"..."
Uchiha Itachi didn't know how to respond, so he could only frown and look at the Deva Path Pain with the Rinnegan in front of him, certain that this man was not being sarcastic.
When Deva Path Pain spoke, he was cold and serious: "Almost all of the Akatsuki Organization has been defeated by Akihara Kagura, even I was no exception. For you, it's not a disgrace..."
"Yes."
Uchiha Itachi felt as though he was living in the shadow of Akihara Kagura.
"However..."
Deva Path Pain did not reveal Akihara Kagura's identity because only the high-level members of the Akatsuki Organization knew about Kagura's undercover status.
Deva Path Pain earnestly introduced the basic information about the Akatsuki Organization: "The goal of the Akatsuki Organization is peace in the Ninja World. For this, we gather outstanding ninjas, regardless of origin and qualifications. Itachi from Konoha, welcome to join the Akatsuki Organization. From today onwards, you are the Itachi of Akatsuki."
"..."
Uchiha Itachi put on the Akatsuki Organization's ring and took out his kunai to slash a deep, horizontal line across his ninja headband before placing it back on his forehead.
"Have you all fought against Akihara Kagura before?"
Uchiha Itachi casually asked, seemingly curious about some of Akihara Kagura's past: "Don't misunderstand, I'm just a bit curious."
"It's alright."
Deva Path Pain didn't seem to mind his own defeat because he knew that junior was on their side: "The Akatsuki Organization almost got eradicated by Akihara Kagura. It's not something unspeakable. Now that you're in the Akatsuki, you don't have to worry about his threat..."
"Why?"
Uchiha Itachi looked at Deva Path Pain, somewhat curious and asked, "Does the Akatsuki Organization still have the power to deal with Akihara Kagura?"
"That's not something you need to know right now."
Deva Path Pain shook his head and arranged for another teammate for Uchiha Itachi, an S-Class Traitorous Ninja from The Hidden Mist Village, Biwa Juzo, to pair with him in the Akatsuki Organization: "From today, you're paired with Biwa Juzo to complete missions..."
"Yes."
Uchiha Itachi nodded, raising his concern: "Orochimaru... has he always been in the Akatsuki Organization?"
Akatsuki Organization...
It seems a little unreliable.
Uchiha Itachi initially thought that following Uchiha Obito, joining a group of S-Class Traitorous Ninjas, was a bit surprised by how powerful this organization was...
In the end...
Isn't this Akatsuki Organization's leader a bit naive, actually admitting that the Akatsuki almost got wiped out by Akihara Kagura? Aren't they afraid new members will think they're too weak?
However...
Having truly witnessed Akihara Kagura's power, Uchiha Itachi did not think the Akatsuki was weak. Surviving that guy was a testament of strength.
Uchiha Itachi was still worried about Akihara Kagura hurting Uchiha Sasuke, wanting to quickly fulfill their agreement to help deal with Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, huh?"
Deva Path Pain remembered Orochimaru's recent efforts, rarely speaking up: "Earlier, Orochimaru was executing missions in the Land of Wind and only returned from the Hidden Sand Village last month..."
To attract Jiraiya's attention, Orochimaru spent some time in the Hidden Sand Village of the Land of Wind, which was also his dedication to the Akatsuki Organization.
However...
Deva Path Pain still did not trust Orochimaru.
According to the report from Red Sand Sasori, Orochimaru was not to be trusted. He still harbored intentions against the Rinnegan and even wanted to get information about Nagato from him.