Naruto explained, "Genjutsu is a type of Yin Release Technique activated through Spiritual Energy. It typically works by disrupting the target's Chakra and interfering with their five senses, trapping them in an illusion. Usually, breaking free takes some time. However, Kakuzu isn't an ordinary person… he has five hearts, each capable of acting independently. So, even if Itachi's Genjutsu affects one heart, it won't stop the others from functioning."
Although they were all members of the Akatsuki, their understanding of each other's abilities wasn't very deep, especially when it came to secret techniques. After hearing Naruto's explanation, Kisame and Itachi finally understood.
Losing to someone with five hearts, Itachi had no complaints.
But this would be the first and last time.
Now that he knew Kakuzu's secret, Itachi resolved to use multiple layers of Genjutsu next time to ensure all five hearts were trapped in illusions. With this, success would be guaranteed.
One loss wasn't a big deal… he would make up for it in the future.
Moreover, Itachi gained valuable experience: From now on, against any formidable enemy, he would use layered Genjutsu to leave no openings.
Among Naruto's subordinates, Itachi considered himself the best regarding Genjutsu. Precisely because of this, he could never afford to grow complacent.
On this point, he and Kisame were in agreement.
"You dirty trickster! I'll never forgive you!"
After Hidan, who is drenched from head to toe, reached the top of the waterfall, the first thing he did was to talk trash with Kisame.
"Making excuses after losing? That's hilarious."
Surprisingly, Kisame wasn't angry. Instead, he calmly smiled at Hidan, which only made Hidan angrier.
Seeing that Hidan was about to attack, Naruto interrupted and said, "Personal grudges aren't my concern. But since you've got the last place, you still has to face severe punishment."
"And who do you think you are to boss me around? Why should I accept your punishment?"
Hidan turned his trash talk to Naruto.
"Damn, are you a dog? Biting everyone you see?"
Without hesitation, Naruto kicked Hidan off the waterfall and, with a wave of his hand, declared, "I've decided… the punishment is for the last-place loser, Hidan, to receive everyone's love and care. Go ahead. Anyone who holds back will have to deal with me."
"Naruto-kun, don't worry. Even without your instructions, I wouldn't have held back." Kisame said, leaping off the waterfall after Hidan.
Drawing Samehada, he swung down hard as if Hidan were a mortal enemy.
Kakuzu, still holding onto his earlier irritation, muttered, "If it weren't for Hidan ruining things, I would've beaten Kisame to the top."
"And you?"
Naruto turned his head and looked at Itachi.
Itachi said indifferently, "Anyone who insults Naruto-kun deserves to die."
As a member of the Uchiha Clan, Itachi placed great importance on respect and hierarchy. So disrespecting one's superior was an unforgivable offense.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
If it had been a one-on-one fight, Hidan might have stood a chance to retaliate. But against the combined assault of three, he was utterly helpless. He was continuously struck mid-air, never even getting the chance to touch the ground.
"You're all just that brat's lackeys! Jashin-sama will never forgive you!" Hidan shouted. Since he couldn't fight back with his body, he could only continue to talk trash and fight back with his mouth.
"Who can prove the so-called Jashin-sama's blessings even exist? But by following me, you'll definitely receive my blessings!"
Naruto had a smile on his face, and as he spoke, he pressed his hand down subtly, activating the Courage Blessing.
A tri-colored aura appeared around Naruto, spreading to Kisame, Itachi, and Kakuzu.
"This is?"
It was the first time Itachi and Kakuzu had experienced the Courage Blessing, so they were visibly stunned.
Itachi felt his Spiritual Energy surge, while Kakuzu's entire body brimmed with power. It would not be an exaggeration to say that their strength had doubled.
Though Kakuzu had yet to see Naruto's promises of wealth, the sheer strength of this blessing was enough to earn his respect, and Kakuzu has decided in his heart to follow Naruto.
However, Naruto wasn't finished yet.
"Now, Kisame, show your Samehada. Itachi, activate your Sharingan. Kakuzu, bring out the black threads of Earth Grudge Fear."
"Yes!"
Kisame understood Naruto's intention very well and quickly showed his Samehada.
Itachi and Kakuzu, filled with anticipation, also followed Naruto's orders.
Naruto spread his arms and mentally activated the Weapon Blessing.
The next moment, the clouds above parted, revealing three beams of golden light that descended onto Kisame, Itachi, and Kakuzu.
Immediately, Samehada, the Sharingan, and the black threads of Earth Grudge Fear all glowed with a radiant golden hue.
"W-What is this?"
Originally, Itachi's Sharingan vision had become a little blurry, which was a sequelae of excessive use of the Mangekyo Sharingan. But now, his vision suddenly became crystal clear. His vision now far exceeded what it had ever been, and for the first time in ages, he no longer needed to squint to see the world!
"So strong!"
Kakuzu inhaled sharply.
The penetrating power of his black threads, which is already formidable, was now enhanced to an unprecedented level.
If before they could pierce through rock walls, now they could easily tear through iron sheets.
Under Naruto's blessing, not only had Kakuzu's physical strength increased, but even his secret techniques and weapons had been significantly amplified.
Kakuzu thought about Kisame's response just now, and suddenly realized that Kisame had known about this for a long time, 'No wonder Kisame treated Naruto-kun so sincerely. In the face of such a temptation of doubling strength, what's wrong with being Naruto's lackey?'
"I said this was supposed to be a punishment, yet Hidan is still barking nonsense. Now that you've been blessed, if he keeps spewing garbage, that's on you. Don't you agree?"
Naruto hovered in midair, gazing down at them with an authoritative air.
In that moment, the trio looked up at Naruto, and in their eyes, he was no longer just a boy. His radiant and mysterious presence made him appear godlike.
For members of the Akatsuki, who were all exceptional individuals, the immense benefits Naruto had brought them left no room for hesitation.
"Understood!"
"Got it!"
"Leave it to us!"
The three replied in unison before turning their focus onto Hidan.
Especially Kisame, which in order to exert his maximum strength, directly fused with Samehada. Under the state of Weapon Blessing, his usual blue shark-man form now radiated golden light, making him resemble a Super Saiyan.
This combination was perfect. With the enhancement from both blessings, every punch and kick from Kisame carried devastating power, producing sonic booms and even sparks from the friction with the air. His strikes were now on par with Guy's Morning Peacock.
"Ah! Ah~ Ah! AHHHH~"
Looking at Hidan who was beaten so badly that he couldn't even scream, Naruto nodded in satisfaction.
Through his Observation Haki, he had already noticed the emotional changes in his subordinates.
Kisame, having experienced the blessings before, wasn't shocked but instead even more exhilarated. What stood out to Naruto, though, was Kisame's unwavering loyalty, as it hadn't wavered for even a moment.
Naruto now fully appreciated Kisame's straightforward nature. Reflecting on the original work, where Kisame chose to take his own life rather than betray his secrets, Naruto felt fortunate to have such a dependable ally.
Itachi's emotional response was more dynamic. While the Servant Contract ensured his allegiance, Naruto sensed a surge of excitement and joy when the Weapon Blessing was activated.
It was clear that the enhancement had a profound effect on Itachi, something Naruto mentally noted to discuss with him later that evening.
As for Kakuzu, his emotional changes were exactly what Naruto expected. Both the Courage Blessing and the Weapon Blessing had boosted his happiness and loyalty.
Kakuzu was the textbook definition of a pragmatist, so giving him more benefits directly translated to deeper loyalty.
All in all, these three people have relatively normal changes.
But when Naruto saw the change in Hidan's emotions, he was stunned for a moment...