At the Akatsuki base, Nagato Uzumaki was overjoyed by the arrival of Uzumaki Rieko.
In the past, although Konan, Yahiko, and other members of the Akatsuki cared for Nagato, because they were all friends, this was still somewhat lacking for Nagato who lacked affection.
Warm and comfortable new clothes, fresh and delicious food, the care of family members, and the love from all the friends in the Akatsuki.
Everything that Akatsuki these past few days was unforgettable for Nagato.
Even though she knew it was temporary, Nagato couldn't help but want this moment to last forever.
Even though the Akatsuki is not in a good situation right now.
If you've never had something, that's one thing, but once you've had it and then lost it, it's easy to lose your balance.
That's the situation Nagato is in now.
Every day, Rieko sets aside time to teach Nagato's Uzumaki Clan the foundation of their clan— Sealing Jutsu.
Nagato did not disappoint Rieko's expectations, making rapid progress in Sealing Jutsu.
Even Rieko was amazed by Nagato's rapid progress.
"Alright, Nagato, that concludes today's lesson!"
After finishing today's lesson, Rieko packed up her Sealing Jutsu textbook, said goodbye to Nagato, and prepared to leave the "classroom".
It's called a classroom, but it's really just an empty room that hardly anyone uses.
"Okay, Rieko... big sister."
Looking at Rieko, Nagato said goodbye shyly.
Yesterday, the two compared their ages. Rieko Nagato than Nagato, so Rieko decided to address Nagato as her sister.
After all, who wouldn't like an older, wise, gentle, and considerate sister?
"See you tomorrow!"
Rieko smiled knowingly at the shy Nagato and waved goodbye.
After saying goodbye to Nagato, Rieko did not go to Akatsuki locations, but went straight back to her residence.
As a "newcomer" and "outsider," Rieko was quite self-aware and didn't cause Yahiko and the others any unnecessary trouble.
But today, her residence welcomed its true owner.
"Chief Yahiko?"
Through the rain, Rieko saw a blurry figure, and only when she got closer did she realize that the person who lived there Yahiko.
Yahiko is currently standing at Rieko's door, clearly there for Rieko.
In response to Rieko's words, Yahiko first nodded in agreement, then glanced at the Sealing Jutsu textbook in her hand. He then stepped aside, gesturing for Rieko to put the book down, and said, "Shall we talk?"
Seeing Yahiko's actions, Rieko did not refuse. After putting the things down, she looked at Yahiko.
Because of Nagato, Yahiko had already investigated him. As the leader of Akatsuki, while his actions were somewhat idealistic, he was definitely not a fool. So, why was he here this time...?
Thinking to herself, Rieko asked directly, "I wonder what Boss Yahiko wants to talk about?"
Yahiko looked at Rieko, thinking of the "traitor's" message, took a deep breath, and then asked, "The Rain Ninja have almost completely surrounded us now, and you still haven't received a reply?"
Rieko has been with the Akatsuki for five days now. Logically, the Cloud Ninja should have replied by now, but the Rain Ninja are still proceeding as methodically as before!
On the contrary, several of the Akatsuki's top leaders have fled!
Those who haven't fled yet are already using connections to prepare for their escape.
However, Yahiko didn't blame them. After all, if he weren't the leader of Akatsuki, and if he weren't being watched, he would have wanted to run away!
The Rain Ninja were putting too much pressure on them!
After listening to Yahiko's words, Rieko remained silent for a moment, then shook her head.
I haven't received a reply.
Seeing Yahiko's darkened face, Rieko could only add, "Perhaps the Rain Ninja are all under martial law, which has slowed down the speed at which my people deliver messages?"
"The messenger I sent is skilled in the Body Flicker Technique; the Jonin of the Land of Rain will definitely be no match for him, so you can rest assured!"
Yahiko took a deep breath, glanced at Rieko, and fell silent.
Looking at Rieko demeanor, he was momentarily at a loss for words to tell her the news of the messenger's death.
As Yahiko fell silent, Rieko sensed something was wrong, and the atmosphere in the room gradually became awkward.
Things probably aren't as she thinks, are they?
"Rieko, your messenger is... dead!"
"We are now completely isolated and helpless!"
Yahiko spoke in a deep voice, Rieko's face fell.
Although it's unclear where Yahiko obtained this information, it's quite convincing considering the current situation!
The letter failed to get through, and with no potential reinforcements, they were in danger!
"Chief Yahiko, you didn't come here just to tell me this, did you?"
Rieko forced a smile, smoothed a stray hair behind her ear, and tried to ease the pressure in her heart.
In a truly dire situation, Yahiko would definitely not be in such a "relaxed" state with her right now, and given what just happened, Yahiko would certainly have some thoughts on his mind.
Yahiko nodded. He did indeed have some ideas, and he had come to consult Rieko, since he currently lacked the ability to realize them.
"You should still have a way to communicate with the outside world, or do you have a summoning beast that can perform reverse Summoning Technique?"
The ability to communicate with the outside world can help them overcome their current predicament, and a high-level summoning beast capable of reverse Summoning Technique can even help them escape!
Yahiko looked at Rieko hopefully, but Rieko was conflicted.
She possessed high-level summoning beasts capable of reverse Summoning Technique before the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools, but those summoning beasts have now been wiped out!
As for how to communicate with the outside world, she still had a long-range communication scroll that the Uchiha Clan had given her when she was in Konoha.
But Nagato's Rinnegan...
Rieko had always known that the Uchiha had a close relationship with the Golden Consortium she belonged to. So after seeing Nagato's eyes for the first time, she didn't even dare to contact Nagato again, fearing that the Golden Consortium would find out about the Rinnegan and inform the Uchiha Clan about Nagato's existence.
"You have it, right?"
Seeing Rieko's conflicted Rieko, Yahiko's eyes lit up, and he quickly pressed for an answer, disregarding everything else.
Now, he carries the lives of more than 20,000 people at the Akatsuki base on his shoulders, leaving him no room for modesty!
"Yahiko, I do have a way to communicate with the outside world, but!"
"This is to contact the Uchiha Clan!"
Seeing the excited Yahiko, Rieko quickly said.
"You should know that the Uchiha Clan dominated the Shinobi World because of the Sharingan, right?"
"If they find out about Nagato's existence, what do you think will greet Nagato?"
Yahiko's smile froze when Rieko poured cold water on his enthusiasm.