216-220

*Chapter 216: Daily Bullying of Konan*

In the face of desperation, a reaction occurred between the Tailed Beast and its jinchūriki. Han's injuries began to heal visibly, and red chakra bubbles emerged, forming a translucent layer of red chakra around his body. At his tailbone, several red chakra tails extended outward.

Just as Han was about to complete his transformation into the Tailed Beast form, Aizen launched a Sage Art-enhanced Chidori Sharp Spear, piercing through Han’s chest at the moment red chakra bubbles appeared on his skin.

A mouthful of blood spewed from Han's mouth. Without his jinchūriki’s support, the Tailed Beast cloak dissipated, revealing his battered and yet-to-recover body.

"D... damn it..."

Han’s consciousness began to fade, his final words carrying a deep-seated hatred toward the Akatsuki. He collapsed, unconscious.

At that moment, a massive Venus flytrap appeared nearby—it was Zetsu, long unseen.

In his raspy voice, Black Zetsu remarked, "What an overwhelming battle."

White Zetsu echoed, "As expected, Aizen is incredibly powerful."

"Alright, you two, enough flattery," Aizen scoffed. "I know exactly how strong a Tailed Beast is. If he had completed his transformation, things would have been much harder." Aizen then asked offhandedly, "How are Kakuzu and Hidan doing?"

"They’re nearly done as well," Black Zetsu replied.

"Looks like that girl with the Seven-Tails won’t make it," Aizen recalled the original character—a girl with tan skin who just wanted friends—and showed a hint of regret.

"If a Tailed Beast is extracted, the jinchūriki is sure to die. Speaking of which, Aizen, aren’t you afraid your girlfriend will get jealous with how soft-hearted you are?" White Zetsu teased.

“Do you dare go near where she lives?” Aizen’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he glared at White Zetsu.

Frightened, White Zetsu immediately shut his mouth, while Black Zetsu interjected to change the topic, "I’ll take Han, then."

With that, Black Zetsu controlled the giant Venus flytrap to envelop Han’s body, and they disappeared into the ground.

Yakura walked over, gesturing to four unconscious Iwagakure shinobi on the ground. "Lord Aizen, what about them? They know we’re from the Akatsuki—should we kill them?"

Aizen shook his head. "No need. They didn’t see our faces, and knowing the stubborn personality of the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, he wouldn’t publicize this even if he knew the Five-Tails was captured by the Akatsuki. He’d see it as a disgrace."

“Our mission quota is complete. Let’s return to Amegakure.”

With that, Aizen carried Yakura, activated Flying Thunder God, and teleported to Yakura’s residence in Amegakure.

Two hours later, Aizen returned to the Clock Tower, immediately sensed by Nagato from its highest point.

Paper flowers fluttered as Nagato sent Konan to inquire about the mission.

At the staircase, Konan, still wary from the kiss Aizen had stolen before, cautiously kept her distance, using her paper jutsu to form large, angelic wings behind her, hovering above him with an icy stare.

"Why are you back so soon? Where’s the jinchūriki?" Konan asked coldly.

“Come down and talk to me normally, and I’ll tell you,” Aizen replied with a mischievous smile.

Recalling the kiss from three years ago, Konan’s face flashed with a blush before she composed herself. "Pain sent me to ask."

“Even Pain should respect his comrades, right? A respectful conversation is basic courtesy, not like you’re interrogating a criminal or anything. It’s not like I’m going to bite,” Aizen said, shrugging.

“Don’t get any ideas. If you try anything, Pain will be here in an instant,” Konan warned, then took a deep breath and, after some hesitation, descended.

“That’s better,” Aizen said, approaching her slowly.

With each step he took, Konan instinctively backed away, eventually finding herself backed against the wall.

Feeling his intense presence, a mix of embarrassment and unease flickered in Konan’s eyes as she whispered, “What do you want? I’m warning you, Pain will be here if anything happens.”

“Let him come. It’s not like I’m doing anything. I already handed the Five-Tails to Zetsu and used reverse summoning to come back early with Yakura.”

Aizen brushed aside his use of the Flying Thunder God technique, gently pulling out the golden ring she wore around her neck. "I see you’re still wearing it. How’s it working for you?"

“It’s... fine,” Konan said, her face flushed as she avoided his gaze.

“Hold on to it,” Aizen said with a smile, tucking the ring back before leaning in to kiss her.

