Chapter 183 – Toward the Akatsuki Organization
"I only saved him on a whim. Don't overthink it—just consider it a small compensation for the fact that my father killed your son," Hatake Yusuke said calmly.
He never liked people kneeling before him. Everything he did was purely driven by impulse, without attachments or expectations.
Still, after a brief moment of reflection, Yusuke decided to follow through with his good deed to the end.
"Flame of Resurrection."
He extended his hand once more, casting the same ethereal blue-violet flame toward Granny Chiyo.
In an instant, the mystical fire enveloped the old woman's frail body. Her withered skin regained its glow, and the wrinkles across her face gradually faded.
Her body was slowly rejuvenated, restored to a youthful state. The evolved form of Yusuke's eternal flame wasn't just for healing injuries anymore—it had reached a level where it could renew cells and rekindle the essence of life itself.
"Old lady, I've restored the life force you expended. But you already know the consequence of using such a forbidden technique. Even though your body appears younger, your lifespan won't be extended by much," Yusuke said, his gaze unwavering as it met hers.
"I know. I just wanted to ask… how much time do I have left?" Chiyo asked softly.
"Are you sure you want to know? Personally, I think it's better not to. Knowing when death will come only makes life heavier," Yusuke smiled faintly.
He had the ability to see a person's remaining time—even their future—but he didn't want to burden people with truths they might not be ready to accept.
Chiyo remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.
"But don't worry. You've got more time left than you think," Yusuke said with quiet reassurance.
With that, Yusuke turned his attention to Sasori.
"Red Sand Sasori, huh? Mind telling me where your organization's base is?"
Sasori hesitated. He wasn't exactly loyal to Akatsuki—none of them were. That group was a collection of criminals and lunatics, each with their own personal goals.
But one thing was certain: every single member was a genius-level shinobi from their respective villages—many of them Kage-level threats.
Their power wasn't something to take lightly. Not to mention, their leader… a mysterious man with terrifying eyes. Just one glance was enough to understand the overwhelming might he possessed.
"Why do you want to know?" Sasori asked coldly.
"I'm looking for someone, of course. I know quite a few people there," Yusuke replied nonchalantly.
"You're looking for someone? Don't tell me… Uchiha Itachi?" Sasori guessed, remembering how respectfully Itachi had always spoken of Yusuke.
"Not just him. I've got several friends in there—Konan, Zetsu… we go way back," Yusuke chuckled.
Sasori's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He hadn't expected Yusuke to drop names like that. Did Itachi leak that info? Or… did he really know them personally?
"You've saved me, so I'll give you a warning," Deidara suddenly cut in, his voice serious. "That place is more dangerous than any of the Five Great Nations."
"No need to worry. I'm invincible, remember?" Yusuke grinned. "Besides, I'm not going to cause trouble—I just want to drop by, say hi to a few old friends, and leave a friendly warning… that there are some people they really shouldn't mess with."
A sudden chill slipped into his voice before it vanished again beneath his cheerful smile.
Sasori stared hard at the man before him. He couldn't quite gauge Yusuke's true strength, but someone who could talk like that… clearly wasn't ordinary.
"Our base is usually located near the border of the Land of Rain. A hidden cave used for meetings," Sasori finally said.
"Oh? Why not inside the Land of Rain itself?" Yusuke asked with curiosity.
"There are still civilians living there. With how conspicuous we are, even a passing glance or an unintentional reaction from them could leak information. We can't take that risk," Sasori explained.
Yusuke nodded. That made sense. People like the Akatsuki drew too much attention no matter where they went.
"All right then, thanks for the info. Kakashi, take everyone back to the village, will you? I'll head out and visit some acquaintances. Also, let my sister-in-law know," Yusuke said before vanishing in a blink.
"Every time… it's always like this," Kakashi muttered lazily.
He was used to Yusuke's sudden disappearances, leaving him with the job of explaining things to Tsunade.
Telling Kurenai was easy enough… but Tsunade?
Yeah, that was going to be a headache.
He could already picture her temper flaring.
"Whatever. I give up," Kakashi sighed in resignation.
Meanwhile, Yusuke arrived in the Land of Lightning and stopped by his favorite sweets shop. He bought a few of his favorite desserts—and some cute, colorful ones that girls would probably like.
It was just his way of preparing a little gift for the people he was about to visit.
"Lord Yusuke! You're back!" a cheerful voice called from behind the counter.
Yusuke looked up and saw two familiar figures.
"Oh? What a coincidence," he greeted with a warm smile.
Samui's expression twitched. We're in our own village. How is that a coincidence? she thought.
"Here for more sweets, Lord Yusuke? I've got a new limited-time flavor! Want to try?" Mabui asked excitedly, a little nervous.
"Ugh, how troublesome~" Yusuke sighed playfully as he reached out and took one anyway.
Samui rolled her eyes. For someone as powerful as he was rumored to be, Yusuke seriously lacked dignity.
"If you enjoy it, I'll be really happy," Mabui beamed.
"Thanks. You're very kind," Yusuke said, smiling gently.
After a bit more small talk, he left Kumogakure—one of the places he visited most often aside from Konoha.
His next destination: the Land of Rain.
"Itachi's a clever one, isn't he?" Yusuke murmured as he hovered high above Amegakure.
He didn't sense any of the Akatsuki's chakra—but there was a faint trace of Itachi's.
Only his Kenbunshoku Haki could pick it up. Not even the Rinnegan would've caught it.
In the blink of an eye, Yusuke vanished from the sky.
Within a hidden cave…
"Someone's coming," a deep voice said.
"Who?" asked a woman's voice.
"I don't know. There's no aura at all," came a cold reply.
"I'll check," Konan said.
Wings made of paper unfolded from her back, and she flew outside. Nagato gave her a silent nod.
She soared through the sky… and then—
"Yo. Hisashiburi da na!"
(Hey, long time no see!)
Konan froze mid-air.
Even after all these years, she recognized him instantly.
His frame had grown taller, his face had changed a little, and he wore an eye covering now… but that smile, and that unmistakable presence—
It was Hatake Yusuke.
"What are you doing here?" Konan asked coldly, suppressing the sudden storm of emotions within her.
"You're still as cold as ever," Yusuke replied casually.
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