Within a secret stronghold in Amegakure, the core members of Akatsuki were recuperating. Though they had survived the fierce clash with Shimura Danzō and Hanzo of the Salamander, they were covered in wounds.
Yahiko had already been resurrected by Uchiha Ying Yue through Izanagi, yet Akatsuki's beliefs remained unshaken.
They still sought to end the conflicts of the shinobi world through understanding and peace.
Just then, a mysterious masked man entered their sight.
It was Uchiha Obito. Using Uchiha Madara's name, he appeared before Akatsuki.
"I am Uchiha Madara," Obito said in a deep voice. "I have come to recruit you. Akatsuki possesses great power, and we share a common enemy. I have a plan that can lead the entire shinobi world toward true peace. Your strength and goals can both serve that purpose."
Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato exchanged glances. Yahiko was the first to speak. "Peace? And how do you intend to achieve your peace? What we seek is understanding and cooperation between people, not revenge."
Obito let out a cold laugh, his tone carrying a hint of disdain. "Human nature is war and suffering. Only when everyone experiences despair and pain will they understand how to cherish peace. My plan can put an end to all of it."
"Your so-called plan is to force the world into submission through extreme measures?" Konan asked coldly. She had always been suspicious of the "Uchiha Madara" before her, especially since he claimed to be Madara—a man who had long since become a legendary figure and should have been dead.
"We're not interested," Yahiko said firmly. "I believe peace comes from understanding, not pain. If you want revenge and war, that is your own business. We of Akatsuki seek peace by changing people's hearts, not through coercion and suffering."
Nagato did not