Feeling the softness of his lips, Konan’s eyes widened in shock, her mind going blank. A visible blush spread from her neck to her face.

Realizing she hadn’t resisted, Aizen felt encouraged, reaching for her Akatsuki cloak.

But this move snapped Konan out of her daze. She slapped him instinctively.

Aizen dodged just in time, releasing her and dodging her hand. “Hey, no need to hit me even if you’re not interested!”

“You’re shameless!” Konan retorted, glaring.

“What’s shameless about kissing someone you like? You didn’t stop me,” he replied, undeterred.

“You’re insufferable!” Tears welled up in Konan’s eyes.

Seeing this, Aizen quickly apologized. "Alright, I’m sorry. It was my fault."

Without replying, Konan activated her Paper Art, transforming into countless sheets and disappearing.

She swore never to believe his sweet talk again, nor give him any chance to get close.

Meanwhile, at Iwagakure’s Tsuchikage Tower…

The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, angrily knocked over cups, documents, and anything on his desk as four shinobi stood before him, heads lowered.

“Five of you went on a mission, but only four came back! Han was taken right in front of you, and you don’t even know where the enemy went afterward! This is a disgrace! Were you all raised on garbage?!”

Chapter 217: Aizen's Unusual Request

"Tsuchikage-sama, the two Akatsuki members were incredibly powerful. In just a single instant, they used genjutsu on us, and we lost consciousness. We didn't even have time to form seals to break the illusion," a scar-faced, middle-aged jonin explained quietly.

"Genjutsu? Akatsuki members?"

Hearing this, Onoki, the Tsuchikage, sank into deep thought.

He knew well the power of Han, the jinchuriki of the Five-Tails, known as the "Steam Ninja."

From the descriptions of the surviving jonin, it seemed Han was defeated with overwhelming force, to the point that he didn't even have time to fully transform into his tailed beast.

Looking across the entire ninja world, someone with the strength to use genjutsu, instantly defeat four jonin, and overpower the Five-Tails jinchuriki… could it be that one? The man who annihilated the Uchiha clan, Itachi?

Thinking of this, he asked aloud, "Were you able to confirm their identities? Did you see the Sharingan?"

The scar-faced jonin shook his head. "We didn't see the Sharingan. They were wearing hats that obscured their faces, so we could only tell that it was a man and a woman."

"Useless! Utterly useless!" Onoki was livid that they had returned unharmed without even glimpsing their enemy's face, all while his pride took a blow.

Just then, a young girl, still a fresh-faced beauty and not yet the "Leg Kage" of future fame, entered the office. "Grandpa, you're getting mad again."

Seeing his granddaughter, Onoki’s expression softened. "What are you doing here? Out, out. I'm discussing important matters."

With her hands on her hips and a pout, Kurotsuchi retorted, "What important matters? Uncle Han was captured by the Akatsuki, right? The jonin are all talking about it now. Let me guess—you don't even know who did it, right?"

"You know who?" Onoki narrowed his eyes, his face growing serious.

"I don’t know the female ninja, but the male Akatsuki member who used genjutsu to subdue the jonin… I think I know who he is." Gritting her teeth, Kurotsuchi took out her ninja handbook and opened it to the page on Fujihara Aizen.

"It's him." Onoki's face turned grave. He knew this ninja well—the one who had wiped out the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, created havoc during the first Konoha-Sand joint Chunin Exams, humiliated the Third Hokage, and caused Danzo to flee.

In fact, he still kept a photo of Konoha’s "F4" party as a keepsake, bought through special channels.

When he heard about all the chaos Aizen caused back then, Onoki had praised him to no end for weakening Konoha's power, giving Iwagakure an advantage.

But he hadn't expected that Aizen would now target Iwagakure.

"Yes, Grandpa, it’s him—the same guy who stirred up trouble around the village five years ago with Deidara. And he…”

Just mentioning Aizen made Kurotsuchi grind her teeth in frustration.

If you asked who in the ninja world hated Aizen the most, the list would be long.

Danzo was one.

Konohamaru and Sarutobi Asuma, because they "weren't men anymore," were on the list.

Terumi Mei both loved and hated him, half in and half out.

And Kurotsuchi was certainly one of them.

Once, while on a mission, she encountered Aizen. He subdued her with genjutsu, and in search of "artistic inspiration," he touched her thigh in front of Deidara, saying that even if she became the Tsuchikage, she’d just be the “Leg Kage.”

