...
"I remember I shouldn't have offended you, right? The renowned Akatsuki organization."
In a certain base, looking at the three figures in red cloud cloaks not far ahead, Orochimaru's expression could not help but turn somewhat ugly.
Around them, three unconscious people were lying on the ground. They either had paper sheets pierced through their bodies or had dislocated limbs from receiving massive force attacks.
These three were precisely his subordinates One, Two, and Three. Upon seeing unfamiliar ninja enter, they had unhesitatingly charged forward, only to become like this in the blink of an eye.
"You haven't offended us. What just happened was merely our instinctive counterattack when faced with aggression. We come with good intentions. Otherwise, those three would already be dead."
"Good intentions? Hehehe, fine. Then tell me what your good intentions are. Beating my subordinates like this right from the start makes it hard for me to see it as good intentions."
After hearing Konan's explanation, Orochimaru was so angry he laughed. He had heard some things about the Akatsuki recently, but since he still needed to perfect his forbidden techniques, he had not looked into it much.
But now it seemed just like the rumors: their way of doing things was utterly unrestrained, much like him. However, he did not want such things to happen to himself.
"Join us, Orochimaru. The Akatsuki can provide you with all the help you need, and within the Akatsuki, you can better display your talents. You wouldn't be content to hide in a place like this forever, would you?"
"What is the goal of your Akatsuki organization? And how can you be sure my talents can be better displayed with you? Just because of your words?"
"Ahem."
Hearing this familiar phrasing, Shinnō on the side could not help coughing twice, but Konan did not notice him, seemingly having forgotten her first encounter with Shinnō.
"Our goal is to bring peace to this world. In the process of realizing this dream, we will face many challenges, and you can showcase your talents to the world during that time."
"Heh, sounds nice. Then I'll join you."
Seeming persuaded by Konan's words, Orochimaru agreed to her recruitment and slowly walked toward the three.
"A wise choice."
Seeing the other party approach, Konan also took out the prepared cloak and tossed it toward him. Watching the Akatsuki cloak fly over, a hint of a smile appeared in Orochimaru's eyes.
However, the moment he caught the cloak, Orochimaru did not put it on. Instead, his speed suddenly surged as he charged straight toward Pain in the middle of the three.
"No mistake about it. Those eyes are the legendary Rinnegan."
From the very first meeting, Orochimaru had noticed the Rinnegan in the Animal Path's eyes, and he had been eyeing them ever since.
What Sharingan? Compared to the Sage of the Six Paths' Rinnegan, it was not worth mentioning. If he could use the Rinnegan as the final kekkei genkai for his Kimera no Jutsu, then perhaps he could also obtain power equal to the Sage of the Six Paths.
With such immense temptation right in front of him, even though the other side had numbers on their side, Orochimaru felt he needed to give it a try. Otherwise, he would surely regret it.
He had to consider whether this was the only chance in his life.
Under the enhancement of Swift Release, Orochimaru's speed had reached a level the naked eye could not capture.
But Konan did not relax her vigilance just because he had agreed so readily. The instant he launched his surprise attack, she used paper walls to protect herself and the Animal Path.
"Damn it."
Faced with Konan's defense, Orochimaru could only choose to use Dark Release to break through, but in the brief time it took him to do so, Konan and the Animal Path had already retreated to a safe position. Orochimaru's plan fell through.
"It seems you are preparing to challenge a god."
Nagato was not someone with a good temper either. He immediately had the Animal Path use the Summoning Technique to call forth the Deva Path Pain.
After seeing the Deva Path appear, Konan took half a step back. She no longer blocked the charging Orochimaru and just watched quietly. Since Nagato wanted to handle it personally, she would leave it to him.
Konan had absolute faith in the Deva Path's strength. This was also a perfect chance to intimidate Shinnō. Sometimes, no matter how much was said, nothing worked as well as displaying overwhelming power.
And the Deva Path could do exactly that.
"Two pairs of Rinnegan?"
After the Deva Path appeared, both Orochimaru and Shinnō could hardly hide their shock at seeing the two identical pairs of eyes. How could two pairs of Rinnegan appear at the same time? It was impossible.
While everyone's thoughts were churning, Orochimaru—bolstered by Swift Release—charged in front of the three once more. He did not know why this time the other side neither retreated nor defended.
But whether it was arrogance or carelessness, since they were sitting there waiting to hand over their eyes, he would take them.
"It seems I need to make you feel some pain."
Even though Orochimaru had already reached them, Konan and the other two remained calm, showing no sign of taking Orochimaru seriously at all.
And that was indeed the case. Konan was like this because of her trust in Nagato, while Pain's confidence came from his strength.
From the perspective of the Rinnegan, even with Swift Release enhancing Orochimaru's speed, it was not particularly fast. It could naturally be handled with ease.
Only when Orochimaru's hand was almost reaching the Deva Path's eye socket, his face simultaneously showing an irrepressible smile, did the Deva Path finally move.
"Shinra Tensei."
Just as Orochimaru believed he was about to succeed, an endless repulsive force suddenly erupted from around the Deva Path and swept outward. Orochimaru's movement was forcibly halted because of it.
Looking at the Rinnegan so close yet so far, even though Orochimaru exerted all his strength, he could not advance an inch. After a brief stalemate, he was sent flying backward uncontrollably under the repulsive force.
"Bansho Ten'in."
After Orochimaru was repelled, the Deva Path did not stop. Instead, he extended his hand toward Orochimaru once more.
"What?"
Before Orochimaru could recover from the previous Shinra Tensei, he found his body involuntarily flying toward the Deva Path. No matter what techniques he used, he could not break free.
"Damn it." Realizing he could not escape this attractive force, Orochimaru could only use Steel Release to strengthen his own defense in preparation for whatever attacks might come next.
"Hiss."
Looking at the black rod that easily pierced his abdomen, Orochimaru's face was full of disbelief. How was this possible? What kind of ability was this, breaking through his Steel Release defense directly?
Moreover, after being pierced by the black rod, Orochimaru suddenly realized that both the refinement and use of his chakra were affected. Even if he wanted to use ninjutsu to counterattack, he could not do it.