Some time later, Nagato walked out of the Rogue Ninja Base, carrying a rogue ninja's corpse in one hand. His expression was grim.
According to the rogue ninja's confession, the attack on Yahiko had involved not only Amegakure Jonin, but also Cloud.
Amegakure's higher-ups resented Akatsuki's growing reputation. They believed Akatsuki threatened their rule over the Land of Rain and could potentially launch a military coup.
Cloud, on the other hand, was simply stirring up trouble. They wanted the Land of Rain to join the war and ease the pressure on their western front.
Thinking back to the sand ninja he had encountered over ten hours ago, it was no surprise that Akatsuki had faced harassment and siege from both internal and external forces since its founding, nor that Hanzo and Danzo would later join forces to attack them.
With a soft sigh, Nagato turned to look at the Akatsuki members who had come looking for him, his gaze settling on Yahiko.
"Yahiko, you came..."
Yahiko stared at Nagato for a long while before nodding. "It's raining outside. Whatever it is, it can wait until we return to the base. Don't catch a cold from the rain."
From the Rogue Ninja Base to Akatsuki's nearest base.
Yahiko and Nagato kept walking with their arms around each other's shoulders, chatting and laughing, but the Akatsuki members felt that something about the two was off. Yahiko had become much quieter, while Nagato, who had always been taciturn, had suddenly gained confidence.
After arriving at the Akatsuki Base, Yahiko dismissed everyone around them before looking at Nagato. "You're not the Nagato I know. Who exactly are you?"
Nagato knew he had been seen through and said calmly, "I am Nagato."
"I already know what you did to those sand ninja. The Nagato I