"In the battle with the Third Hokage, Orochimaru won, but it was a narrow victory. His body was severely damaged, and he will definitely perform the Living Corpse Reincarnation within a month. And I should be one of his backup vessels.
So, there's a high chance that I'll become the official vessel, and I don't dare to gamble on that. Before that happens, I need to prepare a way out for myself. The Akatsuki organization, which even Orochimaru fears, is my best retreat."
Kimimaro gave himself a plausible reason.
This reason is completely valid for those who understand Orochimaru.
Others don't know the actual relationship between him and Orochimaru.
Living Corpse Reincarnation!
As Orochimaru's nemesis, Itachi knows a lot about Orochimaru.
He also understands what Kimimaro meant by the word "vessel".
Hearing this, Itachi couldn't help but have other thoughts in his heart.
Orochimaru wants Kimimaro to be the vessel?
Then Sasuke is safe?
The next reincarnation will be three years later.
This time is enough for Sasuke to grow up.
Compared to that, his own lifespan is insignificant.
Even if there are only four years left, it's enough to wrap up the previous plans.
Just as Itachi was about to make a decision, Kimimaro's voice suddenly sounded in his mind.
"Mr. Itachi, you don't have to worry about Sasuke. He won't be able to catch up with Orochimaru's Living Corpse Reincarnation ceremony. Orochimaru doesn't have enough power to kidnap Sasuke from Konoha now."
Magic, telepathy!
Itachi was startled, but Kimimaro didn't open his mouth at all, just looked at him.
Kisame obviously didn't hear what was just said.
The voice sounded in his mind?
What kind of technique is this?
Genjutsu?
No, it's not genjutsu.
What does that mean?
Kimimaro seems to understand his feelings for Sasuke very well?
For a moment, Itachi's heart was full of doubts.
"What exactly do you want to do?"
"I just want to join the Akatsuki organization to seek refuge, and I hope Mr. Itachi will help me."
A strange glint flashed in Itachi's eyes, and the two looked at each other.
Good opportunity!
Itachi immediately activated his genjutsu.
Tsukuyomi was just used against Kakashi, and his pupil power hasn't fully recovered yet.
But ordinary genjutsu can still be used.
Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique!
For a moment, Kimimaro only felt that the world suddenly turned blood red.
Countless stakes were driven into his body, sealing his movements.
Itachi made his move.
Kimimaro's strange behavior gave Itachi a feeling of being out of control.
Especially since the other party seems to know a lot about him and Sasuke.
This made him feel a sense of crisis.
He wanted to see how much more this young man was capable of.
If possible, he wouldn't mind killing him directly.
Kimimaro, who was under the genjutsu, didn't show any fear or anxiety, his expression didn't change at all from beginning to end.
"Mr. Itachi's genjutsu can be considered the best in the ninja world. If it were Tsukuyomi, it would indeed be difficult for me to resist, but this level of genjutsu can't hurt me. I hope Mr. Itachi believes that I have no ill intentions."
Byakugan!
Pupil power activated!
Magic: The Clow nullifies!
In an instant, this blood-red world disappeared.
The genjutsu was dispelled!
Itachi's pupils shrank, and beads of cold sweat involuntarily appeared on his forehead.
His genjutsu was ineffective?
Although his pupil power had just been consumed a lot and the genjutsu couldn't be exerted to its fullest, it wasn't something ordinary people could break.
This person's strength is definitely not simple.
Moreover, the other party actually knows about Tsukuyomi?
Could it be that he saw the battle between him and Kakashi just now?
But he didn't sense anyone else's presence at that time.
This person's hiding ability is also outstanding?
The most bizarre thing is that the other party's eyes also have pupil power, very similar to the Byakugan, but stronger than the Byakugan, and also has a special kind of power.
For a moment, many thoughts flashed through Itachi's mind.
To sum it up, Kimimaro is not to be trifled with.
And with such strength, there's no need to worry about Orochimaru taking over his body.
How could the injured Orochimaru be a match for this young man in front of him?
This guy definitely has ulterior motives for wanting to join the Akatsuki organization.
But if such a person joins Akatsuki, it seems to be a good thing for him.
The murkier the waters of Akatsuki, the better.
Through the conversation just now, Itachi could also confirm that Kimimaro should have no malice towards him.
"Mr. Itachi, what's wrong?"
Kisame saw that Itachi's state was not right and quickly asked.
He had no idea that Kimimaro and Itachi had already had a brief confrontation.
Genjutsu is probably the most unfriendly technique to the audience.
Because it's completely invisible, there's no way to appreciate the value of the battle.
Itachi shook his head slightly, didn't respond to Kisame, but looked at Kimimaro and said, "Kimimaro, is it? I agree to the deal with you. When you need to join Akatsuki, go to Crow Town and find me. Kisame, let's go."
The conversation ended.
Itachi left with Kisame.
Kisame was still a bit puzzled but didn't ask any further questions.
Looking at the backs of the two leaving, Kimimaro smiled faintly.
Goal achieved.
Through the brief conversation, Kimimaro and Itachi had reached a tacit understanding.
Three days later, he returned to Otogakure.
"Mr. Orochimaru, these are the masks I retrieved from the Uzumaki clan's Naka Shrine. However, which one of them is the Shinigami Mask for the Reaper Death Seal, I'm afraid we'll need to study it further."
"You've worked hard, Kimimaro. Kabuto has already found some clues about how to use the masks. It shouldn't be long before we figure it out."
Orochimaru looked at the twenty-seven masks in front of him and licked his lips in satisfaction.
"By the way, on my way back to Konoha this time, I encountered Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki from Akatsuki."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's pupils shrank.
Itachi Uchiha!
A name he won't forget.
"He went to Konoha? Hehe, he really is a good brother. Did he cause quite a stir in Konoha?"
Orochimaru seemed to have expected it.
"Yes, he severely injured the Copy Ninja Kakashi Hatake before leaving."
"Itachi Uchiha, he's really not an easy guy to deal with. It seems he's targeting Sasuke, so my plan to bring Sasuke back will have to be delayed."
Orochimaru pondered.
"Mr. Orochimaru, I want to discuss something with you."
"Hmm?"
"I'm interested in Akatsuki."
"Akatsuki..."
Orochimaru showed a hint of nostalgia.
That organization is very mysterious.
Even Orochimaru, who had been there for a few years, hadn't fully figured it out.
He only knew that the core members in there were all as strong as Kage, and their leader even possessed the legendary Rinnegan.
"You want to join Akatsuki?"
Orochimaru instantly understood Kimimaro's thoughts.
"Yes. This requires Mr. Orochimaru's cooperation to put on a good show."
"Hehe, interesting. Since you have this interest, I don't mind cooperating with you. I also have a considerable interest in that organization. But if you want to infiltrate them, danger will also befall you at any time, so be careful."
"I understand."
(End of Chapter)