Relentless rain had blanketed the Land of Rain for days.
The damp air carried the stench of mud and lingering gunpowder, making the already ruined land feel even more suffocating.
Two figures walked slowly through the puddles, black robes swaying in the wind and rain.
It was Asuka and Obito Uchiha.
---
They found Nagato once again.
This time, his eyes had completely lost their former light.
His legs, wrapped in thick bandages, hung stiffly over the edge of a stone platform. His thin black clothes clung to his frail body, outlining a gaunt silhouette. His gaze resembled a bottomless pool—dark, empty, and without reflection.
---
Seeing them, Nagato spoke hoarsely:
"What are you doing here?"
---
Obito lowered his voice, once again imitating Uchiha Madara.
"It seems your so-called 'peaceful ideals' have been completely shattered."
"I've come to extend the invitation again. Join us."
---
Nagato's Rinnegan shifted toward them.
"Yahiko's ideal… has indeed collapsed," he said calmly.
"But his will… I will inherit it. In my own way."
---
"In your own way?" Obito scoffed.
"The world is built on a cycle of hatred. Words and persuasion are meaningless."
"Pain is the only thing that connects people."
"The strong never understand the weak. Only when everyone experiences true pain will they understand war—and stop it."
---
Nagato had awakened—
But not toward hope.
Toward extremity.
---
Obito narrowed his eyes behind the mask.
This wasn't what he expected.
Instead of despair… Nagato had chosen domination through fear.
---
Before Obito could respond, Asuka stepped forward.
---
"If that's your path," he said calmly, "then you need power to support it."
His gaze swept across Nagato's ruined body—his legs, his frail frame, his pale face.
No mockery.
Just truth.
---
"In your current condition," Asuka continued, "you can't even contend with the Five Great Nations."
---
Nagato remained silent.
---
"Our goal," Asuka said, "is to gather the nine Tailed Beasts, revive the Ten-Tails, and complete the Eye of the Moon Plan."
"And your path also requires that level of power."
"You want to make the world feel pain? Then you need power on the level of the Tailed Beasts."
"We need them for our plan."
"You need them to enforce yours."
---
He paused.
---
"Cooperation benefits both of us."
---
Silence filled the cave.
Only the crackle of the oil lamp… and the distant sound of rain.
---
Nagato understood.
Without overwhelming power, his ideals were meaningless.
Even with the Rinnegan, he couldn't face the Five Great Nations alone.
But with the power of the Tailed Beasts—
Everything would change.
---
After a long time…
Nagato raised his head.
Determination burned in his eyes.
---
"I agree."
---
A faint smile appeared on Asuka's lips.
"A wise choice."
---
He stepped forward and handed Nagato a bottle.
Inside was purified golden liquid.
---
After briefly explaining it, Nagato drank it—hesitant, but resolute.
---
The effect was immediate.
His shriveled body began to recover.
His muscles filled out.
His destroyed legs regained sensation.
---
Moments later—
Nagato stood up.
Fully restored.
---
Obito stepped forward.
"Your current strength is still insufficient," he said.
"You cannot fully wield the Rinnegan."
"I will teach you how to use its true power."
---
Nagato nodded silently.
Nearby, Konan watched with concern.
---
The first thing Nagato did after recovering—
Was approach Yahiko's body.
---
Using the power of the Rinnegan…
He turned Yahiko into the Deva Path.
---
As Yahiko's familiar form stood once more before him, a flicker of pain crossed Nagato's eyes—
But it vanished just as quickly.
---
Yahiko's dream was dead.
But his will…
Would live on.
---
From that day forward—
The Akatsuki was no longer a group seeking peace.
---
It became something far more dangerous.
---
A mercenary organization… stained in blood.
---
Nagato also redesigned their uniforms.
The simple black robes were now adorned with red clouds—
Vivid, like fresh blood.
---
A symbol.
Of the path they had chosen.
---
And from this moment on—
The Akatsuki…
was truly born.