Chapter 257: Akatsuki’s New Member【first Update 6k】
The sky over the Land of Rain seemed forever shrouded in an inseparable haze, with drizzle soaking the mountains and rivers into a misty gray hue.
In a remote and deep canyon rarely visited by humans, turbid river water flowed ceaselessly, and an unassuming small wooden boat rocked gently with the current, a lone lantern at the bow emitting a dim yellow glow in the rain mist.
Itachi Uchiha stood silently at the bow in Anbu attire, still wearing a Konoha-patterned headband on his head.
He gazed expressionlessly at the misty river ahead, his Sharingan faintly flowing with a crimson sheen in the dim light.
Cold raindrops hit his face, yet they could not cool the churning thoughts and vigilance in his heart.
The small boat silently glided into a hidden river bend, and behind the rocks on the shore, space distorted, as a figure wearing an orange-red Uzumaki mask with only one crimson Sharingan exposed quietly appeared.
It was Obito, who called himself “Uchiha Madara.”
“You’ve come.” Obito’s voice came through the mask, sounding low and hoarse.
Itachi’s gaze swept over him, his tone calm and unwavering, yet carrying a subtle question: “Konoha Military Police Force, you failed to clean them up completely. This contradicts your previous promise.”
He was referring to survivors like Uncle Yashiro and Inabi Uchiha, which left unnecessary flaws and variables in his “perfect clan massacre.”
Obito let out a meaningful light hum: “Heh, plans always fall behind changes. That Lord Shura from the Land of Stars, his eyes have been fixed on Konoha. Too much entanglement is not wise.”
He casually shifted the blame without detailed explanation, clearly unwilling to discuss the details of his encounter with Shura.
Itachi fell silent, his heart growing even heavier.
Even this guy who called himself “Uchiha Madara” and possessed strange space-time ninjutsu was so wary of Shura?
Following Obito’s guidance, the small boat continued deeper into the canyon, the surrounding rock walls growing steeper and the light even dimmer.
Obito suddenly switched to a somewhat frivolous and erratic tone, completely different from his earlier gravity: “By the way, in the organization, my identity is a newcomer called ‘Tobi’! Not even a formal member! Senior, be careful with your attitude toward me, don’t give it away~”
This abrupt change made Itachi slightly furrow his brow: “Hiding your identity? Why go to such lengths?”
“Tobi” waved his hands exaggeratedly: “Of course, because if news gets out that ‘Uchiha Madara’ is still alive, it’ll be troublesome! It’ll scare a lot of kids! So this is top secret!”
He used joking banter to once again emphasize the mystery and importance of the “Uchiha Madara” identity.
Itachi asked no further, simply committing this intelligence to memory.
This organization was far more complex than imagined.
The small boat finally entered a massive cave hidden behind a waterfall.
The cave entrance was artificially carved into a huge torii gate shape, exuding a eerie yet sacred aura.
The space inside the cave was extremely vast and dimly lit, with only a few torches flickering on the walls, casting distorted, dancing shadows.
And the most shocking sight was the colossal statue in the center of the cave, unimaginably huge!
It was like a giant carved from dead wood, its hands bound by countless thick chains, kneeling on the ground, emanating an ancient, desolate, and terrifying presence.
Merely gazing at it brought a soul-deep sense of oppression.
Itachi did not know this was the Outer Path Demonic Statue, but he had a feeling it would come alive.
And atop the bound palms of the statue stood two figures quietly.
Both wore the same black-based red cloud robes; one had black chakra receiver rods piercing his face, his eyes rippling with eerie purple rings—the Deva Path.
The other was Konan with blue-purple hair.
The emotionless Rinnegan of the Deva Path looked down at Itachi and Obito below, his voice low and authoritative: “This is the newcomer you recommended to join the organization?”
Obito immediately switched back to “Tobi” mode, bouncing and raising his hand, introducing in an exaggerated tone: “Yes yes! Leader Pain! This is the famous ‘Uchiha Massacre Itachi’! Super—awesome!”
