Akuma sprinted toward the woods, his mind racing with plans for what to do next.
The first thought that surfaced was Tsunade. If he could claim the Strength of a Hundred Seal, his power would multiply many times over. But that wasn't the true prize. What he coveted most was its regenerative ability—practically rendering him immortal.
It was perfect. The seal would complement his Satsui no Hado flawlessly. His greatest weakness—a body strained and torn apart by overwhelming force—would be minimized. With regeneration countering the breakdown, the risk of destroying himself would vanish.
Yes. It was the ideal path.
The only problem: he didn't know where Tsunade was. But a woman like her couldn't stay hidden forever. Eventually, he would find her.
For now, his attention shifted. He turned toward the vast, flattened plain where Naruto and Gaara had clashed. His plan was simple—eliminate potential threats before they could rise.
By the time he arrived, Gaara was gone. Only three remained: Sasuke, carrying Naruto on his back, with Sakura trailing weakly behind.
Akuma's presence washed over them like a tidal wave. His bloodied face only deepened the terror. Sasuke froze, paralyzed by the suffocating aura of killing intent.
Naruto stirred, forcing his eyes open. The moment he saw Akuma, his face contorted with fear. Sakura collapsed to her knees, trembling uncontrollably.
They all knew the truth. In their condition, they had no chance. Even at full strength, Akuma was far beyond them. Now, escape was impossible.
Akuma looked over their terrified faces, his steps slow and deliberate.
"Don't worry," he said, a chilling smile twisting his lips. "I won't kill you. But I will make sure two of you never become shinobi again. I'm going to rip off both your arms. So—" his crimson eyes gleamed with cruel delight—"which two of you will volunteer?"
Sasuke clenched his teeth, forcing words out despite the fear choking him.
"What do you even gain from this?"
Akuma smiled wider, stepping closer. Each footfall echoed like a drum of dread. He stopped directly before them, his face a mask of calm insanity.
"Nothing."
The answer made Sasuke's stomach twist. He realized, too late, how foolish it had been to ever challenge him. For the first time, regret cut deeper than his pride.
"Why are you after us, you bastard?!" Naruto shouted hoarsely.
Before he could finish, Akuma's hand snapped out, clamping around his throat. He yanked Naruto off Sasuke's back and slammed him into the ground. Naruto writhed, clawing at the iron grip, but the more he struggled, the tighter it became. His face turned red, his gasps rasping.
"Quiet down, loudmouth," Akuma said coldly.
Sasuke and Sakura froze in panic. Sasuke's body twitched to fight—but he stopped. He knew it was pointless.
"I'll volunteer," Sasuke muttered bitterly, lowering his eyes.
Sakura's voice trembled. "I… I'll volunteer too."
Akuma smirked and tossed Naruto aside like a ragdoll. He crouched, his gaze locking on the gasping boy.
"And you, Naruto? Are you fine with this?"
Naruto struggled to his knees, coughing, his voice hoarse. "Never…! I'll never bow to someone like you. That's my ninja way! And you two—" he turned toward Sasuke and Sakura—"don't you dare give in! We're ninja of—"
His words ended with a brutal crack. Akuma's backhand sent him sprawling across the dirt.
"I asked you a question. Don't give me a lecture."
Akuma's grin widened as his gaze swept over them. "Your friendship is touching. You'd sacrifice yourselves for each other. So, to be fair…" His smile twisted monstrous. "I'll treat you equally. All of you will lose your arms. That way, your bond stays intact. Isn't that fair?"
He stepped forward, fingers curling like claws, ready to strike—when he felt it. Two powerful chakra signatures closing in fast.
Akuma turned his head.
Itachi and Kisame.
For a moment, Akuma almost laughed. Plot armor. Every time I try to end these three, someone interrupts.
But his smirk returned. He didn't care.
"Kisame. Take the three kids and go," Itachi ordered, voice calm but iron-hard.
Kisame frowned. "Huh? You think I can't handle this brat? Let me crush him myself—"
"No." Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Even if we fight together, I'm not certain we can win. Take them and go. Now."
He could feel it—Akuma's growth was terrifying. Even without chakra, he had already surpassed him. But now… the power swirling inside Akuma was beyond anything he expected. His priority was clear: protect Sasuke.
Kisame hesitated, then gave a sharp nod.
The moment Sasuke spotted his brother, rage boiled over. He charged at Itachi, hatred burning.
But Akuma intercepted. His hand snapped out, seizing Sasuke's wrist.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Akuma hissed, yanking both of Sasuke's arms back, threatening to rip them apart. Bones cracked, joints stretched to their limit—Sasuke's scream tore through the air.
Suddenly, a massive torrent of water exploded around them, swallowing both Akuma and Sasuke whole. From within the raging current, sharks materialized, lunging at Akuma from every direction.
Snarling, Akuma released one hand and ripped through the spectral beasts, tearing them apart one by one. But in the chaos, he realized—he was no longer holding Sasuke. All that remained in his grasp was a single severed arm.
His eyes snapped up just in time to see Kisame sprinting away, Team 7 slung over his shoulder. The shark assault hadn't been meant to kill Akuma at all—it had been a diversion, meant only for Sasuke.
Akuma glanced at the bloody arm in his hand, a grin flashing across his face.
"Clever."
He burst free from the water, ready to pursue—
—but a colossal strike smashed into him, hurling him through a dozen trees. Splinters exploded as he skidded to a halt, crouching in the dirt.
He looked up.
Itachi stood before him, half of a Susanoo glowing into form, its massive arm still outstretched from the blow.
Akuma rose, laughing wildly. His aura ignited, crimson and violent.
"Well, Itachi," he growled, veins bulging as his body swelled with violent energy, "today I'll make both you and your brother wish you were never born."
With a sneer, he hurled Sasuke's severed arm at Itachi.
Then Akuma roared, forcing open the Eight Gates.