"Deep One?" Pain asked, his eyes narrowing slightly in confusion.

"Yes, it's a mysterious marine species. They appear as humanoid beings with fish-like heads and possess advanced intelligence," Orochimaru explained.

"This species is practically immortal unless dealt a fatal blow. Their skin is tough, and they have incredible vitality, with strength comparable to that of a ninja."

Pain listened intently, his face betraying no emotion. Immortal beings with ninja-like strength... This could be a valuable asset for our goals, he weighed the potential benefits against the risks.

Orochimaru continued, his enthusiasm growing. "The human cells that mutate after looking at the statue are actually Deep One cells, though the mutation isn't very advanced."

"If we could directly acquire the purest Deep One cells and then merge them with Hashirama's cells, we could potentially grant White Zetsu the abilities you're seeking."

Orochimaru spoke confidently, but Pain remained expressionless. "So where do we find these Deep Ones?"

"As far as I know, they can be found near the southern waters of the Land of Water," Orochimaru replied with a sly smile.

"However, Deep Ones can breed with humans, producing hybrids, but the effectiveness of these hybrid cells isn't very high. Pure-blood Deep One cells are the best."

"I understand." Pain nodded before saying, "If you need any other research materials, just let me know. We'll help you acquire them—it's part of our agreement, after all."

Orochimaru's smile widened. "In that case, I won't hold back."

"Have you heard about the discovery of the Elder Thing's biological samples in the Land of Snow a few days ago?"

"I've heard rumors," Pain replied, his tone neutral.

"I need some of those samples, not many, just three will suffice."

"I understand. Anything else?"

"There's also another species that might exist in the city where these samples were found. If you find any, please bring them back as well."

"I understand. Anything else?"

Pain, still emotionless, didn't find Orochimaru's requests unreasonable, as though obtaining these research materials was an easy task for him.

But Orochimaru knew when to stop and didn't ask for more.

"In that case, team up with Sasori for your next mission in the organization. I'll get you the materials as soon as possible."

After sending off Sasori and Orochimaru, Nagato, through the Chakra signal receiver, suddenly slumped his head in exhaustion.

"Nagato, are you okay?" Konan hurriedly asked with concern. She moved closer, ready to support him if needed.

The emaciated Nagato slightly turned his head. His skin was pale, almost translucent, highlighting the toll of maintaining the Pain bodies.

"Earlier, when I used Shinra Tensei while controlling Pain, I accidentally glanced at that statue."

"The one Orochimaru brought?" Konan inquired, her brow furrowing.

"Yes, and it gave me a very strange feeling. For a moment, I felt like the statue came to life," Nagato's voice was barely above a whisper.

"Even though I only looked at it briefly, it gave me a deep sense of unease."

"This unease pierced my soul, and I could even feel it through Pain's Rinnegan vision. It seems this statue is indeed as peculiar as the rumors say."

Konan helped Nagato stand and asked, "Do you need to rest for a bit?"

"Wait a moment, let's first send someone to gather the research materials Orochimaru needs."

He then glanced at the dark corner of the room, muttering to himself, "My control over Pain is limited. The Land of Snow is too far away, beyond my reach."

If only I weren't bound to this broken body. But soon, the world will know true pain.

"The research materials from the Land of Snow will be up to you to obtain."

"Madara."

"I understand." A deeper voice echoed from the darkness and then faded, as if it had never existed.

"What about the Deep Ones? I've never heard of such a marine race. Could Orochimaru be making it up?" Konan asked with skepticism.

"Given that he's witnessed the power of the Akatsuki and Pain, Orochimaru wouldn't dare deceive us," Nagato shook his head.

"However, the name 'Deep One' is unfamiliar to me. It seems capturing a pure-blooded Deep One will be a long-term plan."

"I'm tired, Konan. Help me down."

With Konan's assistance, Nagato carefully detached himself from the chakra signal receiver, revealing his severely damaged legs—injured by Hanzo's sneak attack.

Looking at his broken legs, Nagato clenched his teeth in frustration.

Someday, I will make the world feel my pain.

---

At night, a lone figure is walking through the snow. This person, wearing a black cloak and an orange-yellow mask, walked across the desolate land of the Land of Snow without any luggage or concern.

A few days ago, Obito received a mission from Nagato: to obtain research materials needed by Orochimaru from the Land of Snow. Although he was very reluctant to run errands for Orochimaru, he recognized that the Sannin was a power worth recruiting for the current Akatsuki organization. After all, it was also his idea to bring Orochimaru into Akatsuki to help modify the White Zetsu.

Why am I reduced to playing fetch for that snake? He trudged through the snow. But for the plan... I must endure.

So, there was no choice. Obito had to make the long journey to the Land of Snow to collect research materials for Orochimaru. Even though his eye could teleport him from one location to another in an instant, the prerequisite was that he must have seen the location with his own eyes. And since he had never been to the Land of Snow, he had to make the journey himself.

