On the other side-
In South Africa, four members of the Akatsuki organization were in a town, surrounded by corpses. Hidan lay on the ground, performing his sacrificial ritual. As the ritual concluded, Hidan stood up and said, "My injuries are fully healed."
"Shall we continue our separate actions, or explore the extraordinary aspects of this world?"
"Or perhaps continue to offer sacrifices to Jashin?"
At that moment, Itachi Uchiha appeared beside the three with a swift movement, showing no expression on his face, and said coldly:
"The rings representing Konan and Zetsu have also appeared in this world."
As soon as Itachi finished speaking, the remaining three members immediately channeled their chakra into their rings, sensing the arrival of Konan and Zetsu.
Kisame Hoshigaki hoisted his Samehada and said with a smile, "Looks like the boss plans to bring all the Akatsuki members into this world."
Kisame recalled the man who had recruited him, one who promised a world without deception. He wondered if that man still held such an ideal after arriving in this world. Would Lord Charles create such a world?
Kisame considered that in the current world, he no longer needed to be wary of his companions or kill them. Perhaps this was the world without deception he had longed for.
While Kisame was lost in thought, Deidara spoke up, "Too bad it's not Sasori-senpai. I wanted to discuss art with him."
Deidara, the youngest member of the organization, missed his teammate deeply when it came to art. As for his current partner, Kisame, he had no sense of artistry.
Even Hidan chimed in, "So, Angel Konan is here. When is that self-proclaimed god going to show up?"
"Too bad Kakuzu didn't come. His stitching skills are really impressive."
Listening to the different opinions from the three, Itachi didn't react. He gazed into the distance and said calmly, "Let's wait. With these two arriving, the boss should have tasks for us. We'll decide our next steps then."
The other three agreed with Itachi's suggestion and nodded in agreement.
...
Elsewhere-
With Eddie's interview news broadcasted, viewers worldwide soon saw Trevor in prison. His shameless pride in the incident enraged many viewers.
Especially Trevor's claim that his portrayal gave life to the character of the Mandarin, which deeply offended the real Ten Rings organization and its leader.
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
Christmas holidays were over, and Eddie was back to his busy work, having made contact with Hawkeye Barton.
The previous target had already changed their appearance and left New York through the Continental Hotel's network, leaving Eddie and Barton without any leads.
However, the crackdown on criminal organizations continued. Amid the city's reconstruction following the Battle of New York, corruption in the underworld resurfaced.
Kingpin in Hell's Kitchen seized the opportunity to make a fortune in the real estate market, engaging in widespread corruption of the city's reconstruction efforts.
…
On the other side-
During this time, Tony administered a physical enhancement serum to Pepper, and through Jiraiya's introduction, invited Team Guy to provide taijutsu training.
…
Meanwhile-
In prison, Trevor received another interview request, this time from Jackson Norris.
For Jackson Norris, today was going to be the most important day of his career because he was about to do something that would end his career.
Today would be his final interview with America's most infamous prisoner.
The world thought he was the notorious Mandarin, but recent news revealed he was just an actor.
So far, the interviewee had been evasive and clearly unaware of the real focus of the interview. In fact, he seemed oblivious to everything except his growing fame.
Because now, the whole world knew his name.
As the interview progressed, Jackson Norris recounted Trevor's history, showing clips from his past television roles and informing him about the real Ten Rings organization.
Trevor yawned and said, "An interesting story becomes boring when heard too many times."
Jackson Norris, surprised, asked, "You know about the Ten Rings?"
"It seems you did thorough research and investigation before playing the role."
Trevor didn't deny it and nodded, "Yes, understanding the character's story is a basic requirement for any good actor."
Jackson Norris continued, "But do you know that your actions have angered some people?"
Trevor, nonchalant, replied, "So what? People will remember me, Trevor, and this place is very safe."
"There's no safer place in all of New York than here, right?"
Trevor spread his arms, indicating that the prison was the safest place for him.
After all, Trevor had recruited a strong man as his personal servant and had a group of fans supporting him. His days in prison were more comfortable than before, so he had no complaints.
Hearing Trevor's response, Jackson Norris stood up, took off his suit jacket, and pressed a switch on the recording device. He then said, "You should know the real Mandarin's history. He was a warrior king."
"He inspired generations in the medieval period, maybe even earlier."
Trevor, now annoyed, said, "Who cares, man?"
"This is the performance people want, and I performed it well."
"They will remember not the Mandarin, but this name—Trevor Slattery."
"And I will become a brand!"
Jackson Norris adjusted his sleeves and said, "You're right, but because of these sins, you will soon be in unbearable pain."
"Every ring we believe in will leave a corresponding hole in your body."
At this point, Trevor sensed something was wrong and quickly asked, "Excuse me?"
###
More Chapters: p@treon.com/gfdsa
Checkout My Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@lki5247