Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 53

Several weeks have passed since I captured the Three-Tails, and Kisame has been assigned as my new partner. His presence is... interesting. He's different from Orochimaru—more straightforward, less devious. But Kisame's loyalty to Akatsuki is almost frightening. It's unwavering, and that trait could become dangerous if he ever grows suspicious of me.

"The boss called for us," Kisame says casually, resting his Samehada on his shoulder. "First, we had to collect bounties for Kakuzu, then do mercenary work, and now this." His voice carries a hint of irritation, but the grin on his face shows he's still amused by it all.

"Well," I reply calmly, "an organization like Akatsuki needs funding. Missions like these are inevitable." I keep my tone as neutral as possible as we make our way to the meeting point. "But you're right—we shouldn't keep Pain waiting."

Kisame nods, and together we focus to project our illusions into the Akatsuki hideout. The cool, oppressive atmosphere of the meeting place greets me as our avatars take form. Pain is already waiting—unshaken, as always.

"The Third Hokage has been killed by Orochimaru," Pain announces without preamble. His words hit me like a punch to the stomach. "Konoha is currently in chaos. Yukari, since you were once a shinobi of that village, your task will be to capture the Nine-Tails alongside Kisame. Your target is Naruto Uzumaki."

My heart nearly stops. Naruto? I think, shocked. An icy dread spreads through my chest. Why didn't Kitsune and Yako tell me? A wave of panic crashes over me, but it's quickly followed by relief. If my mission is to capture Naruto, I can buy him time. Maybe enough time for him to escape.

I dissolve my illusion before Pain even finishes speaking and immediately reach out to Kitsune and Yako in my mind. My thoughts race.

"What's happening in Konoha?" My mental voice trembles slightly with anger and worry. "Yako, you're with Naruto. Where is he? Why am I learning from Pain that the Hokage is dead? And who will take his place?"

Kitsune responds immediately, her voice calm but cautious. "Princess, it hasn't been long. We weren't sure if it was safe to contact you."

I pause, taking a deep breath, but my thoughts keep spiraling. "Where was Itachi? Couldn't he have stopped Orochimaru?" I press.

Finally, Yako speaks, his tone steady. "Naruto is with Jiraiya. They're searching for Tsunade. She's expected to become the next Hokage."

Kitsune adds softly, "Itachi was on a mission at the time. He couldn't be in the village."

I exhale deeply, trying to steady myself. "Yako, inform Jiraiya immediately," I say decisively. "Pain has tasked me with capturing Naruto. Jiraiya must be prepared. He needs to make it impossible for us to reach Naruto. I'll delay the mission as long as I can. We're heading to Konoha, but I'll let you know when we're close."

A mix of anger, sorrow, and guilt churns within me. "I'm sorry," I whisper in my mind. "You were trying to protect me, and I lashed out. Please forgive my tone. But with news like this... don't wait. We can't afford for me to be caught off guard."

I feel the familiar warmth of Kitsune and Yako's reassurance. Without words, they let me know they understand. It's a small comfort amidst the chaos.

I turn to Kisame, who's watching me with an unreadable expression. "Let's go. To Konohagakure."

Kisame grins broadly, his sharp teeth gleaming in the sunlight. "Can't wait to see your old home, huh?" He swings his sword over his shoulder as if this were just another mission.

"We won't be welcomed if we draw attention," I reply coolly, though my heart races at the thought of being near Naruto and Sasuke again. "That much is certain."