The news of Takigakure Village's Jinchuriki joining Konohagakure spread rapidly throughout the ninja world. While the other villages understood Takigakure's decision, knowing full well that the village lacked Kage-level ninjas and that their strongest was probably their Jinchuriki, they couldn't help but envy Konohagakure. Already in possession of the strongest Tailed Beast, the Nine-Tails, the addition of another Tailed Beast to Konohagakure was not just timely help but an embellishment to their strength.
If such an event had occurred in a village without a Tailed Beast, like Sunagakure, it would have been a much-needed aid. Even now, Sunagakure, despite potentially having a Jinchuriki, lacked the strength to protect one, leaving them to only watch helplessly, as others simply didn't trust them.
Sunagakure was almost in a state of peaceful nonexistence, their strength too meager. If not for their large national territory, they would almost be excluded from the ranks of the five great ninja villages. Currently, the only noteworthy ninja from Sunagakure was Gaara, so they harbored no illusions or desires for additional manpower.
But now the Sand Ninja Village is also developing in a good direction. The battle with Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sand made the villagers acutely aware of their own weakness. As a result, everyone, including Gaara, has begun to train diligently to strengthen themselves, determined not to let such an event happen again.
Kankuro and Temari are training as if their lives depend on it, tirelessly. They don't want to be helpless again, as they were when Gaara was in danger. That deep sense of powerlessness has been etched into Kankuro's heart, and now he's also researching puppetry. His battle with Sasori made him realize that what belongs to others will eventually return to them, no matter how powerful. So, to prevent a repeat of the past, Kankuro practices puppetry by day and studies the theory of puppet-making by night.
Fortunately, Sunagakure Village has made significant achievements in puppetry, with both Sasori and Chiyo leaving behind a wealth of knowledge. This has allowed Kankuro to make rapid progress in his abilities recently.
Temari, naturally, does not want to fall behind her brothers. She could do nothing when Gaara was captured and Kankuro was gravely injured. That scene is deeply imprinted in her mind.
Although the enemy who hurt her brothers is dead, Temari has not forgotten who was behind it all. As long as there is someone left in the Akatsuki organization, she will not give up her goal of becoming stronger.
She wants to have the strength to protect her two brothers. Although it's a difficult goal for Temari, she is working towards it at all costs. She may not have the same talent as Gaara and Kankuro, but her determination to protect her family is second to none.
"The Seven-Tails Jinchuriki is now in Konohagakure Village, which is the worst news for us," Pain of the Akatsuki organization stated coldly at their base. Their next target was the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, the only one not in a major ninja village, whose capture wouldn't raise the alarm of the major villages.
Unexpectedly, before they could act, Konohagakure Village had already spread the news of Akatsuki's intention to capture the Tailed Beasts, and Takigakure Village had proactively sent their Jinchuriki to them.
"Kakuzu, your Takigakure Village is too cowardly," Hidan mocked, knowing Kakuzu was once a ninja of that village.
"Hmph, they are nothing but a bunch of cowards afraid of death," Kakuzu didn't defend his village against Hidan's mockery. He still harbored great resentment towards Takigakure Village. If the higher-ups hadn't assigned him the task of assassinating the First Hokage, he might not have become a rogue ninja.
However, he was also grateful to the elders who issued the task. Without them, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to master the forbidden jutsu, Earth Grudge Fear.
"What should we do now, leader? Should we give up on the Seven-Tails?" Hidan asked Pain, as everyone's gaze turned to him, awaiting his decision.
"Let's put the Seven-Tails aside for now. We'll capture it along with the Nine-Tails later. Kakuzu, Hidan, you two go and capture the Two-Tails Jinchuriki. Its location has already been scouted. Bring it back as quickly as possible," Pain commanded.
"Understood."
With a nod from Hidan, he and Kakuzu released their Holographic Projection Technique, and their figures vanished from the others' sight.
"Itachi, Kisame, you two are tasked with capturing the Four-Tails and Five-Tails from Iwagakure Village."
"Yes, leader."
After Kisame's response, he and Uchiha Itachi also released their Holographic Projection Technique.
Then, only Pain and Konan were left in the Akatsuki's base.
"Nagato, which Tailed Beast should I take on? The Six-Tails?" Konan asked.
Now, only the Six-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Three-Tails were left unassigned. Konan was well aware that she was no match for the Eight-Tails, a perfect Jinchuriki, but she felt she might stand a chance against the Six-Tails.
"No need, you just stay here. I'll handle the Six-Tails myself," Tendo Pain declared.
"But what about your body?" Konan asked, her tone laced with concern.
"Don't worry, a mere beast doesn't concern me."
It had to be said, after acquiring the Rinnegan, Nagato's confidence had inflated significantly. Indeed, Pain, with his Six Paths, possessed the strength to defeat the Six-Tails.
"And the Three-Tails?"
"The Three-Tails will be my responsibility."
As soon as Konan finished speaking, the space around them twisted, and a man with a spiral mask appeared before them.
"The Three-Tails is yours, then," Pain said. Although he didn't know why the man wanted to take on the task personally, he was reassured by his involvement. In a sense, they shared the same goal.
The space twisted again, and the man's figure disappeared.
"Nagato, can he be trusted?"
"I don't know, but as long as he can help us achieve our goal, that's enough," Pain replied, confident in his invincible strength with the Rinnegan.
(End of Chapter)