...
In a dark cave, there stood a gigantic, grotesque statue, its body a grim, ash-grey.
Only the upper half of the statue remained above ground; its lower half was deeply embedded in the earth.
Where its eyes should be were nine closed eyes. Two enormous hands, clasped together as if in thought, were spread across its chest—a surprisingly girlish pose.
This statue was the Outer Path Demonic Statue, the husk of the Ten-Tails. On its upward-facing hands, a Gedō Mazō, each fingertip held a sentient being: a member of Akatsuki.
"Everyone, after six years, the organization is almost ready."
Pain, standing atop the statue, surveyed each member with his Rinnegan.
"It's time to collect the tailed beasts!"
Besides Pain, the leader, Akatsuki now had nine official members: Konan, Zetsu, Orochimaru, Sasori, Kakuzu, Hōichi, Pakura, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Yagura Karatachi.
Pakura was a collaborator with Yusuke, remaining within Akatsuki to monitor their activities and provide information to Yusuke.
The Fourth Mizukage, having prematurely launched a war against Konoha and causing internal discontent within Kirigakure, was conveniently taken by Obito, who needed more manpower for Akatsuki.
Kisame, lost and uncertain about his future, joined Akatsuki at this time, as in the original story, after being persuaded by Obito.
"Where does the leader intend to start?" Kisame asked.
"Simultaneously, of course!"
"If the villages are given time to prepare, it will greatly complicate our actions," Pain stated slowly.
Pain then began assigning the tailed beast capture missions.
"Kisame and Yagura, you two are responsible for the Four-Tails. Kakuzu and Pakura will handle the Five-Tails. Konan and Hōichi will take the Six-Tails. I will personally handle the Seven-Tails."
"Also, Orochimaru and Sasori, if Deidara still refuses to join, eliminate him."
Orochimaru, addressed by Pain, responded with his characteristic gravelly voice, "Deidara is very cunning and has fled to Wave Country. I don't think he'll join. We'll deal with him."
"The plan doesn't include the One-Tails, Two-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Nine-Tails. When will we capture those?" Kakuzu questioned.
"I have a plan for the One-Tails in Sunagakure and the several tailed beasts currently in Konoha. You don't need to worry," Pain replied.
After surveying the assembled members and finding no further questions, Pain concluded the meeting.
"Kakuzu, stay behind. Konan and I need to discuss something with you."
A moment later, after Kakuzu left the astral projection, Pakura, his partner, asked, "What did the leader want to discuss?"
Kakuzu's face was grim, "To buy explosive tags."
Pakura found this strange, "It's just explosive tags. Why are you looking so unhappy? You're too stingy."
Kakuzu remained silent, the number Konan had mentioned echoing in his mind.
"Sixty million explosive tags? If we buy 600,000, they probably won't notice," he thought.
In Wave Country, a peaceful town.
A young man with long, yellow hair tied in a ponytail strolled through the marketplace. This was Deidara, pursued by Orochimaru and Sasori.
In the original story, when Itachi used the Mangekyō Sharingan's tsukuyomi to subdue Deidara, the setting sun shone into the temple where Deidara was hiding. Combined with Itachi's Sharingan, Deidara felt an "enlightenment" and, considering himself an artist, agreed to join Akatsuki.
But this time, Orochimaru and Sasori, unlike Itachi, didn't try to appeal to Deidara's artistic sensibilities. They failed to sway the artistic youth, leading to his immediate refusal to join.
For secrecy, Akatsuki added those who refused to their kill list. Deidara was immediately attacked by Orochimaru and Sasori.
After a brief exchange, Deidara realized he was no match for them and escaped on his clay bird, eventually reaching Wave Country.
Short on funds, Deidara took a bridge-bombing job upon arrival.
"Should I wait for the bridge to be completed before blowing it up? That way, I can truly appreciate its artistic value!" Deidara muttered, stroking his chin.
While idly wandering, a stall filled with puppets caught his eye.
The puppets were made of a transparent material, like glass, but with a brilliance and clarity glass lacked.
These weren't normal human figures but uniformly cylindrical, bald-headed forms, varying in size and expression—comical, or perhaps charmingly ugly, to the average person.
"This is true art!"
Deidara's eyes lit up, and he let out a heartfelt exclamation. He approached the stall to examine them closely.
"Hmm? These puppets are made of ice, and using an unusual method; they show no signs of melting!" Picking up a particularly plump puppet, Deidara said in surprise.
The stall owner wore a simple, coarse linen kimono and appeared to be a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, around Deidara's age. She had long, black hair, fair skin, and a gentle smile.
"These puppets are made using a special method. Although they're made of ice, they can last for about a year before melting. In summer, they can cool down a room nicely,"
The stall owner explained with a gentle voice, matching her gentle appearance.
This stall owner was Haku.
Haku's mother was a descendant of the Yuki clan, possessing the Ice Release kekkei genkai. She lived in a village in the Land of Water.
When Haku was born and inherited his mother's Ice Release, he was feared by the villagers. Haku's father even organized the villagers to kill him.
To protect Haku, his mother died at the hands of his father. Haku escaped and became an orphan.
Because the Fourth Mizukage, controlled by Obito, hadn't yet begun his reign of terror before leaving Kirigakure, Zabuza Momochi didn't defect from Kirigakure for attempting to assassinate the Mizukage. Haku didn't meet Zabuza. He wandered to Wave Country and encountered a kind old man who made clay puppets.
The old man, childless, adopted Haku. Haku learned puppet making from him, though his aesthetic sense was… questionable.
Unfortunately, the old man passed away shortly after. Haku's puppets sold poorly.
Facing hardship, Haku began researching his Ice Release kekkei genkai and created these ice puppets.
While their designs were still… unique, their clarity and cooling effect made them popular.
Haku made a living selling them, developing his Ice Release skills in his free time.
Although Haku is male, his feminine appearance led him to dress as a female to avoid confusion.
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