Ch. 201I Want to Join You, Too
Chapter Summary: “I Want to Join You Too”
Key Plot Points and Events
- After Nagato’s death, Konan realizes that Akatsuki’s plan has stalled because only the wielder of the Rinnegan can summon the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and extract Tailed Beasts.
- Believing Naruto’s Uzumaki heritage makes him capable of wielding Nagato’s Rinnegan, Konan decides to transplant the eyes into him and groom him as the new leader of Akatsuki.
- She also plans to retain and train Naruto, Gaara, and Kaede together, viewing the three young Jinchuriki as a new version of herself, Yahiko, and Nagato.
- Amegakure falls to the Allied Forces of the Five Great Ninja Villages. The villagers, who once worshipped Pain as their god, are left terrified and defenseless.
- Dan infiltrates the occupied village, using himself as bait to capture Allied Forces ninjas. He defeats and interrogates Mabui with his Sharingan, learning that Konan escaped with the three Jinchuriki and the Rinnegan.
- Dan also discovers that Samui has been sent to Konoha as Kumogakure’s ambassador, prompting him to plan a return there.
- Dan’s transplanted Sharingan senses Obito nearby. He realizes Obito will likely pursue Nagato’s Rinnegan and decides to confront him.
- Obito, Kisame, and Zetsu learn from Kakuzu that Nagato is dead and that Konan escaped with both the Jinchuriki and the Rinnegan.
- Obito recruits—or attempts to recruit—Kakuzu and announces that their next objective is to hunt Konan and recover the Rinnegan and Jinchuriki.
- Before they leave, Dan appears and casually asks to join them. When Kakuzu attacks, Dan overwhelms him, destroying one of his hearts.
- Dan then defeats Kisame through a combination of physical strength and Sharingan genjutsu, sending him flying into a lake.
- Kakuzu launches a combined Fire-and-Wind Release attack, but Dan uses an advanced eye technique to cross the flames instantly and destroy two more of Kakuzu’s hearts.
- Obito recognizes Dan’s eyes and reacts in shock, exclaiming that Dan had not actually died.
Character Developments
- Konan: Moves from uncertainty and dependence on the former Akatsuki leaders toward an independent purpose. She adopts the role of mentor and leader, determined to create a “second-generation Akatsuki.”
- Naruto: Though unconscious and unaware of events, he is chosen by Konan as Nagato’s successor and intended Rinnegan vessel.
- Gaara and Kaede: Become potential members and allies of Konan’s new Akatsuki under Naruto’s leadership.
- Dan: Demonstrates his strategic cunning, infiltrating Amegakure, gathering intelligence, and manipulating enemy forces. His combat abilities are shown to be overwhelming, and his survival appears to be connected to his Sharingan and mysterious advanced techniques.
- Obito: Loses the advantage of Nagato’s death when he learns that Konan possesses the Rinnegan. His plans shift toward hunting her, while Dan’s appearance unsettles him.
- Kakuzu: Seeks a new powerful ally after Nagato’s death, but his confidence is shaken when Dan destroys several of his hearts with ease.
- Kisame: Remains aggressive and confident, but is quickly defeated by Dan’s genjutsu and physical power.
- Mabui: Is captured and interrogated by Dan, providing information about Konan and Samui.
- Samui: Takes on a new diplomatic role as Kumogakure’s representative in Konoha.
Significant Themes
- Inheritance and legacy: Konan attempts to preserve Yahiko and Nagato’s ideals by passing Akatsuki’s mission to Naruto and creating a new trio.
- Loss of identity and self-determination: Konan reflects on how she has always followed the dreams of others, but Nagato’s death forces her to choose a purpose of her own.
- Power and succession: The Rinnegan becomes the central symbol of authority, with multiple factions seeking control of it and the Jinchuriki.
- The collapse of false security: Amegakure’s people believed Pain would protect them, but his death exposes their vulnerability.
- Deception and hidden agendas: Dan infiltrates the village in disguise, Obito conceals his true intentions, and alliances are formed for personal advantage.
- Resurrection and survival: Obito’s shock at seeing Dan alive suggests unresolved mysteries surrounding Dan’s apparent death and continued existence.
Important Character Interactions
- Konan speaks to the unconscious Naruto and symbolically appoints him as the next Akatsuki leader.
- Dan uses genjutsu to interrogate Mabui and other Allied Forces members before erasing their memories.
- Obito, Zetsu, and Kakuzu discuss Nagato’s death and the location of the Rinnegan, leading Obito to target Konan.
- Kakuzu cautiously negotiates with Obito, making clear that he has not fully committed himself.
- Dan confronts Obito’s group by requesting to join them, then defeats Kakuzu and Kisame in rapid succession.
- Obito recognizes Dan’s eyes and reveals that he knows—or suspects—that Dan had previously died, setting up a major mystery and confrontation.