After leaving Kumogakure, Jokichi casually forged the Ring of Matatabi along the way.
"Ring of Matatabi: Contains all the chakra and elemental attributes of the Two-Tails, Matatabi. The wielder can utilize them at will."
Matatabi's chakra possessed no special elemental nature. It simply made the user's body lighter and more agile, allowing sharp claws to extend from the fingertips like a feline.
Having collected all nine Tailed Beast Rings...
Jokichi could feel the resonance between the rings growing stronger. They seemed to yearn to merge into a single entity.
These nine rings originated from the same source. Even without the system's assistance, they could fuse together on their own, much like the nine Tailed Beasts.
However, no system prompt had sounded yet.
Because of that, Jokichi did not attempt to merge them.
He did not know if recklessly fusing the nine rings now would negatively impact any subsequent fusion upgrades down the line.
Still...
Looking at all ten of his fingers adorned with rings of various colors and designs, the dazzling variety was practically blinding.
This is far too flashy. I need to hurry up and forge the Outer Path Demonic Statue item so I can carry out the final fusion upgrade.
Having made up his mind, Jokichi immediately sent a message to Nagato: "Nagato, assemble all members of Akatsuki. It's time to take them out."
"They are scattered in different locations. Gathering them will take a bit of time."
"Just notify me once everyone is gathered."
"Understood!"
After ending the transmission, Nagato pondered for a brief moment before sending a message to all core members through his ring: "Preparations have been completed ahead of schedule. Gather at the Land of Rivers base within three days for a meeting to discuss our next move."
"Are we finally taking action?" Deidara rubbed his hands together excitedly. "I'm about ready to burst like a dud!"
Kisame teased, "Then you'd better stay a dud, or who knows when you might end up blowing yourself up."
"What did you say?!"
"Are you angry?" Kisame chuckled. "Haven't you always wanted to create your ultimate art? I think that kind of ending suits you quite well."
"Ugh, even though that sounds wrong, it actually kind of makes sense!"
"You idiot, you should just blow yourself up sooner," Sasori chimed in with a sarcastic remark.
"What did you say?!"
"Is there any reason we can't just hold a remote conference?" Kakuzu's annoyed voice interrupted their bickering. "Wasting time is wasting money. Three days is enough for me to earn a fortune."
"Hey, give it a rest already!" Hidan mocked. "Earning dead people's money all day will draw the ire of Lord Jashin! If you're not careful, even I, your teammate, might be abandoned by Lord Jashin!"
"I don't believe in religion!"
"Dammit, you faithless bastard!"
The two began bickering back and forth over the group transmission.
Nagato remained silent for a moment before speaking up, "There are many arrangements that need to be made, as well as a new member who needs to be introduced. Long-distance communications cannot handle all of this clearly."
"Guess there's no way around it then."
"Is another newcomer joining?"
"Nagato, is the new member Yato?"
"Yato? Never heard of him!"
"He is quite powerful. In short, you'll know when you see him." Nagato nodded, then paused before adding, "Tobi, you come as well."
"Eh? Eh?! I have to come too?"
"I have something to speak with you about in private."
"Understood! I'll definitely do my best!"
"Itachi, don't forget to come either."
"Understood."
With the notifications sent, the Akatsuki's communication channel fell silent.
Jokichi glanced at the ring on his finger marked with the character "White" and chuckled softly.
If you only look at their personalities and ignore their actions, they really are a bunch of colorful characters.
...
Former site of Kumogakure.
After floating in the sky for a while, the colossal sphere began to crumble on its own.
With a heavy heart, Yugito rescued the villagers one by one.
Supported by the Tailed Beast's chakra and utilizing Shadow Clones...
Though she couldn't catch everyone, she managed to save the vast majority.
In particular, the higher-ups at the core of the village were rescued without a single loss.
Some individuals with stronger physiques woke up first and helped rescue others. Shinobi who had been away on missions also hurried back after receiving the news.
After a grueling effort, most of the populace managed to recover.
Fourth Raikage's physical condition was exceptionally robust, and he possessed the protective Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Even though he had sustained the most severe injuries, he was still among the first to regain consciousness.
Yugito quickly recounted everything Jokichi had said before leaving, along with the information Matatabi had shared with her.
After listening to Yugito's report, the Raikage fell into deep thought.
After a moment, he raised his head. "Samui, take a team to notify the other Four Great Shinobi Villages. I want to convene a Five Kage Summit immediately. Go make the preparations now."
"Yes, sir!"
Several squads departed from the ruins of Kumogakure, heading toward the remaining Four Great Shinobi Villages.
Underneath the quiet surface of the Shinobi World, dark undercurrents were surging. A storm was brewing.
...
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Land of Rivers.
Beneath a massive mountain surrounded by a river, there was a vast underground cavern.
Nine individuals of varying heights and unique appearances, clad in black cloaks with red clouds and wearing conical straw hats with dangling bells, assembled silently in this place.
Nagato and Konan stood atop a massive boulder deep inside the cave. Scanning the crowd below, Nagato nodded. "Everyone is here."
"We're all here, so say what you have to say quickly!"
Sasori, hidden inside Hiruko, spoke in a deep voice. Deidara chimed in beside him, "Yeah, yeah! Are we going to attack the Five Great Nations? I'll be the first to lead the charge!"
"Didn't you say a newcomer was joining?" Kisame looked around curiously. "Where is he? Hasn't he arrived yet?"
"Stop wasting time. I have a big deal to handle!"
"I still have to go proselytize!"
"Yeah, yeah! It's rare for a junior to join the organization, so I'm finally going to become a senior!"
"Don't even think about it. Nagato said the newcomer is very strong, so he's definitely a official member. As a backup, you'd better keep waiting!"
"NO! The world can't be this cruel!"
The more energetic members of Akatsuki carried on their respective conversations, instantly turning the quiet cavern chaotic.
Nagato remained silent for a moment before raising both hands.
The cavern fell quiet instantly.
"Let us introduce the newcomer first."
Saying this, Nagato looked behind him.
Curious, the members of Akatsuki followed his gaze.
A tall, slender young man with black hair, dark eyes, refined features, and a gentle expression slowly stepped out from behind the boulder.
With a faint smile on his face, he offered a small wave toward the crowd. "Hello, everyone of Akatsuki!"
"Is it this guy?" Deidara scrutinized the newcomer, muttering, "Aside from being slightly handsomer than me, I don't see what's so strong about him!"
"Obsessing over appearances again... Stop going around telling people you're an artist," Sasori said with utter disdain.
"What did you say?!"
"Do you need me to repeat myself?"
"You..."
"He's got a pretty good presence," Hidan nodded in approval.
Beside him, Kakuzu showed no interest whatsoever. "Having a good presence is useless if he isn't famous. If he had some renown, there might at least be a bounty on his head."
"You bastard, don't bring up money the moment you open your mouth!"
Unlike the Immortal and Art Duos, Kisame and Itachi revealed looks of confusion the moment they saw the young man. The same was true for Tobi, who was playing the role of an Akatsuki junior.
Why did this person look so familiar?