Tsuneo first turned his gaze toward the leader of Akatsuki, Pain. No matter what, he was the nominal head of the organization—and his strength was truly extraordinary.
"Pain, you used to be the leader of Akatsuki. Now that you've joined my pirate crew, I'll let you take a leadership role—let's make you the vice-captain!"
"Vice-captain? Captain, it's an honor beyond words!"
Next, Tsuneo looked at Uchiha Itachi. Honestly, he admired Itachi not only for his immense power, which rivaled Pain's, but also for his intelligence. Itachi's mind was undoubtedly the sharpest in all of Akatsuki.
"Uchiha Itachi, you are a genius among geniuses. I highly value you. From now on, you'll serve as the Chief Strategist of this pirate crew! Oh, and you can cook too, right? Then you'll double as the chef!"
"Captain, I am truly honored to be entrusted with the role of Chief Strategist. I will fulfill my duties to the utmost and live up to your expectations!"
With Itachi on board, there would be no surprises—Tsuneo nodded with satisfaction.
"Konan, you're the only woman on this ship. Navigating is your responsibility, and don't tell me you can't handle it—you have great talent."
Konan's eyebrows relaxed. She waved her hand, and dozens of paper sheets spun gracefully above her head.
"Captain, rest assured. I will dedicate myself fully to my duties. No matter the task, I will give it my all!"
Tsuneo nodded again. As expected, these were all top-tier experts; no extra persuasion was necessary.
"Kisame, your abilities in Akatsuki weren't particularly exceptional, but here in the Great Pirate Era, you've leveled up! Your mastery of water will be invaluable. You'll serve as our lifeguard, and also double as helmsman."
"Heh heh heh, lifeguard, huh? That suits me perfectly!"
"Orochimaru, you love research and inventions, right? The seas are full of hidden mysteries—Devil Fruits, artificial humans, giant beings—research whatever you want. No one will stop you. You'll be our ship's scientist and doctor!"
"You mean I can research anything? I like that!"
"Sasori and Deidara, you two are artists in Akatsuki. In this pirate crew, you can keep making your art! Sasori, you'll also serve as shipwright—our ship is in your hands. Deidara, you're our demolitions expert—create your art freely!"
"Thank you, Captain!" Both of them grinned; as long as they could pursue their art, it didn't matter whether it was in the Ninja World or the pirate world.
"Kakuzu, you love money, right? You'll manage our supplies and valuables!"
"Captain, leave it to me. This is my specialty!" Tsuneo nodded, fully confident—after all, Akatsuki had thrived under Kakuzu's careful financial management.
"Hidan, as a devout follower of the cult, do you wish to spread your teachings across the seas? Then you'll be our preacher."
"A preacher? Thank you, Captain, it's exactly what I intended!"
"Oh, and Zetsu, you're stealthy and unpredictable, perfect for intelligence work. You'll be our scout."
"No problem, Captain! We'll do our best!"
"Finally, Obito, just you remain. Honestly, I'm not sure what job fits you."
"Ah!!!"
As Uchiha Obito, the true behind-the-scenes powerhouse, he could handle anything aboard the ship. But as just 'Tobi' (his playful persona), he was left undecided. He seemed to enjoy playing the prankster intern. Tsuneo decided to indulge him.
"Obito, since no specific role suits you right now, continue as our intern."
"Haha, being an intern isn't bad! As the weakest aboard, I'll do my best, Captain!"
Tsuneo quietly observed him, letting him play the part. He wanted to see how far Obito could keep up the act.
With that, the crew's roles were officially assigned:
Vice-Captain: Pain Six Paths
Chief Strategist & Chef: Uchiha Itachi
Navigator: Konan
Lifeguard & Helmsman: Kisame
Scientist & Ship Doctor: Orochimaru
Shipwright: Sasori
Demolitions Artist: Deidara
Quartermaster: Kakuzu
Preacher: Hidan
Scout: Black-White Zetsu
Intern: Obito
Every major role aboard the ship was filled.