The Hidden Star had become the cornerstone of the Akatsuki's empire, but the need for more power never ceased. As the Akatsuki's influence spread across the world, Nagato knew that to solidify their strength, every member of the organization needed to tap into the ancient arts of summoning and sage mode. These techniques would further empower his empire and ensure that no force could oppose them.
Nagato stood before his assembled Akatsuki members in the newly constructed war room of the Hidden Star. His Rinnegan gleamed with a sense of purpose as he addressed the group. "Our strength has already grown exponentially, but to truly dominate, we must master the techniques that have stood the test of time—summoning contracts and sage mode. It is time for each of you to become a master in your own right."
The Akatsuki members exchanged glances, some with excitement, others with curiosity. They had already tasted power under Nagato's leadership, but the idea of summoning mighty beasts and tapping into the energy of nature itself was a new frontier—a challenge they were eager to face.
Nagato continued, his voice steady. "The summoning contracts are not just tools for battle—they are bonds, forged through blood and trust. Each of you will form a pact with a legendary creature, gaining access to their power and abilities. And then, you will journey into the depths of nature itself to awaken the power of sage mode."
The first to step forward was Konan, her blue paper wings fluttering as she bowed before Nagato. "I understand, Nagato," she said softly. "I will not fail you."
"You will be the first," Nagato responded, gesturing to the ancient scrolls of summoning that lay before him. "For you, Konan, I have arranged a contract with the Toads of Mount Myoboku. Their wisdom and power will aid you in your journey. Go now, and begin your training."
Konan nodded, taking the scrolls from Nagato and vanishing in a flash of paper, embarking on her journey to Mount Myoboku, where she would meet the toads. Her mastery of paper jutsu would be enhanced by the powerful toads' techniques, their ability to summon vast swathes of energy and strength.
Next, it was Kimimaro's turn. With his mastery over bone manipulation, Kimimaro was already a formidable fighter, but the ability to summon creatures that could enhance his abilities was something that could tip the scales in battle. Nagato had chosen the Tailed Beasts' guardians, the beasts of the wild, as Kimimaro's summoning contract.
"Your body is your weapon, Kimimaro, but it is also your weakness," Nagato said, looking at the pale warrior. "By forging a contract with the Tailed Beasts' guardians, you will gain access to creatures that can assist in your fight and add depth to your powers."
Kimimaro's expression was calm, but his mind burned with the desire to become stronger. He bowed his head in acknowledgment, preparing to leave for the wild places where the guardians of the tailed beasts resided. He would learn from them, mastering both their raw power and their fierce loyalty.
The next to step forward was Suigetsu, his fluid body forming and reshaping as he approached Nagato. Suigetsu, who had long admired the power of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, had been chosen to form a contract with the sacred sea creatures of the Hidden Mist. These creatures were known for their ability to adapt to any terrain and were a perfect match for Suigetsu's liquid body.
"Your body is malleable, but it lacks the depth of power," Nagato observed. "By forging a contract with the sea creatures, you will gain not only raw strength but the ability to summon water-based creatures of tremendous size and ferocity."
Suigetsu smirked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Sounds like my kind of fight." He left soon after, heading toward the oceans and hidden depths of the Mist, where he would form a bond with the great sea creatures.
Jirobo, the master of earth and strength, was called next. Nagato had selected the mighty beasts of the land as Jirobo's summoning contract, specifically the Great Earth Serpents—massive, ancient creatures capable of manipulating the earth itself.
"Your strength is formidable, but you need something more to truly harness your potential," Nagato said to Jirobo. "These serpents will give you the power to control the earth beneath your feet, summoning it to reshape the world around you."
Jirobo grinned widely, his confidence unwavering. "I will become the most powerful of them all," he said before heading off to the mountains where the serpents lived, eager to prove himself worthy of their power.
Tayuya, known for her mastery of the flute and sound-based jutsu, was next. Nagato chose the mysterious, ghostly creatures of the Underworld as her summoning contract—beings that existed in a realm between life and death, creatures capable of manipulating sound and the very fabric of reality.
"Your ability to control sound is powerful, Tayuya," Nagato began, "but these creatures will allow you to manipulate more than just sound. They will help you control the spirits of the battlefield and use the very essence of life itself as a weapon."
Tayuya smirked, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of new power. "I'll be the most feared sound user this world has ever seen," she said, already envisioning the creatures she would summon.
Karin, with her exceptional sensory abilities, was chosen to form a contract with the great serpents of the forest. These serpents were known for their keen senses, able to track even the faintest of movements. The serpents were also capable of manipulating chakra flows and could lend their strength to Karin in battle.
"You will be able to sense anything, Karin, and with the serpents' power, you will gain the ability to control the flow of chakra itself," Nagato explained, recognizing the depth of her potential.
Karin nodded, eager to expand her senses and grow stronger. She left immediately, heading for the wild forests where the serpents resided, their power waiting to be claimed.
Jugo, the powerhouse with a curse, was next. Nagato selected the creatures of the cursed land for Jugo's summoning contract—beasts that thrived on the energy of destruction and chaos, mirroring Jugo's own uncontrollable power.
"The creatures you summon will not only increase your raw power but will teach you to harness the destruction within you," Nagato said, knowing that Jugo's power, while great, had always been unpredictable.
Jugo set off, determined to master the creatures of the cursed land, to bend their power to his will.
As each member of the Akatsuki ventured into their chosen lands to forge their summoning contracts, Nagato turned to the final challenge for his organization: sage mode.
Nagato, with his Rinnegan, had already experienced the benefits of tapping into natural energy. But for the others, it was a long journey—one that would push them to their limits. Jiraiya's teachings had already provided them with a foundation, but the mastery of sage mode would make them true forces of nature.
Nagato sent each member to a different place where they could learn the secrets of sage mode, ensuring that they would be able to draw from the natural world's energy without losing control or being overwhelmed.
Kimimaro journeyed to the ancient forests where the Sage of the Six Paths had once meditated. Suigetsu headed to the sea, where water-based sage mode had been perfected by the amphibians of the deep. Karin sought the wisdom of the mountain sages, who could tap into the earth's raw power. Each member faced their own unique challenge, pushing their bodies and minds to new heights.
After months of intense training, the Akatsuki returned, now masters of sage mode. Their summoning contracts were forged, their bond with nature secured. They were no longer just rogue ninja—they were legends in the making, ready to rule the world under Nagato's command.