Naruto evolution system

Chapter 228: Undercurrents

The next day.

Land of Fields.

Inside a mountain cave, a meeting of the Akatsuki was underway.

Aside from Kakuzu, who was physically present, all other members attended via Illusionary Projection Technique.

A light chuckle echoed in the chamber.

"Hehehe~"

Orochimaru's voice carried a hint of amusement as he glanced at the gathered figures.

"Not many people showed up today, huh?"

His golden eyes shifted to Kakuzu, clearly expecting an answer.

But Kakuzu remained silent, standing there without saying a word.

"Enough."

Pain's calm yet firm voice cut through the air.

"Everyone is here. Let's get to business."

Without wasting any time, he got straight to the point.

"Yesterday's operation to capture the Eight-Tails... failed."

His Rinnegan eyes focused on Kakuzu.

"Explain the details of what happened."

After a brief silence, Kakuzu recounted the events—how the Eight-Tails was stolen, how they fought back, and how the mission ultimately collapsed.

Once he finished his report, before anyone else could react, Orochimaru chuckled mockingly.

"Four people on the mission. Target stolen. Three people captured. Hahaha... what a joke."

He was, of course, referring to the aftermath.

Not only had Hidan and Sasori been taken by Baishi, but even Deidara had been captured by the Fourth Raikage's forces.

And as a result—

Even before the Five Kage Summit began, tensions between Kumogakure and Iwagakure were already escalating.

After all, Deidara was still officially a member of Iwagakure—and yet, Kumogakure had taken him prisoner.

With the Eight-Tails lost, the Raikage was furious.

And naturally—

Iwagakure was now facing accusations of harboring a criminal, with Kumo demanding an official response from Ōnoki.

Of course, if Iwagakure had declared Deidara as a rogue ninja, there wouldn't have been a problem.

But since they never made that announcement, Kumo seized the opportunity to push the issue.

It was just like what happened with Baishi—

Ever since Konoha officially branded him a rogue ninja, no one bothered blaming Konoha for his actions anymore.

The Five Great Nations were riddled with internal disputes—but for now, those conflicts were secondary.

The main focus was back on Akatsuki's meeting.

Hearing Orochimaru's sneering remarks, Pain's expression remained unchanged.

Instead, he shifted the topic.

"Orochimaru. I recall that tracking Baishi's movements was your responsibility, along with Zetsu."

His tone grew sharper.

"It's been a long time. Any progress?"

At those words, Orochimaru didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he turned his gaze toward Kakuzu.

"Before I answer… tell me first—are you absolutely certain that Baishi has the Eight-Tails?"

Kakuzu's expression didn't change.

"If he's still alive, then yes. It's inside him."

Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed.

Then, he finally looked back at Pain.

"I have something that might interest you."

Pain's gaze remained fixed on him.

"Speak."

A sinister smirk curled Orochimaru's lips.

"Years ago, I infiltrated Kumogakure."

"During my time there, I had the pleasure of studying a rather… interesting specimen."

"A piece of the Eight-Tails."

Hearing this, Pain narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Explain."

Orochimaru licked his lips, savoring the moment.

"I once freed the Eight-Tails from its former jinchūriki, Blue B, in order to test my theories."

"In the process, I acquired a sample—its horn."

Pain's gaze darkened.

"And what use does this have now?"

Orochimaru's grin widened.

"With this sample, I can create a special tracking talisman."

"A seal that will allow us to pinpoint the Eight-Tails' location—no matter where Baishi tries to hide it."

A pause.

Then—

Pain's voice turned cold and decisive.

"Do it."

"I want that seal ready as soon as possible."

His next words sent a chill through the room.

"This time, I will handle Baishi myself."

Orochimaru's smile deepened.

"I look forward to it."

Pain gave a small nod.

"That is all. Dismissed."

With those words—

The Illusionary Projection Technique was dispelled, and the meeting came to an end.

Not once—

Not even once—

Had anyone mentioned rescuing Deidara, Hidan, or Sasori.

It wasn't that they forgot.

They simply didn't care.

To them, those captured were not comrades.

They were pawns.

And now that their usefulness had expired, there was no point in saving them.

Even Pain, as Akatsuki's leader, saw no reason to bring them back.

With the remaining tailed beasts in Baishi's possession, his only priority was capturing Baishi himself.

And as for Deidara and the others—

They had already been erased from his plans.

---

At the same time.

Land of Grass.

A remote mountain range in the northwest.

Inside a frozen cavern—

Baishi sat motionless, encased in a thick layer of ice and frost.

His lashes were rimmed with frost, his breath visible in the frigid air.

Then—

He exhaled slowly, sending a plume of mist into the air.

His eyes opened, gleaming with silver light.

"Finally finished testing."

A whisper.

Testing what?

His evolution speed.

With the Eight-Tails now sealed within him, his "Four-Core Drive" had officially become a "Five-Core Drive."

Naturally—

That meant his rate of evolution had drastically increased.

For an entire day and night, Baishi had pushed himself to his limits, running countless tests to determine the exact impact of his new power source.

And now—

He finally had his answer.

His evolution speed had doubled again.

Meaning—

Compared to his original state, he was now evolving eight times faster.

The reason?

Adding just one more tailed beast didn't simply mean "one more core."

It meant redistributing the burden across five sources instead of four.

Which—

With careful optimization—

Allowed him to reach a point where 1 + 1 > 2.

Satisfied with his findings, Baishi stood up and stretched his limbs.

Then—

He left the ice cavern and returned to his wooden lodge.

Without another thought—

He collapsed onto his bed and fell into a deep sleep.

For the first time in days, he could finally rest.

---

The next morning.

As the first light of dawn streamed through the window—

Baishi's eyes fluttered open.

He let out a long yawn.

Then—

A smirk curled his lips.

"Time to get back to work."

---

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