He could consider encountering them at the Five Kage Summit or wait for the Second Tsuchikage to be reincarnated through the Impure World Reincarnation and extract the secret of Dust Release from him.
But before that, everything would have to wait.
The past three years in Akatsuki had been the most peaceful years for Kirito.
The organization had entered a dormant phase. Missions were no longer as frequent, nor as bloody. Most of their time was now dedicated to intelligence gathering.
For this, Kirito often sent his shadow clones to complete the tasks.
He had devoted all his real-time effort to his personal growth.
When not training, he alternated between Tsunade's room, Mikoto's room, Izumi's room, Pakura's room, and Kurenai's room.
Occasionally, he would secretly visit Mizukage Mei Terumi and little Hinata in the middle of the night.
Their reactions were quite different.
The former, as always, wanted to capture Kirito, tie him up, and beat him senseless.
Unfortunately for her, she was always the one to end up restrained by Kirito's 'fifth limb.'
As for the latter, Kirito had practically watched her grow up.
At only sixteen, Hinata had already reached the level of Mikoto, Mizukage Mei, and Pakura, surpassing both Izumi, his first love, and Kurenai, her teacher.
And her growth was still ongoing.
Given enough time, even reaching Tsunade's level wouldn't be out of the question.
"I believe Lord Kirito will succeed," Pakura said with confidence.
"It's not that simple. I feel like something is missing. Maybe after I fully master Sage Jutsu, I'll try again."
Kirito pulled Pakura into his arms, his hand slipping into her robe as he gently stroked her smooth back. With a smirk, he said, "However, if you stopped calling me Lord, I might be more confident."
Pakura's face turned red. "No, Lord Kirito."
She rarely disobeyed Kirito. Ever since they became involved, he had shown her special attention, spoiling her in every way.
Even willing to indulge in certain difficult movements.
But when it came to addressing him, she was stubborn.
Because in her heart, calling him Lord Kirito distinguished her from all the other women in his life.
She was the only one who called him that.
"It's up to you." Kirito chuckled, not forcing the matter.
At that moment, a familiar pulling force came from the chakra rings on their fingers.
Kirito, still holding Pakura in his arms, activated Flying Thunder God and returned to the hotel they were staying in. The two of them sat cross-legged on the bed, channeling chakra into the rings, allowing their consciousness to sink into it.
It was the same dark cavern, a Zen Lamp flickering in the center.
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
One by one, the members of Akatsuki materialized around the Zen Lamp—not in person, but as chakra projections.
"It's been a long time since we've all gathered. Hmm."
Deidara was the first to speak, complaining impatiently, "Chief, it's been three years. When are we finally starting the tailed beast capture plan? Hmm."
"This constant intelligence gathering doesn't fit my art at all. It's getting boring. Hmm."
"Yeah, yeah." Hidan, surprisingly, agreed. "I've been stuck with Kakuzu, either gathering intel or making money. I haven't been able to make any proper sacrifices to Jashin lately."
"When will I finally be able to sacrifice those damn Jinchūriki to the Great Jashin?"
"Shut up, Deidara."
"Shut up, Hidan."
Before Pain could respond, Sasori and Kakuzu—two of Akatsuki's most efficient members—scolded their younger teammates.
"Enough," Pain finally spoke, his Rinnegan gleaming as he surveyed the group. "This meeting is to inform you that Akatsuki is officially entering the final phase of capturing the tailed beasts."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Then, grins spread across their faces.
None of the eleven Akatsuki members showed fear. Instead, their excitement grew.
"Now, I will assign the missions." Pain's gaze landed on Deidara first.
"The One-Tail and Three-Tails will be captured by Deidara and Sasori."
Deidara smirked, glancing at Sasori. "Hmm. The One-Tail Jinchūriki is the little Sand brat, Gaara, who became Kazekage. Since he's from your village, Sasori, this should be interesting. Hmm."
"The last time Brother Kirito returned to his village, he turned Konoha upside down, took the Third Hokage's life, and left Orochimaru without hands. Hmm."
"What about you, Brother Sasori? How are you going to mess up your village this time? Hmm."
Sasori ignored him, looking at Pain instead. "When do we begin?"
"Start with the One-Tail first. If all goes well, you can move in a month," Pain replied. "As for the Three-Tails, we'll wait. Since the previous Three-Tails Jinchūriki died, it will take some time for the beast to fully reform."
Sasori nodded thoughtfully. "One month, huh?"
Pain continued, "The Two-Tails and Seven-Tails will be handled by Kakuzu and Hidan."
"Originally, I planned for you to act after Sasori and Deidara captured the One-Tail. The ideal sealing order is by the number of tails."
"But the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, Fuu, recently participated in the Chunin Exams hosted by Sunagakure and Konoha. She is currently traveling back. If we miss this chance, retrieving her will be more difficult."
"No problem," Kakuzu said calmly.
Hidan, however, was displeased. "What are we worried about? I'll just march into Takigakure, cause a bloodbath, and drag her back myself!"
"Shut up, Hidan, or I'll kill you," Kakuzu growled.
"Tch, like you can kill me," Hidan sneered. "Try it later."
Pain, already exasperated, raised his voice. "Quiet, Hidan."
"...Tch." Hidan muttered, but wisely shut up.
If there was one person he feared in Akatsuki, it was Pain.
Ever since he learned that Pain's Rinnegan could rip out souls, he no longer dared to act recklessly around him.
Pain then turned to Kirito and Pakura.
"The same goes for the Five-Tails. Right now, the Five-Tails Jinchūriki, Han, is on a confidential Iwagakure mission."
"This is the perfect time to capture him. Kirito and Pakura—you two will handle this."
"Just the Five-Tails?" Kirito shrugged slightly, as if bored.
(End of this chapter)
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