Naruto nodded slightly.
Akatsuki really was professional—after all, this wasn't their first time capturing someone.
They'd already caught six or seven Tailed Beasts before.
So when it came to capturing an ordinary jōnin like Anko Mitarashi, it was almost trivial.
If Naruto hadn't specifically told Nagato to keep her alive, the battle would have been over in a single second using their usual Tailed Beast–capture tactics.
The chameleon slithered before Naruto and spat Anko out. She was unconscious, her whole body drenched and limp.
The Preta Path Pain stepped aside—he had already drained most of her chakra, leaving just enough to keep her alive.
Naruto gestured to Konan. "Senior Sister, I'll trouble you with this."
Konan understood immediately. Paper sheets unfolded from her body, wrapping Anko securely before carrying her away.
Meanwhile, Yamato and Sai, having recovered, began chasing after them.
Nagato frowned, but Naruto raised a hand. "It's fine. They're bound to find out sooner or later."
As Sai's painted beasts and Yamato's Wood Release surged forward, Naruto created shadow clones.
Two Rasengan appeared in his hands, spinning at high speed, shattering the incoming wooden branches and ink beasts in a blast of energy that sent debris flying toward the stunned faces of Yamato and Sai.
"...Naruto?"
"Why is he here!?"
After exchanging a few blows, Yamato and Sai regrouped while Naruto landed before them.
Seeing Naruto dressed in an Akatsuki cloak, Yamato confirmed the chakra signature twice, unable to believe what he was sensing.
"...Naruto! What's with that outfit? Don't tell me—you've joined Akatsuki?"
Naruto shook his head.
Yamato exhaled in relief. Of course. There's no way Naruto would betray Konoha.
But then Naruto said calmly, "Correction—I didn't join Akatsuki. I've founded a new organization, called ten, and I am its sole creator."
The relief on Yamato's face vanished instantly.
Sai frowned. "Naruto-kun… weren't you supposed to become Hokage? Why would you turn your back on Konoha?"
Naruto sighed, spreading his hands. "When did I ever say I was betraying Konoha?"
Sai replied, "Your outfit, your actions—everything says otherwise! You look like one of them!"
Naruto looked exasperated. "It's ten! I'll repeat it again—it's ten, not Akatsuki!"
Yamato's voice rose. "Naruto, are you under some kind of genjutsu control?"
He had worked closely with Naruto before. If anyone dared claim Naruto had betrayed Konoha, Yamato would call that person insane.
Naruto's will as Hokage was unshakable!
Yet now, seeing him clad in Akatsuki robes, Yamato felt more shaken than when he'd first seen Orochimaru's twisted experiments.
To him, this had to be the result of illusionary manipulation.
Naruto quickly waved his hand. "No, Captain Yamato! I should explain clearly—I'm not under any genjutsu, and I didn't join Akatsuki. My organization is called ten. Please remember that! When you report back, don't go telling everyone it was Akatsuki!"
"As for these Pains you see," Naruto continued, "I've already taken them in. They now work for ten. So stop calling them Akatsuki from now on."
Sai stared at him—the Naruto standing before him felt like a stranger. "Naruto-kun… what is this Heaven Organization?"
Naruto smiled faintly at his former comrade. "ten is an organization dedicated to protecting the future of the shinobi world. If you're ever interested, Sai, you're welcome to join."
"...Sai!" Yamato barked immediately.
"Sorry," Sai said, bowing slightly. "I was only asking."
Yamato didn't press further. Having served under Root, he understood the rigid discipline Sai operated under.
"Listen, Naruto," Yamato said grimly, "whatever you claim this is, release Captain Anko immediately—or Konoha will put you on the wanted list."
Naruto chuckled. "Relax, Captain. Once I'm done, I'll personally return her to the village. I just need her help for a little while."
"Well, it's getting late. I won't waste your time. Once things settle down, we'll have plenty of time to talk."
He signaled Konan. She took off with Anko, while Nagato guided the giant bird upward into the sky.
"Captain Yamato, Sai—until next time."
With that, Naruto vanished in a flash of Flying Thunder God, reappearing atop the soaring bird.
Sai turned to Yamato. "Should I follow with my Super Beast Imitating Drawing?"
Yamato gritted his teeth. "No. It's obvious—they held back because it was Naruto. Otherwise, with that lineup… we wouldn't have stood a chance."
Six Paths of Pain—
That kind of formation was used for capturing Tailed Beasts.
And throughout the battle, the enemy had shown interest only in Captain Anko. Their attacks on Sai and Yamato had been purely defensive, never lethal.
Yamato's brow furrowed deeply. There was too much he didn't understand.
There was no other choice—he had to return to Konoha and report directly to the Hokage.
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