Sure enough, once the effects of the Full Restore Capsule were explained, everyone's eyes flashed with greedy excitement.
Even though they were all powerful figures—strong enough to rival Kage-level shinobi—no one in this world could afford a single moment of carelessness. Something that could instantly save a life? Of course it would become a prize worth fighting over.
Even Yahiko (Deva Path) was tempted. His real body was in desperate need of that kind of lifesaving medicine. There was no blame placed on Ash — something so precious could never be handed out casually.
Clearly, the Kingdom of the Sky had something Ash wanted badly enough to trade rare treasures for it.
And they weren't worried Ash would deceive them. They were all Akatsuki members — sharing risks and working under the same banner. While most acted independently, a few had already developed deeper bonds.
Of all of them, Konan and Orochimaru desired the capsules the most: Konan for Nagato, and Orochimaru… simply because his curiosity knew no limits.
"The details are decided. We disperse." Yahiko declared. His Shinra Tensei-based projection faded, and others vanished one by one to gather information throughout the Underworld.
Only Ash and the Masked Man (Obito) remained.
"I never expected you to possess something like that. With such effects… you must have few left," the masked man murmured.
"Ah, I stumbled upon them by accident," Ash replied casually. "Only two remain."
Intelligence was Akatsuki's lifeblood. Ash had his own sources, but he'd only been here a short time. Others — Kakuzu especially — had lived since the era of the First Hokage. His network was likely greater than the entire organization combined.
This mission was the chance Ash needed — to copy the Masked Man's Space-Time Ninjutsu. Recently, luck seemed to favor him.
"I'll wait outside Amegakure," the masked man said before disappearing into a vortex of distorted space.
Ash canceled his projection technique, his true body opening its eyes inside the Akatsuki base.
Leaving his room, Ash noticed Haku — dressed in a clean kimono — quietly tidying the hallway.
His heart warmed. That gentle scene… he hadn't felt this kind of peace in a long time.
In the Pokémon world, he was always on the road — rarely home, rarely able to enjoy moments like this.
"Brother Ash, heading out?" Haku asked softly when he saw the red-cloud-on-black cloak.
"Yeah. A mission." Ash reached out, ruffling the boy's soft black hair. "Stay here. If anything happens, find Sister Konan."
Haku smiled brightly, eyes closed in delight. "Mm!"
After reminding Haku of a few things, Ash headed out. This Nine-Tails Incident… he was looking forward to it. Another chance to strike at the hypocrites of Konoha.
The Akatsuki understood why Ash carried such hatred toward the Leaf. None found his actions surprising.
Outside Amegakure
"Zetsu, investigate the Kingdom of the Sky," the Masked Man ordered quietly.
"You're after the capsule?" Black Zetsu responded with equal curiosity. He had never heard of any item like it — no miracle medicine or comparable treasure in shinobi history.
"Find out what's hidden there… what makes Ash willing to pay such a steep price."
"Understood."
Zetsu sank into the earth—just as Ash arrived.
"So you want to learn my motives? Go ahead," Ash thought with a derisive smirk.
"The Zero-Tails is useless to you anyway."
Konohagakure
"AAAAAAAH—! IT HURTS!"
Ten nights later—deep within the Forest of Death—a piercing cry echoed from a hidden cavern under heavy guard.
"I've never seen Kushina in this much pain… Is she really going to be okay?" asked the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, anxiety tightening his voice. He looked toward Biwa, who was assisting with the delivery.
As a member of the Uzumaki clan, Kushina possessed immense chakra and a powerful life force — able to suppress Tailed Beasts naturally. She served as the Second Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails for Konohagakure.
To ensure the seal didn't weaken during childbirth, strict precautions were taken.
The Forest of Death was entirely restricted tonight.
ANBU units surrounded the area — fewer than ten people knew of this birth, each handpicked to ensure security and secrecy.
"Focus on the seal, Lord Hokage," Biwa said firmly, though sweat dotted her brow. "As the leader of this village, don't let panic get the better of you."
Inside Kushina's seal space, the monstrous Nine-Tails roared, thrashing violently against its restraints.
"RAAAAGH—! You fools think you can bind me again?!"
Kushina gritted her teeth, but her entire body trembled — childbirth was tearing at the seal, weakening the chains that held the beast in place.
"It's too strong…!" Minato thought grimly, maintaining his sealing ninjutsu over Kushina's exposed abdomen as the chakra surges spiked again.
"The Nine-Tails is trying to use labor to break free… Damn it!"
...
TN:
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