Every time she thought of Aizen touching her thigh, with Deidara watching like a flunky, she ground her teeth in frustration.

“What else did he do?” Onoki asked with a frown.

“He corrupted Brother Deidara, and now he acts like a total lackey. Deidara probably became a traitor because that jerk urged him to. Grandpa, you can’t let that jerk get away with it!”

Kurotsuchi's face flushed red as she avoided mentioning the "Leg Kage" incident.

Onoki closed his eyes, thinking for a moment, and then said, "I understand. We’ll cease all collaboration with the Akatsuki from now on."

“Stop collaborating? Just like that?” Kurotsuchi was stunned, feeling as if she misheard.

Onoki explained, "This Fujihara Aizen wiped out two thousand Sarutobi ninjas in a single night. He's no ordinary opponent; sheer numbers won’t stop him. Even sending a kill squad would only increase casualties."

"Otherwise, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn’t have tolerated him for so many years. And if the world finds out our jinchuriki was taken by Akatsuki, it’ll be a huge embarrassment."

"Spread my command—keep the news of Han’s capture a secret. Anyone who leaks it will be severely punished."

Meanwhile, as Kurotsuchi ground her teeth in hatred and Onoki felt helpless, Aizen himself had already arrived at the Akatsuki base with Pain (Tendo) and Konan.

The Seven-Tails jinchuriki, Fuu, lay weak and nearly unconscious on the ground, her short teal hair tied back with an orange clip, her dark skin and cute face strikingly innocent.

Recalling how Fuu had been portrayed in the original work, always searching for friends, Aizen’s soft spot for girls kicked in, and a system message sounded in his head:

> "Ding! Host has triggered a system choice!"

> "1. Rescue Fuu and receive the reward of a god-level medical ninjutsu."

> "2. Ignore her and receive Nagato's underwear."

Nagato's underwear?

Aizen glanced sidelong at Tendo Pain and twitched his mouth.

“What’s wrong, Aizen?” Noticing his gaze, Pain asked expressionlessly.

“Nothing, it’s just that my soft-heartedness is acting up again. I hate seeing girls get hurt. After you extract the tailed beast, can I have her?” Aizen asked casually.

“Soft-hearted?” Pain felt speechless. If this guy, who wiped out the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, could be called soft-hearted, then there were no bad people in the world. “Do as you like, but without the tailed beast, a jinchuriki will die soon enough. Since when did you share Sasori's interest in collecting strong ninjas' bodies?”

Konan, overhearing this, shot Aizen a suspicious look. “You’re not planning anything strange with her body, are you?”

"Uh…" Aizen's brow furrowed, casting a sidelong glance at Pain. "Am I that twisted?"

Pain chuckled, rare for him, and joked, "Who knows?"

"Enough, I’m done talking to you guys." Aizen walked over to Fuu, sealing her vital points to prevent her from dying immediately after the tailed beast extraction.

---

*Chapter 218: The Skies Have Cleared, the Rain Has Stopped, and Sasuke Feels Capable Once More*

"What are you doing?" Konan asked curiously.

"Just sealing her meridians and chakra points. This way, she shouldn’t die immediately after the Tailed Beast is extracted," Aizen replied.

"Even if she survives, she'll be no more than a withered leaf in autumn—a futile effort," Pain said indifferently, casting a glance at Fu. "Alright, enough idle talk. Prepare for the sealing ceremony."

With that, Pain formed a hand seal and pressed his hands onto the ground, murmuring, "Summoning Technique."

Boom!

The cave floor suddenly began to tremble.

A massive stone statue rose from the ground.

This statue was humanoid but had nine eyes and an eerie posture, as if in prayer—it was the shell of the Ten-Tails, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.

"Come on," Pain said, jumping onto the statue's right thumb.

Aizen and Konan followed suit, each jumping onto the corresponding finger associated with their respective rings on the Demonic Statue.

Pain formed another seal with his right hand, channeling chakra into his ring, which elicited an immediate response.

Hum, hum, hum.

One by one, the other Akatsuki members appeared on the statue's fingers, not in person but as projections via the Astral Projection Technique.

All the Akatsuki members formed seals together, chanting, "Phantom Dragon Nine Seals Complete."

Ten characters lit up on the statue's corresponding fingers.

