Sasuke spent the next three days infiltrating the Hidden Cloud Village.
With his Byakugan, the task was almost trivial. He could see through walls, track patrol patterns, identify high-security areas. Combined with his Sharingan's ability to predict movements and his Dragon Sage Mode's enhanced stealth, he was essentially invisible.
He located the Eight-Tails jinchuriki—Killer B—within six hours. Mapped his protection detail. Identified the security protocols around him. Documented the village's defensive measures.
All the intelligence Pain had requested. Gathered efficiently, professionally.
On the third night, Sasuke stood on the Raikage's tower, his Eternal Mangekyo recording the village layout. Team Taka waited at a safe distance, providing early warning if anyone approached.
"This is almost too easy," Sasuke thought. "Cloud's security is focused on external threats. They never considered someone with both Byakugan and Sharingan would infiltrate."
He finished documenting everything, then melted back into the darkness.
Meeting Team Taka at the extraction point, he found them staring at him with a mix of awe and fear.
"Your eyes are different," Karin observed. "More stable. The pattern is clearer."
"Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan," Sasuke confirmed. "Itachi's eyes provided the catalyst. I can now use my Mangekyo abilities indefinitely without degradation."
"And Itachi?" Jugo asked quietly.
"Dead. His body burned. No evidence remains." Sasuke's voice carried no emotion. "He served his purpose. Now we return to Akatsuki and report our findings."
"Pain is going to be furious that you killed Itachi," Suigetsu pointed out.
"Pain is going to accept reality." Sasuke activated his Eternal Mangekyo—the fifty-three node pattern blazing with stable power. "I'm now stronger than most Akatsuki members. Pain can be angry, but he won't risk losing another asset by trying to punish me."
"You're betting your life on that calculation," Karin said.
"I'm betting on my power." Sasuke deactivated his eyes. "And I always win those bets."
They traveled back to Akatsuki's territory. The journey took a week. Sasuke spent the time training with his new Eternal Mangekyo, testing its capabilities.
Tsukuyomi was even more powerful now that he could use it without exhaustion. He could trap multiple targets simultaneously, maintain the genjutsu for subjective weeks while only seconds passed.
Amaterasu's control had improved. He could shape the black flames, direct them with precision, even extinguish them at will—something Itachi had struggled with.
And his unique techniques had been enhanced. Takama-ga-hara absorbed dojutsu faster now. Ame-no-Sakahoko's defense-breaking was more potent.
By the time they reached Akatsuki, Sasuke was comfortable with his new power level.
Pain summoned him immediately.
Standing before the leader's holographic projection, Sasuke prepared for the confrontation.
"You killed Itachi," Pain said without preamble. His Rinnegan blazed with barely controlled anger. "One of our most valuable members. Despite explicit orders not to compromise the mission for personal vendettas."
"I completed the mission first," Sasuke replied calmly. "All intelligence on the Eight-Tails jinchuriki has been gathered. His location, security details, patrol patterns—everything you requested is documented in this report."
He handed over the intelligence scrolls.
Pain's expression didn't soften. "The mission parameters didn't include eliminating your partner."
"Itachi was dying regardless. Terminal illness. Days left at most." Sasuke's voice was clinical. "I accelerated his death by a few days and gained Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan in the process. Akatsuki loses one dying member and gains one significantly more powerful member. It's a net positive trade."
"That's not your decision to make!"
"And yet I made it." Sasuke activated his Eternal Mangekyo. Fifty-three nodes blazed with stable, endless power. "This is what I gained from Itachi's death. Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan—the ability to use my ocular powers without limit. I'm now more valuable to Akatsuki than Itachi ever was in his weakened state."
Pain was silent for a long moment. His Rinnegan studied Sasuke's new eyes intently.
"You're powerful," Pain finally acknowledged. "Perhaps powerful enough that eliminating you would cost more than it's worth. But make no mistake—this was a betrayal. You will face consequences."
"What consequences?" Sasuke asked. "Expulsion from Akatsuki? That's more punishment for you than me. Imprisonment? You lack the ability. Execution? Feel free to try."
The challenge was clear in his voice.
Pain's hands clenched. "You're arrogant."
"I'm realistic. You need me more than I need you. Your tailed beast collection requires eliminating powerful opponents. I can do that. Your enemies include dojutsu users. I specialize in hunting them." Sasuke's Eternal Mangekyo spun lazily. "So either accept that I eliminated Itachi and move forward, or waste resources trying to punish me. Your choice."
Pain stared at him for several seconds. Then: "You'll be paired with Kisame going forward. He'll keep you in line."
"Acceptable."
"And your next mission is not optional. Tailed beast capture. The Three-Tails. You will assist in its extraction and sealing." Pain's voice was firm. "Prove you're as valuable as you claim."
"Consider it done."
The projection vanished.
Sasuke stood alone, satisfied with the outcome. Pain had backed down—recognizing that losing Sasuke would be worse than accepting Itachi's death.
"Sasuke-kun." Karin entered quietly. "Was that wise? Antagonizing Pain?"
"It was necessary. Establishing dominance prevents future attempts to control me." Sasuke deactivated his Eternal Mangekyo. "I'm not a subordinate. I'm a partner who happens to wear their ring. The sooner they accept that, the better."
"And what about Kisame? Your new partner?"
"Kisame is strong. But predictable. He'll be easy to work with—or easy to eliminate if necessary." Sasuke turned to leave. "Inform the others. We have a Three-Tails mission. And after that..."
He paused.
"After that, we begin the next phase. Hunting the remaining dojutsu users of significance. Building toward Rinnegan awakening. The collection accelerates."