Rain Country - Akatsuki Organization Base
News of the war's conclusion between Konoha and Cloud Village had finally reached the hidden stronghold.
Reports of Shihouin Naraku's actions during the conflict spread through Rain Country like wildfire. People had begun calling him the new god of the ninja world, bestowing various titles upon him—the Fire God, the Phoenix, among others.
Perhaps because the phenomenon was so recent, no single epithet had yet taken hold.
Deep within Rain Country's steel jungle, inside a building's secret chamber, three figures convened.
"Cloud Village has been defeated," the first voice stated flatly.
"Confirmed," came the response.
"The Two-Tails is dead as well?"
"Correct."
"What of the Eight-Tails?"
"Intelligence suggests he survived. The Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer Bee, escaped Shihouin Naraku's pursuit. However, his absence from subsequent battles indicates severe injuries."
"I require detailed information about the Eight-Tails' condition."
"Zetsu is investigating. Cloud Village appears to have hidden their remaining Jinchuriki, which will require additional time to locate."
In the chamber's darkness, Tendo Pain, Konan, and the masked man exchanged this critical intelligence.
The Akatsuki had been aware of the Fire-Lightning conflict from its inception. However, detailed battle reports had only recently become available, including confirmation that the Two-Tails had fallen to Shihouin Naraku.
This development posed a significant complication for the organization. Though their tailed beast collection plan hadn't yet begun, unexpected variables were universally unwelcome.
Thus, the three had gathered to reassess their strategy.
"There's a crucial question," Konan's voice cut through the darkness like frost. "How long before the Two-Tails resurrects? Our previous discussions scheduled the plan's implementation within the next few years."
She stood like an untouchable mountain flower, beautiful but distant. "The Two-Tails ranks high in our collection sequence. We must seal the tailed beasts' chakra in proper order."
"No cause for concern," the masked man interjected, his voice carrying mysterious depths. "We proceed as planned. While tailed beast revival requires time, three to four years should suffice."
"The Two-Tails possesses relatively modest chakra and strength. Its resurrection may occur even sooner."
His tone shifted, becoming more pointed. "The critical question now is how we handle Shihouin Naraku."
Tendo Pain's emotionless voice responded with cutting directness. "You claim to be Uchiha Madara. Are you truly helpless against a mere junior ninja?"
"I've told you before," irritation crept into the masked man's voice, his aura becoming distinctly uncomfortable. "My injuries from battling Senju Hashirama haven't fully healed. At full strength, Shihouin Naraku would be nothing more than an insect to be crushed!"
"Enough. I have other matters requiring attention."
"Should anything unexpected arise, have Zetsu contact me."
Before Pain or Konan could respond, space around the masked man began distorting. His form vanished like a phantom into the warped air.
"Did you notice?" Pain asked once they were alone.
Konan nodded slowly. "Yes. He's definitely injured—more severely than he admits. He's been concealing the extent of his wounds."
"Remain cautious," Tendo Pain warned. "Nothing Madara says can be taken at face value."
"I never have," Konan's cold voice carried absolute certainty. "But that leaves the question—how do we address Shihouin Naraku? When we execute our plan, he'll pose a significant obstacle."
Tendo Pain rose to his feet, conviction resonating in his declaration. "I will eliminate him personally."
"But first, I must witness this volcano myself."
"The Flame Mountain," Konan supplied the name, then regarded Pain with evident concern. "Your body isn't suited for extended travel. This journey seems unnecessary. If he proves too troublesome, allow me to eliminate Shihouin Naraku instead."
"No!"
"I will handle this personally. You're no match for Shihouin Naraku, Konan."
Through Pain, Nagato firmly rejected her proposal. "The rumors may be exaggerated, but one fact remains clear—Shihouin Naraku possesses tremendous power. This requires my direct intervention."
"Then I'm coming with you," Konan stated, brooking no argument.
Since immediate action wasn't planned, Nagato and Konan departed for Lightning Country accompanied only by the single Tendo Pain body.
Nagato had long since lost the ability to walk, requiring specialized mechanical assistance for movement. Fortunately, with Konan's support and their combined skills as elite ninja, they covered vast distances quickly, arriving in Lightning Country within days.
Dawn had yet to break fully.
The morning air should have been refreshingly cool, yet both Nagato and Konan felt an unmistakable warmth permeating the atmosphere.
The source was obvious—the Flame Mountain's influence.
As they drew closer to their destination, the scorching presence intensified dramatically.
An acrid, burnt smell assaulted Konan's senses, causing her to wrinkle her nose in distaste.
The ambient temperature climbed sharply. Despite their conditioning, sweat began beading on both their foreheads.
Then, it came into view.
A mountain of impossible height pierced the clouds, its entire mass shrouded in an endless conflagration that burned without pause, day or night.
"This... How is this even possible?" Konan breathed, genuine amazement breaking through her usual composure.
Every preconception, every mental image she'd formed during their journey crumbled before reality. Even if her wildest imaginings had been magnified a hundredfold, they would pale before the actual Flame Mountain.
The summit burned eternally. Heat distortion warped the very air while rivers of molten rock carved glowing channels down the mountainside.
Clear, melodious cries occasionally pierced the roar of flames. Beautiful phoenixes materialized from the inferno, soaring gracefully around the peaks before dissolving back into the sea of fire.
The sight was simultaneously beautiful and terrifying.
Since news of the Flame Mountain had spread, pilgrims from across the ninja world had journeyed here to witness this miracle firsthand.
Civilians who beheld the sight could only conclude that such wonders belonged to the realm of gods and immortals.
Ninja observers felt something deeper—an apprehension born from recognizing the incomprehensible power required to create such a phenomenon.
Everyone who witnessed the Flame Mountain reached the same inevitable conclusion: a new God of the Ninja World had indeed been born.
"Nagato," Konan's worried voice carried new urgency. "I believe our plan to eliminate Shihouin Naraku requires... significant reconsideration."
She watched Nagato anxiously, fearing his stubbornness might override logic. Their tailed beast collection hadn't even begun—conflict with Konoha now would be premature and potentially catastrophic.
Though Nagato proclaimed himself a god, his rationality remained intact. He understood Konan's concerns and recognized the care behind her words.
"I know my limits, Konan. Don't worry."
Despite his reassurance, Tendo Pain suddenly moved forward, approaching the Flame Mountain with measured steps.
Konan's confusion was evident—this was definitely Nagato's doing, but why?
"I need to test something," he explained.
Though they stood at the mountain's base, reaching the fire's edge required considerable time and careful approach.
"Now—"
Just as Tendo Pain prepared to act, a single flame spark landed on his Akatsuki cloak. The fire spread with impossible speed, consuming the red cloud patterns in an instant.
In less than a heartbeat, Tendo Pain had transformed into a human torch, the flames hungrily devouring the body.
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion