After the fight with the Sannin, Ryu and Konan gained fame, and many joined them, making their organization a reality. It started small, with only 40 members occupying the building Ryu and Konan used. They still had room for 60 more members. As the leader, Ryu created squads and appointed their leaders, forming a total of four units.
Information Squad: Experts in espionage and intelligence gathering, this squad maintained networks of spies infiltrated in various villages and organizations. Its leader, Yugo Tendou, was a master of manipulation and infiltration, capable of obtaining crucial data without being detected. Under his leadership, the squad ensured that the organization was always one step ahead of both allies and enemies.
Theft, Collection, and Procurement Squad:Tasked with supplying the organization's needs through strategic theft, negotiations, or contract missions, this squad ensured a steady flow of weapons, supplies, and financial resources. The leader, Yoshino Himuro, was known for his calculating mind and ability to organize logistical operations with impeccable precision.
Assassination and Missions Squad:Responsible for the most dangerous missions and assassination contracts, this squad consisted of sensor ninjas and combatants of Chunin and Jonin levels, serving as the organization's execution arm. Led by Musashi Kurosaki, a skilled strategist and ruthless assassin, this squad reported directly to Konan, who acted as Ryu's spokesperson.
Security Squad:The defensive core of the organization, this squad protected the hideout and its members from potential invasions or ambushes. Composed of sensor ninjas and Jonins personally trained by Ryu, they specialized in barriers and defensive combat. Konan, as the vice-leader, oversaw operations while Ryu strategically directed the squad, ensuring the base's safety.
hough all squads operated independently, their orders came directly from Ryu. However, he often stayed on the building's rooftop, focusing on maintaining a powerful barrier that protected the hideout. This made him a near-mystical figure to newer members, while Konan played a vital role as an intermediary, conveying his decisions and keeping the organization cohesive.
The organization's functional structure reflected Ryu's strategic intellect and Konan's ability to manage and inspire the members. Over time, the organization evolved from just an idea to an emerging force in the ninja world.
The organization was named Akatsuki by Ryu, a name meaning "Dawn." To him, this group represented a new dawn for the Land of Rain, a rebirth amidst the darkness of war and oppression.
However, Akatsuki's journey was not without challenges. Over the years, the organization grew exponentially, reaching 100 highly trained ninjas operating stealthily in the shadows of the Land of Rain. This rise did not go unnoticed, and Akatsuki's growing power became a palpable threat to Hanzo of the Salamander, the country's leader.
Paranoia began to consume Hanzo, who feared losing his position of power. In response, he attempted numerous ambushes to eliminate the organization. However, all these attempts failed miserably. The reason behind their failure lay in Ryu's strategic mind. He anticipated every move Hanzo made, understanding his fears and weaknesses perfectly.
Foreseeing the dangers, Ryu implemented a powerful countermeasure to protect his ninjas: Black Seal: Automatic Reverse Summoning Jutsu. This fuinjutsu, created by him, was an innovative protection system. Whenever an Akatsuki ninja's chakra fluctuated dangerously or fell below a critical threshold, the seal would activate automatically, transporting the ninja back to the safe hideout. This system drastically reduced casualties and further frustrated Hanzo's plans.
Moreover, Ryu mobilized the Information Squad to discreetly plant transport seals in blind spots of Hanzo's surveillance. These seals were part of a more ambitious plan: to invade the Rain Village and take full control.
However, Ryu was in no rush. He knew that before seizing power, he needed to end the war ravaging the country. More than that, he aimed to achieve one of his greatest desires, something he had long sought.
Ryu sat in silence, his thoughts racing as the rain poured incessantly outside. Konan's voice broke the silence, soft yet laden with concern and determination.
"Ryu."
Hearing her, he turned his gaze toward her, giving her his full attention.
"Just as you said, Hanzo is targeting that group."
Ryu sighed deeply, as if he had already anticipated it. He knew the fame of the boy with the Rinnegan would quickly draw Hanzo's attention, especially with Danzo's interference, undoubtedly manipulating the Rain Country's leader from the shadows.
The truth was simple: he already had Akatsuki, already had a plan for the Rain Village. What he didn't need was more problems. And to him, Hanzo was the biggest one.
