"Tch, what kind of troublesome situation is it this time?"
On the palm of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, Hidan's projection remained as chatty as ever.
He glanced at Pain, then grinned broadly.
"Also, I heard you guys lost. Tsk tsk, how do you even manage to lose when ambushing someone?"
Hidan's words caused Kisame to raise an eyebrow, but Itachi Uchiha and Pain maintained their usual calm expressions.
Both of them were well aware of Hidan's eccentric mental state.
Rather than paying attention to this lunatic, it was more worthwhile to focus on other matters.
"This operation failed due to unforeseen circumstances that led to our premature exposure. Additionally, we underestimated Kitagawa Minamoto's capabilities."
Pain spoke coldly, his body fully restored through the Hell Path. His tone remained indifferent as he continued.
"However, we still managed to achieve our predetermined goals. Even so, we must remain cautious. Now is not the time to engage directly with Konohagakure."
"Tch."
Hearing this, Hidan pursed his lips, tempted to remark on their arrogance even after losing.
But on second thought, he realized he had also lost in the past. So, he decided to keep his mouth shut.
"Beyond this matter, we still need to continue executing missions to divert Konohagakure's attention. At the same time, we need new members."
Seeing that no one else spoke, Pain continued.
"Deidara's mission failed, and we are still short on personnel. If you have any recommendations or potential recruits, I hope you can provide some suggestions."
The lack of strong shinobi posed a significant challenge for future missions.
Nagato was well aware of this, though he had not yet decided who to recruit.
While there were many rogue shinobi in the ninja world, finding those who were both powerful and met their standards was no easy task.
Of course, from his perspective, most would suffice. However, he still needed to consider and take responsibility for the group's actions.
"For now, I don't have any specific recommendations, but there are some individuals worth investigating."
Zetsu, responsible for intelligence, spoke after some thought.
"There are many rogue shinobi from Kirigakure, including several members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen who have defected. Perhaps we can start with them.
Additionally, there are some individuals who are deeply hidden yet possess considerable strength. Among them are rogue shinobi from Konohagakure and even remnants of the Sky Ninja who were supposed to have been wiped out.
These individuals might all be potential recruits."
Rogue shinobi from Konohagakure?
Hearing this, Pain couldn't help but glance at Itachi Uchiha. At the same time, he thought of Orochimaru and Obito Uchiha.
He suddenly realized that the defection rate among Konohagakure's shinobi was surprisingly high.
"You'll handle the investigations. Determine who is suitable, and we will recruit them if necessary."
"No problem."
Zetsu nodded, and Pain didn't press further. Instead, his gaze shifted to Kakuzu and Sasori.
"How are your recoveries progressing?"
"Although I've mostly recovered, I'm still missing some critical materials."
When Pain's gaze landed on him, Kakuzu thought for a moment before speaking.
"I need to find a suitable, powerful shinobi with Wind Release. This isn't an easy task, so it will take time for me to fully recover."
"Wind Release?"
Hearing this, Sasori couldn't help but turn to look at Kakuzu.
He realized that Kakuzu's thoughts aligned with his own. Sasori also wanted to find a Wind Release shinobi to use their body for crafting a human puppet!
Kitagawa Minamoto's Flying Thunder God Technique was incredibly troublesome in Sasori's eyes. The marked kunai could cause significant problems if not dealt with carefully.
Especially when combined with that Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, it was nearly impossible to discern the real target from the fakes. They couldn't afford to overlook any of them.
Wind Release was the best way to counter these kunai!
"This guy isn't planning to compete with me, is he?"
Sasori frowned internally. Even within an organization, they wouldn't reveal their deepest secrets to each other.
Just as others didn't know the specifics of his body or the core that powered him, Sasori also had no idea about Kakuzu's secrets.
"My Third Kazekage puppet has been repaired, but I still need to replenish my other puppets."
While Sasori pondered, he voiced his current situation.
"So, I plan to make a trip to the Land of Wind to see if I can recover my losses."
"The Land of Wind?"
Kakuzu raised an eyebrow. Although the Land of Wind was barren and desolate, it was likely to have more shinobi skilled in Wind Release.
Thinking this, he glanced at Sasori, already forming an idea.
However, this glance was noticed by Sasori, deepening his concern.
"Damn it, is this bastard really going to compete with me?!"
Meanwhile, in Konohagakure, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood on the rooftop of the Hokage building, gazing at the bustling village below. A smile appeared on his face.
"Finally, some peace and quiet for a while."
