Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 113: Next Time We Meet, We'll Be Enemies!

"Everything's settled?"

As the various village representatives departed the Rain Village, Konan appeared beside Uchiha Yi, her tone reflecting a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Yes, it's done," Yi replied, exhaling lightly.

"From today onward, the Rain Village officially severs any ties with the Akatsuki.

"Whatever the Akatsuki does in the future will have nothing to do with us.

"In fact, when the time comes, we might even join the other villages as heroes, saving the world."

Yi chuckled softly at the thought, imagining the reactions of the other villages.

"Heroes, huh?" Konan murmured with a wry smile.

Having spent so many years steeped in the shadows, performing deeds most would consider vile, the idea of becoming a hero felt almost absurd.

Even though Yi had been preparing them for this shift for years, the sudden pivot from being feared to being lauded felt jarring.

The stark contrast in roles left both Konan and Nagato feeling conflicted, as though two irreconcilable halves were being forced together.

"Come on, let's check in with Nagato."

Yi and Konan made their way to a hidden chamber deep within the Rain Village.

Inside, Nagato was diligently working through a physical therapy regimen.

Over a year ago, thanks to consistent treatment with natural energy and medical techniques, Nagato's body had made significant strides toward recovery.

Though his prolonged confinement to a wheelchair had left his muscles weakened and unresponsive, he was now able to walk with relative ease.

"Nagato-sensei, how's the recovery coming along?" Yi greeted him with a warm smile.

"Better than I ever imagined," Nagato replied, grinning widely. "I feel stronger than I did even before my injuries."

"That's excellent news!" Yi clapped his hands together in delight.

"Thank you, Yi. I can't express how much this means to me." Nagato's voice carried a rare note of emotion. "Honestly, with all you've done for us… I feel like I've let you down. You call me 'sensei,' but I've taught you so little."

"Sensei, don't say that," Yi said, shaking his head. "What you've taught me might seem small to others, but to me, it was invaluable. Without you and Konan-sensei, I wouldn't have had the foundation to survive, let alone thrive, in this world."

Nagato was momentarily taken aback by Yi's sincerity. His gratitude was evident, not just in words but in the unwavering respect he showed.

"By the way," Yi continued, pulling a scroll from his robes, "I brought back something interesting during my trip to Konoha."

He tossed the scroll to Konan, whose curiosity got the better of her. Opening it, her usual stoic demeanor gave way to astonishment.

"What is it?" Nagato leaned in for a closer look.

His eyes widened as he scanned the contents.

The scroll contained detailed instructions for some of Konoha's most advanced ninjutsu and forbidden techniques—ones he had only ever heard about.

"Yi, did you… rob Konoha?" Nagato asked incredulously.

"Let's just say, I made the most of my visit," Yi replied with a grin.

The two former Akatsuki members exchanged glances, unsure whether to marvel at Yi's audacity or question his methods.

"These techniques are for you to study," Yi explained. "But don't try to master them all—focus on the ones that suit you best.

"Some of these are incredibly dangerous, especially the forbidden jutsu. Make sure you understand the risks before committing to anything."

Pointing to Konan, he added, "For you, I recommend Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags. It's perfectly suited to your paper techniques."

Turning to Nagato, he suggested, "And for you, sensei, the Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques would be a great place to start."

"Understood," Konan said, nodding.

"Thank you, Yi," Nagato added earnestly.

---

With matters in the Rain Village settled, Yi returned to Konoha.

Meanwhile, the Akatsuki's operations had entered a period of relative silence. After their actions were exposed, Obito had ordered the organization to go into hiding.

The exact location of their new base was unknown to Yi, but that didn't surprise him.

"That idiot," Yi muttered under his breath. "I helped him capture the Three-Tails, and he didn't even think to notify me about their next steps.

"So much for camaraderie.

"Fine. Let's see how you manage without me, Obito. Next time we meet, we'll be enemies."

---

Somewhere in a remote cave, the Akatsuki members gathered in secret.

Aside from Konan, Nagato, and Yi, the entire roster was present. Even Itachi and Kisame, who had been tasked with scouting Naruto and the Nine-Tails, had been recalled.

The atmosphere was tense.

"I still don't understand why we didn't inform Yi," Deidara said, breaking the silence. "If we're going into hiding, wouldn't it make sense to include him?"

"There's no need," Obito replied curtly, though his irritation was evident.

The mention of Yi's name always made Obito uneasy.

From the start, he had been wary of Yi's true intentions. Though Yi had contributed significantly to the Akatsuki's goals, Obito had never considered him a true ally.

With most of the tailed beasts already in their possession, Yi's role was no longer essential.

To Obito, keeping Yi at arm's length was a precautionary measure.

"What if he decides to turn against us?" Kisame asked, his sharp eyes watching Obito closely.

"He won't," Obito said with feigned confidence. "Yi has too many ties to Nagato, Konan, and the Rain Village. He has no reason to betray us."

The others exchanged skeptical glances but said nothing further.

---

"Obito," Hidan growled, his impatience boiling over. "When are we finally going to act? I'm sick of sitting around. The Jashin-sama demands blood!"

"And I've lost a fortune waiting here," Kakuzu added gruffly. "If you're going to waste my time, you'd better compensate me."

Meanwhile, Kisame smirked. "It's a shame. I was looking forward to meeting Itachi's little brother."

Itachi, who had been silent throughout, frowned but chose not to respond.

His mind was elsewhere. The current instability of the Akatsuki made it difficult to execute his own plans involving Sasuke.

The more chaotic things became, the harder it would be to ensure his brother's safety.

---

As Obito tried to maintain control of the restless group, Yi's parting words echoed in his mind:

"Next time we meet, we'll be enemies."

Obito clenched his fists.

If that day ever came, he knew one thing for certain—Yi would not be an enemy to underestimate.

---

Read up to 20 chapter ahead of time on patreon.com/Legendryweeb

{please give this novel 5 Star review and power stone}

*Thank you*