After venturing deep into Amegakure's central district, Hayato noticed that the unrest was growing less frequent. Amegakure's administrative structure apparently had not completely collapsed; someone was organizing forces to maintain order.
Who was it?
Other than Akatsuki, Hayato could not think of any armed force in Amegakure worth mentioning.
Could it be that Akatsuki had not yet given up on Amegakure, its old base?
No way...
At a time like this, Akatsuki was the target of every shinobi village. Staying in Amegakure was no different from hanging a target out in the open.
If Hayato were Obito, he would only stir up Amegakure's waters and create chaos, drawing the attention of the villages. First, it would divide the enemy's focus; second, it would buy time for the final preparations.
Still, Hayato believed Amegakure's current leader would soon show herself, because he had already defeated the patrols of four squads and an elite five-man combat team.
Hayato had not struck heavily. His enemies were injured but alive, sending a message: Come out and meet me, or people will die.
Just as Hayato expected, the person behind it all soon appeared.
It was her...
"I didn't expect it to be you."
It was Akatsuki's "Angel"—Konan. That made sense. Though Pain was Amegakure's nominal leader, Konan had actually handled all the day-to-day work. Pain was more like a blade: good for conquering a land, but not for governing one.
In the current Amegakure, Konan was probably the only one with such authority.
Hayato pulled down his hood. "We meet again."
"Yes." Konan remained expressionless. "I'm sorry. Peace was Nagato and Yahiko's lifelong wish. I cannot stand by and let Amegakure descend into chaos. I want to try a different way to bring peace to Amegakure. Besides, Amegakure's current unrest was caused by Akatsuki."