As Tsunade continued to experiment with the dust, the Akatsuki were regrouping at their hideout to discuss their next move. Unfortunately, they were now three members short. Yet there was a new face among the Akatsuki...so to speak. He was wearing a strange orange spiral mask with only one eye hole and was looking around excitedly. Kakuzu dropped a bag full of money onto the ground and said, "Hidan was worth more than I thought he would be."

Pein nodded and said, "Any member of the Akatsuki would fetch a high price on the black market. But now is not the time to be discussing business ventures. The Leaf Village has thwarted our every attempt at attacking them. In fact, our efforts have led to strengthening the village as every giant defeated is added to the growing force of the village."

Kisame laughed and said, "Well what do you expect? They managed to kill Orochimaru with little effort."

Pein nodded again and said, "Orochimaru developed this jutsu and had the most experience with it. There will be no more direct attacks on the village. Instead we will covertly attack them."

Kakuzu asked, "What's your plan then?"

Itachi stepped forward and said, "Psychological warfare correct?"

Pein turned his eyes on Itachi and said, "Exactly. With so many giants on their side questions of status will soon arise. Eventually a rift will be driven between the giants themselves, between the giants and the village. Eventually the whole village will be in turmoil and that is when we'll make our move. In the meantime we will need more giants on our side. Since Itachi copied the jutsu through his Sharingan he will make the scrolls."

Itachi nodded and pulled out a few scrolls, heading for the exit where the light was better to start making the scrolls. Kakuzu turned to Pein and said, "What about the rest of us? What are we supposed to do?"

Pein turned to Kakuzu and said, "We wait. The seeds of dissent will be sown without our aid."

Kakuzu sighed and said, "Whatever." he pulled out a list of names and continued, "I'm going to step out for the next few days then and see if I can't get some more cash."

The man with the mask had been waiting quietly by the side lines waiting for Pein to say something about him. When it became clear that he wasn't going to say anything he stepped forward and said, "Pein-sama? What am I supposed to do?"

Pein looked the man up and down and said, "Tobi...I want you to watch Itachi and Kisame work. Since we're short members you'll be unofficially paired with those two until we can get some new members."

Tobi nodded eagerly and ran out after Itachi and Kisame. Konan walked with Pein and asked, "Is it wise to send him out like this?"

Pein nodded and said, "We both know he's more than capable of taking care of himself..."