"Zero, you said joining Akatsuki would mean more freedom. But now we have to fight in a war every day. Never mind the hardship and exhaustion, we might die on the battlefield any day now..."
At an internal Akatsuki meeting, Sasori of the Red Sand spoke expressionlessly, voicing his dissatisfaction.
These rogue ninjas were accustomed to freedom and laxity. Moreover, the rewards did not match the effort. If not for the Deva Path's authority still being intimidating, Sasori of the Red Sand might have said even harsher words.
"Sasori, you have only been asked to act twice, and you already have such big complaints." The Deva Path glanced at him and spoke lightly.
He actually did not want Akatsuki to participate in the war either, but unfortunately, the Land of Rain was weak. Without the high level combat power of Akatsuki, Amegakure might truly be breached.
Those attacking them now were not just ninjas from Otogakure. Ninja forces from Kumogakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure were also participating in the attack on their Land of Rain.
Even though the Deva Path had acted several times, killing several batches of ninja troops, the several countries seemed to be locking horns with him. As soon as one wave died, even more ninjas would immediately join in. This made Nagato feel immense pressure.
He had not expected the consequences of capturing the Tailed Beasts to be so severe. Clearly, that guy Uchiha Ryun had captured more Tailed Beasts, yet these people did not dare to cause trouble for him at Otogakure, and instead vented all their anger on their Amegakure...
"You cannot put it that way, Zero. You did break your promise. Fighting desperately for you a few times is nothing, but you cannot order us around for everything. After all, people like us are used to being free and undisciplined. Helping you fight is one thing, but fighting a war is truly not possible."
Kakuzu also stepped forward at this time to support Sasori of the Red Sand.
These two brothers, relying on Ryun's backing, were very bold and did not take anyone seriously wherever they went. Even the Deva Path dared to confront him directly.
The defiance of Sasori of the Red Sand and Kakuzu surprised Black Zetsu and Konan, but considering their status as rogue ninjas, it also seemed reasonable.
"I understand. I will be more careful in arranging your missions from now on. Unless absolutely necessary, I will not easily send you to the battlefield again."
The Deva Path ultimately compromised and conceded.
Akatsuki did not have many capable people to begin with. If these two were killed or driven away, it would be even harder to deal with Uchiha Ryun in the future. Moreover, he could understand their perspective.
They were, after all, rogue ninjas. You could not expect one hundred percent loyalty from them. Being willing to work for you and risk their lives a few times was already quite good. If you really tried to push your luck and assign them every kind of task, it would be strange if they did not run away...
"That is best. My puppets have been depleted too much recently, and I have not had time to replenish them. What is the difference between a puppeteer without puppets and a useless person?" Sasori of the Red Sand held back a smile and said casually.
These two brothers actually did not want to face the Otogakure ninja forces, as those were the Dragon Lord's people. If they really killed Otogakure ninjas, the Dragon Lord might come to settle accounts with them...
To prevent this situation, the two reached a consensus in advance, planning to confront the Deva Path directly at the meeting.
Currently, it seemed the effect was surprisingly good, which made the two brothers feel quite pleased with themselves.
"Recently, Akatsuki is severely short handed. If you do not want to participate in the war, then go see if there are any suitable new recruits. Rogue ninjas or anyone else is fine, as long as their strength is sufficient."
The Deva Path assigned them the task of recruiting new members. There was no set time limit, nor were they told where to look. The mission was very free and easy, so the two agreed readily.
"Fine, leave this matter to us."
"Meeting adjourned."
The Deva Path's face was cold as he released the Phantom Lantern Body Technique.
"Hmph, wanting us to fight for Amegakure? He should take a look at his own capabilities." Kakuzu sneered contemptuously after exiting the Phantom Lantern Body Technique.
"Heh, Brother Kakuzu is truly mighty. Those words were really tough, leaving Zero with no temper at all." Sasori of the Red Sand flattered with a laugh.
"Haha. Who do you think I am? Back in the day, I even dared to fight the 'God of Shinobi'. What does a mere Akatsuki leader count for?" Kakuzu laughed proudly, again bringing up his encounter with Hashirama Senju...
"Amazing."
Sasori of the Red Sand was completely fooled, firmly believing in his heart that Brother Kakuzu was a true tough guy...
"Brother Kakuzu, what do we do next?"
"Let's go make some money together. And replenish my five hearts first." Kakuzu suggested.
"Alright. My puppet losses have been really high recently. To make another batch, I need a lot of money to buy materials. My funds are a bit tight." Sasori of the Red Sand seemed somewhat troubled.
"How about we go to Otogakure and ask the Dragon Lord for some money to spend?" Kakuzu suddenly proposed.
"Ah???"
Sasori of the Red Sand looked utterly shocked. Was this Kakuzu really that inflated?
"I wouldn't dare open my mouth to him for that."
"Guts. The Land of Rice is very rich. Many wealthy people from the ninja world are running there. You have seen the Dragon Lord's luxurious mansion. He has plenty of money. If we just dare to ask, we will definitely make a windfall." Kakuzu.
"Besides, we have provided plenty of intelligence. It is unreasonable for the Dragon Lord not to pay us a salary."
Sasori of the Red Sand fell silent for a long time upon hearing this. Finally, he gritted his teeth and nodded.
"Fine, I will listen to Brother Kakuzu."
"Sasori, good brother." Kakuzu could not help but put an arm around his shoulder.
Several days later.
The two, having concealed their identities, entered Otogakure using the token Ryun had given them and were permitted to enter the Shadow's residence.
Kakuzu and Sasori of the Red Sand immediately sold out Amegakure, providing one piece of war intelligence after another, until even Ryun felt a headache coming on...
"The two of you coming together probably is not just to deliver intelligence." Ryun raised an eyebrow, staring at the two of them.
The war intelligence was not actually very valuable to him personally.
"Zero ordered us to recruit new members for Akatsuki. Anyone is fine, as long as they are strong enough. We were passing by Otogakure, so we thought to come pay our respects to you."
Kakuzu wore a fawning expression, which left Sasori of the Red Sand utterly stunned. What happened to the tough guy? Just abandoning the image???
For money, Kakuzu could disregard his 'tough guy' image. Moreover, he dared not act like a tough guy in front of Ryun.
"Is that really all?"
Ryun looked at Kakuzu with suspicion.
"Haha. As expected, nothing can escape the Dragon Lord's notice. This guy Sasori is short on funds lately, has no money to buy puppets, so..."
"Bastard Kakuzu!!!"
Before Kakuzu could even finish speaking, Sasori of the Red Sand's face turned red with anger as he shouted a curse.
It was clearly this money grubbing bastard who wanted to ask Ryun for money, but when they got here, he did not dare to speak up and instead pushed the entire money asking matter onto him!
To hell with the tough guy, to hell with big brother. If they were not still in the Shadow's residence, Sasori of the Red Sand truly wanted to kill this shameless beast!
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