Infinite Anime [225-226] (Patreon)

Chapter 225: Akatsuki

Kakuzu sensed that the Lightning Spear would shoot at his main body. He couldn't bother with the pain of losing a heart and immediately rolled on the ground in a sorry state, shooting out black threads to bind the surrounding trees and pull himself away.

He barely managed to dodge Gusion's attack, narrowly avoiding having the Earth Release heart in his main body stopped.

"Calamity! Wait a minute! I'm not your enemy!"

Seeing Gusion coming to kill him again, Kakuzu shouted hastily.

While swinging through the forest like a spider using his black threads, he explained, "I'm here to invite you to join Akatsuki. I was just testing your strength!"

Having lived for over eighty years, Kakuzu's secret to longevity was knowing when to yield.

Facing the weak, he could maintain his cold, aloof persona, pointing fingers and bragging about his glorious days fighting the First Hokage.

But facing the strong, he knew when to back down. Just like back then when he realized he couldn't beat Hashirama Senju—he simply ran away, not caring about his pride.

"Oh? You're inviting me?"

Upon hearing Kakuzu's invitation to join Akatsuki, Gusion's blade barely stopped before Kakuzu's last heart. He smiled and said, "Your attitude for inviting someone isn't great."

Actually, Gusion had guessed from the start that Akatsuki might come to invite him. After all, he was a well-known rogue ninja, and he had displayed Kage-level strength. Akatsuki had every reason to recruit such a reserve member.

But Kakuzu obviously only had his eye on Gusion's bounty. Attacking right away, Gusion didn't mind trying to see if he could score an epic loot box.

Honestly, killing Kakuzu outright didn't matter—Akatsuki was a place where the strong devour the weak. Killing Kakuzu and joining in his stead was entirely possible.

Gusion pondered for a moment. He figured Kakuzu, as Akatsuki's treasurer, might be useful to his future plans, so the tip of his Mazuko blade slowly withdrew from Kakuzu's body, stopping short of the last heart.

Seeing Gusion sheath his blade, Kakuzu breathed a sigh of relief. Of course, he understood that putting away the blade was only a gesture—at this distance, Gusion didn't even need a blade to kill him.

With Gusion's lightning attacks having no wind-up, at this distance and in his current state, Kakuzu knew he couldn't predict or dodge in time and would be fried to a crisp.

Kakuzu used his black threads to prop himself up and looked at Gusion. "Calamity, your strength exceeds my expectations. I believe the leader will be very satisfied with you."

"I haven't agreed to join your organization yet," Gusion replied, not agreeing immediately. "What's in it for me?"

Kakuzu was stunned. Honestly, it was his first time seeing someone ask, "What are the benefits of joining Akatsuki?"

To be fair, most of the current members were schemers with their own agendas. But had any of them actually benefited from Akatsuki?

It seemed… not really.

After all, Akatsuki didn't protect its own members. Even if they died on a mission, the organization wouldn't avenge them.

Kakuzu thought he couldn't just tell Gusion about Akatsuki's grand dream—ruling the ninja world, creating true peace through force.

He doubted Gusion, a battle maniac, would be moved by such a reason.

Honestly, even Kakuzu didn't care much about the leader's ideals. He just found Akatsuki comfortable and it didn't interfere with his money-making.

"Calamity, maybe you haven't been active outside these years, so you don't know our organization well. The leader is currently the strongest in the ninja world. Once you join, you'll have access to intelligence, secret techniques—everything."

Kakuzu tried to persuade Gusion with basic benefits. "As a rogue ninja, you probably have nowhere to go. Why not come with me and check out the organization?"

Seeing Gusion unmoved, he added, "Besides, our organization usually operates in pairs. Two experts together are much safer. Even the Five Great Ninja Villages can't keep you—you won't have to worry about being hunted."

He said this because he knew Gusion, like himself, was an internationally wanted criminal—the type that would be hunted everywhere.

"Oh? You work in pairs? Then where's your partner?"

Gusion asked playfully.

Kakuzu was a bit embarrassed. "He ran into a little accident a few days ago."

Seeing Kakuzu's awkward look, Gusion didn't push him further. After all, this guy was an old ninja—if cornered, he might fight to the death.

Although Gusion wasn't afraid of Kakuzu's desperation, he still needed this treasurer, so he said, "Alright, I'll go with you and take a look."

"Calamity, you won't regret your decision. The three Sannin of Konoha—Orochimaru is also in Akatsuki. I'm sure you'll have a lot to talk about."

Kakuzu said this partly to reassure Gusion and partly to hint that Gusion should team up with Orochimaru in the future.

He currently had no partner, but he'd rather team up with Sasori the art maniac than someone like Gusion.

"Lead the way."

Gusion nodded, sheathing Mazuko. He'd been wanting to find Orochimaru anyway.

