Chapter Eight: Scheming
Let me make this clear: All the clichés that one thinks of when confronted with the words 'evil plan' . . . all the talk of taking power and killing people and the destruction of the peace.
That's real.
As the sun begins to set, Pein begins with this:
"I'll be straightforward with you all." He says, and his voice carries a tone that is not jeering like Zetsu's or playful like Hidan's or sly like Kisame's but just plain menacing. "Our next objective will be world domination. Anyone who's not interested, leave now."
Nobody makes a move to leave as Pein rakes his ringed eyes over us, and I get the feeling that it's not really a choice.
"Understand," Pein continues, "That all of you are bound to the utmost secrecy. I will not tolerate traitors amongst us, do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal." An answer floats from the darkness, and I think the voice is White Zetsu's.
I swallow, because I have every intention of betraying the Akatsuki and sending information into Konoha, and to be caught means instant death. And I really don't plan on dying before Sasuke's ready to kill me, and I refuse to die by any other hand than his.
"The world is a disaster." Pein states, "Fighting, corruption . . . massacre . . . you get the idea." On the word 'massacre' I swear to god he glances at me, but I dare not make eye contact, instead staring straight ahead at the face of the demonic statue.
"Hey!" Hidan's voice protests, "What's wrong with fighting and corruption and massacre?! If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were turning soft."
"Indeed." Kisame puts in, "Killing things is fun; I don't see why that needs to be stopped. After all, without death our world would quickly become overpopulated.
"It's not the killing that's fun." Hidan argues, "It's the pain. Jashin does not approve of mercy and neither do I."
"I don't care what you approve of." Kisame replies, sharp teeth glinting in the half-light. "And for the record –"
"Enough." Pein interrupts in a tired way. The two obediently quiet down although I hear Hidan muttering some derogatory names towards Kisame under his breath.
"Fighting and killing are all well and good." Pein allows, "But those lead to hatred, and hatred leads to obsession, and obsession leads to corruption, which in turn leads to more fighting and killing."
"So if it all leads to fighting and killing anyway," Hidan wonders aloud, "Why screw with the cycle?"
"Hidan, can you be patient for at least five minutes." Pein asks in a strained voice, "All will be explained. We . . . 'screw with the cycle' as you put it, because there are certain people in this world who don't know their place, and I do hate arrogant people. Under our reign, there will be order in this world. All the fighting and killing you want and all the pain as long as you retain order and as long as we remain in power."
"What kind of profits are involved here?" Kakuzu's deep rumble cuts through the complete darkness that nightfall has cast us into.
"Profits?" Pein asks, "Power, supremacy, and glory. What more do you need?"
"Money."
"Believe me, there will be money involved."
"I'm all for world domination." Sasori says, "But let's cut to the chase and hear how this whole scheme is going to be pulled off."
"So like you Sasori, impatient young one, as always." Pein remarks, "We begin by taking ordinary missions in small ninja villages. I don't care what rank they are or what you have to do. The only requirement is that you take them for a low price and provide good quality work – get the job done well and quickly."
"Low price?!" Kakuzu sounds incredulous. "We'll never be able to support the organization!"
"Extra wealth is not an issue." Pein replies dismissively, "People like me have . . . connections. As I was saying, we take these jobs at a low price until people heavily rely on us for missions because of our good track record and affordable price. Pretty soon, we rival the five Great Shinobi villages in terms of power. Phase Two." His voice takes on a darker tone. "The difficult part. We collect all nine of the Tailed Beasts. The beasts are key players in the plan; they will be used to enforce power. We start a war amongst shinobi through some simple misunderstanding – it's easy, it happens all the time. And then at the end of the day when all is lost, who step in but the Akatsuki. We pick a side and use the beasts to wipe out the opponents. People will fear us, fear the beasts. People will support us for our domination of the shinobi market. Pretty soon the Great Villages won't stand a chance. And if they decide that they want war . . . well, we'll have the Tailed Beasts on our side." He finishes softly.
It occurs to me that Pein never really explained his motivation for this plan, and I have to wonder if he's really that power-hungry or whether there is something he's not telling us. But as a newcomer and a young kid, it's not my place to question him.
I realize that Pein is probably the most dangerous man I know. But then, that's to be expected considering his position as the leader. People like Hidan and Orochimaru and Kisame are insane, but Pein is an insane man who appeals to logic, which is a lot worse.
There are murmurs of general consent to the plan, with Zetsu being the most supportive (he kind of strikes me as a bit of a suck-up). An hour and a half is given towards questions and details of the plan; things like jinchuriki assignments and time frames.
I imagine what it would be like if I were an outsider that were to suddenly walk in on us. To discover nine of the world's evilest humans conducting a meeting in the pitch darkness, all of whom are accomplished enough to sense your presence and murder you as easily as squashing an ant . . . terrifying.
When the meeting is over, I'm eager to get out into the fresh air, away from that dark cave. Another heated argument starts up (with Hidan in the center of things, as usual) while I make my way outside.
I've only just stepped outside the cave when another person appears in the entrance behind me, stepping delicately out of the gloom.
"Itachi." Konan says. I have to admit, this takes me a little by surprise. She didn't open her mouth throughout the entire conference, and Kisame told me he'd never heard her speak.
"Itachi." She says again, a little more urgently. And although her eyes are too close together and her chin is kinda big and her makeup is awful, her voice is quiet and sweet; it almost reminds me of Mother's. But I force my thoughts away from Mother and where that will inevitably lead.
"Konan." I reply politely.
"Take a walk with me . . . please."
A/N: no, there is not going to be any romance between Itachi and Konan. And no, I do not hate her because I made her ugly. I'm only appealing to the realistic fact that (contrary to what the anime/manga style would have us believe) all women are not beautiful.
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