The sky of the Land of Rain seemed perpetually shrouded in an impenetrable gloom. A steady drizzle fell, soaking the mountains, rivers, and land in a monotonous gray hue.
Deep within a remote, secluded gorge, turbid river water rushed ceaselessly. A small, unremarkable wooden boat rocked gently with the current, a lone lantern at its prow casting a hazy yellow glow in the rainy mist.
Itachi, still clad in his Anbu Attire, stood silently at the boat's prow, the Konoha's insignia still visible on his forehead protector. His face was expressionless as he watched the mist-shrouded river ahead, his Sharingan glinting with a faint crimson light in the dim illumination.
Cold raindrops pattered against his face, but they could not cool the turbulent thoughts and vigilance churning within him.
The boat slid silently into a hidden river inlet. Behind the rocks on the bank, space distorted, and a figure wearing an orange-red spiral mask, revealing only a single crimson Sharingan, appeared soundlessly.
It was Obito, the one who called himself 'Uchiha Madara'.
"You've come," Obito's voice, filtered through the mask, was low and raspy.
Itachi's gaze swept over him, his tone flat and devoid of emotion, yet carrying a barely perceptible note of questioning. "The Konoha's Military Police Force... you failed to clean it up thoroughly. This does not match your previous promise."
He was referring to the survivors like Yashiro and Inabi… unnecessary flaws and variables left in his 'perfect clan extermination'.
Obito let out a noncommittal snort. "Heh, plans never keep up with changes. That Shura from the Land of Stars... his eyes have been fixed on Konoha. Excessive entanglement is not a wise move."
He brushed off the responsibility lightly, offering no detailed explanation, clearly unwilling to discuss the specifics of his encounter with Shura.
Itachi fell silent, but his heart grew heavier.
'Even this self-proclaimed 'Uchiha Madara', with his bizarre Space-Time Ninjutsu, was so wary of Shura?'
Guided by Obito, the boat continued deeper into the gorge. The cliff walls grew steeper, the light dimmer.
Obito suddenly switched to a frivolous, bouncy tone, a complete contrast to his previous demeanor. "By the way, within the organization, my identity is that of a newbie called 'Tobi'! I'm not even a full member yet! Senpai, you have to be careful about your attitude towards me, don't blow my cover~"
This abrupt change made Itachi frown slightly. "Concealing your identity? Why the unnecessary complication?"
'Tobi' waved his hands exaggeratedly. "Of course it's because if the news that Uchiha Madara is still alive got out, it would be a huge hassle! It would scare a lot of little kids! So this is top secret, you know!"
Using his buffoonery, he once again emphasized the mystery and importance of the 'Uchiha Madara' identity.
Itachi didn't press further, simply filing this piece of information away.
'It seems this organization was far more complex than Ihad imagined.'
The boat finally entered a massive cavern hidden behind a waterfall. The entrance was artificially carved into the shape of a giant torii gate, exuding an eerie, sacred aura.
The space inside the cavern was vast, dimly lit by a few torches flickering on the walls, casting twisting, dancing shadows.
But the most shocking sight was the unimaginably colossal statue at the center of the cave!
It resembled a giant carved from withered wood, its hands bound by countless thick chains, kneeling on the ground, emanating an ancient, desolate, and terrifying presence. Merely looking at it induced a sense of oppression at the soul level.
Itachi didn't know this was the Gedo Statue, but he had a feeling it could come to life.
And standing silently upon the bound palms of the statue were two figures.
Both wore the same black cloaks with red clouds. One of them had black Chakra Reception Rods pierced through his face, his eyes possessing strange, concentric purple rings… this was the Deva Path Pain. The other was Konan with her blue-purple hair.
The Deva Path Pain's emotionless Rinnegan looked down upon Itachi and Obito below, his voice low and filled with authority. "Is this the new recruit you recommended for the organization?"
Obito immediately switched back to 'Tobi' mode, hopping and raising his hand, introducing in an exaggerated tone: "Yes, yes! Boss Pain! This is the famous 'Clan-Killer Itachi'! Super… powerful!"
Uchiha Itachi ignored 'Tobi's' antics. His gaze met the Deva Path's Rinnegan mid-air. For a moment, he felt an indescribable, immense pressure descend upon him… those eyes seemed capable of seeing through all falsehoods.
Steadying his mind, he spoke calmly. "I need to know, what is the goal of the Akatsuki?"
The Deva Path and Konan gracefully leaped down from the statue's palm, landing not far from Itachi near a torch. The flickering firelight illuminated his indifferent face.
"Akatsuki's objective is to gather the Tailed Beasts, create the ultimate weapon, and make the entire world experience true pain," The Deva Path's voice was devoid of fluctuation. "Under the fear born of pain, humanity will cease its endless conflicts, thus achieving true, absolute peace for the ninja world. To this end, we recruit all powerful shinobi, regardless of origin or past. 'Clan-Killer Itachi'... welcome to Akatsuki."