"You and I will go after Hanzo while the rest head to the Rain Village." Ryu's voice carried unshakable firmness as he stood up, as if he had finally made a definitive decision. He was tired of strategies and schemes. Now, he wanted to handle things with his own hands.
"Are you sure? The others want Hanzo's head as well," Konan questioned, her concern evident.
Ryu gave a faint smile, but his eyes gleamed with a mix of confidence and determination.
"I'll deliver his head on a silver platter to them and the people of the Rain Village. Besides, those guys are more of Akatsuki's public face than I am. Let them free the village from Hanzo's grasp while you and I liberate the entire country." He replied, putting on his raincoat with decisive movements. Then, he picked up his scratched Rain Village headband, a symbol of his rebellion and conviction.
He paused before continuing, his voice softening, almost nostalgic.
"After all... You and I started this, remember?"
Konan nodded, feeling the weight of the memories of the battles that had brought them this far. It was true. They had been together from the beginning. There was no one else he wanted by his side at this decisive moment.
Ryu stepped closer to Konan, his gaze firm but gentle. He held her hand carefully, as if conveying everything he felt in that simple gesture.
"To be honest, I wouldn't have done anything here without you," he began, his voice low but filled with emotion. "If it weren't for you, I probably would've left everything behind. This country owes you so much, Konan."
Gently, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed its back. The gesture was so unexpected that she felt her cheeks burn, blushing visibly.
"I really am special to you, aren't I?" Konan murmured shyly, looking away. "Do I really deserve this?"
Ryu smiled—a smile only she knew—a mix of affection and certainty. He placed his hand softly under her chin, lifting her face until their eyes met. Before she could say another word, he pulled her into a kiss.
The touch of their lips was warm and sincere, but quickly, the serenity gave way to passionate intensity. As the rain poured outside, a lightning bolt streaked across the sky, illuminating the moment and casting their shadow on the wall behind them. It was as if even the world around them acknowledged that moment.
When they finally parted, both were breathless, but their smiles said everything. For a moment, there was no war, no plans, no fights. Just the two of them.
Almost as if rehearsed, they both spoke at the same time, their voices full of sincerity:
"I love you."
...
In a canyon, Hanzo held Yahiko and Nagato's entire group hostage, putting both of them in a difficult situation. He forced Nagato to attempt suicide using a kunai. Nagato was hyperventilating, overcome with fear and doubt. Yahiko moved toward him but stopped, his disbelief rendering him motionless.
A shadow emerged from the forest, darted forward, and stabbed Nagato through the heart with a sword.
The silence in the canyon was almost tangible, broken only by Nagato's muffled cries as the blade pierced his chest. Blood dripped slowly onto the rocky ground, and his faint breaths barely clung to life.
"What?" Nagato turned his head—a fatal mistake.
The figure extended a hand and stole the pair of Rinnegan in a single motion!
Hanzo watched in shock, struggling to process what had just transpired. His subordinates exchanged bewildered glances, but none dared to move. The man who had appeared was an enigma, a shadow that seemed to dominate the scene with an overwhelming presence.
"Ryu!"
Yahiko's shout tore through the silence like thunder. His anger was palpable, burning with every step he took toward Ryu.
Ryu, his face cold and impenetrable, held the freshly extracted Rinnegan in one hand. His eyes radiated calm, yet also a silent threat. He watched Yahiko approach as if assessing a child throwing a tantrum.
"Do you remember how it all began, Yahiko?" Ryu's voice echoed, cutting through the air like a sharp blade. "I was the one who built the Akatsuki. I am the dawn of this nation. Isn't it obvious that these eyes belong to me?"
Yahiko continued advancing, ignoring Ryu's words. "You betrayed us, Ryu! You betrayed everything we promised!"
The leader of the Akatsuki let out a low, derisive laugh. "Promises are for the weak, Yahiko. This world isn't shaped by promises but by power."
Before Yahiko could reach Ryu, the sky darkened above them. A rain of paper spears began to fall, piercing the ground around Yahiko and forcing him to stop. He looked up, his eyes widening as he saw Konan hovering above, surrounded by immense paper wings, her angelic figure contrasting with the violence around her.
