As a prestigious clan, the Uchiha Clan has no shortage of Jonin. Even if it were a sneak attack, thinking one person could exterminate the clan is undoubtedly wishful thinking.
Combining Orochimaru's tone just now, it seems to involve some internal political disputes within Konoha, which made Sasori feel even more disinterested.
"Alright, since everyone is here, let's officially start the meeting."
Finally, Nagato spoke, ending the chat among the group, bringing them back to the topic of the meeting.
Getting to know new companions, there will be time for that later.
Upon hearing Nagato's words, aside from Sasori, everyone sat around the rectangular conference table, with Nagato naturally at the head seat.
The emotionless Rinnegan, like a projection from divine vision, exerted immense pressure.
Itachi hesitated for a moment before asking, "I just heard from Kisame that something major happened outside. Is this meeting being held because of that so-called major event?"
After Itachi spoke, Orochimaru laughed and replied, "It seems Itachi, you know nothing about the base here. Outside, the world is turned upside down. The impact of this event is even more shocking than your clan extermination and defection, Itachi. I never expected that since the start of the Third Great Ninja War, the Land of Demons has been in a period of rapid development, and they are behind it."
"They?"
Itachi keenly captured the key words.
"The Land of Demons has formally declared war against the Land of Wind. Moreover, on the public declaration of war issued by the Land of Demons to the Land of Wind, the signature written is — Chiba Hakushi. Itachi, you know what this implies, right."
"!?"
Chiba Hakushi?
Upon hearing this name, Itachi's expression froze.
Nagato took a glance at Itachi and, substituting for Orochimaru, said, "Just as Orochimaru said, behind the scenes in the Land of Demons are Chiba Hakushi, Uchiha Ruri, and Hyuga Ayane. Not long ago, the reinforcement troops led by the Fourth Kazekage suffered heavy losses under Uchiha Ruri's attack. Currently, Hidden Sand is planning to mobilize more forces for combat against the Land of Demons."
Another familiar name.
And also a member of the Uchiha Clan.
Although when the other party first left Konoha, they were completely removed from Konoha's Uchiha records.
Itachi found it unbelievable, but still maintained a composed and indifferent expression, with no trace of his inner thoughts visible.
Merely thinking about a group of renegade ninja manipulating a small nation to declare war on a great nation, regardless of the outcome, the end of the war... would only bring countless suffering to humanity.
The word "war" is something Itachi rejects from the bottom of his heart.
"I don't know how long this war will last. If things go awry, it might spread the conflict to other countries, triggering the Fourth Great Ninja War."
Orochimaru speculated accordingly.
"Perhaps the turmoil will also reach the Land of Rain... Leader, what should we prepare for next?"
Hiruko voiced his inquiry.
With war erupting between the Land of Demons and the Land of Wind, the likelihood of the Land of Rain being drawn into the conflict is high.
Akatsuki's headquarters being in the Land of Rain means that if the warfront reaches there, it will inevitably obstruct their operations.
"No, since Chiba Hakushi plans to take action, he must have made thorough preparations to firmly control the battlefield situation in his hands. Chiba Hakushi would only act with complete certainty; he is that kind of man."
After pondering for a moment, Nagato shook his head, appearing to understand Hakushi thoroughly.
"What are the arrangements for next..."
Orochimaru looked towards Nagato.
"Hmm, how should I say this, there is something next that requires everyone's assistance."
Nagato's expression was solemn.
"What is it?"
Sasori asked with interest.
Nagato's strength within the Akatsuki has always been an enigma. Everyone knows he is powerful, potentially even stronger than the combined might of all Akatsuki members.
To warrant his request for assistance, it certainly isn't a trivial matter.
"Follow me."
Nagato glanced at everyone and was the first to walk out of the conference room.
"It's truly mysterious."
Hiruko murmured softly.
"Probably that thing."
Orochimaru chuckled knowingly.
"That thing... Orochimaru, do you know something?"
Hiruko seemed surprised.
Itachi and Kisame also looked towards Orochimaru, intrigued by the 'that thing' he mentioned.
Sasori spoke up: "This damned snake has delved deep into Juinjutsu, and the leader happens to be interested in his Juinjutsu, aiming to create an entirely Juinjutsu-transformed Ninja Squad. Though somewhat unwillingly, this damned snake is, bypassing Konan, the closest to the leader. Learning a few things we don't know in advance is within reason."
"Can I call this jealousy, Sasori?"
Orochimaru quipped with a smile.
"Shut up, or I'll kill you!"
Sasori's eyes were cold, his voice hoarse and urgent.
...
The base of the tower revealed a vast vacuumed space.
It was unimaginable that beneath the tower lay a concealed and grand 'secret room.'
On the surrounding walls, candles burned to provide illumination.
A massive half-bodied human figure emerged from the ground, its color and body akin to withered wood, with many column-like structures rising behind, appearing menacing and frightening.
Humans before it seemed as insignificant as insects.
The aura was distant and profound, making everyone focus their gaze on this gigantic withered wood figure, each immersed in their own thoughts.
Standing before the giant withered wood figure, besides Nagato and Konan, there stood the half-black, half-white face of yin and yang — Black and White Zetsu, awaiting everyone's arrival.