Akatsuki Assembles

Candle Yong had given up all hope, but when Hidan appeared, he saw a glimmer of life again.

Hidan himself was nothing special. What gave Candle Yong confidence was the organization behind him.

Candle Yong had met every member of that organization and knew how terrifying they were. If they stepped in, victory could still be his today.

Hidan looked Long Ye up and down.

"You're quite something. That killing intent of yours is fierce. Normally, I'd invite you to join my Evil God Cult, but the timing's wrong. I'll have to offer you to Lord Jashin as a sacrifice instead."

With that, Hidan dragged his scythe forward. Its blade carved a groove through the bloodstained ground. When he was a hundred paces from Long Ye, he leaped and brought the scythe down.

"Die!"

Hidan wore a look of delight at the prospect of killing him.

Long Ye lifted a foot.

Bang!

His foot shot upward, and his heel struck Hidan's chin before the scythe could fall.

Bone cracked!

Hidan flew back even faster than he had come, arcing through the air before landing hard on his backside.

"You can't hurt me, but it would be embarrassing to let you hit me."

Long Ye looked utterly calm, as if he had done nothing worth mentioning.

Hidan struggled a few times, then stood, rubbing his chin.

"That's some strength. One kick shattered my jaw. Hurts like hell!"

Hidan licked his finger and began tracing a pattern with his toe.

When he finished, a circle of blood lay beneath his feet, with a triangle inside it. It was plainly some strange formation for a curse.

"The ritual begins!"

Hidan's body suddenly changed. He looked as though someone had painted him to resemble a skeleton.

Long Ye watched through half-lidded eyes without saying