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Shin looked at Orochimaru, who was waiting expectantly, and said with a faint smile, "Pain's strength is—average. But he's definitely stronger than you."
Sasori was startled. If Pain heard that, knowing his arrogance, he'd probably try to fight Shin.
Sasori secretly hoped that would happen.
He wanted to see who was stronger—the Reaper of the Shinobi World or the mysterious leader of the Akatsuki.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. He had also thought Pain was stronger than Shin, but now he wasn't so sure. If Pain was stronger than Shin, Orochimaru would have no chance of obtaining the Rinnegan.
But if he wasn't… well, it might be worth a shot. Though Shin had said Pain was stronger than him, fortune favored the bold. For the Rinnegan, he was willing to take the risk.
"Shin, I can't wait to meet the leader," Orochimaru said, his desire to meet Pain clear.
"Hmph." Sasori saw through Orochimaru's intentions.
The greed in his eyes was completely undisguised. He clearly wanted Pain's Rinnegan. However, Sasori wouldn't warn Orochimaru. He was looking forward to seeing Orochimaru suffer.
He admired Pain's strength. Sasori had been defeated by Pain and forced to join the Akatsuki.
Well, In the original story, it was Konan who recruited Sasori, but things were different now—Konan was in the Land of Whirlpools.
Shin wouldn't refuse Orochimaru's request. He also wanted to see the drama unfold. Would Orochimaru really try to steal the Rinnegan?
Shin thought he had the guts, but not the strength. Besides, the Rinnegan was with Nagato—not Pain. If Orochimaru tried to take Pain's eyes, he'd just get a pair of ordinary eyes.
Shin took Orochimaru back to the Akatsuki's base. Only Pain was there. Kakuzu was probably out collecting hearts and money.
Pain looked at Orochimaru—releasing a wave of chakra pressure to intimidate him and establish dominance. He didn't want Orochimaru disobeying his orders.
Orochimaru withstood the pressure and glanced at Shin. Compared to Shin—Pain seemed much weaker.
Orochimaru's confidence surged. He attacked, his hands reaching for Pain's eyes.
"You dare attack a God?!"
Pain roared and blasted Orochimaru away with Shinra Tensei. He crashed into the cave wall, embedded in the rock.
But he wasn't seriously injured. He had modified his body to be as flexible as a snake—so this kind of attack couldn't cause much damage.
"Impressive. As expected of the Akatsuki leader." Orochimaru brushed the dust off his clothes and decided to hold off on attacking Pain for now. He knew he wasn't a match for him.
He was self-aware—he wouldn't throw his life away needlessly.
"Leader, you've earned my respect. But if one day I surpass you, your Rinnegan will be mine." Orochimaru licked his lips.
"Hmph. I'll spare you since it's your first offense. Try that again, and you'll face the wrath of a God."
"A God?" Orochimaru sneered inwardly.
Pain's strength wasn't Godlike. He didn't have the overwhelming power of Uzumaki Shin.
Orochimaru wasn't afraid of Pain. Even if they became enemies, he was confident he could escape. He had many life-saving techniques—after all. He was determined to achieve immortality—he wouldn't die easily.
"What a disappointment. I was hoping for a real fight." Shin shook his head in disappointment.
"I'm leaving. Don't contact me unless it's absolutely necessary. And even then, I'd prefer you didn't." Shin glanced at Pain and the others, then turned and left.
Orochimaru looked at Pain after Shin left. Though Pain was the leader, he had no control over Shin.
Orochimaru suspected that Shin had joined the Akatsuki purely for fun. But he was curious. Why hadn't Shin tried to steal the Rinnegan?
He was strong enough to take it, but he hadn't. Wasn't the Rinnegan stronger than the Sharingan?
But Shin not taking the Rinnegan was a good thing for Orochimaru. He wouldn't be able to steal it if Shin wanted it.
At this moment, Shin, who had left the Akatsuki, was trying to decide where to go.
"Should I go back now?" Shin counted on his fingers
He had been away from the Land of Whirlpools for five days. He was starting to miss Kushina and the others.
"I'll go back and check on them. I don't want them messing up their Wood Release training."
"Time to go home." He opened a Yomotsu Hirasaka portal and stepped through, returning to the Land of Whirlpools.
"Something smells good!"
Shin could smell food the moment he arrived.
"What are you making?" He entered the house.
"Shin! You're back!" Kushina looked at him, surprised.
"You don't sound very happy to see me," Shin said.
"Who said that?! I'm just saying you picked a bad time to return. At least wait until after we've eaten," Kushina pouted.
Shin flicked her forehead. "Shouldn't you be saying I'm back at the perfect time? I haven't eaten yet—Mikoto, you're so thoughtful. You knew I'd be back." Shin said with a smile.
"If I'd known, that would have been great. Now I have to make more." Mikoto said.
There wasn't enough food for Shin—she'd have to cook more.
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