Shadow Space.
Beside the Underworld King's palace at the heart of the space stood another immense palace, only slightly less grand. Its plaque bore the words "Gate Hall."
Ever since Kenma had made this space his base, he had moved the Gate Hall here as well.
He had also used the move as an opportunity to expand it.
With Riko Amanai as its master, the hall managed the Senkaimon leading to the various worlds.
A towering wall enclosed several square kilometers around the Gate Hall. At the front stood yet another palace, guarding the entire compound.
Named the Reincarnation Hall, it was defended by Nagato, who had been assigned to protect Riko Amanai, and the members of the Akatsuki who had served under him in life.
Kenma had even ordered the Akatsuki's black robes with Auspicious Clouds made to match the image in his memory.
Inside the hall, the Akatsuki members stood at their posts, watching over the three Quincy left in their custody.
Yahiko sat in the central chair, unable to hide his worry.
"Konan's on her own, and the military called her over. She won't be in danger, will she?"
Across from him, Nagato rose from his chair.
Worry showed in those strange Rinnegan eyes too, but he walked over, placed a hand on Yahiko's shoulder, and tried to reassure him.
"Don't worry. They explained it clearly at the strategy meeting."
"Konan's technique is perfect for distributing the proclamations. She'll mostly stay high above the Seireitei, and the military has assigned people to protect her. She won't have to fight."
Yahiko looked a little better, but the worry in his eyes remained.
"I know all that, Nagato. I just can't stop thinking about it."
"We've finally been reunited, and now Konan has to go into a battlefield like