Naruto couldn't figure out what urgent matter Pain had convened the meeting for, but as this was his first time attending, he was quite excited.
After finding a quiet secret room, Naruto briefly learned how to use the ring and then condensed his Chakra into 'Thought Projection'.
Not long after, Pain sensed the wave, formed hand seals, and used the Magic Lantern Body Technique. Soon, the 'Thought Projection' transformed into an illusion.
Looking at the several multicolored, glowing figures around him, Naruto quickly identified two familiar ones, Pain and Konan.
In addition to them were three unfamiliar but recognizable projections: the Akatsuki's 'Art Duo', Deidara and Sasori, as well as the 'Mama's Boy', Zetsu!
Naruto's gaze didn't linger on the Art Duo, and instead locked directly onto Zetsu's Thought Projection.
'At this moment, the projection should be White Zetsu, but the one truly in control was Black Zetsu. This unassuming betrayer had manipulated countless powerful figures like pawns.'
'If Black Zetsu were eliminated, would that stop Kaguya from appearing?'
With this question in mind, the emergency meeting began.
Pain spoke first, "Let me introduce the new members. Uzumaki Naruto, codename 'Sky', is now the Akatsuki's second-in-command. Zetsu, codename 'Boar', will act as our scout and intelligence collector."
"What? Second-in-command? How can this new brat be second-in-command?"
Deidara didn't care much about the scout role but was visibly upset about a newbie outranking him.
In his eyes, if anyone deserved promotion, it should be from the veteran members. Konan, as Pain's deputy, was the logical choice, or perhaps even the formidable Itachi.
Before Pain could respond, Kakuzu let out a cold snort, "Deidara, are you questioning leader's decision?"
To avoid suspicion of factionalism, which could alert Pain, Kakuzu chose an open strategy, leveraging Pain's authority to suppress Deidara.
Sure enough, after hearing this, even Deidara didn't dare to argue further.
Pain continued calmly, "Naruto-kun is my personally appointed second-in-command. If anyone disagrees, I permit challenges, it's your right. However, our priority now is capturing the Biju."
'Hmm?'
Hearing this, Naruto couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
'Wasn't the Biju Capture Plan supposed to not start for at least a year or two? Why is it happening so early?'
'Could it be that my presence and the personnel changes in Akatsuki have caused deviations in the plot?'
Before he could figure it out, Pain spoke up, "According to the news brought back by White Zetsu, the Yondaime Kazekage is confirmed dead, and Ichibi's Jinchuriki has been appointed the Godaime Kazekage. Our first task is to capture Ichibi's Jinchuriki and extract the Shukaku from his body. Is there anyone willing to do this?"
Hearing this, Naruto suddenly looked enlightened.
'Regardless of why the time for the Biju Capture Plan was advanced, it was definitely inseparable from White Zetsu. If it weren't for the news from White Zetsu, Pain wouldn't have made this decision.'
Due to Naruto's recruitment of Orochimaru and Sandaime as his servants, Orochimaru had refrained from executing the Konoha Crush Plan. As a result, the outside world remained unaware of the Yondaime Kazekage's death.
Had the Yondaime Kazekage been alive, Sunagakure would be stable. Any reckless action by Akatsuki would have only resulted in unnecessary losses.
Now, however, Sunagakure was leaderless. And even though Gaara had become the Godaime Kazekage, he hadn't yet consolidated his power or restored stability.
On the contrary, Gaara's bloody reputation would likely attract many dissenters within Sunagakure.
This was indeed the perfect opportunity to strike.
From Naruto's perspective, White Zetsu providing the intel and Pain issuing the order were likely orchestrated by Obito's interference.
Naruto's unexpected rise to power had undoubtedly introduced uncertainties within the Akatsuki, likely contributing to Obito's urgency.
After all, Obito's entire plan revolved around executing the Infinite Tsukuyomi. If the opportunity arose, he would immediately move to capture the Biju, never allowing anyone to jeopardize his plans.
"We'll take care of it."
Sasori said in a low voice.
Pain nodded slightly, "Sasori, since you're originally from Sunagakure and are familiar with its workings, you and Deidara will head there to capture Ichibi's Jinchuriki."
"Yes!"
Deidara and Sasori replied in unison.
Pain continued, "Zetsu, proceed with gathering intelligence on the Biju."
"Yes!"
White Zetsu responded promptly.
Pain then turned to Naruto and said, "Naruto-kun, you'll remain on standby. If there's any development, I will notify you immediately."
"Yes!"
Naruto replied, mimicking the responses of the others.
"Meeting adjourned."
Pain said in a deep voice.
One by one, the members severed their 'Thought Projection', bringing the meeting to an end.
"Hey, Naruto-kun, that Deidara kid's arrogance is off the charts. We've got some free time now, so how about teaching him a lesson?" Kisame suggested with a grin.
"A lesson? That sounds perfect!"
Naruto said with a cold smile, "Kakuzu, Hidan, continue with your tasks here. Leave the rest to me. Kisame and Itachi, you two are coming with me!"
"Naruto-kun, is something wrong?"
Itachi inquired.
Having spent enough time with Naruto, Itachi understood his personality well. While Naruto could be vengeful, he wasn't one to act rashly. After all, just before the meeting, they had been planning to celebrate with a feast.
Naruto's only reply was short but telling, "To me, Gaara, the Ichibi's Jinchuriki, is just like you."
"Let's go!"
Hearing this, Itachi immediately understood. Naruto's urgency wasn't about Deidara, it was about Gaara.
Just like him… That could only mean one thing, that Gaara is one of Naruto's servants.
From his time with Naruto, Itachi had come to grasp the importance of these servants. Despite the immense talents of people like Kisame, Hidan, and Kakuzu, Naruto had not chosen to make them servants.
Those who were, however, like Orochimaru boasted overwhelming strength, Sasuke had immense potential, Sandaime had unparalleled experience, and Zabuza was trusted with vast amounts of resources.
This made it clear that Naruto placed a unique significance on his servants.
As a fellow servant, Itachi also shared a deep camaraderie with the others. Due to the nature of their bond, no servant could ever betray Naruto, making them his most loyal supporters. For Itachi, the other servants had long since become like brothers bound by unbreakable ties.
In simple terms, they were all in the same boat, facing the same fate.
That very night, Naruto set out with Kisame and Itachi, but they didn't use conventional paths.
Using a series of Flying Thunder God's marks he had left behind during his travels, Naruto led the group on a swift journey.
Departing from the Land of Hot Water, they passed through the Lands of Rice Fields, Lands of Iron, Lands of Waterfalls, and Lands of Grass, before arriving at the outskirts of the Land of Rain, all within less than an hour.
In order to avoid being detected by Pain's Rain Tiger at Will Technique, Naruto, along with Itachi and Kisame, sneaked along the periphery of the Land of Rain.
After a night of careful navigation, they finally reached the border of the Land of Wind.