He'd searched the Land of Rice Fields without finding a trace of Orochimaru. After joining Akatsuki, it'd be easier to find him.

…

Half a day later, under Kakuzu's guidance, Gusion arrived at a cavern.

Kakuzu gave Gusion an Akatsuki ring—this was given to him by Pain beforehand. The ring was engraved with the character "Shu".

With this ring, Gusion could now use the Astral Projection Technique to participate in Akatsuki's remote meetings.

Nagato wouldn't let Pain meet every new member face-to-face. In fact, even within Akatsuki, few knew the leader was based in the Land of Rain.

As treasurer, Kakuzu knew, but without Pain's orders, he wouldn't bring Gusion directly.

Usually, when new members join, a remote meeting is held for introductions. Afterwards, they form pairs, and unless there's a mercenary mission, everyone does their own thing.

After being told the hand seals, Gusion tried the Astral Projection Technique but failed the first time.

Under Kakuzu's strange gaze, Gusion calmed his mind and tried again. This time, instead of using pure soul energy, he tried gathering chakra like a native of this world and succeeded.

Gusion sighed inwardly at the trouble. He had no intention of switching to this world's chakra system. There wasn't much in the Naruto world worth his attention—maybe just some Lightning Release secrets, Sage Eyes, Sage Body, Tailed Beasts, and Sage Arts.

Secret techniques aside, the rest weren't closely tied to the chakra-ninjutsu system. Honestly, the later stages of Naruto are just god-level battles.

Who among the top experts even uses hand seals and chakra properly? It's all about clapping hands and shouting for Sage Arts.

Compared to Sage Eyes and Sage Body, chakra ninjutsu seems fancy but powerless. In fact, the planet's original natural energy system—Sage Arts—still has some uses.

In terms of system ceiling, the chakra system is far below Bleach's spiritual pressure system, so Gusion wasn't planning to switch—he just wanted to reference a few secret techniques and take what was useful.

Oh, of course, pure Shinigami also have limits, but Gusion figured he could ask Aizen for advice when he got back.

At this moment, once the technique succeeded, Gusion's consciousness opened his eyes and found himself on the finger of the Gedo Statue, surrounded by several figures.

On his left was Kakuzu, who had invited him. On his right were Jūzō Biwa and another Akatsuki member he didn't recognize—probably someone minor who hadn't survived to Akatsuki's main period in the original story.

Opposite Gusion stood Sasori in his puppet, with Orochimaru next to him. Orochimaru was staring intensely at Gusion, with a creepy smile and tongue licking his lips—not sure if that was supposed to be friendly.

"Calamity Gusion, welcome to Akatsuki."

The voice came from the leader's seat, drawing Gusion's gaze—it was Tendo Pain, controlled by Nagato. Next to him stood a woman, Konan.

"Just us? I thought this was a huge organization."

Gusion pretended to be unfamiliar with Akatsuki and asked.

Counting himself, there were only eight people present. Konan and Pain rarely did missions.

Orochimaru was always researching, Sasori always making puppets, Kakuzu obsessed with money—honestly, it seemed only Jūzō Biwa's pair actually did missions.

The supposedly infamous Akatsuki only had eight members, with just two seriously working…

"We only need the strong. More weaklings are just burdens."

Pain said, "Since you're here, Kakuzu must have explained the basics. I'll tell you about Akatsuki's goals and plans."

"Please do."

Gusion replied politely. He also wanted to see if Nagato's goals had changed due to the Explorer's influence.

"First, we must amass a large amount of money to prepare for the future. Second, as a mercenary group unaffiliated with any nation, we'll stir up small wars, monopolizing commissions from small countries at low prices, expanding the scale of war, then breaking the major villages' ninja system and monopolizing all wars."

Pain said simply, "We've done well with the first two steps—Kakuzu has gathered a lot of funds, and as a mercenary group we're already famous."

At this, Gusion asked, "What do we spend all our money on?"

Pain was silent for a moment, glanced at Konan, and said, "War reserves."

Gusion wanted to retort: were you using it all to make explosive tags? If Kakuzu knew how you spent money, he'd cry.

"Calamity, be patient. Our second step is progressing smoothly. Our ultimate goal is to rule the world with absolute force and end war forever."

Pain continued, "To that end, we're now going to start collecting Tailed Beasts."

Gusion fell silent as he listened. He realized this world had changed a lot—Akatsuki had become active earlier and started collecting Tailed Beasts six or seven years ahead of schedule, leaving no time for Naruto's generation to grow.

But this was good for him. If he wanted to hunt Soul Devourers, he'd need to hunt Tailed Beasts, and with Akatsuki's intelligence and support, things would be easier.

As for moral burden, he'd been hunted by the Five Great Nations' ninjas all along—he was used to being the scapegoat.

