Urashiki's body was now being transported.
Surprisingly, the person responsible for this task was a ninja from Konoha.
They were at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain.
The ninja carrying the body glanced back in the direction of Konoha.
"They probably haven't noticed yet!"
His accomplice smiled.
That made sense, considering the chaos that had engulfed Konoha in recent days.
This had provided the perfect opportunity to steal Urashiki's body.
However, the ninja wondered about the purpose of this Otsutsuki clan body.
Why had the organization tasked him with bringing it out here?
Reaching the border, they arrived at a secluded spot a short distance ahead.
The accomplice stopped the vehicle and checked a marking nearby.
This had to be the right place.
"I'm here. Come out!" he called, but no one appeared.
Could the organization have forgotten?
That was impossible!
The message from them had clearly instructed him to bring Urashiki to this location.
"Are you sure that's the body of the Otsutsuki, Urashiki?"
"Then take it away!"
Suddenly, a voice came from inside the vehicle. The ninja quickly opened the curtains.
Looking at the people inside, he asked, "Are you... members of the inner circle?"
He noticed the Roman numeral markings on their faces.
These were special marks exclusive to inner circle members.
The two figures turned their heads to look at the ninja.
They revealed a smile.
The next instant, a bloody slash appeared on the ninja's neck.
Flames then engulfed his body, completely incinerating the Konoha ninja without a trace.
"Let's go!"
The two figures took Urashiki's body and vanished.
Meanwhile, inside the Rain Village!
Nagato, awaiting news of the Tailed Beast's return, was controlling the Deva Path of Pain from the tongue of a colossal statue.
He stood silently, letting the wind and rain lash around him.
There was no movement.
But then, the Deva Path of Pain's eyes snapped open.
A man was floating in front of him, seemingly appearing out of thin air.
"The leader of Akatsuki! Nagato Uzumaki!"
"I believe we have something to discuss!"
The newcomer revealed his identity with a single sentence.
Logically, no one in this era should know about him.
After all, the five great nations hadn't publicized the Akatsuki organization.
So, it wasn't surprising that Akatsuki was unknown.
However, now, someone actually knew his identity.
And they had even spoken his name directly and found this hidden location.
Clearly, this individual possessed considerable knowledge about the history and secrets of the ninja world.
"Who are you?"
The man smiled and slowly descended in front of the Deva Path of Pain.
"My name is Rakushi!"
"The leader of the Kara organization!"
Kara?
Nagato had never heard this name before, and it seemed that even people in this era lacked any information about it.
In other words, this organization must also be an underground entity!
As for their purpose, it remained a mystery.
"Kara?"
"Heh! A foolish name. What brings you here?"
The Deva Path of Pain slowly stood up.
At this moment, Jigen turned his head and glanced in the direction of Nagato's real body.
"I'm here to propose a collaboration!"
"Akatsuki should already be aware of the current situation!"
"So now... as the leader, what are your ambitions for this world?"
Being stared at by the other man's gaze, Nagato didn't believe he could be seen directly.
But he still felt a strange sensation, as if his true form was being scrutinized.
Just who was this guy? Not only did he know his identity, but he also knew that the Deva Path of Pain wasn't his true self.
"I don't need to answer your question!"
"It doesn't matter. I can tell you my purpose first!"
Jigen turned around, his body floating upwards once more.
"Kara's goal is to become gods. We have little interest in this world or anything else within it!"
"We hope to use scientific methods to analyze the power of ninjas!"
"Our aim is to obtain the power to become like gods through scientific means!"
The man looked back at the Deva Path of Pain. "The members of Akatsuki are all elite ninjas, which is why I want to cooperate with you!"
"We can use Kara's power to help you enhance your strength through scientific methods, while our organization can also grow stronger by utilizing your ninja power."
"Whatever your goals are in this era, you cannot achieve them without significant power!"
Become a god?
The other man's ambition was truly fantastical.
However, Nagato had some understanding of scientific power.
In this era, the advancements in technology, combined with ninjutsu, had indeed brought about significant changes in how ninjas fought.
Increasingly powerful scientific ninja tools were being developed.
Ninjas were also becoming more reliant on these tools.
This was leading to a weakening of their own inherent combat abilities.
Originally, Nagato had scoffed at this, believing that a ninja's power should be their own.
Could someone who relied on tools even be called a ninja?
"A pointless collaboration. I have no need for it!"
"Are you sure you have no need for it?"
As Jigen said this, he beckoned.
A figure suddenly appeared behind him.
"Her name is Delta, and she is one of our inner circle members!"
"You can test just how potent scientific ninja tools are in this era!"
Hearing this, Nagato frowned. Scientific farming tools?
Did those useless things intend to compare themselves to real ninjutsu?
Ridiculous!
"Hmph! Kid, judging by your expression, you seem to look down on scientific ninja tools, still clinging to your outdated ways?"
"That's not popular in this era. The current world belongs to scientific ninja tools!"
The Deva Path of Pain's eyes narrowed sharply.
Seeing such a gaze, Delta smiled.
"Yes, yes, yes! That's the look. This is getting interesting!"
"Lord Jigen, may I make a move now?"
Jigen floated backward. "Go ahead!"
Boom!
Delta's legs instantly transformed into thrusters, propelling her directly towards the Deva Path of Pain.
Seeing the other woman's legs suddenly turn into some kind of mechanical device, Nagato's expression shifted slightly.
Was this person some kind of cyborg?
Crack!
A heavy stomp landed, instantly destroying the statue. The Deva Path of Pain dodged.
Observing Delta's agile movements, surprise flickered in Nagato's mind.
"This is... the power of scientific ninja tools!"
This level of power rivaled that of a top-tier taijutsu ninja.
To become a top-tier taijutsu ninja would likely require decades of rigorous training, yet this woman before him, who didn't appear very old, already possessed such power.
"Where are you looking!"
"You're so slow~!"
With that, Delta charged towards the Deva Path of Pain once more.
At this moment, the Deva Path of Pain remained still. The next second, the stone wall beside him suddenly shattered.
A massive summoning beast burst forth.
Delta reacted instantly, turning her hands towards the charging creature, her palms facing it directly.
"Despicable! Using a summoning beast!"
However, the next instant, flames erupted.
Delta's pupils contracted slightly.
Opening her right eye, she immediately began to absorb the flames.
Witnessing the ability to absorb, Nagato was completely stunned.
Absorbing chakra! This was an ability unique to the Rinnegan, yet this woman before him actually... possessed... it.
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