"It's rare for both of you to return. We can finally have a proper New Year."
"Though, it's a shame we're missing someone."
Jiraiya nodded, glancing at Tsunade before muttering something under his breath.
"..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt his fist clench involuntarily. Really, Jiraiya? Do you have to say whatever comes to mind, regardless of timing?
Ultimately, though, he said nothing. Deep down, he felt a twinge of sadness himself.
Jiraiya and Tsunade had returned to Konohagakure for various reasons, but Orochimaru seemed unlikely to ever come back.
"Old man, I don't want to ruin the mood, but what's the deal with Obito Uchiha?"
Leaning on the railing and looking down, Tsunade asked with some irritation.
"I know the village once experimented with my grandfather's cells, but didn't you stop it back then? So why does Obito Uchiha have something like that?"
"We're still investigating this matter. In fact, we've always had a suspicion."
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't want to discuss such matters during the festive season, but Tsunade's insistence left him no choice.
"There's a high probability that Orochimaru is involved. Back then, the research was conducted by him and Danzō together, and he..."
"Him?"
Jiraiya, unconvinced, stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"That doesn't seem likely. Orochimaru's goals differ completely from Obito Uchiha's. Even if he were manipulated, he wouldn't turn out like this."
"Exactly. That's why I haven't brought it up before."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. Orochimaru had changed, but his motivations were still somewhat understandable.
Orochimaru once sought to master all jutsu. Over time, his ambitions shifted toward exploring forbidden powers and pursuing eternal life.
These desires were fundamentally different from Obito Uchiha's fanatical obsession with reshaping the ninja world.
"The two of them are completely different. So, the person behind Obito Uchiha can't be Orochimaru. However, the Wood Release might have some connection to him."
"Tch, that guy is incredibly hard to catch."
Tsunade shook her head, clearly familiar with Orochimaru's elusive nature.
Jiraiya sighed as well.
"I've encountered him twice. Although we obtained critical information, we failed to capture him. But old man, if he once collaborated with Danzō, shouldn't we involve him?"
"Danzō is still trying to establish contact with Hanzō of the Salamander, but this is worth considering."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stroked his chin, pondering for a moment.
"After all, they've worked together before. Since Danzō has located Orochimaru before, let's leave this to him."
"Alright, enough of this. Let's enjoy the New Year."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, smiling as he looked at the lively village below.
"There will be plenty of troubles to deal with later. For now, let's rest. Oh, and I remember Minamoto's birthday is coming up. Jiraiya, bring him a gift for me."
"No problem. I'll prepare something right away."
Jiraiya agreed without hesitation. This was one task he wouldn't refuse.
But instead of leaving, he remained standing there, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi with a puzzled expression.
"What are you waiting for? Didn't you say you'd prepare something?"
"Old man, you didn't give me any money. How am I supposed to buy a gift?"
"..."
"Wow, there are so many gifts today."
Late at night, Kitagawa Minamoto finally returned home after a busy day.
Today, he had received numerous gifts—from old classmates, former teachers, Naruto and the rest of the Konoha 11, as well as Guy, Kakashi, Jiraiya, and even Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Looks like I'm pretty popular in Konohagakure."
Looking at the pile of gifts, Minamoto couldn't help but laugh.
Life in Konohagakure had become incredibly comfortable for him. Although it had been tough in the past, things were completely different now.
"Now, I'm a true Hokage insider!"
Reflecting on his journey, Minamoto realized he had outsmarted the Sixth Hokage, pranked the Third and Seventh Hokage, and even played a role in bringing back the Fifth Hokage.
With such credentials, he joked to himself that Naruto might cry in the future!
"Well, let's see what the Main Quest has in store. There's still half a year left, and I should complete the Jōnin exam by then."
Setting the gifts aside, Minamoto decided not to open them immediately. He could take his time later.
What intrigued him more was what reward he might receive upon completing the Jōnin Main Quest.
"After becoming a Jōnin, what comes next? Could it really make Naruto cry?"
Minamoto's expression turned slightly odd as he rested his head on his hands, lost in thought.
Suddenly, he felt something strange.
"What is this...?"
He looked up, his gaze fixed on the sky, staring at the bright moon above.
For some reason, he seemed to sense a unique power emanating from the moon, drawing him in.
This power resonated inexplicably with his eyes, creating a mysterious connection.
(End of Chapter)
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
Explore More Amazing Fanfiction on My Patreon!
Unlock 30+ Advance Chapters and Enjoy Exclusive Stories Early!
��patreon.com/GoldenLong