Upon arriving in the Land of Snow, his first objective was to obtain a biological sample of the Elder Things. According to a local newspaper, this biological sample was currently on display at the National Museum of the Land of Snow, so that's where Obito headed first.

In the darkness, a massive and imposing building stood tall, with the words 'National Museum' prominently displayed at the front. However, it was not business hours, and the front doors were locked. But this was no challenge for a ninja like Obito. Standing outside the glass doors, he focused his eye, and a vortex appeared, drawing his body into it and releasing him inside the museum—without leaving a trace.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

In the center of the museum was a memorial stone inscribed with the words, "This stone is dedicated to seventeen brave warriors." Obito stared at it, thinking that his own name was likely etched on a similar memorial stone in Konoha.

How ironic that I'm memorialized as a hero.

The museum was nearly pitch black, but years of living underground in captivity by Madara had honed Obito's ability to see in the dark. Without much trouble, he quickly found what he was looking for.

In the center hall of the museum were five massive glass display cases, each resembling a beautifully crafted crystal coffin. Inside each was a biological sample of the Elder Things. Just as the newspaper described: barrel-shaped bodies, starfish-like heads, crinoid-like appendages, and clam-like foot-like appendages—a species beyond imagination.

Merely gazing at the remains of these beings made him deeply uncomfortable, akin to being interrupted by Kakashi on a date with Rin. Tired of looking at these grotesque creatures, Obito smashed one of the glass cases with his fist, preparing to take the sample. At that moment, the museum's alarm was triggered, and the loud blaring immediately alerted the security staff.

"There's a thief!"

"Catch the thief!"

Voices echoed down the hall, but Obito remained calm. He placed his hand on the Elder Thing's sample, absorbing it into his eye's dimension. Using the same technique, he absorbed another sample. Finally, with the last sample, he absorbed both it and himself into his dimension, vanishing completely.

By the time the security guards arrived, all they found was broken glass and missing specimens.

"Where is he? Where did the person go?"

"Look, the glass case with the Elder Thing is shattered."

"And three of the Elder Things are missing!"

"Damn it, these are precious samples obtained at the cost of our warriors' lives!"

The guards stood in panic around the wreckage, while Obito hid in his Mangekyō Sharingan's special dimension. In this space, he could finally smell the unique stench of the Elder Things.

"Disgusting. This thing stinks so badly; it's making my space reek," Obito complained, but there was nothing he could do. He had to press on to the next location.

His next stop was not directly the ancient city of the Elder Things, where Orochimaru suspected another biological sample might exist. Instead, he first planned to gather some intel. According to the newspaper, not everyone had died during the recent mission. One ninja from the Land of Snow had gone mad. Obito decided to extract information about their city from this individual.

Earlier in the day, he had found where the ninja was recuperating. Now, he could use his teleportation ability to instantly reach him.

A swirling vortex appeared in the corner of a small room, and Obito emerged silently in the living quarters of Nadare. The room was simple, with not much furniture, but the walls were covered with drawings.

The drawings were rough and crude, resembling meaningless scribbles, but most of them depicted a dark, flesh-like mountain or mass, along with various eyes. Sometimes, the black mass and the eyes were drawn separately; other times, they were combined into eerie images.

So this is art?

Nadare sat at a low table near the window, furiously sketching. Despite Obito's footsteps, he showed no signs of awareness, still consumed by his manic drawing.

Obito had no interest in speaking with a madman. He simply placed his hand on Nadare's head, forcibly turning it so they could make eye contact. In Nadare's pupils, the three tomoe of Obito's Sharingan spun slowly, reopening the deep psychological wounds in his mind.

Using the power of his Sharingan, he delved into Nadare's memories. He saw Nadare's conversations with Dotō about usurping power, the arrival of Kakashi, the carnage at the camp, the ancient city, and the torn remains of the Elder Things.

Most importantly, Obito saw a massive, shapeless entity emerging from a dark, abyss-like cave.

It appeared faintly through the eerie white mist, gradually becoming fully visible.

Thousands of glowing green eyes on its glossy black body constantly fragmented and multiplied. Even through the memory, Obito could feel a chilling cold emanating from those expressionless eyes.

These memories... they're fractured, chaotic. Obito realized as he delved deeper into Nadare's psyche.

"This... is the biological sample Orochimaru wants?"

"What on earth is this thing?"

And here I thought Zetsu was the pinnacle of grotesque creations...

But compared to the thing in Nadare's memory, Zetsu was child's play.

Next, the memory showed that the combined Ice and Fire Release techniques had little effect on the creature.

Then Kakashi revealed his Sharingan under his forehead protector and told Nadare to go ahead while he stayed behind to cover their retreat.

The following details were unimportant: scenes of Nadare escaping the mountains and a confrontation between him and Kakashi, as well as the madness that ensued.

Obito's hypnosis technique allowed him to see what the hypnotized person saw, but not the thoughts they conjured in their minds.

What caused this man to lose his mind so completely? Obito's frustration grew as he tried to piece together the fragmented memories.

