"Yahiko, you just got married recently. Why aren't you staying home and enjoying your time? What are you wandering around for?" Kakuzu's question made Yahiko a little embarrassed, while Konan, standing beside him, blushed even more. A newlywed couple should be focusing on... certain matters, yet here they were, occupied with other things.
Yahiko coughed awkwardly twice before looking at Kakuzu and replying,
"Kakuzu-sama, I haven't forgotten that we are shinobi." He clenched his fist and placed it over his chest.
"I have never forgotten the ideals that Jiraiya-sensei and you have instilled in me. I have always pursued peace in the shinobi world, but that goal is still far from being realized. I can't just sit around doing nothing."
"Exactly, Kakuzu-sama. The mission you assigned us was to keep an eye on Nagato, but after all this time, he hasn't shown any abnormalities. Every time Lady Tsunade and Lord Hiruko examine him, all his health indicators appear normal, with no anomalies whatsoever. Watching over him every day like a prisoner is driving us insane." Konan also stepped forward to speak.
"I see." Kakuzu nodded indifferently. Their concerns were valid—two Kage-level shinobi idling around was indeed a waste of talent. He reached into his robe, took out a small note, and unfolded it for a quick glance. "I've received intelligence that some major events are about to unfold in the shinobi world. I need to leave for a while."
"Really? Do you need us to accompany you, Kakuzu-sama?" Yahiko asked, his expression eager.
"No, this mission is too simple for you. I'll assign other people to handle it. However, I do have a different task for you." Kakuzu's gaze deepened as he met Yahiko's expectant eyes.
"Yahiko, I want you to reassemble Akatsuki."
Hearing this, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan exchanged glances.
"Kakuzu-sama, does this mean something significant is about to happen in the shinobi world?" Yahiko asked.
Akatsuki was originally formed under Yahiko's leadership in pursuit of true peace. But after becoming the leader of Amegakure, he integrated Akatsuki's members into the general ranks of the village's shinobi. Now, if Akatsuki needed to be reassembled, it could only mean one thing—something unpredictable was about to happen, something beyond the capabilities of ordinary shinobi.
"Yes, you're not wrong." Kakuzu nodded, acknowledging Yahiko's insight. "To be precise, Akatsuki will now function as a special unit, dealing with intelligence and investigations that regular shinobi can't handle. As for exactly who or what you'll be investigating, I'll inform you when the time comes."
Yahiko and the others nodded in understanding. If Kakuzu deemed it necessary, then they would follow through without hesitation.
"Kakuzu-sama, since we're rebuilding Akatsuki, can we bring back our former members?" Yahiko asked.
The original Akatsuki had gathered a significant number of members—aside from Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, there were many skilled shinobi who shared their vision of peace. Now, those members had scattered among the general ranks of Amegakure's shinobi.
"You can. However, you will decide whom to recruit—I won't interfere. Just ensure that the members aren't too numerous. Each one must possess either exceptional abilities or at least be at the level of a Jonin. Understood?" Kakuzu said firmly.
He recalled the Akatsuki from the original timeline. Though they were an elite mercenary organization, their roster was limited—barely ten core members, with no real subordinates of their own. Everything had to be done personally, which, in hindsight, was a tactical disadvantage. This time, expanding Akatsuki while maintaining a core elite team would be more practical.
"Recruiting our former comrades shouldn't be difficult. A few letters should be enough to gather those who still share our ideals. But once we rebuild, who will lead Akatsuki?" Yahiko asked.
Before Kakuzu could respond, Nagato smirked and nudged Yahiko with his shoulder.
"Yahiko, what are you even asking? Of course, you'll still be the leader of Akatsuki."
Yahiko glanced at Nagato, signaling him to stop joking. If this were before, it would be natural for him to lead. But now, he wasn't so sure. In terms of raw power, he had to admit that Nagato had surpassed him. As for intelligence and strategy, he considered himself capable but knew there might be someone more suitable. His gaze shifted toward Kakuzu.
Kakuzu immediately understood Yahiko's intent but simply shook his head.
"Yahiko, I won't interfere in Akatsuki's internal matters. As for its leadership, that isn't something that should be decided arbitrarily. Gather your recruits over the next six months. By then, all core members should be assembled. At that point, you will collectively elect a new leader."
Hearing this, Yahiko finally understood.
The core members of Akatsuki wouldn't be limited to just the three of them. Anyone handpicked by Kakuzu would undoubtedly be an elite among elites. When the time came, who was strongest, who had the sharpest mind, and who possessed the best leadership skills—all of this would be put to the test.
This meant that, in a way, Yahiko and the others would have competitors.
"Understood, Kakuzu-sama. We will begin preparations immediately." Yahiko, along with Nagato and Konan, bowed to Kakuzu before slowly exiting the hall.
...
Leaning back in his chair, Kakuzu gazed at the ceiling thoughtfully.
Akatsuki's core members wouldn't differ too much from the original lineup, but due to changes in events, some people might not be available. That meant substitutes would be necessary. Fortunately, Kakuzu had already identified potential replacements—though these individuals still needed to be tested.
In six months, he would be heading out on another mission. But this time, his choice of companions was unexpected.
"Kakuzu, are you sure your brain hasn't rotted? You're taking these two brats on a mission? Are you not worried about accidents? If you're just looking to send them to their deaths, you might as well hand them over to me. I'll gladly offer them as sacrifices to Lord Jashin!" Hidan scoffed lazily.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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