Leaving the Kamui Dimension, he returned to the familiar cemetery.
It was as if nothing had happened, and yet as if everything had already passed.
Obito's words had made Josuke take things seriously.
He needed power—great power—to protect the people he cherished most.
What was meant to come would come. There was no escaping it.
Josuke wasn't some chosen protagonist blessed by fate. He had no cheat ability; all he had was the progress he made day after day.
It was getting late.
Josuke got to his feet and left the cemetery.
He left through Konoha's main gate.
Konoha's security system was as laughable as ever. He left through the main gate, and no one even noticed.
After leaving Konoha, Josuke wandered aimlessly. He didn't want to return to Orochimaru just yet.
Meanwhile.
Amegakure.
The Akatsuki Organization.
In the vast chamber, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path stood tall, radiating a terrifying presence.
A man with orange hair kept his eyes closed, seemingly waiting for something.
Rain pattered outside. This was everyday life in Amegakure, where it rained all year round.
Not a trace of sunlight could be seen.
After an unknown amount of time, a group of ninja walked in. They wore black cloaks patterned with red clouds and Forehead Protectors engraved with the Rogue Ninja symbol.
Only then did the orange-haired man slowly open his eyes.
"Is everyone here?"
No one spoke. They waited for the man to give his orders.
"We seem to have suffered some serious losses. Just capturing a few Tailed Beasts has already cost us three members.
"We need to bolster our forces. Does anyone have any good suggestions?"
They looked at one another.
In the end, they couldn't think of anyone suitable.
Pain was disappointed—or rather, Nagato was disappointed.
He could capture