The underground chamber of the new Akatsuki base hummed with quiet tension, lit only by a pale white glow from the tree embedded in the center. Crystalline roots pulsed faintly, like veins beneath the polished tile floor. In the center of the lounge stood Pain, still as a statue. The atmosphere was thick with authority.
Kazuto leaned against a carved obsidian pillar, his cloak fluttering slightly from the low hum of chakra that always lingered near Pain. Beside him stood Tobi, arms flailing in his usual exaggerated gestures. But even he had gone quiet. On the other side, Itachi Uchiha's crimson Sharingan eyes were fixed on the floor—calculating, waiting.
"Three of you," Pain began, his voice echoing unnaturally across the chamber, "are the core of this operation."
He raised a hand slowly. A map of the shinobi world materialized in mid-air, created from chakra projections. Glowing red dots blinked across the lands.
"Today, your mission is to begin the location phase of all remaining Jinchūriki."
Kazuto's eyes narrowed, absorbing every detail. The map flickered with eight red dots—each pulsing with unstable chakra.
Tobi tilted his head. "Wait, wait—seven? Weren't there nine?"
Pain didn't flinch. "The Nine-Tails and Eight-Tails remain untouched for now. Their locations are known... but we are not ready."
Kazuto raised a brow. "You're holding back?"
Pain's Rinnegan locked with his. "Yes. The Kyūbi is within Konoha. Too much noise. The Hachibi is in the Cloud Village—deep inside enemy territory. We don't risk confrontation unless we're prepared to wage war."
Tobi turned, twirling once. "Hehe! So we get to play treasure hunters for now~"
Itachi stepped forward, voice quiet. "And the other seven?"
Pain nodded, chakra illuminating each location on the map with clarity.
"The Ichibi is within Sunagakure... or nearby. He moves freely under the protection of the Kazekage."
"The Nibi—last seen in the Land of Hot Water, potentially under Kumo surveillance."
"The Sanbi... is wild. Roaming. We lost track near the Mist."
"The Yonbi and Gobi... both were hidden in the western mountain ranges. Iwagakure has ties to them."
Pain paused, eyes glinting with cold resolve.
"The Rokubi and Nanabi are the most unstable. Their hosts are young and on the run. They're isolated—but isolation can breed desperation."
He snapped his fingers. The map fragmented, and individualized scrolls floated down into the hands of Kazuto, Tobi, and Itachi. Kazuto's was marked with a crimson seal shaped like a spiral.
"Mark the locations in this map"
"These are your assignments. Kazuto—you'll track the Rokubi and Nanabi. Head north into the misty isles and watch the winds near Takigakure. Intelligence suggests the Seven-Tails' host has fled from capture before. Be cautious. She's elusive."
Kazuto nodded, fingers tightening on the scroll. "Understood."
"Itachi," Pain continued, "you'll move through the Land of Earth. The Yonbi and Gobi are your responsibility. Their hosts are likely under Iwa's protection—don't engage the Tsuchikage."
Itachi's gaze didn't waver. "If conflict arises?"
"Neutralize. Quietly."
"And meee~?" Tobi chimed in, spinning on one heel. "Do I get to blow up a village?"
"You'll track the Nibi and Ichibi," Pain replied flatly. "Use caution. The Ichibi's host is... mentally unstable. And the Nibi's vessel is not to be underestimated."
Tobi chuckled, then straightened up with an eerie seriousness. "Fine, fine. No fireballs... yet."
Pain walked slowly to the center of the tree roots, placing one hand on the smooth bark. "These Jinchūriki are not just weapons. They are living keys. The seal that binds the Ten-Tails... is delicate. If even one is lost or killed, our plan collapses."
Kazuto glanced at the pulsating veins running under the floor. "And how will we extract them?"
Pain's voice grew quiet. "That comes later. For now... just locate. Mark. And report."
A silence followed, thick and heavy. The only sound was the tree humming at the heart of the base—like it understood the destiny unfolding around it.
Then Tobi broke the tension. "Sooo... first to find two wins?"
Kazuto smirked faintly. "I'll find three just to spite you."
Itachi didn't reply, but his eyes glinted with faint amusement.
Pain stepped back, his eyes glowing brighter.
"One more thing. Do not underestimate these people. Their power is raw. Instinctual. And when cornered... even the weakest Jinchūriki becomes a beast."
Kazuto nodded"I won't fail."
"I never do," Itachi added calmly.
Tobi waved lazily. "We'll bring you your monsters, boss."
As they turned to leave, the chamber dimming again to a cold, quiet stillness. Pain remained in place, murmuring only to himself as they left.
...
Outside
Haruto waved at the duo as they waved back"hey! After you've find the locations of the tailed beast meet me at the village gate! I'll take you guys on a treat!"
"Free treat! I reject to it...kidding! I'm joining in the fun!"
"I'd say we go together...it'll be efficient" Itachi spoke...