Itachi Uchiha ignored “Tobi’s” antics; his gaze met the Deva Path’s Rinnegan in midair.
In an instant, he felt an indescribable immense pressure descend, those eyes seeming to see through all illusions.
He steadied his mind and calmly asked: “I need to know, what is the Akatsuki organization’s purpose?”
The Deva Path and Konan lightly leaped down from the statue’s palm, landing near Itachi by a torch.
The flickering firelight illuminated his cold face.
“The Akatsuki organization’s goal is to collect the Tails, create the ultimate weapon, and make the entire world feel true pain.” The Deva Path’s voice was flat.
“Under the fear of pain, humanity will cease endless conflict, achieving true, absolute peace in the ninja world. For this, we recruit all powerful ninja, regardless of origin or past. ‘Uchiha Massacre Itachi’… welcome to Akatsuki.”
Collect the Tails?
Create the ultimate weapon?
Bring peace through pain?
The grandeur and extremity of this goal filled Itachi with awe.
This was indeed a mad plan far beyond the ambitions of ordinary ninja villages.
“What a… grand goal.” Itachi slowly remarked, then changed the subject to his most pressing question: “Then, what is the relationship between Lord Shura of the Land of Stars and you?”
At the mention of “Shura,” Konan beside him imperceptibly furrowed her brow, a flash of gravity in her eyes.
The Deva Path remained expressionless, his Rinnegan deep as an abyss.
“Shura… he too possesses the power and will to change this world.” The Deva Path’s voice remained flat.
“I once acknowledged his goal and tried to invite him to join Akatsuki to accomplish this great undertaking together. Unfortunately… the negotiations ultimately broke down.”
He did not elaborate on the process, but the information revealed was enough for Itachi to analyze.
Akatsuki had not only contacted Shura but possibly even clashed with him, and Akatsuki seemed unable to suppress him—otherwise, it would not be “negotiations broke down,” but “subdued” or “eliminated.”
An existence that could contend with the leader before him, who had the Rinnegan and an unfathomable aura, and even made that guy calling himself “Madara” wary…
Shura’s strength rose even higher in Itachi’s mind.
And Akatsuki’s ability to negotiate and clash yet still exist showed its profound foundation.
This was indeed a dangerous organization gathering numerous S-rank rogue ninja with terrifying power.
Infiltrating here was undoubtedly scheming with a tiger.
Itachi hesitated no longer.
He raised his hand and removed the headband symbolizing Konoha from his forehead.
The tip of the kunai scraped across the metal piece, emitting a harsh “sizzle,” a deep scratch completely destroying the Konoha pattern.
The Deva Path extended his hand, handing a ring to Itachi.
The ring had a deep black base, inlaid with a blood-red “Vermilion” character, emanating a cold aura.
“From today, you are Akatsuki’s ‘Vermilion Bird.'”
Itachi took the ring and put it on his right ring finger.
A cold sensation spread, as if some invisible contract had been formed.
At that moment, footsteps echoed from deep in the cave.
Several other Akatsuki members emerged one after another, clearly summoned to meet the new member.
The Deva Path began introducing them one by one:
“Sasori, codename ‘Gem Maiden.'”
A red-haired “person” in an Akatsuki robe, with a youthful handsome face like a boy, coldly glanced at Itachi, a massive steel tail swaying slightly behind.
“Zetsu, codename ‘Black Tortoise.'”
A bizarre creature half black half white, body like a pitcher plant, emerged from the ground, the white side emitting a creepy “hehehe” laugh.
“Ringo Ameyuri, codename ‘North Dipper.'”
A girl with sharp teeth and a wild grin carried two strange ninja swords wrapped in electric light, curiously sizing up Itachi: “Oh? The newbie’s pretty handsome~”
“Aoi Rokushō, codename ‘Sky Chen.'”
