Chapter 57: The Akatsuki Meeting
Konoha's efficiency was quite impressive.
In just a month, Uchiha Obito's wanted notice had spread across the neighboring nations.
Of course, Konoha didn't explicitly list his "accomplishments"—after all, that would be too humiliating for them.
Similarly, they didn't disclose his exact abilities, but the notice was marked "Extremely Dangerous."
More importantly, Konoha had placed a massive bounty on his head.
With such an irresistible reward, countless bounty hunters were drawn in like moths to a flame.
Even though Konoha clearly stated that this individual was incredibly dangerous, bounty hunters didn't care.
To them, every single target they hunted was dangerous.
What was one more?
---
Meanwhile, the major hidden villages also took great interest in this wanted Uchiha.
Even though they didn't know exactly what he had done, his surname alone was enough to spark curiosity.
Uchiha.
That name meant Sharingan.
And for someone to be labeled "Extremely Dangerous," it suggested that his Sharingan was highly advanced.
With such an enticing bloodline, the entire shinobi world seemed to stir restlessly at the mention of Uchiha Obito.
---
"Those bastards!"
But at this moment, the actual Uchiha Obito was anything but happy.
He couldn't understand—why the hell had Konoha lost its mind?
They had confirmed his identity just based on a few casual deductions from Haruta Shigen?!
"Did I expose some kind of weakness…?"
No matter how hard Obito thought about it, he couldn't figure it out.
But he didn't have time to dwell on it, because the Akatsuki was holding a meeting.
Even though he typically operated in the shadows, there were times when he had to show up in person.
And since Nagato had summoned the meeting in its most urgent form, Obito knew he needed to be there.
"I'll have White Zetsu investigate this later…"
With that thought, Obito and Black Zetsu departed for the meeting.
---
"Why is Nagato in such a hurry? What's going on this time?"
Black Zetsu sounded puzzled.
"No idea. Who knows what that fool is thinking?"
Obito shook his head dismissively.
He had never cared what Nagato was thinking.
To him, Nagato was just a tool.
All that mattered was that he remained under control.
---
His body spiraled into a distortion of space, and in the next instant, both he and Black Zetsu arrived at the Akatsuki's base.
By the time they arrived, Sasori, Kakuzu, Nagato (via his Deva Path), and Konan were already present.
"Now that everyone is here, let's begin."
Nagato wasted no time.
His voice was calm and indifferent as he continued.
**"This meeting is important.
We may soon be welcoming a new member into the Akatsuki."**
---
"A new member?"
Obito's interest was piqued.
Akatsuki's numbers were low—especially when it came to core members.
Perhaps due to the failure of the original Akatsuki, Nagato had now adopted a "quality over quantity" approach.
Only high-level rogue ninja were considered for recruitment, particularly S-rank nukenin.
But this strict selection process meant that, at present, the organization only had two real combatants—Sasori and Kakuzu.
---
"Wait… a new recruit? Don't tell me…"
Black Zetsu suddenly froze, as if realizing something.
Meanwhile, Kakuzu let out a cold chuckle.
**"Of course, it could also be our next bounty target.
After all, who knows what Uchiha Obito is planning?
Konoha has placed an irresistible bounty on him, after all."**
---
"..."
Hearing his own name, Obito instantly stiffened.
It took him a moment to process what he had just heard.
Were they… seriously considering recruiting him into his own organization?!
Meanwhile, Black Zetsu sighed heavily.
As expected…
A rogue Uchiha, labeled as "Extremely Dangerous" by Konoha—wasn't that the ideal recruit for Akatsuki?!
---
"Uchiha… Obito?"
Obito's face darkened, his voice low and cold.
There was a mix of disbelief and hidden rage in his tone.
He had never imagined that his own wanted notice would cause this kind of issue!
At this moment, he wanted nothing more than to teleport straight to Konoha and choke the life out of Haruta Shigen.
And while he was at it, he'd make sure to take down Danzo as well.
That old bastard raised a lunatic who ended up ruining everything!
---
"That's right—Uchiha Obito."
Nagato nodded without hesitation.
**"He fits our criteria perfectly.
If Konoha has placed such a high bounty on him, his strength must be significant.
But against the combined might of multiple hidden villages, even he will need protection.
I believe Akatsuki would be the perfect sanctuary for him.
I called you here because you should have some insight into him, correct?"**
Nagato was expecting "Uchiha Madara" to understand another Uchiha.
But at this moment, Obito just wanted to scream.
Of course, he knew everything about Uchiha Obito… because he was Uchiha Obito!
Recruit him? Recruit what?! I'm already in Akatsuki!
Obito glanced at Black Zetsu again.
The bastard had his head down, completely silent.
Obito immediately realized—he was on his own.
Because even Black Zetsu had no idea how to deal with this nonsense!
---
"…Perhaps."
Obito muttered vaguely, then hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
**"Are you sure about recruiting him?
The Uchiha are notoriously arrogant.
They aren't easy to recruit."**
---
"That's why we want your insight."
Nagato replied indifferently.
He didn't fully trust the man in front of him, but there was no denying that he was useful.
**"Regardless, you are our best chance at understanding him.
And perhaps, you two may even have something in common."**
---
"…Something in common?"
Of course, they had something in common!
He literally knew everything Obito was thinking—because he was Obito!
Obito clenched his fists, trying to keep his cool.
After a long silence, he finally said in a low voice,
**"I can't guarantee that I'll be able to persuade him.
I'll need some time to… 'study' him."**
---
"That's fine. Do as you see fit."
Nagato nodded, then added,
**"If he refuses, kill him.
And if you can't, at least bring back intel on him—his bounty is far too valuable to ignore."**
**"I'd prefer if you brought back the bounty.
We could really use the money."**
Kakuzu chimed in, completely serious.
To him, a pile of cash was far more reliable than some unknown teammate.
As Akatsuki's financial manager, Kakuzu was obsessed with money.
---
"I understand…"
Obito took a deep breath, trying desperately to suppress his growing fury.
But it was no use.
The more he thought about it, the more enraged he became.
**Who would have thought that a single visit to Konoha…
Would result in him having to investigate himself…
And potentially kill himself?!**
And now, this whole ridiculous mess was happening to him?!
At this moment, only one thought filled his mind—
"All of you… deserve to die!"