Thus, he didn't know the name or origin of this creature. He also didn't know why Nadare had gone mad. He only knew that after Nadare flew to the highest point in the sky and saw the black ridge to the west, his vision started shaking violently, and he began to babble incoherently.

As Obito released Nadare's head, the man's eyes slowly regained some focus from their previously blank state. He stared in astonishment at the figure in front of him, who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Within the orange mask, Nadare saw the scarlet glow of a three tomoe Sharingan.

"Who... what... those eyes..." Nadare mumbled.

However, he didn't scream, as his mind was still unclear.

Watching the figure vanish in a vortex of space, the glimmer of surprise in Nadare's eyes faded once more, leaving behind only a new eye in his latest painting on the low table. Among countless large green eyes, one stood out—glowing crimson with a three tomoe Sharingan.

In a pitch-black cave, a space-time vortex appeared out of thin air, and Obito's body materialized within it.

This was the final location Nadare and Kakashi explored in the ancient city, where the unknown massive creature had appeared. Through Nadare's memories, Obito had effectively seen this place, allowing him to teleport here.

Even my Sharingan can't pierce this darkness. How deep does this abyss go? He cautiously explored the cave.

The space was completely dark, with no visible light. So he took out some firesticks, using their faint light to survey the cave.

The seven Elder Things, stripped to their spines, still stood where they had been, but the black liquid flowing on the ground had long dried up.

Even though it had dried for a while, the liquid still emitted a faint stench, prompting him to cover his mouth and nose.

Ugh, what is that stench? It's like death and something... alien, his nose wrinkled in disgust.

Before he could fully explore the cave, a sound emerged from the abyss.

"San...dayū..."

"Brother Sandayū..."

"Save me..."

It was a human voice, but Obito remained unmoved.

Nice try, creature. But I've seen too much deception to fall for such a simple trick.

He certainly didn't believe there were still living humans in this cave. The creature had likely sensed his human presence and was trying to deceive him with a human voice.

After a moment, the creature in the abyss couldn't contain its impatience and slowly crawled out of the cave, letting out its true voice—an expansive, flute-like sound.

"Tekeli-li."

"Tekeli-li."

Obito stepped back a few paces, waiting for its full emergence.

It was exactly as he had seen in Nadare's memory. This creature's glossy black body could split and replicate indefinitely, with thousands of green eyes at the forefront that fixed on Obito no matter how they moved.

For some reason, upon seeing the creature in person, Obito instantly knew its name.

Shoggoth... how do I know that name? He prepared his battle stance and forming hand signs.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu"

Without hesitation, Obito launched a probing ninjutsu. A massive fireball, radiating intense heat, shot toward the Shoggoth's enormous body.

Although he had seen in Nadare's memory that Kakashi's fire jutsu had little effect, he sensed that the attack still inflicted some damage on the Shoggoth.

Kakashi's technique simply didn't have enough explosive force; the damage it caused couldn't keep up with the Shoggoth's rapid division and replication.

So Obito opted for the more powerful technique to test the waters.

The Shoggoth's massive form couldn't dodge ninjutsu. No matter the attack, it could only endure it head-on. The Great Fireball Technique hit its mark, and an explosion erupted, blasting a huge gap in the Shoggoth's body.

Although the gaping wound didn't seem to inflict any fatal damage, as the body quickly replicated to fill the hole, it confirmed Obito's suspicions.

It's vulnerable to fire, but its regeneration is too fast. I need something more powerful, Obito analyzed.

This creature feared fire.

With that knowledge, Obito quickly formed a complex hand sign, and his Sharingan morphed into the Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Fire Style: Bomb Blast Dance!"

The space in front of Obito began to warp. The distortion of space generated a powerful whirlwind within the cave. Fueled by the vortex, the flames he exhaled became immensely destructive, instantly engulfing the Shoggoth's massive body in the firestorm.

The flames didn't stop at just consuming all the Shoggoths in the cave. As the air pressure in the cave dropped, the firestorm surged into the abyss from which the Shoggoth had emerged.

Obito quickly withdrew his flames, surveying the now thoroughly scorched cave. He let out a sigh.

There has to be something left. Even a creature like this can't be completely obliterated. He then carefully examined the devastation caused by his jutsu.

"Maybe I overdid it. But with creatures like this, there's no such thing as too cautious."

After scanning the area, Obito finally found a surviving remnant of the Shoggoth, a tiny piece hiding in a crevice. It was only the size of half a finger, but considering the Shoggoth's ability to divide and replicate, it would suffice as a research specimen.

Perfect. Small enough to transport, but with that regenerative ability, more than enough for Orochimaru's experiments.

Obito stored the fragment in a test tube and disappeared once again into a space-time vortex.

The cave returned to silence.

But in the next second, an ear-splitting sound erupted from the abyss.

"Tekeli-li!"

"Tekeli-li!"

Not only from the abyss but also from all the holes in the black ridge surrounding the ancient city, an enraged chorus echoed.

"Tekeli-li!"

The sound reverberated through the night sky, reaching even the distant camp of the Land of Snow, tens of miles away.

That night, the black mountains screamed!