With a hum, the Demonic Statue's mouth opened, releasing a beam of light that enveloped the two Jinchuriki on the ground, suspending them in midair.

Then, red chakra bubbles started to leak from their eyes and mouths, slowly floating into the statue’s mouth.

"Since we’re sealing two Tailed Beasts simultaneously, even with ten of us, this process will take five days," Pain said, holding his seal. "Everyone, bear with it; the sealing will soon be over."

"Kisame sighed. “I really envy Mr. Aizen’s partner; she doesn’t even need to be here for the sealing. If I'd known, I would’ve joined the organization last, too."

White Zetsu chuckled nearby. "You can’t just envy that. Aizen is quite considerate toward the ladies. He didn't even let Pakura participate in capturing the Five-Tails this time, just had her watch. I’d bet there’s something—"

Before he could finish, Aizen shot him a glare and threatened, "White Zetsu, if you're feeling too idle, maybe I should loosen up your bones and turn you into the next Orochimaru."

"No thanks!" White Zetsu promptly shut his mouth, knowing that despite his formidable vitality and healing powers, he was no match for Aizen.

"Enough, White Zetsu," Black Zetsu scolded.

This man truly possessed the power to kill them.

In a dark, enclosed laboratory lit only by flickering candlelight, a large table was filled with experimental equipment and medicines.

Since the end of the Konoha Crush plan, Orochimaru had been keeping an eye on Akatsuki's activities.

At the moment, Kabuto was briefing him.

"Lord Orochimaru, we just received news that Akatsuki has finally made a move. A week ago, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki Han, from Iwagakure, was captured at the Earth Country border."

"At the same time, the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki from Takigakure disappeared after participating in the second Chunin Exam hosted by Sunagakure and Konoha. She has likely also fallen into Akatsuki's hands."

"Do we know who was responsible?" Orochimaru, resting his chin on his hand, asked with interest from his stone chair.

"The one who captured the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki is uncertain, but there’s a strong chance it was Kakuzu and his partner Hidan from Takigakure. As for the one who dealt with the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, I’d say he’s the Akatsuki member you’re most familiar with."

Kabuto adjusted his glasses with a slight smirk.

"Fujiwara Aizen?" Orochimaru's eyes shot open, and a murderous glint flashed in his golden, slit-like pupils.

Just the mention of Aizen was enough to enrage Orochimaru.

Three years ago, not only had Aizen crippled Orochimaru's arms, but he had also broken his agreement not to interfere with Orochimaru's plans for Sasuke, causing a delay in Sasuke’s defection. Orochimaru had endured a month of excruciating arm pain, only to have his plans come to naught when Sasuke failed to arrive on time, forcing him to undergo an early reincarnation.

Kabuto nodded. "Yes, him. And he’s still as formidable as ever. Even after learning of the Five-Tails Jinchuriki’s capture, the Third Tsuchikage, a man known for his Bloodline Selection, didn't even bother to send a token rescue squad."

"Not only that, but he’s also managed to keep the entire matter under wraps. Now, it’s likely the other four great nations are still unaware of the Tailed Beast capture."

Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Of course. Even if he sent a rescue squad, facing Aizen would just mean needless casualties."

"But I have to admit, Onoki’s stubbornness surprised me. His own Jinchuriki was captured, and he’s even reluctant to let the news spread. Is he afraid it will tarnish Iwagakure's pride?"

"Well, no matter. As long as they stay out of my way."

As they spoke, the laboratory door opened, and a young man stepped inside—it was Sasuke, now three years older.

In those three years, Sasuke had grown noticeably taller. He now wore a pure white kimono with dark blue pants. The Uchiha clan crest was embroidered on the back of his kimono, and dark gray arm guards extended from his forearms down to his hands. His waist was tied with a purple rope belt, from which hung a Kusanagi sword.

Compared to three years ago, Sasuke's power had advanced tremendously, but at the same time, he had become even colder, exuding a chilling presence that sent shivers down one's spine.

"Rummaging through corpses again?" Sasuke asked Kabuto with a look of disdain, the smell of death radiating from him.

"Ugh," Kabuto’s face twisted in annoyance as he averted Sasuke’s gaze, muttering with a sly grin, "I’ve got news you might find interesting."

"Spit it out," Sasuke ordered.