A man with a feminine face and deep green hair had a strange sword hilt at his waist; though inside the cave, he held a green umbrella.
“Zabuza Momochi, codename ‘South Dipper.'”
A tall man wrapped in bandages, carrying a massive cleaver sword on his back, snorted coldly, his murderous gaze sweeping over Itachi, clearly having no fondness for Konoha ninja.
“And… Nameless, codename ‘Three Terraces.'” A taciturn man with a fierce face stood a bit farther away.
These were members recently recruited by “Madara” or Pain, a veritable gathering of villains.
Ringo Ameyuri leaned in closer, seemingly very interested in Itachi: “Heard you took out half the Uchiha clan single-handedly? Tsk tsk, ruthless enough.”
Zabuza Momochi crossed his arms, saying coldly: “‘Uchiha Massacre Itachi’? Hmph, hope you’re not just a pretty boy.”
Facing the gazes of these vicious villains—some curious, some provocative—Itachi Uchiha remained expressionless, as if it had nothing to do with him.
His Sharingan slowly swept over everyone, memorizing each person’s characteristics.
Finally, the Deva Path spoke: “Zabuza, from today, you pair with ‘Vermilion Bird.'”
Zabuza frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the arrangement, but he seemed wary of Pain and did not directly object, just clicking his tongue in annoyance: “Got it. Sharingan brat, follow me to learn the organization’s rules and next missions.”
With that, he turned and walked toward the other side of the cave.
Itachi Uchiha said nothing, silently following Zabuza’s steps.
His Akatsuki life officially began in this cold, damp cave filled with a eerie giant statue and dangerous members.
The firelight behind stretched his shadow long, as if merging into deeper darkness.
………………
The sky over the Land of Stars always seemed clearer and bluer than the Land of Fire, sunlight pouring unreservedly over this emerging land.
In a neatly planned new clan territory area with architecture blending tradition and modernity, the atmosphere was not entirely relaxed.
This was the residence allocated to the Hyuga Clan.
On the wide training ground, led by Hizashi Hyuga, Neji Hyuga, Tokuma Hyuga, Tetsu Hyuga, and twenty-eight other Hyuga Branch Family members who successfully defected, along with their families—a total of fifty-seven people—knelt neatly on one knee.
Most still bore the lingering panic from their escape and confusion about the future, but more prominently, a complex emotion mixing sorrow and determination after breaking free from shackles.
Many gazes were fixed tightly on the figure ahead.
Shura stood silently here in a black-based red-edged miko robe.
He said nothing, slowly raising his right hand, fingertip hovering over his left eye.
The next second, a strange and immense dojutsu fluctuation centered on him and spread out.
His left eye pupil instantly transformed into a complex eerie Mangekyo pattern, not static but rotating slowly like a living thing, emanating a deep, all-devouring sheen.
“Dojutsu: Rin’ne.”
Menma’s voice was low and clear.
He looked at no specific individual; the Mangekyo pattern in his left eye suddenly brightened, projecting a hazy powerful energy field that enveloped all present Hyuga Branch Family members.
The kneeling Hyuga clansmen trembled in unison!
They could clearly feel a warm yet hegemonic force ignoring all barriers, acting directly on a certain brand deep in their souls!
The centuries-old blue curse mark “Caged Bird” on their foreheads melted and disintegrated like ice under the sun in the rush of this power!
Not merely a simple seal, but complete… eradication!
An indescribable sense of relief instantly spread through their bodies, as if an invisible shackle that had choked their generations snapped in this moment!
Many clansmen instinctively raised hands to touch their now smooth foreheads, eyes filled with incredulous ecstasy and excitement, some even unable to hold back low sobs.
Centuries of humiliation and bondage finally ended today, by an outsider, through absolute power!
Hizashi Hyuga bowed deeply, his voice choked yet resolute: “The Hyuga Branch Family… eternally grateful for Lord Shura’s rebirth grace! We swear to follow Lord to the death, unwavering!”
