Land of Rain, Hidden Rain Village
In a tall tower, three single sofas arranged in an equilateral triangle were occupied by Konan, Pain, and Obito.
Today, Obito visited to discuss the matter of a new member.
"A god?"
Pain's voice betrayed skepticism, though his expression remained unchanged. He handed the file Obito had given him to Konan.
"Just a zombie who has lived too long and harbors a grudge against humanity because of what humans have done," Obito dismissed the title of 'god' given to Angra Mainyu.
Despite Zetsu's investigation indicating that Angra Mainyu had killed many people over the years, Obito still considered him a human.
He was far from being a true god like the Sage of the Six Paths.
"The only true god is Pain!"
Konan interjected as she began to read the file.
"Angra Mainyu, an evil being sealed for six thousand years, known as the 'Evil God'..."
Reading through the file, Konan felt an eerie familiarity with Angra Mainyu's story.
It was as if she had encountered it before.
When she reached the last page, the realization hit her—it was during the interpretation of some ancient ruins. She vaguely remembered seeing the name 'Angra Mainyu' on some translated documents.
When she saw the photo on the last page, Konan's eyes widened in shock. It was that bastard!
Noticing Konan's reaction, Tendo (Pain) asked, "Konan, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just find it unbelievable that he's lived this long."
Lying on the sofa, Obito responded, "According to Zetsu's investigation, it's true. But he's not a god or an evil god, just a young man who had his humanity taken away and was labeled as an evil god."
"He... actually saved the world once..."
Reading the detailed file, Konan was surprised.
"In ancient times, when humans were ignorant and lacked knowledge and power, it's not surprising they found redemption and stopped their meaningless conflicts because of a feudal religion. Zetsu has already located him. To be safe, we can take more people with us."
"I don't think we need such..."
Before Konan could finish, Obito interrupted firmly.
"That's an order."
...
That night, Konan repeatedly read through the file Obito had given her. Despite Obito's assurance, she couldn't reconcile the information with her memories of Shinji.
The idea of someone living for six thousand years was too incredible. If it were true, how could she have been tormented by such a zombie-like existence for so long?
And if he hated humanity, why save her? For her body?
The file did mention his fondness for women and that his favorite places were intelligence agencies.
And now, they were considering recruiting such a person?
The thought made Konan uncomfortable. She instinctively squeezed her legs together, as suppressed memories began to resurface.
She had resolved to forget him, but if they met again, wouldn't it be incredibly awkward?
But there was no choice—Nagato had agreed.
Sighing, Konan resigned herself and continued reading the file, using it to pass the time.
What neither Konan nor Obito knew was that most of the file's contents were fabricated by Zetsu on Shinji's orders. For example, the claim that Angra Mainyu had killed tens of thousands of people was an exaggeration. Shinji had instructed Zetsu to attribute unsolved murders to him. Since people died every day and many murderers were soon killed, finding the true culprit was difficult.
So, he would take on that role—after all, he was playing the part of the world's evil.
...
"Earlier than I expected."
Outside the inn, on the sea, Shinji sighed.
Obito had become so arrogant, almost as much as himself. He had anticipated Obito noticing him eventually, but not so soon.
He needed to give Obito a harsh lesson to make him understand true fear.
Being underestimated as the embodiment of evil was irritating.
What role would he play in Akatsuki?
The organization seemed full: Pain (Zero), Konan (White), Sasori (Jade), Orochimaru (Sky), Zabuza (South), Moryo (Scarlet), Kakuzu (North), Kakuzu's unknown partner (Three), Zetsu (Black)...
Well, maybe not entirely full. There was still one spot left. Perhaps he would replace the 'explosive kid' and team up with Zetsu?
"Teacher, can you stop daydreaming?"
On the sea, a dirt-streaked Karin asked, with White and Kimimaro panting beside her.
"Sorry, sorry. It's just that you three are so weak. I don't need to be serious to avoid being hit."
Seeing Shinji's nonchalant expression, Karin felt an urge to attack him again if only she had the strength left.
Despite feeling stronger after their summer training, facing their teacher still felt like an insurmountable challenge.
He hadn't even used any ninjutsu, just raw strength and reflexes to counter all their attacks.
And it seemed like he wasn't even trying.
"But you have improved. Your coordination is much better, and your timing has improved a lot. At this rate, I might need to take you more seriously soon."
"Liar! We're nowhere near making you serious! You're holding back!"
"Of course, I'm holding back. One punch and you'd be dead."
Shinji's words made Karin's eye twitch, and White and Kimimaro's expressions darkened.
"Anri-sensei, everyone, lunch is ready!"
Minato's voice called from the shore.
"Alright, your summer training results are better than I expected. I can see you've all worked hard. For the remaining ten days... you can do whatever you want!"
Seeing Shinji's smile, the three kids couldn't help but smile back, feeling recognized for their efforts.
"Finally, we can have some fun!"
Said the unique one among them, Karin.
...
As their 'pseudo-mom,' Minato felt both heartache and frustration as he looked at the bruised and battered trio during lunch.
Shinji, indifferent to Minato's concern, suddenly remembered something. "By the way, Minato, you've been doing well lately, so I've decided to reward you."
Minato's heart skipped a beat.
Having learned Shinji's ways, he knew that rewards could be anything.
"No... no need."
"Don't be shy, you deserve it. I think you've been confined to my five-hundred-meter radius for too long, so I'm going to..."
"Expand my range to five hundred kilometers?"
"Something like that. In some ways, your range will be even larger!"
"Thank you very much, Anri-sensei!"
"From now on, your range will be five hundred meters from the inn's front door! As long as you carry the door, you can go anywhere! But be careful, if the door is destroyed, you'll die! And if it's sealed, you'll be sealed too!"
Minato: ...
Minato imagined himself carrying a door everywhere. Going anywhere with it, always worrying about its safety...
You're really creative!
How do you even bind me to a door?
"Now you're truly 'Gatekeeper'!"
Karin exclaimed, echoing Shinji's sentiment.
"Um... are you joking?"
"Nope, the contract is ready. If you're willing, I'll transfer ownership of the door to you. Then you can freely roam."
"Uh..."
"Hurry up and decide. Five hundred meters from the door or my five hundred meters?"
Minato sighed. "If possible, I don't want to choose either... How is this even possible? Why a door?"
"Because your name is Minato."
Minato: ...
...
He could gain some freedom but would have to carry a door wherever he went, keeping it safe. Or he could stay within Shinji's five hundred meters...
After an entire afternoon of contemplation, Minato made his choice. Despite the awkwardness of carrying a door, freedom was worth it.
"Anri-sensei, I choose the door!"
Freedom is priceless! He chose freedom!
After getting his answer, Shinji promptly removed the inn's door and solemnly handed it to Minato, reminding him seriously.
"Congratulations, from now on it's your loyal partner! Remember, one door, two lives! Both yours and its!"
Looking at the heavy wooden door, Minato scratched his head. "Um... can I change my mind?"
"No."
Minato: ...
"Finally, I can replace that old inn door with one I like. I've wanted to change it for ages but felt wasteful. Now, no worries, hahaha..."
Minato: ...
Serving a master like this is really tough!