Ch. 323A Reckless Decision
Princess Yukihime and Xiao Li discussed Naruto's suspicions and his mysterious demonic energy before Naruto left the Land of Iron with Yukihime and the others. At the Akatsuki base, Nagato agreed to risk integrating Madara Uchiha's cells to strengthen his use of the Rinnegan and Mangekyō Sharingan.
- Yukihime revived Xiao Li, and Xiao Li said Naruto had discovered their identities and possessed unusually pure demonic energy.
- Yukihime and Xiao Li discussed whether Naruto liked Yukihime, leaving her embarrassed.
- Naruto told Mifune that the mission was complete, then left for the Land of Fire the next morning with Konohamaru and Yukihime.
- Zetsu, Hidan, and Kakuzu delivered Madara Uchiha's body to Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, while black gas slipped into Hidan unnoticed.
- Yahiko proposed that Nagato integrate Madara's cells to reduce the strain of using his eyes and unlock their full power.
- Nagato chose to undergo the risky procedure, and Konan agreed after Yahiko promised to support him.