*Chapter 180: Artificial Intelligence and Machinery*

Sasori of the Red Sand looked at Raijin with a puzzled expression. What use could he possibly have? Sasori felt that his abilities had nothing to do with the Uchiha clan at all. After all, he was a puppeteer, so what was the point of this group coming after him?

Did they value his puppet-making skills? But didn't the Uchiha clan always fight using their Sharingan? Why would they ignore such a powerful Kekkei Genkai to play with his useless puppets? The only reason he played with puppets was that he lacked a Kekkei Genkai; if he had one, he would never touch those things.

"No, Sasori. Your talent is undeniably unique in the ninja world. You have pushed the art of puppetry to its peak, even creating a lifeform that transcends humanity and achieving eternal life, which speaks volumes about your abilities," Raijin said. "I need your help, and I can provide you with vast knowledge and another system that can help perfect your puppetry."

Raijin's eyes glimmered with a different kind of light as he spoke to Sasori. "Furthermore, I have something that can give your puppets powers similar to those of a Devil Fruit!"

Out on the ocean, Vegapunk had already successfully conducted research on this. If Sasori could imbue his human puppets with the power of Devil Fruits, it would enhance his strength even further. In fact, Sasori could become the Uchiha clan's future AI and mechanical development specialist. If his abilities were fully developed, the clan wouldn't be confined to just one world; they could venture far beyond.

Of course, Raijin felt they needed some additional technology.

"Another system?" Sasori's interest was piqued by Raijin's words.

"Yes, it's a system involving machinery and Devil Fruits." Raijin smiled, explaining the existence of Lineage Factors and Devil Fruits.

Vegapunk's research on granting Devil Fruit powers to inanimate objects had some merit. Others might dismiss it, but in Sasori's hands, it could yield incredible results. Orochimaru, standing nearby, controlled the Third Kazekage puppet with a surprised look on his face. He listened to Raijin selling dreams to Sasori and felt like he was already full from the promises. He, too, began to see the potential in human puppets.

"Interesting, very interesting. But I have no intention of leaving my current organization," Sasori said, his eyes cold. Though he was deeply tempted by Raijin's proposal, Sasori wasn't inclined to become a traitor like Orochimaru.

Orochimaru might be a traitor, but Sasori was not. He'd been in the organization long enough to know exactly how they handled defectors. Besides, the leader of the organization had the Rinnegan. Truthfully, he felt he might have more potential in his current organization.

"Don't worry. The Akatsuki is already on my list. I plan to bring all of them under my command," Raijin replied. "By then, your organization's leader and other members will still be your colleagues."

Raijin's comment left Sasori momentarily stunned. He was a peculiar character, still carrying a bit of loyalty, but such loyalty was unnecessary. The Akatsuki wasn't a great home. Its leader lived in a lie woven by others, and there were at least two or three masterminds behind the scenes. The Akatsuki's leader, Nagato, was still dreaming of peace, an impossible dream given the resources they squandered.

"Heh, do you think the Akatsuki is some third-rate organization you can take over just like that?" Sasori sneered. "Do you know what the strongest power in the Akatsuki is? Your naive thinking! The power of the Sharingan is no match for the Akatsuki."

"The Rinnegan, right? I'm well aware of it," Raijin said, smiling at Sasori's confident expression.

"It seems Orochimaru has told you everything," Sasori said, glancing at Orochimaru. Orochimaru had turned out to be a complete traitor, even divulging the secret of the leader's Rinnegan to outsiders. If the leader knew this, Orochimaru would have no place to hide.

"Hehehe, I never mentioned the Rinnegan to Lord Raijin," Orochimaru interjected. He wasn't about to take the blame for everything. Orochimaru had kept the Rinnegan's secret as a card up his sleeve to prove his loyalty later, but now it seemed unnecessary. After all, the Akatsuki's White Zetsu was likely already under Raijin's control, meaning the Akatsuki's information was probably as transparent as a sieve.

"The Rinnegan's secret wasn't something Orochimaru told me," Raijin continued. "Originally, the Rinnegan should never have appeared on your organization's leader."

"Your leader carries a great secret and has lived his life in a lie. Even the peaceful dream he's created for you is part of that lie," Raijin explained, chuckling.

"What?" Sasori stared at Raijin in shock, feeling like he was uncovering one of the ninja world's most significant secrets.

"You don't need to know the details," Raijin continued. "All you need to know is that the Rinnegan is the evolution of our Uchiha clan's Mangekyou Sharingan. As for your leader's incomplete Rinnegan, it poses no threat."

Both Sasori and Orochimaru were stunned. Even the Third Kazekage, resurrected through Edo Tensei, was shocked by this revelation. Being dead, he had no way to share this secret with the Sand Village.

Orochimaru licked his lips, gazing at Raijin with burning curiosity. His earlier guesses had been correct; the Uchiha clan harbored some great secret, which might be the last piece of the puzzle in his quest for immortality. If he could solve it, he might achieve eternal life, and even decipher the power of the Sage of Six Paths.

The Uchiha clan, it seemed, was far from the simple legend it was made out to be. Previously, he thought the Mangekyou Sharingan was the pinnacle of the Uchiha. But now, it was merely the beginning. The path to awakening the Rinnegan lay ahead.

However, Orochimaru wondered if the Rinnegan was truly the final destination for the Uchiha clan. This curiosity fueled his desire to explore even further.