Not that his starting identity wasn't unlucky, but he wasn't the type to take a beating without hitting back. Capturing the Jinchuriki of the Five Great Nations was a solid counterattack.

"Calamity, do you have any objections to our plan?"

Pain's Rinnegan stared at Gusion as he spoke.

Gusion shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me. I just want a place to stay. Kakuzu said there are many secret techniques and all kinds of intel in the organization. If I can get what I want, why not help out?"

Pain nodded in satisfaction. "Then you'll temporarily act with Kakuzu."

Chapter 226: Excited Uchiha Fugaku

Before Gusion could reply to Pain, Kakuzu objected. "I think we're not compatible. Better to act separately."

Pain was silent for a moment, realizing Kakuzu's recruitment hadn't been smooth. He turned to Orochimaru. "In that case, Orochimaru, you'll partner with Gusion. Sasori, you work with Kakuzu."

Sasori didn't object to the assignment, just glanced at Kakuzu. "If you delay me for bounty, I'll kill you."

"Heh, just try it."

Kakuzu was emboldened again. He couldn't beat Gusion, but he wasn't a pushover in the organization.

Sasori's puppets weren't much against Kakuzu's ability, and Gusion's abilities were just the right counter.

"Stop arguing."

Pain's deep voice cut them off.

Kakuzu and Sasori looked unhappy, but stopped bickering, showing how much authority Pain held in their eyes.

Gusion sighed inwardly. This was the difference between regular and Sage Eye ninjas. Kakuzu and Sasori were top-level among ordinary ninjas, but in front of super-Kage-level Nagato, his Rinnegan could easily crush them. That's absolute power, no tricks.

Obviously, Kakuzu and Sasori obeyed because they'd witnessed Pain's power. In front of the legendary Sage's eyes, even their pride was subdued.

At this point, Orochimaru looked at Gusion, licked his lips, and said in a deep, hoarse voice, "Gusion-kun, as fellow Konoha-nin, please take care of me from now on."

"I've heard about the three Sannin since I was a kid. I'm glad to meet a fellow villager here."

Gusion replied courteously, "Orochimaru, where should I find you?"

Pain, seeing the harmonious exchange, relaxed, feeling this pair wouldn't have problems.

On the other hand, Sasori and Kakuzu might be dangerous together, but since both were strong—one with eternal art, one with an immortal body—even if they fought, it likely wouldn't be fatal.

Thinking of this, Nagato in the Land of Rain felt tired. He missed the original Akatsuki, when everyone was a revolutionary comrade with a shared dream. Now, it was full of schemers and problem children.

He just hoped Gusion wasn't a troublemaker who'd stir up conflict in the organization.

"I'm in the Sound Village in the Land of Rice Fields. Once you arrive, I'll send someone to pick you up."

Orochimaru smiled, though his smile was naturally cold and unsettling.

"Zetsu isn't here today—still gathering intel. Once we confirm the details, we'll begin our first Tailed Beast hunt. You should all prepare and meet up in the next few days," Pain instructed. He was starting early on collecting Tailed Beasts because of something that happened years ago, speeding up the Gedo Statue's restoration.

With the prerequisites in place, he wouldn't delay—hoping to unify the ninja world before his body gave out and create eternal peace through pain.

When Pain finished, he dissolved the Astral Projection Technique, signaling the end of the meeting.

Everyone returned to their bodies. Gusion awoke and looked at Kakuzu. "Kakuzu, you're in charge of the money here, right?"

Kakuzu eyed Gusion warily. "What do you want?"

He loved money and was a miser, rarely giving funds to other members.

"Don't be so nervous. Just asking. If I need something later, I'll come to you."

Gusion smiled. He'd be working with Orochimaru and would need a lot of funds for their plans.

He didn't want to run around the ninja world making money—better to ask Kakuzu directly.

"If you want funds, you have to ask Pain. If he approves, I'll give you money," Kakuzu answered, all business, not caring about personal relationships.

Gusion put his hand on his sword hilt and thought, maybe I didn't hit you hard enough earlier? We're all colleagues—what's wrong with a little private funding?

Better to give the money to me and Orochimaru than to Konan for explosive tags.

"…If it's reasonable…"

Seeing Gusion hand on his sword, Kakuzu hesitated and added, "Small amounts don't need approval."

Gusion grinned, walked up and patted Kakuzu's shoulder. "That's more like it. You're the living fossil of the ninja world—the man who fought the First Hokage and survived, a legend among legends. No need to report small things."

Kakuzu's face twitched under his cloth—weren't you just trying to kill me earlier?

But being flattered made him feel a bit better about being slashed earlier. "Don't underestimate Pain. You should know, he's a Sage Eye user—even the Five Kage together can't beat him."

