Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline Development Manual

The Akatsuki regularly held meetings to keep track of their members' current situations.

For Hidan, this was his first time attending such a meeting. He curiously glanced around, but soon found it utterly boring.

"Tch, attending a meeting like this is a waste of time. I'd rather spend it praying. By the way, Kakuzu, where's that guy?"

"Shut up."

Kakuzu shot Hidan a glare. Under the allure of money, he had decided to go along with Obito Uchiha's plan.

That walking pile of gold coins was offering a lot—too much for Kakuzu to refuse.

"Although, it does seem like someone's missing."

After scanning the room, Kakuzu frowned slightly.

"We recently had a new recruit—Hidan, a rogue ninja from Yugakure."

Nagato, controlling Pain, spoke up, completely ignoring Hidan's antics.

"And one more thing: Jūzō Biwa is dead. From now on, Itachi Uchiha, you will team up with Kisame."

"I have no objections."

Kisame grinned nonchalantly, while Itachi nodded indifferently to show his agreement.

Previously, they had received a mission to head to Kirigakure. Besides earning money, they were also tasked with investigating the current state of the village.

Unfortunately, they encountered the Fourth Mizukage. For some reason, the Mizukage seemed to hold a grudge against them and attacked on sight without a word!

The result? Jūzō Biwa had, in a sense, "returned to his homeland."

"Another rogue ninja from Kirigakure?"

Itachi wondered if he was somehow destined to team up with rogue ninjas from Kirigakure. Why else would one replace another so seamlessly?

"In addition, we need more funds and manpower to prepare for our future plans."

Seeing no objections from the two, Pain continued,

"We need to take on more missions and recruit suitable individuals. Does anyone have suggestions or recommendations?"

"No recommendations, but I do have something to say."

Seeing that no one else was speaking, Kakuzu decided to voice his thoughts.

"There's a kid in Konohagakure who's quite skilled. Itachi Uchiha, you've encountered him before. Since you're from Konoha, you should know more about him, right?"

"Who?"

Itachi, as succinct as ever, asked with a single word.

"A white-haired brat who knows the Flying Thunder God Technique, wields purple lightning, and uses the Lightning Release Chakra Mode. That kid and I have a bit of a grudge."

"Purple Electricity..."

Itachi immediately thought of the boy he had seen with Hatake Kakashi during their last encounter.

Had that boy grown to this level?

Not only mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique but also the Lightning Release Chakra Mode?

But wait, wasn't that boy black-haired? How had he turned white-haired?

Though puzzled, Itachi shook his head.

"I already reported everything I knew last time. I don't have any additional information."

"Didn't think you'd lose to a brat."

From a distance, Sasori sneered, clearly unimpressed by the conversation.

"Looks like you're getting worse with age."

"Hmph, why don't you face him yourself and see?"

Kakuzu turned his gaze to Sasori, suddenly breaking into a smile.

"By the way, you should know that brat is with Hatake Kakashi. Do you know Kakashi gave him a sword?"

"...?"

Sasori's expression shifted slightly, and Kakuzu pressed on.

"The sword's original owner was Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha. He killed..."

"Do you want to die?"

"Why don't you try?"

In just a few words, the meeting room became tense, the atmosphere charged with hostility.

"Enough. This is not the place for your petty squabbles. Don't forget the rules of the organization."

Thankfully, Pain intervened in time. His authority was undeniable, and the room quickly fell silent.

"That kid is indeed impressive. I advise all of you to be cautious."

At this moment, Black Zetsu's shadowy figure spoke up.

He scanned the room, pondering for a moment before continuing,

"He's only thirteen or fourteen now, but his potential is immeasurable. For now, let's focus on recruitment."

Black Zetsu had his own plans. He was genuinely curious about Kitagawa Minamoto's abilities, as the boy's progress was truly extraordinary.

"As for recruitment, there's a promising candidate in Iwagakure. He's a disciple of Ōnoki, but due to his personality, he currently lives outside the village. This is our chance."

"Ōnoki's disciple? Worth a try. If he's been trained by Ōnoki, his abilities must be exceptional."

