That night, at the Akatsuki base.
Under the escort of an Akatsuki member, Kanzō was brought before Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan.
"My name is Kanzō," he introduced himself with a polite nod. "I serve as Hanzo-sama's deputy."
"Yahiko. This is Nagato, and this is Konan," Yahiko replied with an easy smile. "May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
Kanzō's expression was courteous, almost rehearsed.
"I come under Hanzo-sama's orders—to invite the three of you to attend the ceasefire negotiations between Konoha and Iwagakure."
Yahiko's eyes lit up instantly.
A ceasefire.
That word alone was enough to stir hope in him.
But before the joy could fully bloom, he caught Kanzō giving him a subtle look.
A warning.
Yahiko's heart skipped a beat, but his face showed nothing.
"That's wonderful news," he said brightly. "Let's speak inside."
He dismissed the Akatsuki member who had led Kanzō there and personally escorted him into a room. Once the door was shut, Yahiko shot Nagato a look.
Nagato understood immediately.
He brought his hands together.
"Barrier Technique: Canopy Method Formation."
An invisible sensory barrier expanded outward from him, sealing the entire room.
Thanks to possessing all seven chakra natures, Nagato had learned more techniques from Jiraiya than the others. This barrier was one of them—a comprehensive detection field.
After a moment, he said calmly,
"No one else is nearby."
Yahiko nodded, then turned to Kanzō.
"Kanzō-san, anything inconvenient to say can be spoken now. What does Hanzo-sama truly want from us?"
Kanzō visibly relaxed and took a letter from his robes.
"Earlier today, Konoha's elder Shimura Danzō visited Hanzo-sama. He requested that Hanzo-sama move against the Akatsuki."
The three of them stiffened.
Jin had warned them—but the speed still caught them off guard.
Yahiko accepted the letter.
"What was Hanzo-sama's response?"
"He agreed on the surface," Kanzō said evenly. "But if he sent me here, then he clearly has other intentions."
"I do not know the full details. Hanzo-sama said that after reading the letter, you would understand what to do."
"And from here on… I will follow your arrangements."
Yahiko tore open the letter.
His eyes moved quickly across the page. His expression gradually darkened. He handed it to Nagato.
Nagato read it. His brows knitted.
He passed it to Konan.
By the time she finished, silence filled the room.
Kanzō, though curious, restrained himself. Years of experience had taught him when not to ask questions.
Finally, Konan broke the silence.
"If this is Hanzo-sama's arrangement, then we follow it."
She lifted her chin.
"With Hanzo-sama present, I will not be in danger."
Before Yahiko or Nagato could respond, she turned to Kanzō.
"Kanzō-san, Hanzo-sama says I am to act as bait to draw Shimura Danzō out."
"I'll patrol the southern front shortly. You may 'capture' me then."
Danzō was not a fool.
To avoid raising suspicion, Jin had chosen to recreate events close to their original course—Konan would be taken hostage. The performance needed to feel real.
Of course, if Yahiko and Nagato truly objected, they could abandon this step. Danzō's real target was Nagato.
As long as Yahiko and Nagato appeared to be walking into the trap, that would likely be enough.
Jin had left the choice in their hands.
Yahiko thought for a moment.
"Before Nagato and I reveal ourselves, Konan shouldn't be in danger."
He nodded.
"Let's proceed."
He looked at Kanzō.
"Kanzō-san, I leave Konan in your care."
Kanzō inclined his head.
"I will ensure her safety."
Now he understood their earlier reaction. They were pushing one of their own forward as bait. Naturally, there would be hesitation.
Nagato added quietly,
"We're counting on you."
Kanzō gave a final nod.
"I will make preparations."
He departed soon after.
When his footsteps faded into the night, the three returned inside—and once again fell into silence.
The letter had contained more than Konan's role as bait.
Jin had also warned them of something else.
The masked man lurking in the shadows might seize this opportunity to strike.
They were to secure the rest of the Akatsuki.
"What do we do?" Yahiko finally asked. "If the three of us leave, what if Kyūsuke and the others are targeted? Do we tell them the truth?"
Nagato thought carefully.
"Jin said as long as Kyūsuke and the others remain in camp and don't act rashly, they should be safe."
"We can tell Kyūsuke part of the truth. Let him stabilize morale."
Konan frowned.
"And if the masked man ignores that and attacks them anyway? Kyūsuke can't stop him."
Yahiko rubbed his temples.
She wasn't wrong.
Nagato spoke again.
"No matter what, both Danzō and the masked man are targeting me."
"Danzō is walking into Jin's trap."
"As for tomorrow… I'll send a Shadow Clone with you, Yahiko. My real body will remain hidden in camp."
"If the masked man doesn't appear here, I won't reveal myself. That should deceive Danzō."
It was the best solution he could devise.
Yahiko nodded slowly.
"A Shadow Clone has physical substance. Its chakra signature matches the original."
"It should fool Danzō."
He hesitated.
"But leaving you alone here to face that masked man… is that too dangerous?"
Nagato shook his head.
"According to Jin, he won't confront me directly."
"I'm more worried about you two."
"Jin will be facing Danzō and Konoha's ANBU alone. He might not have the luxury to protect you."
Yahiko suddenly grinned.
"Then it's settled."
"Nagato, don't underestimate me."
His eyes were steady.
"I won't let Konan come to harm."
Outside, the rain fell steadily over Amegakure.
The trap had been set.
And every piece on the board was now moving into position.
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