Chapter 312: Partner
In the Rain Village, the members of the Akatsuki gathered in a makeshift dojo.
Each individual was arranged neatly in rows. There was Kakuzu, Hidan, Kisame, Itachi, Sasori, and Zetsu. In the center of them stood Pain.
It wasn't long until Konan opened the doors with Kaito following close behind her. She took her place right next to Pain.
When Kaito stood in the midst of all the members, he could tell they all had various opinions of him. Some were curious, like Kisame, who now believed that the runouts of Kaito's death were falsified.
Others, like Kakuzu, were scrutinizing his character and wondering how he managed to pull such a stunt.
Pain immediately drew the attention of his followers as he announced, "We have acquired a new member to replace Deidara." Then his next words were solely directed at Kaito. "The Akatsuki aims to create a world of true peace among shinobi. Instead of the Five Great Shinobi Nations, the Akatsuki shall rule the world."
A powerful declaration, yet Kaito regarded it with skepticism since those were the same lines he once said to Itachi when that Uchiha first joined.
In truth, it was because Kaito already knew how the Akatsuki's story ended; they themselves, while interesting manipulators, were also being manipulated by Zetsu.
"From what I know of you lot," Kaito said in a steady voice, "your group is paired in twos, am I right?"
"You're well informed," Konan replied.
Sasori couldn't help but narrow his eyes at his puppet. Then he expressed his unsurety, saying, "I don't know how I feel about having a partner who was from the same village as that snake, Orochimaru."