"Kamineton: Rain of Paper Spears!"
The attack made the canyon tremble. Dust rose, and Yahiko was thrown back by the force of the explosions. He rolled across the ground, gasping, as he looked at Konan.
"Konan... why?" His voice carried disbelief mixed with sorrow.
Konan didn't reply. Her eyes, cold as steel, showed no emotion. She stood beside Ryu, acknowledging him as her absolute leader.
"Don't you understand yet, Yahiko?" Ryu said, walking toward him while storing the stolen eyes in a special container. "I'm the only one who can change this world. Sacrifices must be made... and unfortunately, you were in my way."
Hanzo, who had been watching everything unfold, finally stepped back, realizing he was in the presence of something far beyond his comprehension. He, who had always seen himself as the absolute ruler of the Rain Village, now felt the crushing weight of his insignificance before Ryu and his overwhelming power.
"Hanzo," Ryu turned his attention to him, a cold smile on his face. "Prepare yourself. Your era ends here."
Ryu smirked before entering Sage Mode and channeling Lightning Style in his free hand. Konan smiled from above and performed a hand seal. Suddenly, a wave of explosions erupted, engulfing Hanzo's men and the hostages in flames.
Hanzo barely had time to react when a brilliant blue light emerged from the smoke. Ryu's lightning blade pierced his body like a thunderbolt cutting through the sky, leaving behind a trail of energy that seemed to devour the air around it.
"Lightning Style: True Thunder Blade!" Ryu's voice echoed through the canyon, firm and merciless, as the electric energy roared around him like a hungry predator.
Hanzo gasped, his eyes wide with disbelief and fear. He, the Salamander, feared for his venom and skills, was now reduced to nothing before Ryu's crushing power.
In the sky, Konan kept her gaze fixed on the scene. Her paper wings fluttered in the wind as she observed the final moments of the Rain Village's ruler. Her seal had sealed the fate of Hanzo's hostages and forces, clearing the way for Ryu's rise.
"You lost, Hanzo." Ryu whispered, his face emotionless as he withdrew his lightning blade, letting Hanzo's body fall to the ground with a dull thud.
Hanzo tried to speak, but blood filled his throat. His eyes turned to the sky, seeing the never-ending rain, the hallmark of his dark reign. And then, his vision faded to black.
Ryu stood tall, surveying the battlefield. "Konan, the Rain Country is ours."
Konan landed gracefully beside him, her expression serene but resolute. "The people need to know Hanzo's oppression is over. Let's begin now, Ryu."
He smiled, but it was a cold, almost predatory smile. "Yes, let's bring the dawn we promised... even if it requires more sacrifices."
Ryu and Konan exchanged a glance, a mixture of determination and urgency on their faces. Yahiko had disappeared, and it unsettled Ryu, but he quickly pushed the thought aside. The main objective had been achieved: he now held the Rinnegan.
"Konan, we need to move quickly." Ryu said, his voice firm and impassive. "Help me with the transplant before anyone tries to stop us."
Konan nodded without hesitation, her paper wings dissolving as she landed beside Ryu. "We'll do it in the hideout. It's too risky here, even with Hanzo out of the picture."
Ryu took a deep breath and glanced around the rain-soaked battlefield one last time. "Agreed. We can't waste time."
Konan began performing a series of hand seals, preparing a Reverse Summoning Jutsu. "Ryu, as soon as we get there, I'll set up the procedure room. Trust me."
"I always trust you." Ryu replied, casting a final look at the rain-drenched canyon before disappearing in a cloud of smoke alongside Konan.
At the Akatsuki's hideout, Konan quickly organized the necessary instruments while Ryu positioned himself. He handed her the eyes, his fingers trembling slightly—not out of fear, but from the anticipation of the power he was about to obtain.
"Konan, are you ready for this?" Ryu asked, his tone softer than usual.
She looked at him, determined. "I always have been. Let's make sure this is a new dawn for the Rain Country... and for you."
With those words, she began the procedure, both fully aware that what they were doing would change not only their lives but the fate of the entire shinobi world.