Gather for Battle!

Outside Konoha!

Figures clad in Black and Red Cloud appeared one after another.

Under the moonlight, it was clear that there were more than five of them.

"So this is Konoha?"

One of the figures, hunched over and wearing a mask, sighed.

Sasori!

Known as "Sasori of the Red Sands," he was also one half of Akatsuki's "Art Duo."

"That's right. This is Konoha, the strongest and most prosperous village in the Shinobi World!"

A figure with an X-shaped scar on his chin and half his body tree-green took over.

"Tch, the strongest and most prosperous place now is the Tenshukaku, capital of Blazing Sun Country. It stopped being Konoha long ago. Besides, even if Konoha were still the strongest shinobi village, what would that have to do with a rogue ninja like you?"

The child-faced man with long white hair draped over his shoulders interrupted Danzo unhappily.

Hiruko!

He bore a blood-deep grudge against Konoha, and today's mission had been initiated by him.

"What did you say? Do you believe this old man will kill you?"

Danzo had been struck where it hurt.

Lies did not wound people; the truth was the sharpest blade.

Whether it was the village losing its title as the "strongest," or his own status as a rogue ninja, neither was something he wished to mention. Now that someone was rubbing it in his face, how could he not be enraged?

In the past, Hiruzen Sarutobi had indulged him.

But no one in Akatsuki would indulge him, and Hiruko certainly would not. He immediately prepared to make a move.

From their mission together in Kusagakure, it was clear that the other man was no match for him after he had fused several Kekkei Genkai. He had not had the chance before, but now that he