Akatsuki

Ghost God!

The name carried crushing weight. He had slain top figures of the Shinobi World like Grandma Chiyo and the Third Raikage.

The Akatsuki members recoiled, then rushed forward to confront Kazan.

"You're not the ones I'm looking for."

Kazan's eyes snapped wide open.

Hum!

Powerful Conqueror's Haki erupted from him, its invisible force sweeping over everyone in Akatsuki's hideout.

"Argh!"

Konan clutched her head in pain. The force was too terrible; even channeling Chakra could not shield her.

It seeped through every defense, battering their minds without pause.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

In the span of a breath, many Akatsuki members rolled their eyes back and collapsed. They could not even stay on their feet.

"Stop!"

Nagato had withstood the force better than the others. He drew a weapon, looking ready to fight Kazan to the death if he did not stop.

Kazan stopped, and the waves of Conqueror's Haki faded.

But...

Whoosh!

Kazan vanished and appeared in front of Nagato.

Nagato's pupils contracted. He had barely begun to move when Kazan kicked him across the room and sent him crashing into the hideout.

"Nagato!"

"Nagato!"

Konan and Yahiko shouted. They struggled to their feet and attacked Kazan together.

Bang!

Bang!

Inside Akatsuki's hideout.

The three supported one another, each bearing signs of a beating, and glared at Kazan as he sat in the seat of honor.

They had lost their parents when they were young and had struggled to survive in Amegakure ever since.

They shared no blood, but they were as close as family.

"Don't look so miserable. The others are fine. They'll wake up soon."

Hearing that, Yahiko relaxed a little.

"Ghost of Konoha, what do you want with us?"

He remembered that Kazan had said he wanted to talk.

"It's simple. I'm going to