On a hilltop in a certain country, all the surrounding trees had been neatly cut down, revealing a desolate and withered scene of the mountains.
From time to time, a cold mountain wind would blow, even though it's summer, the wind blowing through was icy and biting, the sky was also bleak and gray, with not much light visible.
"From now on, you are a member of 'Akatsuki'."
With a rainbow-colored phantom body ascending here, Nagato spoke in a calm tone to the white-haired boy before him.
This white-haired boy was Hiruko, originally a Konoha Ninja, but because of researching a dangerous Forbidden Technique, he was wanted by Konoha, personally recruited by Orochimaru.
After Orochimaru's evaluation, he confirmed the boy had potential.
Through Orochimaru, Nagato learned some information about the Chimera Jutsu mastered by Hiruko and believed the growth potential of this Forbidden Technique to be high, as long as Hiruko could quickly find five Kekkeigenkai Ninja, Hiruko's strength would undergo earth-shattering changes.
"Really troublesome... However, you must quickly fulfill what you've promised me, I am not working for Akatsuki for free."
In Hiruko's view, joining Akatsuki was purely a transaction.
Although Nagato revealed some things to him, Hiruko had no interest in the so-called peace in the Ninja Realm, which was unrelated to him.
He only wanted to gain stronger power and become the strongest ninja in the world, that's all.
If he could get those eyes... Hiruko intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Nagato's Rinnegan.
The first time he saw Nagato, he was also shocked.
Who would have thought the legendary Rinnegan truly existed, it's no wonder it attracted someone like Orochimaru to join, Orochimaru probably also had an eye on the Rinnegan.
But now he couldn't even acquire Hyuga Ayane's Byakugan, and was instead harshly taught a lesson, making him realize there are always people beyond people, and heavens beyond heavens.
If Nagato hadn't personally come to rescue them and made a deal, the three of them trying to escape from the Land of Bear's borders would likely have suffered heavy casualties, probably total annihilation.
So, the matter of the Rinnegan must not be rushed for the moment.
In Akatsuki, they're all a group of bizarre and formidable individuals, even mastering Chimera Jutsu himself, isn't considered a big deal.
If he could not recognize his own status, this would be fatal in Akatsuki.
"A year later, come to Hidden Rain Village, I will have five Kekkeigenkai Ninja prepared for you. Is there any Kekkeigenkai you prefer?"
Nagato paused, asking Hiruko.
Capturing Kekkeigenkai Ninja, due to their scarce number, and their mostly uncertain whereabouts, added to his busy affairs now, cannot be accomplished in a short time.
"It would be great to have Byakugan and Sharingan among them."
Hiruko spoke his suggestion.
His desire for Kekkeigenkai far surpassed the needs of most ninja.
Especially after witnessing Ayane's Byakugan, his interest in Byakugan was immensely intense.
As one of the three major Pupil Techniques alongside Byakugan—Sharingan, naturally fell within Hiruko's hunting range too.
"Byakugan is strictly controlled by Konoha now, after the incident with Hyuga Ayane, the Hyuga Main Family won't easily leave Konoha, it's quite difficult to obtain... Sharingan, however, isn't a problem."
According to Nagato, Orochimaru still maintained a cooperative relationship with Konoha's Danzo.
Danzo once leveraged the convenience of war, making some deceased Uchiha Ninja's bodies unknown, secretly gathering several Sharingan pairs.
It shouldn't be a problem to request a Sharingan pair from Danzo through Orochimaru, provided a price that satisfies Danzo is paid.
"Alright, then the Sharingan it is, must be in Three Tomoe state. That way, my strength will be even greater, then I can better contribute to Akatsuki's plans."
Hiruko said as such.
Nagato nodded in agreement, Sharingan was an exceedingly powerful Kekkeigenkai, mastering this power would indeed greatly assist Akatsuki's plans.
"It's best that you have this proactive intention to benefit Akatsuki. When Akatsuki's plan is completed, your objectives will be achieved too."
Leaving this remark, Nagato's rainbow-colored phantom dissipated into the air and disappeared.
Hiruko curled his lips, giving a soft snort.
He had no interest in peace.
However, under the trade contract, he was not an unreasonable person either, having agreed on matters, he would certainly strive to complete them, he still needed Akatsuki's power to capture stronger Kekkeigenkai for himself, it's a win-win collaboration.
At the same time, he also understood the meaning behind Orochimaru's words about capturing a few cute little animals.
Although those little animals, in Hiruko's view, were not only not cute but also very dangerous.
—Tailed Beast.
"To actually lay hands on these things, sooner or later it will erupt in war with the Five Great Nations..."
Hiruko found it amusing, having once been a member of Konoha Ninja, to naturally be aware of the strength of a Ninja Village, it's terrifying.
When Akatsuki confronts the Five Great Nations, the situation will certainly be quite interesting.
Using the Five Great Nations as a stepping stone to become the strongest ninja in the Ninja Realm perhaps isn't a bad idea.
Let's go with that then.
"Have the conversations ended?"
A sinister voice echoed from behind, Hiruko didn't need to look back to know who was speaking to him.
"It's over."
Hiruko nodded.