After finally silencing the rowdy Akatsuki members, Reiki resumed treating their injuries. The effort had drained some of his chakra, so he downed a recovery potion—an expense he intended to bill to Akatsuki later.
"Alright, treatments are done," he announced, turning to the group. "Now, I trust you're not as impatient as before. If you want to rescue Yahiko, charging in recklessly isn't the answer."
He settled back, watching Nagato and Konan closely. With Yahiko absent, they held the highest authority within Akatsuki, and their next move would determine the organization's path forward.
"Yahiko's safety is our priority," Nagato said, his voice laced with worry. "If Hanzo just wants Akatsuki to integrate into the Rain Country's battle order, I can accept that."
Konan nodded in agreement. "Nagato's right. We're here to ensure Yahiko's survival, not to sacrifice ourselves. If becoming part of the Rain Country's forces secures that, then we'll do it."
Listening intently, the other members appeared conflicted. Most were Rain Country ninjas who had joined Akatsuki to escape Hanzo's rule and seek a new path. The thought of re-entering Rain Country's chain of command was difficult, but their fervor from earlier had calmed as they weighed their leader's safety over ideals.
Suddenly, Konan's expression shifted. "There's news about Yahiko!"
"Where is he?" Nagato asked, rushing to her side.
"Hanzo has issued an ultimatum," she relayed. "He'll release Yahiko if we agree to incorporate Akatsuki into the Rain Country's ranks. Only Nagato and I are allowed to retrieve him… They're waiting at the southern gate of Amegakure."
"Hanzo is setting a trap!" one member shouted. "If you go alone, he'll kill you both!"
"Let us come with you!" another member insisted, anger in his voice.
Reiki shook his head. "You can't go," he interjected. "Hanzo isn't just targeting Akatsuki—he wants absolute control, and Yahiko's safety is still uncertain."
"But we have no choice," Konan replied, tears brimming in her eyes. "Yahiko was poisoned. If we don't meet the deadline, he'll die."
Nagato, gently patting her shoulder, turned with grim resolve. "Reiki, thank you. But we have to go."
Konan managed a faint smile of gratitude as she followed Nagato out. Reiki watched them leave with a heavy sigh, understanding that some choices couldn't be rationalized. They were simply human.
With that, Reiki vanished from the ruins, as did the remaining Akatsuki members, who promptly raced to the meeting point.
---
**At Amegakure's Southern Gate**
Hanzo stood atop a high platform, Yahiko restrained beside him. The young Akatsuki leader was battered and bleeding but maintained a defiant stare.
"Yahiko," Hanzo intoned coldly. "You're a smart man. You understand what needs to be done to persuade your followers."
Yahiko didn't respond, his gaze fixed ahead, refusing to look at Hanzo. He knew what the Rain Village leader was after, and even if Akatsuki's power hadn't threatened Hanzo directly, their connection to Jiraiya had created a crisis for him. Hanzo couldn't allow Akatsuki to gain Konoha's support, so he'd decided—he would either take full control of them or eradicate them.
In the distance, Konan and Nagato appeared with the other Akatsuki members trailing behind.
"Yahiko!" Konan called, heartbroken at the sight of his injuries.
"Yahiko…" Nagato clenched his fists, struggling to resist the urge to act. Behind them, the Akatsuki members shouted their leader's name, eyes blazing with determination.
Seeing his followers, Yahiko managed a faint smile. "Thank you all… You've shown me my true path as a ninja." His voice rose with conviction. "Our choice was right! This is the path that will lead us to create a true Akatsuki!"
He turned to Nagato and Konan. "My answer is to refuse…"
"Enough!" A voice rang out, interrupting Yahiko. It was Reiki.
"What are you thinking, Yahiko?" Reiki's voice was firm, his gaze piercing. "Do you think Konan and Nagato want you to die? Without Akatsuki, do you believe they'll continue your vision? They'll only be left with pain and anger, becoming lonely shadows in this world. Is that what you want, Yahiko? This is selfish!"
Reiki's words hit hard, leaving Yahiko speechless. As the reality sank in, he saw the tears in Konan's eyes and the pain in Nagato's.
"Are you… Tsunade's disciple?" Hanzo's cold voice broke the silence, his eyes narrowing as he examined Reiki.
"A Konoha medical ninja with a clearer perspective than even you," he sneered, looking at the gathered Akatsuki members. "But I don't appreciate being lectured by an outsider. And you're just a medic from another village!"
Without warning, Hanzo lunged, chain blade glinting in the rain as he launched himself toward Reiki. The attack was so sudden that even Konan and Nagato barely had time to react.
They could only watch, helpless, as Hanzo bore down on Reiki with deadly intent.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 330 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review FFS