Liao Wu watched Akatsuki leave the cave, following them with his eyes until they gradually disappeared into the rain.
Candy appeared on Liao Wu's shoulder and handed him a lollipop. "Was it worth it? They were all going to die anyway."
Liao Wu unwrapped the lollipop and held it in his mouth, savoring its faint sweetness. "Candy, everyone dies eventually, so why live at all?"
Candy shook her head. "I don't know!"
Liao Wu replied, "Maybe Ninjas are a group of people who pursue death! Since we'll all die in the end, we might as well make our deaths spectacular."
"Moths to flame, born to die!"
"Let's go. Keep up and help them collect the bodies!"
Liao Wu tightly gripped the Paper Flower Konan had given him and smiled foolishly. "Konan is so considerate. The carnation symbolizes warm blessings, as well as the love that makes people weak."
Candy complained, "Carnations have another meaning too—that is—selfless Mother's Love!"
"(ಠ∩ಠ)." Liao Wu turned around and glared darkly at Candy.
"Candy, watch me electrocute you to death!"
Candy hurriedly jumped off Liao Wu's shoulder and fled at top speed.
Liao Wu chased after her. Just before leaving, he looked back at Akatsuki's base one last time. He might never return.
Hanzō and Akatsuki were meeting in the Hills fifty li behind Amegakure.
The Hills were not particularly high, their gentle slopes rising and falling softly. Almost no plants grew there, save for a few scattered clumps of withered yellow grass.
At the foot of the Hills lay a broad Open space. Water had collected in its uneven hollows, reflecting the leaden sky.
There were no trees, no grass, and not even a single bird in the sky. There was only the sound of rain.
Yahiko led the members of Akatsuki to