Kabuto smirked maliciously. "Remember the person who defeated you three years ago after just half a month of training with the Fifth Hokage's daughter? He’s just captured the Five-Tails Jinchuriki. Akatsuki is probably about to target the Jinchuriki Naruto Uzumaki soon."

"Fujiwara Aizen..." Sasuke’s expression darkened. His loss to a four-year-old girl three years ago was a lifelong disgrace—a scar on his pride that only deepened his resentment since the Uchiha clan’s demise. For three years, he had trained relentlessly to erase that shame.

And that pain had been inflicted upon him by none other than Aizen.

"I'll kill him one day."

"If you can pull it off, but even your brother, Itachi Uchiha, couldn’t accomplish that," Kabuto retorted with a smirk, feeling a rare satisfaction at finally besting Sasuke in their long-standing tension. For a moment, he felt utterly delighted.

*(End of Chapter)*

*Chapter 219: The Seal Concludes*

“Want to try me?” Sasuke sneered, a dangerous smile spreading across his face. His three-tomoe Sharingan bore down on Kabuto as his hand moved slowly to the Kusanagi sword at his waist. Due to Orochimaru's influence and his own hard work, Sasuke now had complete control over the Cursed Seal’s power, and his visual prowess was unmatched.

Kabuto met Sasuke's gaze, feeling as though he were falling into an abyss, breaking into a cold sweat.

Just as Sasuke seemed ready to strike, Orochimaru interjected, "Enough, Sasuke. Not like this. From today on, I’ll start a special training for you. Wait for me at the training grounds."

"Remember your attitude toward me—you won’t always be so lucky."

Hearing that Orochimaru was going to teach him something new, Sasuke finally backed down, casting a disdainful glance at Kabuto before following Orochimaru out.

"Don’t worry about it, Kabuto. You’re my most trusted subordinate; you've done well." Orochimaru patted Kabuto's shoulder before heading off after Sasuke.

"Understood," Kabuto replied, though he remained standing there with a dark expression.

*Five Days Later*

Rain Village.

Inside the Akatsuki base cavern.

The tailed beast sealing process was nearing its end.

Han, whose tailed beast had been the first to be fully extracted, lay dead on the ground, while Fū’s life force was flickering, barely hanging on.

"It’s almost over," said Pain. "Everyone, hold on just a little longer."

"This sealing ritual is really boring, you know? Thankfully, it’s only five days, so it’s not too bad. Hm." At this, Deidara complained in his usual irritated tone, “But seriously, Leader, can’t you speed this thing up? This takes way too long. Hm.”

Pain ignored him. "Sasori, how’s your preparation?"

"Almost done," Sasori replied, still speaking with Hiruko’s raspy, low voice, making it hard to believe a handsome youth was inside.

"Good. Once the sealing process is over, you and Deidara will rest here for three days, then head to the Sand Village to prepare for the capture of the One-Tail."

Hearing about the One-Tail, Deidara’s excitement returned instantly. "Leave that One-Tail Jinchuriki to me, Leader. I’ll handle him with my art."

"Deidara, remember, your opponent isn’t just the One-Tail Jinchuriki; he’s also the Fifth Kazekage, backed by the entire Sand Village. If you aren’t fully prepared, it could be fatal," Sasori cautioned, glancing at Deidara.

At this, Aizen spoke up, "In that case, I’ll tag along too—better than just idling around."

At his words, everyone in the Akatsuki turned to stare at him in surprise.

Was the sun rising in the west today? Aizen, who often completed missions with clones to avoid hassle, was actually volunteering for a mission this time.

"Hey, Aizen, didn’t you just meet your quota? Why are you trying to take my mission?" Deidara grumbled, irritated. He didn’t want Aizen to swoop in and cut down his target—where’s the art in that?

Aizen calmly explained, "Relax, I’m not interfering. I only brushed off those intelligence-gathering missions because they’re too dull. This is different. Little D and that Kazekage have quite impressive abilities; you know how I love a good spectacle. I wouldn’t want to miss an epic showdown."

"Just as expected from you, Aizen. You have a unique appreciation for art, huh. Hm." Deidara felt that Aizen’s viewpoint matched his own; he, too, relished thrilling battles like capturing tailed beasts.

“He only mentioned ‘spectacle’—he never said that fleeting art is the most beautiful. True art is eternal,” Sasori scoffed.

"Hey, Sasori, you trying to throw shade at me?" Deidara snapped.