Pain considered for a moment before nodding.

"But proceed with caution. Iwagakure is one of our major clients, so avoid drawing their attention."

"Itachi, Kisame, you'll handle this. Sasori, since Orochimaru left, you've been without a partner. You'll join them."

"No problem."

The three nodded in agreement, offering no objections.

"Then, the meeting is adjourned."

With that, Pain leapt down and left, while Black Zetsu's shadow vanished, likely off to "fish for information."

"Where are you? I'll come find you."

Kisame turned to Itachi and asked. Itachi replied casually,

"I'm near a village on the Iwagakure border. Meet me there."

"Hey, wait a minute!"

Just as Itachi was about to "log off," Hidan's voice suddenly rang out, causing him to frown.

"What is it?"

"You're from Konoha, right? You know that guy Might Guy, don't you?"

Hidan looked curiously at Itachi as he asked.

"I do. He's a very skilled ninja."

Finding the question odd, Itachi nodded. But Hidan's next words left him speechless.

"Good. I heard he was the class dunce—the second-to-last in his year, right?"

"...And?"

"So, who was the last?"

"..."

"A real mission?"

Back in Konohagakure, in the Hokage's office, Kitagawa Minamoto stood beside Jiraiya and Kakashi, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi with a peculiar expression.

Minamoto had indeed wanted to leave the village, which was why he had asked Jiraiya to inquire.

But he hadn't expected a mission to come up so quickly.

"This mission is urgent. Prepare yourselves."

Hiruzen's tone was serious as he spoke.

"According to our investigation, that mysterious organization is currently active near Iwagakure."

"Iwagakure?"

Both Jiraiya and Kakashi frowned slightly at the mention of Iwagakure. The village had never been friendly toward Konoha.

During the Third Great Ninja War, the two sides had clashed fiercely in the Land of Grass, with countless casualties.

"Iwagakure, huh?"

Minamoto showed little reaction. He hadn't participated in the war but had a rough idea of what had transpired.

"Judging by the timeline, it's probably about time for Deidara to make his debut."

Deidara was an artistically inclined young man who had taken on numerous terrorist missions to prove his art.

However, his antics had made him unbearable, even to Iwagakure, despite being Ōnoki's disciple. Eventually, he had chosen to live outside the village.

"That's right, Iwagakure."

Hiruzen nodded, his pipe in hand, and said gravely,

"Their activities are concentrated near the border. We haven't yet determined their objective."

"Hasn't Ōnoki noticed?"

Jiraiya asked, puzzled. He remembered Ōnoki as highly vigilant.

"Danzo's sources suggest that Iwagakure might be employing this mysterious organization."

Hiruzen sighed, clearly troubled. He only hoped Iwagakure wouldn't end up like Kirigakure.

"So, as long as they don't officially enter the Land of Earth, Ōnoki might not intervene. For now, we're on our own."

"I see."

Jiraiya's lips twitched slightly. He had wanted a mission but hadn't expected it to be this complicated. Still, he nodded and said seriously,

"Understood. We'll prepare and set out. Just the three of us?"

"There's a chance you might enter the Land of Earth, so Might Guy..."

Hiruzen hesitated with his pipe, then shook his head, warning them,

"I'll send Anbu to support you. But remember, if you enter the Land of Earth, avoid drawing the attention of the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki."

Ōnoki was still a formidable opponent, and his Kekkei Tōta was far more terrifying than ordinary Kekkei Genkai.

"Got it, old man. We'll be ready."

Jiraiya nodded decisively, then led Kakashi and Minamoto out of the Hokage's office.

[System Notification: Exclusive Side Quest Unlocked]

[Title: Life or Death] [Objective: Assist Jiraiya in investigating information related to the Akatsuki.] [Note: Exclusive Side Quests do not interfere with normal quests.] [Accept? Yes/No]

"...Beach volleyball, huh?"

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

Explore More Amazing Fanfiction on My Patreon!

Unlock 30+ Advance Chapters and Enjoy Exclusive Stories Early!

��� patreon.com/GoldenLong