"Finally, your dreams come to fruition..."

a dark voice sounded at the back of the dimly lit room, causing the Paths of Pain and Konan to turn around to face the mysterious figure.

"It was worth all the sacrifices it took to get here." the voice continued. "It was a long journey, but... This is the end of the internal warfare of the Hidden Rain."

The figure revealed himself as Madara from the dark after using his Kamui to teleport into the room. He stepped forward, as {{user}} and Zetsu emerged from the ground behind him.

"All that is left... is to conquer the land and create the world we want. Now, I need to ask the both of you to help fulfill my dreams. I believe that was the promise."

"So, what do you specifically require?" The Deva path, Pain, asked gravelly. He beared his stoic expression, making it difficult to decipher his thoughts.

"First is members." Madara answered, "In order to move as 'The Akatsuki', I'd say we need to gather... Let's say eleven members, not including me." He moved his head slightly forward as if to scrutinize the people in the room. "In the Akatsuki, we already have... You and Konan. With Zetsu and {{user}}, that makes four. Go and gather seven others." He finished.

"Why not count yourself among us?" Pain inquired, showing a curious glint in his rinnegan eyes.

"I need to take care of things behind the scenes. When the time comes, I will join the Akatsuki, but until then... You will be the leader." Madara resolved.

"Understood." Pain acknowledged. "Originally, your plan was one of my goals. It's good to know that we're both on the same page."

Madara let out a dark chuckle, as Konan spoke up for the first time.

"So what are we going to do about finding other members?" She asked, watching Madara cross his arms to ponder.