As the two seemed about to argue, Pain cut in, "Enough. Deidara. And Sasori, leave it."

"Tch." Both grunted, turning away in a huff.

"Alright then, Aizen, you’ll go with them. If Deidara fails, you can step in," Pain said, nodding toward Aizen.

"Got it. As long as Little D doesn’t lose his cool because someone insults his art, I think he’ll be fine." Aizen nodded.

"Wow, got him all figured out, haven’t you?" Kisame smirked, jabbing at Deidara’s weak spot. "Whenever anyone disses his art, he loses his temper."

"Just like when we recruited him into Akatsuki. Got him under Itachi’s Sharingan, nearly blew himself up."

That did it. Deidara’s temper flared. "You dare question my art? Hm?"

"See? Called it," Kisame chuckled, pointing Deidara out to everyone with a mocking grin.

"Watch it, or I’ll blow you up!" Deidara growled at Kisame.

*Boom!*

Suddenly, the Demonic Statue shook violently.

Sasori, assuming Deidara was the cause, snapped, "Calm down, Deidara, or you’ll disrupt the seal."

"I didn’t do anything!" Deidara replied, looking equally baffled.

"No, this wasn’t Deidara’s doing. The statue has reached its limit," Pain finally spoke, looking grave. "Seems I got a bit ahead of myself."

"Originally, the tailed beasts were supposed to be sealed in order of their tails, but it was a prime chance to capture the Five-Tails and Seven-Tails, so I rushed it."

Hearing this, Black Zetsu felt a jolt of fear. If the statue collapsed, his mother couldn’t be revived. Feigning calm, he said, "Leader, looks like we’ll have to follow the tail order from now on. Otherwise, the tailed beast chakra within the statue might become unbalanced and cause it to collapse."

Pain nodded in agreement, scanning the room. "Kisame, Itachi, Kakuzu, Hidan—pause your capture missions. After we seal the One-Tail, we’ll proceed in order."

As he spoke, the sealing of the Seven-Tails was completed.

A beam of light from the Gedo Statue’s mouth swallowed the last of the tailed beast’s chakra.

All the Akatsuki members stopped their hand signs simultaneously.

Now the former Jinchuriki, Fū’s lifeless body dropped toward the ground.

Just as she was about to hit, a shadow suddenly appeared, catching her.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 220: Disdain from the Akatsuki Members*

Everyone looked at the ground in surprise, seeing Aizen landing while holding the exhausted body of Fuu.

"Hey, hey, Aizen, since when did you become interested in ninja corpses like Sasori, hmm?" Deidara asked, looking at him in disbelief.

Sasori added, "I’m not interested in the corpses of the weak."

Aizen pulled out a senzu bean he’d prepared from his sleeve, placing it in Fuu’s mouth. After forming a symbolic hand seal, he stored her body in the system’s storage, thinking to himself that her survival depended on fate.

Seeing that Aizen actually stored the body, Konan glared at him, scolding, "Hey, you’re not seriously planning to do something with her corpse, are you?"

"Am I that perverted?" Aizen retorted, giving Konan a sidelong glance.

Just then, a notification sounded in Aizen's mind:

*[Ding! Mission completed. Congratulations, host, on obtaining a divine-level medical ninjutsu.]*

Suddenly, a vast amount of medical ninjutsu knowledge flooded Aizen's mind.

In an instant, he felt as though he had uncovered the mysteries of the human body, gaining a sense of enlightenment.

He realized that his stalled kekkei genkai development now seemed to have a new direction.

With techniques like Dust Release within reach, it felt as though he merely needed the right hand seals to cast them.

Konan showed a rare smirk, saying, "Oh, really."

The rest of the group, excluding the bruised Kakuzu and the sickly Itachi, nodded in agreement.

Within the Akatsuki, each duo had its own characteristics.

For example, Deidara and Sasori, representing "art," were the "Art Duo."

Hidan and Kakuzu were known as the "Immortal Duo."

Kisame and Itachi were feared as the "Power Pair" for their notoriety in killing comrades.

Pain and Konan, self-styled as "God and Angel," were the "Divine Duo."

Then there were Zetsu and Tobi, who were referred to as the "Shadow Duo" by those familiar with the hidden operations in the organization.

But Aizen was an oddball in the Akatsuki.

Many within the Akatsuki suspected he had a romantic involvement with Ye Cang.