'Gather the Tailed Beasts?'
'Create the ultimate weapon?'
'Bring peace through pain?'
The grandiosity and extremity of this goal sent a chill down Itachi's spine.
This was indeed a mad plan far exceeding the ambitions of ordinary Ninja Villages.
"A truly... grand objective," Itachi evaluated slowly, then shifted the topic, asking the question that concerned him most. "Then, what is your relationship with the Land of Stars' Shura?"
Hearing the name 'Shura', Konan's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, a trace of gravity flashing in her eyes.
The Deva Path remained expressionless, his Rinnegan deep as an abyss.
"Shura... he also possesses the power and will to change this world," The Deva Path's voice was still flat. "I once acknowledged his goals and attempted to invite him to join Akatsuki to accomplish this great undertaking together. Unfortunately... the negotiations ultimately broke down."
He didn't elaborate on the process, but the information revealed was enough for Itachi to analyze.
'The Akatsuki had not only been in contact with Shura but had likely clashed with him. Moreover, Akatsuki seemed unable to suppress him, otherwise it wouldn't be 'negotiations broke down', but 'subdued' or 'eliminated'.'
'An existence capable of rivaling this leader with the unfathomable Rinnegan, and even making the self-proclaimed 'Uchiha Madara' wary...'
Shura's strength was elevated once again in Itachi's mind.
'And the fact that Akatsuki could negotiate and even clash with him and still exist spoke volumes about its own strength and foundation.'
'This was indeed a dangerous organization gathering numerous S-Rank Missing-Nin, possessing terrifying power.'
'Infiltrating here was undoubtedly walking into the tiger's den.'
Itachi hesitated no longer.
He raised his hand and removed the forehead protector bearing the symbol of Konoha.
The tip of a kunai scraped across the metal plate, producing a harsh screech. A deep gouge thoroughly defaced the Konoha's symbol.
The Deva Path extended a hand, offering a ring to Itachi.
The ring had a deep black base, inlaid with a character for [Vermilion] as bright red as blood, emitting a cold aura.
"From today, you are Akatsuki's [Vermilion]."
Itachi took the ring and placed it on the ring finger of his right hand.
A cool sensation spread, as if some intangible contract had been formed.
Just then, footsteps echoed from deeper within the cavern.
Several other Akatsuki's members emerged, evidently summoned to meet the new member.
The Deva Path began the introductions one by one:
"Sasori of the Red Sand, codename [Jewel]."
A red-haired 'person' with a handsome, boyish face, clad in the Akatsuki's cloak, cast a cold glance at Itachi, the massive iron tail behind him swaying slightly.
"Zetsu, codename [Boar]."
A bizarre, half-black, half-white creature, its body like a venus flytrap, emerged from the ground. The white half let out a strange, giggling laugh.
"Ringo Ameyuri, codename [North]."
A girl with sharp teeth and a wild grin, carrying two peculiar swords wreathed in lightning, looked at Itachi with curiosity. "Oh? The new guy's pretty handsome~"
"Rokusho Aoi, codename [Void]."
A man with a somewhat effeminate face and deep green hair, a strange sword hilt at his waist. Though indoors, he held a green umbrella.
"Momochi Zabuza, codename [South]."
A tall man wrapped in bandages, carrying a massive sword on his back, snorted coldly. His murderous gaze swept over Itachi, clearly holding no goodwill for Konoha's Ninja.
"And... Harazuka, codename [Three]."
A taciturn man with a fierce countenance stood further away.
These were all members recruited in recent years by 'Madara' or Pain, a veritable collection of villains.
Ameyuri moved closer, seeming quite interested in Itachi. "I heard you took out most of the Uchiha single-handedly? Tsk tsk, that's pretty ruthless."
Zabuza, arms crossed, said coldly, "'Clan-Killer Itachi'? Hmph, hope you're not all talk."
Facing the curious or provocative gazes of these hardened criminals, Itachi remained expressionless, as if none of it concerned him.
His Sharingan slowly swept over everyone, memorizing each person's characteristics.
Finally, the Deva Path spoke. "Zabuza, from today, you and [Vermilion] will be a team."
Zabuza frowned, clearly displeased with the arrangement, but he seemed quite wary of Pain and didn't directly oppose it, merely clicking his tongue in annoyance. "Fine. Kid with the Sharingan, follow me. Learn the organization's rules and the upcoming mission."
With that, he turned and walked towards another part of the cavern.
Itachi said nothing, silently following Zabuza.
His life in Akatsuki had officially begun in this cold, damp cavern filled with a bizarre giant statue and dangerous individuals.
The torchlight behind him cast his shadow long, as if merging into a deeper darkness.