Reincarnation Paradise Park-Chapter 529 - 17: The Withering Tree

"Nagato, how’s your health today?"

Konan looked at Nagato with a hint of concern; his condition worsened by the day.

"Not bad. A new member has arrived. You and Yahiko should welcome him. He’ll be helpful for future plans, but he needs observation for a while because his background is unclear."

The ’Yahiko’ Nagato mentioned was actually a corpse controlled by his abilities.

Nagato could control six corpses, granting each different abilities. These six were collectively known as Pain.

The six bodies were: Heavenly Dao (the core of Pain), Shurado, Ningendo, Chikushodo, Gakido, and Jigokudo.

The Heavenly Dao was created from Yahiko’s corpse, who was once Nagato and Konan’s companion.

"Hmm, which rogue ninja village is he from this time?"

"He’s not a rogue ninja, but an assassin who once attempted to assassinate the Fourth Mizukage. Be cautious when interacting with him, don’t get too close."

"Why?"

"According to the information, he seldom uses Ninjutsu, adept with the Shinobi dagger, and his Sword Technique rivals the White Fang of Konoha. His name is Bai Ye, and he might be related to the White Fang, keep an eye on him."

Konan was startled before nodding. She had certainly heard of the White Fang of Konoha, a man who struck fear into many ninjas with just a Shinobi dagger.

Konan left the room, heading downstairs with the Heavenly Dao.

The Heavenly Dao was under Nagato’s control; in words and actions, it was Nagato in a certain sense.

"Shall we go together?"

Konan asked. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"I won’t show up. You and Kisame will talk to him."

Though the voice was altered, it was Nagato speaking.

"Understood."

Konan understood what Nagato meant. His presence would be a deterrent to prevent Su Xiao from refusing recruitment and fleeing.

In an underground room in the back alley of Hidden Rain Village.

"Do you usually stay here?"

Sitting in a damp room, Su Xiao marveled. The treatment of Akatsuki Organization members was not great, wouldn’t these rogue ninjas have complaints?

Kisame leaned against the side, seemingly indifferent to the damp environment.

"I’m a rogue ninja and can’t appear openly. Most of the time, we’re not in the Hidden Rain Village. The Akatsuki Organization doesn’t restrict its members; as long as missions are completed, it’s fine."

The door was pushed open, and a blue-haired woman walked in. Although Su Xiao knew this was Konan, he didn’t show it; that would be suicidal. Acting appropriately ’ignorant’ helped in hiding one’s true self.

Su Xiao wasn’t foolish enough to tell Nagato, "I know how things will develop. You, bravely taking on Konoha Village, get your intelligence forcibly lowered by a main character’s aura." Saying that would only get him killed.

Su Xiao sized up Konan, and she was indeed a beautiful woman in reality, with a charming figure and unique charisma.

"Is this the leader of Akatsuki?"

Konan showed no emotion. Su Xiao’s unruly demeanor felt normal; someone without such rebelliousness wouldn’t have tried to assassinate the Fourth Mizukage and nearly succeed.

"I’m not the leader of Akatsuki, but I can represent the leader."

Konan sat down, also sizing up Su Xiao.

"Do you agree to join us?"

"I agree."

Su Xiao’s straightforwardness surprised Konan.

"If I say I disagree, could I leave alive?"

"No."

"No."

Konan and Kisame answered in unison.

"So, to save my life, I’m prepared to join you, but I have conditions regarding the treatment. Otherwise, don’t expect me to serve you wholeheartedly."

Su Xiao had shown no slip-ups so far. His assassination attempt of the Fourth Mizukage had been a commission, and joining Akatsuki now seemed profit-driven.

"That is no problem. What do you want, Ninjutsu? Secret techniques? Money? Women? All these can be provided, but before that, you need to prove your worth."

Su Xiao, who had slouched in his chair, sat upright. Joining Akatsuki couldn’t rely on words and past deeds alone; he needed to demonstrate his worth to earn the organization’s trust and eventually participate in the Tailed Beast capture operations.

"Worth... as in what I can do, what I’m good at?"

"Exactly."

"I see..."

Su Xiao feigned thinking.

"I specialize in assassination behind enemy lines, demolition, intelligence gathering, assassinating enemy leaders, setting intricate traps, disguise, frontal assault, long-range sniping, with the furthest range being 1.2–1.4 kilometers..."

As Su Xiao revealed his specialties, Konan’s frown deepened, thinking he was boasting.

"You’re also good at demolition? What should one pay attention to when demolishing?"

Konan seemed to be casually conversing with Su Xiao but was actually trying to gather intel on him.

"Demolition is a bit complex, mainly involving the prediction of terrain and the size, density, and shape of the target, along with environmental considerations. There are more factors..."

Su Xiao began explaining the specifics of demolition to Konan. Although she was adept at using Exploding Talismans, she wasn’t an expert in explosives, as her methods with Exploding Talismans were quite simplistic.

Konan could understand Su Xiao’s initial explanations, but as he delved deeper, she began to lose track, especially towards the end when he discussed bomb configurations and numerous chemical formulas. She was utterly confused, but had to pretend to comprehend.

"These are just the basics of demolition. There’s about four-fifths more information left."

Su Xiao cleared his throat, preparing to continue, while Kisame sitting beside them felt drowsy.

"Ahem~ let’s discuss the treatment instead for now."

Through Su Xiao’s grasp of demolition, Konan could tell he hadn’t been exaggerating earlier.

"Regarding treatment, I won’t be asking exorbitantly. Currently, I’m being hunted by the Hidden Mist Village’s Anbu. While they can’t do much to me, it’s increasingly annoying. As for other benefits, we’ll discuss it later since I haven’t contributed anything yet."

Su Xiao didn’t demand greatly. With limited time left for his main story task, he had to quickly align with a faction.

"Is that so? We’ll help you deal with the Hidden Mist’s pursuit. If you wish for revenge in the future, you can do so under your own name."

"Agreed."

Su Xiao agreed immediately, and the Heavenly Dao outside walked away.

"Welcome to Akatsuki, you won’t regret today’s choice."

Konan reached out, and Su Xiao extended his hand as well.

"I hope so."

[Notice: Main Story Task: Choice (Completed), Submit: Yes/No]

Su Xiao chose to submit, earning 3000 Paradise coins as notifications appeared one after another.

[Warning: Hunter joining the Akatsuki Organization causes a significant increase in world area difficulty, now raised to Lv.34. Hunters are advised to proceed with caution.]

[World difficulty increased, causing changes to the main story task accordingly.]

[Main story task: Withered Wood.]

Difficulty Level: Lv.23

Task Description: Assist Nagato in destroying Konoha Village.

Task Information: This is the final stage of the main story task.

Task Deadline: 60 natural days.

Task Reward: 50000 Paradise coins, Soul Crystal (Medium) ×10, 12 attribute points.

Task Penalty: All Attributes -8.

...

After viewing the main story task, Su Xiao felt terrible; he finally understood why few Contractors joined the Akatsuki Organization—because it caused a massive increase in world difficulty.

What does Lv.34 difficulty mean? It means Su Xiao might encounter unbeatable enemies, with a high risk of death.

This is the frightful aspect of an open world; the world difficulty can spike dramatically with just one decision.

While Lv.34 is dangerous, carefulness can prevent certain death. This is merely the world difficulty, not the task difficulty.

Su Xiao exhaled deeply; from today on, he was a member of the Akatsuki Organization, wearing stylish uniforms while cutting down foes.