Aizen had no particular faith.

At least, that’s what it seemed on the surface.

Moreover, Aizen was the only one in Akatsuki openly fond of women.

Having fathered a child at fourteen was proof enough.

Not to mention his prank of taunting Konoha’s elders by stealing Sarutobi’s son's and grandson’s bells.

So it wasn’t entirely implausible that he had other peculiar tastes.

And, let’s face it, the seven-tailed Jinchuuriki was quite the looker.

Deidara, via his projection, gave Aizen a thumbs-up, trying to suppress a grin. "No worries, Aizen. I support you. After all, art is about capturing fleeting beauty, right? And that girl seemed almost alive—I guess there’s something to be said for savoring that last breath."

A black line appeared on Aizen’s forehead as he warned, "Deidara, if you can’t keep your mouth shut, I’ll be taking your bells next time we meet and leave you like Sarutobi’s son."

"Uh..." Hearing that, Deidara immediately closed his mouth, instinctively covering his bells. While he pursued art rather than romance, he certainly had no intention of being turned into a eunuch.

Seeing Deidara's comedic reaction, the other Akatsuki members couldn’t help but shake their heads. Konan, in particular, turned bright red, her face and even her neck tinged pink.

Fortunately, in the eyes of everyone except Aizen and Pain, Konan appeared only as a projection, or she would’ve been completely embarrassed.

"Alright, enough chatter," Pain interrupted their banter sternly. "Sasori, Deidara, and Aizen, I’ll be deploying an astral projection to summon the Gedo Statue remotely at the River Country’s hideout. Once you capture the one-tail, take the Jinchuuriki there for the sealing ritual. You’ll all have your work cut out for you. Dismissed."

With that, Pain and Konan leaped down from the statue, landing on the ground and dispelling their projections.

The remaining Akatsuki projections gradually vanished from the statue’s fingers.

The statue sank back into the ground as a massive stone at the entrance slid open, allowing sunlight to pour into the cave, making it difficult to see.

As a reanimated body, the Deva Path Pain was unfazed by the bright light. He walked towards the cave’s exit, his back to Aizen, instructing, "Aizen, dispose of the previous five-tails Jinchuuriki’s body."

"Why me? Isn’t Zetsu more skilled at this?" Aizen asked in irritation. He had no obsession with corpses.

"Zetsu needs to set up barriers at the River Country hideout in advance," Pain said, slowing his steps and letting a smirk slip. "Besides, you’re a soft-hearted guy, aren’t you? Since you’ve already taken care of the seven-tails, I figured you wouldn’t mind doing the same for the five-tails."

Konan covered her mouth, laughing slyly. "Pain’s right, Aizen. We’ll leave the Jinchuuriki bodies to you from now on."

With that, Konan quickly caught up to Pain, making sure to stay out of Aizen’s reach.

Watching Konan disappear into the distance, Aizen’s mouth twitched. He swore to himself that the next chance he got, he’d strip this woman, hang her up, and make her call him “Daddy.”

By the time Aizen returned to his residence, it was already noon. Mrs. Mikoto, as if knowing he would return, had prepared a full table of delicious dishes.

With his stomach rumbling, Aizen couldn’t resist and grabbed his chopsticks without even washing his hands, eagerly taking a bite.

Izumi, after finishing her morning training, was taking her usual bath in the bathroom.

"What’s the occasion for such a feast at lunch?" Aizen asked, pausing as Mrs. Mikoto helped him take off his Akatsuki robe.

"Daddy, did you forget? Today’s your and Mom’s and Aunt Izumi’s sixth wedding anniversary." Chika approached, holding a wedding photo of Aizen, Mikoto, and Izumi. In the photo, Mrs. Mikoto held a small baby, a young Chika.

"Oh, that’s right." Aizen smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his gaze as he looked at the picture.

His mind drifted back to memories of the wedding.

Aizen had asked Konan to help plan it.

The arrangements were simple.

Konan was the only witness.

And the wedding photo? Aizen had taken his wife and child to a studio to snap it, after getting Konan’s okay.

Nowadays, he didn’t even need to check with anyone. He’d set up barriers from Root’s base around his residence, completely blocking sound, scent, and even chakra detection.

Not even Nagato could probe it.

This allowed Aizen to take his wife and child on trips over the past three years.

They’d even returned to Konoha a few times.

*(End of Chapter)*