One bag of rice!

These foolish people who don't understand the value of a single bag of rice!

I will bear the burden myself!

For the sake of world peace!

Obito, his face hidden behind a spiral mask, showed no expression. His Sharingan eyes revealed nothing of his inner thoughts.

Despite the tense atmosphere, Zero appeared unfazed, casually glancing around, seemingly uninterested in the discussion.

Obito eyed Zero curiously. This newest member of the organization had always been quite mysterious. Like Obito, he also wore a mask, and his abilities, when shown, lacked a clear style or origin.

Who exactly is this Zero?

Nagato noticed Zero as well, a trace of curiosity in his eyes. What is the connection between Zero and Madara? Why do they both hide their faces behind masks? Do they have some kind of relationship?

No matter what plans they have, under my Sage Eyes, they only have one path—subjugation.

"Everyone, after much thought, as the core members of Akatsuki, we must have a unified attire."

As Nagato finished speaking, he signaled to Konan beside him.

Konan nodded, her back sprouting paper wings as she distributed a stack of clothes to Obito, Zetsu, and Zero.

The classic black cloak with red clouds.

"From now on, this will be our uniform, a symbol of Akatsuki. No matter the situation, you must never take it off. Understand?"

However, his impassioned speech didn't seem to stir much reaction. The three silently donned the cloaks.

Unnoticed by anyone, in the darkened corner where Zero stood, the black cloak with red clouds began to change. Nano-scale metal started to consume the cloak from one corner, disintegrating the original fabric and replacing it with fine nano-materials. It resembled the transformation of Iron Man's nano suit, but it was just a cloak. Since it didn't involve chakra and was in the dim light, no one noticed.

"Uniform attire alone isn't enough. Although we currently have only five members, we will recruit more in the future. Therefore, code names are crucial."

Nagato spread his hand, subtly manipulating repulsive force to make the rings float out from his palm, suspended in mid-air.

Each ring was engraved with a different character.

玄 (Gen), 三 (San), 南 (Nan), 玉 (Gyoku)…

"These are special rings I've created with the Rinnegan, imbued with the Gedo Mazo's essence. They can be used for communication and sealing the tailed beasts."

"Each of you, pick one."

Obito chose the 玉 (Gyoku) ring after some thought, while Zetsu selected the 玄 (Gen) ring.

"Um..."

Zero timidly raised his hand.

"What is it?" Nagato asked, puzzled.

Zero pointed at the ring on Nagato's thumb.

"Leader, you know, my name is Zero, and that 'zero' ring would suit me perfectly, don't you think?"

Nagato was taken aback, and Konan, after a brief moment of shock, looked at Zero with a hint of anger.

Even Obito and Zetsu were stunned.

Wow…

This Zero, having just joined, already wanted the leader's ring?

"That's impossible!" Konan suppressed her rising anger.

"The 'zero' ring belongs to Nagato, symbolizing the leader of Akatsuki. How could it be given to you?"

"Oh, come on!" Zero said, scratching his head awkwardly. "I wasn't thinking about it like that. It's just that the ring matches my name perfectly."

Nagato sighed, suppressing his annoyance. "The 'zero' ring is reserved for Pain, and it's already been decided. Choose from the remaining rings."

"Alright." Zero rubbed his mask, his eyes lighting up as he pointed to one of the floating rings.

With a flick of Nagato's finger, the ring swiftly flew towards Zero. He caught it, revealing the character 南 (Nan).

With the rings distributed, Nagato nodded in satisfaction. "Now, there's one final step. Uniform attire and rings alone are not distinctive enough. I have a brilliant idea that will make Akatsuki unique!"

"Konan!"

He signaled again, and Konan, though weary, flapped her paper wings and handed out boxes to the three.

Obito curiously opened his box and was immediately dumbfounded.

"What is this?"

Inside were an array of colorful bottles of nail polish.

Zetsu burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! What on earth? Leader, are you serious? You want us to use this stuff…"

Obito's face twitched beneath his mask.

No way, no way! The man chosen by Madara, with the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths, striving for world peace—was he actually…

"I'm not doing it! Not in a million years!" Obito firmly refused.

"Madara! Are you disobeying my order?"

Nagato's voice turned cold.

"If your order were to capture tailed beasts, I would comply. But with this… are you sure about this?" Obito retorted.

The atmosphere instantly grew tense.

Black Zetsu glared at the still-laughing White Zetsu, who quickly covered his mouth, not daring to make another sound.

"Um…" Zero raised his hand again.

"What now?" Nagato asked coldly, questioning his recruitment methods.

"Actually, I'm quite interested in this stuff. I just don't know how to apply it…"

Relieved, Nagato realized Zero was more compliant than he seemed. Perhaps the earlier request for the ring was just a misunderstanding.

"Konan, show him."

"Okay."

Konan flew to Zero's side. "Which color do you want?"

"The same as yours," Zero said, spreading his fingers eagerly.

Konan gave him a peculiar look before carefully applying the polish.

Watching this, Zetsu hesitated before selecting a bottle of nail polish from the box. Black and White Zetsu then began applying it to each other.

"Traitors!" Obito snarled, glaring at them before disappearing in a vortex.

Nagato's face darkened.

"Hmph! It seems Madara isn't fully committed to supporting me!"

On the other side, Zero admired his newly painted nails, now identical to Konan's.

"Well, if I'm already doing this, I might as well wear this too." He extended his hand, showing the 南 (Nan) ring.

Konan hesitated before sighing and placing the ring on Zero's finger. Since he had only spread one finger, she had no choice but to put it on that one.

Hyuga Satoru was overjoyed.

Who knew joining Akatsuki would come with such perks?

The ring, marked with 南 (Nan), fit snugly on his left ring finger.

What does this mean?

Is the next step the honeymoon?

Looking at Nagato's red hair, he suddenly felt a bit envious.