Here's the translation to American English:

*"Even Sasori of the Red Sand fell silent. He was indeed surprised by what Uchiha Raijin had told him.*

*However, he hadn't expected that their organization was merely someone else's fabricated dream.*

*Just the fact that the Rinnegan, which can only be awakened by the Uchiha clan, was involved explained a lot.*

*And he had seen the leader's true form, a descendant of the Uzumaki clan.*

*One could say there was no connection to the Uchiha clan at all, and even if there was, it wouldn't be enough to awaken the Rinnegan.*

*There was a huge pitfall behind their organization.*

*Although Sasori was somewhat skeptical of Raijin's words, his doubt wasn't that strong.*

*This guy likely wouldn't fabricate such ridiculous lies to deceive him.*

*'So you guys don't really understand the situation!'*

*'Sasori of the Red Sand, you don't have to rush to answer. Wait until I've dealt with the rest of your Akatsuki members, then you can respond.'*

*'The Akatsuki isn't fit to survive in the ninja world; it's more suited for another world!'*

*'Here are the blueprints for the aircraft carrier; this is what you should study in the future.'*

*'When the time comes, make a list of what you need, especially regarding metals for chakra conductors. It would be best if you detail them specifically.'*

*Raijin took out the blueprints for the aircraft carrier and aerial fortress from the Sky Ninja Village and handed them to Sasori.*

*He had already arranged for people in the ninja world to gather metals that conduct chakra.*

*This type of metal is only produced in the ninja world!*

*As for the world of pirates, there simply isn't anything like this.*

*If there is no way to resolve these issues, it might be impossible to find substitutes in the future.*

*Unless they no longer want to use ninja tools that involve chakra.*

*But ninjas are his foundation, and Raijin can't give that up.*

*'Stuff from the Sky Ninja Village? I understand. Once you deal with the Akatsuki, I'll go with you.'*

*'But I still have a mission to complete with this damned snake.'*

*Sasori took a quick look and immediately showed some interest.*

*Although it wasn't as sophisticated as his puppets, the design from the Sky Ninja Village still gave him plenty of ideas.*

*'You can continue with your mission. Oh, right!'*

*Raijin remembered something and suddenly walked over to the Third Kazekage.*

*In an instant, he activated the power of Sanzu River, pulling the Third Kazekage's soul towards his underworld.*

*'What is this power? My Edo Tensei...'*

*Orochimaru looked at Raijin's power in surprise, clearly feeling his soul trembling.*

*He sensed that if this guy targeted him with this ability, he would be in big trouble.*

*This is probably Uchiha Raijin's ability that specifically deals with souls.*

*Who would've thought it could be this powerful?*

*It’s a complete nemesis to souls.*

*Orochimaru immediately dismissed his ridiculous idea of taking on Uchiha Raijin.*

*What this guy said before wasn't a joke!*

*If he had any bad thoughts, he'd likely end up as part of Raijin's chakra.*

*'Edo Tensei is quite something, Orochimaru. When the time comes, collect more materials.'*

*'And make sure to Edo Tensei the Second and Fourth Hokage, as well as anyone notable from the village.'*

*'The key is the Second Hokage. Despite his despicable nature, one must admit he's a talent.'*

*Raijin patted Orochimaru on the shoulder as he spoke.*

*With Edo Tensei, it's essentially competing with the Sage of Six Paths for achievements.*

*If ordinary people were Edo Tensei'd, it wouldn't matter, but if it were Asura and Indra,*

*The sudden disappearance of their reincarnated chakra would likely make the old Sage of Six Paths anxious.*

*'I understand!'*

*Orochimaru nodded, thoughtfully gazing into Raijin's eyes.*

*He was contemplating what Raijin's abilities truly were.*

*Prompted by Sasori, Orochimaru snapped back to reality and continued his mission for the Akatsuki.*

*Damn it, no way to return and continue my research!*

*Boom!*

*A burst of Wind Release exploded, instantly blasting apart a massive tree in front of him.*

*But the target Kakuzu aimed at stood unharmed before him.*

*However, Kakuzu's body already had three broken hearts!*

*If the remaining two hearts are destroyed, he'll die here.*

*Kakuzu squinted, looking at the fearsome Sharingan.*

*It was like being back in the Warring States period, facing the invincible Madara Uchiha.*

*'Kakuzu, against the powerful force of the Uchiha, your petty tricks are utterly useless.'*

*'The Akatsuki can't give you what you want; only we, the Uchiha, can.'*

*A powerful chakra surged from Uchiha Raijin, instantly enveloping his body.*

*Kakuzu watched as a massive, terrifying creature formed before him.*

*Compared to the Rinnegan, this terrifying creature in front of him was even more intimidating.*

*The power of the Rinnegan is mysterious and unpredictable, but the strength of the Uchiha clan is the epitome of violent beauty.*

*It's a complete display of refined violence, something he can't even touch.*

*'The power of the Akatsuki...'*

*Kakuzu began to speak, trying to intimidate this ignorant guy in front of him.*

*But before he could finish, Uchiha Raijin cut him off.*

*'The Rinnegan, I know the power your Akatsuki leader possesses.'*

*'But right now, I'm asking for your opinion!'*

*'Join us, or die!'*

*Uchiha Raijin spoke with killing intent.*

*'I'll join you.'*

*Kakuzu had no way to resist his fate and could only agree with the monster before him.*

*After all, when he joined the Akatsuki, it was also because he was overpowered by the leader Pain.*

*Now, it's natural to join another organization. There's nothing wrong with that.*

*'Good. I'll contact you later.'*

*Raijin tossed a Den Den Mushi, and his figure slowly disappeared into a vortex.*

*Now, Kakuzu, Orochimaru, and Sasori from the Akatsuki have all joined in.*

*The remaining people aren't much trouble anymore!*

*(End of the chapter)"*