What's going on?
Am I... solo?
Kuzo blinked, wondering if he had misheard.
But before he could dwell on it, Loquat Juzo suddenly spoke, snapping Kuzo out of his thoughts.
Juzo frowned and looked directly at Pain.
"I've got a question," he said.
"Since everyone here is considered a top-tier powerhouse, what's the point of grouping us up in teams?"
"Especially…"
He glanced sideways at Uchiha Itachi, a note of disdain in his voice.
"Why do I have to partner with this freshly recruited Konoha brat?"
To be honest, the moment Juzo saw Itachi, he felt uncomfortable.
And now, being told to team up with him only added to his irritation. If anything, he'd rather operate alone.
Though Kuzo's expression remained still, he was secretly amused.
This guy sure didn't look like someone who'd jump in to take a Tailed Beast Bomb for Itachi in the future...
While Kuzo was lost in thought, Pain responded in his usual calm tone.
"Exactly because of that mindset... we form teams."
"Yes, everyone in Akatsuki is strong."
"But precisely because we all recognize our strength, arrogance becomes inevitable."
"And that arrogance is our greatest weakness."
"Overconfidence leads to underestimating enemies or indulging in unnecessary combat, which can put us in danger—or worse."
"That's why we pair up—to prevent such things from happening."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"There's another reason. Intelligence."
"Akatsuki is independent from the great nations. Our intelligence is everything."
"To survive, we must eliminate the risk of spies."
"By working in pairs, members can supervise each other and reduce the chance of betrayal."
"That's the reason."
With that, Pain fell silent and simply stared at Loquat Juzo.
After hearing all that, Juzo stood speechless.
He had a straightforward mind and hadn't considered that something as basic as team formation could hold such layers of meaning.
Still—
Juzo wasn't satisfied. He pointed at Kuzo and said,
"What about him?"
"Why does *he* get to operate alone?"
"Even if it's due to lack of personnel, this feels too casual. I want to switch with him!"
"Let Kuzo team up with the Konoha kid. I'll go solo!"
He blurted it out without hesitation.
It was clear—Juzo still preferred to act alone. Maybe it was lingering trauma from past group missions, like his time with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen...
As soon as the words left his mouth, Kuzo's eyes narrowed.
Honestly, he found the arrangement strange too.
Obito—the masked man—was always suspicious of him. He'd even planted White Zetsu clones to monitor his house.
So why wasn't he assigned a partner to keep watch over him now?
It didn't add up...
Just then, as if responding to both Juzo's complaint and Kuzo's unspoken questions, Konan, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke.
She raised her eyes slightly and looked calmly at Juzo.
"The reason Kuzo was placed in a solo team isn't just due to a staffing issue," she said.
"More importantly, to this point, his overall ability is the most well-rounded and powerful within Akatsuki."
"Whether it's mobility, destructive force, defense, or combat intellect—"
"He's exceptional."
"For that reason, Pain and I decided he would operate independently for the time being."
"His role is to provide support during operations and, more critically—"
"To annihilate any enemy of Akatsuki."
"?!"
At those words, not only did Juzo freeze, but Kuzo's eyes widened slightly as well.
Huh?
I'm responsible for wiping out all of Akatsuki's enemies?
That sounds... a bit over the top.
Are they seriously handing me that job?
Kuzo was stunned for a moment.
But Konan wasn't finished. She stared coldly at Juzo and added,
"You want to swap places with him? Fine."
"But first, you'll need to prove that you're stronger than Kuzo."
"So?"
"Can you do that, Juzo?"
"…Huh?!"
Juzo, who had been full of bravado a moment ago, instantly stiffened, his face twisting into a strange expression.
Did I hear that right?
You want me to prove I'm stronger than him?
Are you serious…?
No way—I can't win that fight!
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