“Swear to follow Lord to the death!” Behind him, all Hyuga clansmen roared in unison, their voices filled with gratitude for rebirth and determination to pledge loyalty.
Menma nodded slightly, withdrawing his eye power; the Mangekyo in his left eye faded, returning to normal.
As if what he had done was mere child’s play.
Uzumaki Kushina, waiting nearby with several Star Ninja, stepped forward.
She still had that fiery red hair, her face gentle yet capable.
The Star Ninja behind her held brand-new headbands, unique to the Land of Stars with a five-pointed star emblem.
“From today, you are citizens of the Land of Stars, protected by its laws, enjoying all citizen rights and duties.” Uzumaki Kushina’s voice was clear and strong as she personally handed the first headband to Hizashi Hyuga.
“This headband symbolizes rebirth and protection. I hope you all live up to Lord Shura’s expectations and your newfound freedom.”
Hizashi’s hands trembled slightly as he took the headband and solemnly tied it on his forehead.
From now on, no more Konoha Hyuga Branch Family—only Land of Stars Hyuga Clan!
Menma looked at the scene and instructed Hizashi: “Hizashi, settle your clansmen well and rest. The Land of Stars will provide all necessary help. The past is past; the future you must forge yourselves.”
“Yes! Lord!” Hizashi respectfully acknowledged.
Menma said no more; his figure flickered and vanished from the spot.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring Uchiha Compound.
Unlike the excited yet sorrowful atmosphere in the Hyuga Clan Territory, the Uchiha Compound was filled with a heavier, inseparable grief and deathly silence.
The brand-new houses were orderly, streets clean and tidy, but the Uchiha clansmen walking among them showed no joy of relocation.
Nearly everyone’s eyes were bloodshot, carrying deep sorrow, anger, and a hint of survivor confusion.
Many wore black mourning clothes, low sobs and sighs occasionally emanating from houses.
In the central meeting hall of the compound, the atmosphere was so heavy it was suffocating.
Uchiha Hikari, Shisui Uchiha, Uchiha Inabi, and Izumi Uchiha sat together.
Everyone’s face was exceptionally grim.
Even Izumi Uchiha, upon waking to learn of her clansmen’s deaths—especially her mother with whom she had been so close—had awakened her Mangekyo Sharingan amid extreme pain.
“The bodies of the deceased clansmen… have all been cremated.” Izumi Uchiha’s voice was hoarse, eyes still teary; she suppressed her grief to report:
“As per your instructions, all buried in the new family cemetery on the rear hillside… but… too many tombstones… can’t engrave them all at once…” Her voice choked again here.
That night’s blood and her mother’s pale corpse still haunted her like a nightmare, and it was this extreme pain that evolved her three-tomoe Sharingan into Mangekyo.
Uchiha Inabi slammed his fist on the table, the solid wood surface cracking like a spiderweb.
His eyes blood-red, gnashing teeth, voice trembling from suppressed anger: “Originally… our Uchiha Clan had nine hundred fifty-three people! Now… only two hundred twenty remain!”
“Seven hundred thirty-three clansmen… seven hundred thirty-three lives! Gone… just like that in that night! Even Tekka… even Uncle Yashiro…” He couldn’t continue, turning his head sharply, shoulders heaving violently.
His brother Tekka died in the Konoha Military Police Force, and Uncle Yashiro, like a father to him, died blocking a blade for him in the Konoha Anbu.
The entire meeting hall fell into dead silence, only Inabi’s suppressed sobs and faint clansmen wailing from outside the window.
After a long time, Uchiha Hikari spoke slowly, her voice cold: “The dead are gone; the living must go on. The Uchiha Clan needs a new leader to guide the clansmen to survive on this new land and rebuild strength.”
Her gaze swept over Shisui, Inabi, and Izumi: “I propose Shisui Uchiha as the new Uchiha Clan Head. Any objections?”
