Kinkaku and Ginkaku froze.
They had seen Mangekyo Sharingan before, but never one that appeared on the forehead. It stunned them for a moment too long.
"Not good it's genjutsu!" one shouted.
But it was too late. Both fell motionless.
Under the illusion, they couldn't resist.
Nagato silently carried them away before anyone from Kumogakure could arrive.
Meanwhile, inside the Raikage's office:
"Sir, we have a report Ginkaku and Kinkaku left the village without permission."
"Damn it," the Second Raikage growled. "Are they rebelling again? If not for their power, I'd kill them myself. Bring them back at all costs. We can't afford another war."
"And keep a close eye on our Jinchuriki," he added. "Don't let them go on a rampage."
Back at Nagato's base...
After preparations, Nagato used Kotoamatsukami on the brothers. He followed it with a sealing technique that altered their appearance—so they wouldn't be recognized. Their infamous identities would remain hidden unless Nagato chose to release them.
As for their weapons it was normal to take them as trophies. No one would suspect the truth.
Dōjutsu that could change a person's consciousness was terrifying. And rare.
"Now," Nagato said, "let's begin the transfer of the tailed beast chakra."
Another tattoo appeared on his forehead—next to the previous ones for heart and eye. This one represented the tailed beasts.
"Chain of Resonance."
Chains burst from Nagato, latching onto Kinkaku and Ginkaku. Red chakra flowed toward his forehead. The process lasted more than 12 hours they had consumed a vast amount of Kurama's chakra.
Although it looked stable, maintaining control required immense mental strength.
When it was done, Nagato passed out, exhausted. But he didn't move they were now completely under his control.
After a night's rest, Nagato finally woke up.
"Success," he whispered. "This much chakra... not quite a full Nine Tails, but maybe more than eight."
With this, he could share chakra with the core Akatsuki members. He'd be able to monitor them, support them, and teleport to them if they were in danger.
He left Kin and Gin behind to guard the base, and then reviewed Akatsuki's status.
"So, in summary," he said, "we have more than a thousand people, but only 300 are ninja and most are genin, except the core."
Konan, now barely 15 but sharp as ever, replied: "Our core members are you, me, Mr. Sakumo, Tsunade, and Pakura. Our reserve members Kakashi and Nawaki are both geniuses. Nawaki has already surpassed most chunin."
"Sakumo also brought Kakuzu back yesterday. He's ready to join. What position should he hold?"
"Call everyone," Nagato said. "We'll hold an official meeting."
Once Kakuzu, Sakumo, Tsunade, and others had gathered, Nagato began.
"Our purpose is peace. But to achieve it, we need strength."
He paused.
"My prediction? This peace won't last. In three or four years, another war will come. We must prepare."
"Tsunade, you'll teach basic medical ninjutsu. If members can't use it, teach first aid. If someone shows talented, let me know."
"Kakuzu you'll manage trade. List what we can offer, what we need, and find talent. Intelligence too."
"Sakumo, Pakura you'll lead training in our temporary ninja academy."
Sakumo asked, "But how will we achieve peace?"
Nagato answered: "Wars start over resources. Revenge is just a cover. For example—Sunagakure attacked Konoha because of land and food."
"So… we'll distribute food and water. If someone still wants war, we'll have a say in the matter. And if we must fight—we'll conquer."
He continued, "Yes, conquest is cruel. But better a short pain than endless war. Each ninja war has cost over 70,000 lives. If we fight once just once and win... we can end the cycle."
"But can we win?" Tsunade asked. "We'll become their common enemy. They'll form alliances."
Nagato nodded. "Yes. We can win. But conquest isn't just about defeating enemies. It's about managing them so they don't rebel."
Then he activated his Rinnegan. Usually sealed, now fully open.
A massive pressure filled the room. The walls cracked. The table turned to dust.
"This pressure… it's stronger than Grandpa," Tsunade whispered in awe.
Everyone froze.
Now, they all believed:
Nagato could overpower any Kage alive.