Chapter 86: Joining the Akatsuki
Obito's words were undeniably true. Extracting some of the Rinnegan's ocular power would benefit both sides without causing harm. The only small deception he employed was concealing the existence of his system.
Moved by Obito's sincere demeanor, Yahiko stopped questioning and turned to Nagato.
"Nagato, what do you think?"
Nagato responded without hesitation.
"I agree! Take it! Take it from me!"
He had long grown weary of a life he couldn't control.
(Just like how I ignore risks and browse certain... ahem... websites.)
Nagato lived in constant fear—afraid that one day, he might lose control of his powers. Afraid that his strength might hurt Konan and Yahiko. He didn't want to live like this anymore. He wanted to fully master the Rinnegan. To seize control of his destiny. To ensure the heavens no longer dictated his life.
Obito shifted his gaze to Konan, who met his eyes and gave a subtle nod.
"Well, since the three of you have decided, let your junior begin."
Obito slowly walked up to Nagato, silently consulting the system in his mind.
"System, how do I proceed?"
The system buzzed faintly in his head.
"Host, have you watched Naruto: Shippuden?"
Obito almost choked.
"... Of course! What kind of dumb question is that?"
The system let out a casual "Oh."
"Then just like Itachi's forehead poke, place your fingers on his forehead."
Resigned, Obito raised two fingers and lightly pressed them against Nagato's brow.
A strange suction force began emanating from his fingertips, gradually drawing out Nagato's ocular energy.
Nagato could feel the immense power of his Rinnegan pouring out through a small, steady stream.
After several minutes, Obito exhaled and withdrew his hand.
"Done!"
In his mind, the system notification chimed:
[Choice complete! Reward: Chakra reserves doubled!]
Yahiko nervously approached Nagato.
"That's it? Nagato, how are you feeling? Can you stand?"
Konan also watched Nagato with concern, fearing something might have gone wrong during the process.
"Hmm, give me a moment..." Nagato closed his eyes, sensing the changes within himself. A light flickered in his eyes.
"It feels like I can control this power freely now!"
If the Rinnegan once felt like a hundred-pound hammer he could only lift when overwhelmed with rage—leaving him utterly drained—now it felt like a fifty-pound hammer. He could lift it easily, swing it, even spin it gracefully.
In a word: liberating.
"Really? That's amazing!" Konan exclaimed, pulling Nagato into a hug. Yahiko joined in, wrapping them both tightly.
For a brief moment, the pain of losing their companions seemed to ease.
Obito, standing aside, quietly assessed the changes within himself. His chakra reserves, once at a modest 3 points, had surged to nearly 8.
What did that mean?
System: "About 0.08 Naruto chakra levels."
"... (ꐦ `皿´ ) Shut it!"
Obito buried his frustration and joined Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan in burying their fallen comrades in the forest.
Staring at the gravestones etched with familiar names, Yahiko silently vowed:
"Everyone, your sacrifices won't be in vain. The Akatsuki will become the first light piercing this darkness."
On the way back, Yahiko gave a self-deprecating chuckle.
"I used to despise this country for its endless tears, but now I genuinely want to save it. It reminds me too much of my former self—always crying, helpless. I can't just stand by and ignore it."
Konan gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Yahiko..."
He shook his head. "I'm fine... Nagato, how about you?"
Nagato smiled faintly.
"I'm doing well, Yahiko."
Obito watched the exchange silently. The bond between Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan was undeniably deep. But their relationships were also... complicated.
Having grown up together, their camaraderie carried hints of other emotions. Yahiko had openly shown affection for Konan in Episode 566. Nagato once admitted Konan seemed to have feelings for Yahiko. And yet, in the very next episode, Yahiko told Konan to direct her care and attention toward Nagato instead.
... A tangled web, indeed.
Obito figured even the trio themselves might not fully understand their feelings for one another.
The four returned to the Akatsuki base, now eerily empty. The desolation of the once-bustling space left Yahiko and the others with a profound sense of loss.
However, their determination remained unshaken.
Yahiko turned to Obito and asked,
"So what do you think we should do next?"
Konan and Nagato also looked to Obito. Over the past few days, they had not only come to trust him but also started to see him as their anchor.
Without hesitation, Obito replied,
"We should wait for Nagato to fully master the Rinnegan's powers before launching an attack on Amegakure."
Yahiko nodded, though his brows furrowed slightly.
"That makes sense, but we can't wait too long. If Amegakure elects a new leader and regroups its forces, we'll lose the upper hand."
Obito thought for a moment and said,
"Based on my knowledge of the Rinnegan, half a month should suffice. I'll train alongside Nagato during this time to ensure he's ready."
Yahiko pondered briefly before nodding.
"Half a month it is. In the meantime, I'll take Konan to scout for potential allies willing to join us."
Obito silently mused, Four of us are more than enough to storm Amegakure.
Out loud, he replied, "Understood."
Yahiko placed a firm hand on Obito's shoulder.
"Thank you, junior, for everything you've done for us."
Obito met his earnest gaze, feeling a twinge of guilt.
"Don't mention it, Yahiko-senpai. We share the same dream, after all. It's only natural to support each other."
Konan suddenly suggested,
"Why not officially join the Akatsuki? Even as a part-time member, it'd be nice to have you."
Nagato smiled and added,
"I think that's a great idea. What do you think, Yahiko?"
Yahiko threw an arm around Obito's shoulders.
"I'm all for it! What do you say?"
Faced with their eager expressions, Obito nodded resolutely.
"From today onward, I, Uchiha Obito, am a member of the Akatsuki!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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