It was a kind reminder—Kakuzu thought Gusion was a bit reckless, not realizing that beating Kakuzu didn't mean much. Against a real eye-technique expert, Gusion's Lightning Release Kekkei Genkai didn't have such an advantage.

"Got it. I'm off to the Land of Rice Fields."

Gusion waved and left the cave.

…

While Gusion was at the Akatsuki meeting, elsewhere—in the Land of Fire, Konoha Village, Uchiha compound—

In a spacious tatami room, father and son sat cross-legged, facing each other.

"Itachi, it seems you're not trusted either."

Uchiha Fugaku looked at his always-proud eldest son, expressionless.

"Father, I didn't come home to talk about this."

Itachi was equally expressionless—maybe it was genetic, as both rarely showed emotion. All of Itachi's smiles were for Sasuke.

Yesterday, he'd returned to the village to report.

But because the mission failed, three ANBU members died, and only he survived. The advisor elders were strongly dissatisfied with his performance.

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, couldn't hide his suspicion either. Knowing Itachi had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, the Third had previously agreed to the Uchiha massacre plan, believing Itachi could do it.

But such a powerful Itachi, leading three elite ANBU to hunt Calamity, ended up with three dead and one wounded. The Third suspected Itachi hadn't tried his best.

He had no hard evidence, and since Itachi was so strong and still on the Hokage's side, he didn't punish him too harshly—just stripped him of ANBU duties and put him under house arrest for a week.

In short, Itachi was now dismissed and confined at home—he knew there were eyes watching the compound.

The Third Hokage was clever—he likely suspected Itachi colluded with Gusion. After all, if Gusion was so fast, and Itachi really lost, it would be hard to escape.

Itachi claimed he had used eye techniques to control Gusion but exhausted his chakra and couldn't finish the mission, so he retreated.

Obviously, the Third wasn't satisfied and trusted him even less.

"So what do you want to talk about?"

Uchiha Fugaku's eyes flickered slightly. Was it possible his eldest son, after this punishment, finally understood and wanted to rebel together?

"Father, my last mission was to hunt down Calamity—Gusion."

Itachi said. ANBU missions were secret—even his father didn't know what he did outside.

"Calamity—Gusion? I remember him—a strong ninja."

Fugaku commented. He'd fought alongside Gusion on the battlefield, so he knew his strength. He also worried for his son, since Calamity's abilities were troublesome—even a genius Uchiha could fall if they couldn't control him with genjutsu in time.

Luckily, Itachi had survived, preserving the Uchiha's strength.

"Calamity's defection had hidden reasons, but that's not the point. Through him and Shisui's case, I've fully understood Konoha's darkness."

Itachi said heavily, still grieving over Shisui's death.

"Then let's—"

Fugaku started, but was interrupted.

"No, Father, I've already found the true way forward for our clan, and it's not rebellion."

Itachi didn't mention Gusion's involvement, planning to say the ideas were his own. "To be honest, Father, I've awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, but even so, I don't think going to war with the village is wise—we'd be wiped out, and outsiders would benefit."

Fugaku was first delighted, then frowned at his son's words. "So pessimistic?"

Itachi nodded. "I don't know if you've awakened the Mangekyō, but even if we combined our power, it'd be hard. I hear Jiraiya-sama is back in the village, and Tsunade-sama is being recalled."

Hearing this, Fugaku's mood darkened. He wasn't stupid—he'd led troops and analyzed strength.

Though the clan often clamored for revolt, he was troubled. Deep down, he doubted they could win. So he always muddled through meetings, delaying the rebellion. But since Shisui's death, the clan's emotions were harder to suppress.

"Itachi, do you have a good solution?"

Fugaku asked. He'd always admired his son's wisdom. Since the clan and village came into conflict, this was their first calm discussion.

"Yes. I've finally figured it out. Please listen, Father…"

Itachi explained the plan he'd heard from Gusion, and Fugaku's eyes grew brighter as he listened. By the end, his Sharingan spun rapidly, faintly revealing the Mangekyō pattern.

Seeing his father's eye change, Itachi sighed inwardly.

His father had also awakened the eye. He'd been too arrogant.

If he'd tried to destroy the clan himself, he might not have beaten his father.

But now, things were different. With a new path, the father and son were united. With two pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan, the Uchiha had great prospects.

"Itachi, this idea is truly workable. I'll call a meeting of the core clan members to discuss it."

Fugaku said happily, the years of gloom on his face finally gone, even smiling.

As he got up, he patted Itachi on the head. "You've really grown up. After me, you can definitely lead our clan to the top of the ninja world."

…

Uchiha clan's changes were still unknown to Gusion.

After leaving Kakuzu, he'd just napped for a few hours in a safe place, then hurried straight to the Sound Village in the Land of Rice Fields.

Orochimaru, as if knowing exactly when he'd arrive, had already arranged for someone familiar to Gusion to meet him at the village entrance.