At this, Inabi and Izumi were stunned, looking surprised at Hikari, then at Shisui.
In their view, whether strength, prestige, or relation to Shura, Uchiha Hikari was undoubtedly the most suitable clan head.
Shisui seemed to have anticipated it; meeting Hikari’s and the others’ puzzled gazes, he nodded solemnly: “I understand. Shisui will give his all, not fail the trust, and lead the clan to a new future.”
Seeing Shisui agree, Hikari seemed to shed a thousand-pound burden, breathing a slight sigh of relief.
She stood: “In that case, specific clan settlement, compensation, personnel assignments, etc., will be decided by Clan Head Shisui with you. As for the Uchiha Clan’s status, duties, and rights in the Land of Stars, I will personally negotiate with Lord Shura. I believe Lord will not shortchange the U… will not shortchange our Uchiha Clan.”
With that, she nodded slightly to Shisui and turned to leave the meeting hall.
She, raised from childhood as a weapon for war, was not skilled at handling these family matters, and her mind was never on revitalizing the Uchiha Clan, so she simply handed them all over to Shisui.
After Lord Hikari left, the atmosphere in the meeting hall eased slightly.
Uchiha Inabi finally couldn’t hold back and looked at Shisui, asking, “Brother Shisui, why doesn’t Lord Hikari serve as Clan Head herself? In terms of strength and prestige, she is now the strongest in our clan, right? Wouldn’t it be more suitable for her to lead us?”
Izumi Uchiha also nodded, indicating she had the same question.
Although she respected Shisui, Lord Hikari’s strength and the figure she cut stepping forward on the Night of the Uchiha Clan Downfall undoubtedly inspired more confidence among the clan members.
Shisui looked at his two companions, a complex yet somewhat relieved smile appearing on his face.
He shook his head and softly asked in return, “When have you ever… seen a clan’s Clan Head be a woman married to someone from outside the clan?”
“Married?”
Inabi and Izumi were both stunned at the same time, momentarily unable to react.
Izumi recovered first. She suddenly covered her mouth, her eyes widening, a blush instantly flying across her face as she stammered in a voice as fine as a mosquito’s hum, “C-Could it be… Lord Hikari and Lord Shura… are… in that kind of relationship?”
Shisui nodded, confirming their guess: “Although it has not been made public, this matter is no secret among the high-level officials of the Land of Stars.”
“Lord Hikari’s intentions, and Lord Shura’s protection of her, are seen by all. If she serves as Clan Head, it would be inconvenient both emotionally and rationally. If I take the position of Clan Head, it can maintain the Uchiha Clan’s independence and inheritance, while also better communicating with the high-level officials of the Land of Stars. This may be the best arrangement.”
Inabi and Izumi digested this shocking news, looking at each other.
So that’s how it is… That powerful, aloof Lord Hikari actually has that kind of relationship with the enigmatic Lord Shura.
Thinking back carefully, it seemed everything had signs to follow.
After the shock, the two gradually understood Lord Hikari’s decision and Shisui’s explanation.
“I understand.” Inabi took a deep breath, suppressing the turbulence in his heart, and looked at Shisui again, his gaze becoming firm: “Then, please take care of us from now on, Clan Head!”
Izumi also nodded vigorously, her eyes still holding sadness but more anticipation for the future: “Clan Head Shisui, there is still much we need to do.”
“For the revival of the Uchiha, let us encourage each other!” Shisui looked at his two companions who had rallied again, feeling slightly relieved in his heart.
He knew that leading this wounded group of just over two hundred remaining clan members to rebuild their home in a foreign land would inevitably be fraught with thorns ahead.
But at least, they had escaped Konoha’s suspicion and persecution, and gained a reliable shelter, as well as…
A brand new beginning.
The sunlight outside the window shone through the window lattice into the meeting hall still filled with sorrow, seemingly bringing a faint trace of warmth.
