"The peace the Akatsuki pursues is singular: we seek to let the world feel pain."
"Let the world feel pain?"
"Exactly. We will make the great nations, those that wage war at will and turn small countries into their battlefields, and the people within them who have never tasted the bitter fruit of war, understand just how precious peace truly is!"
"Just as you think, the path to peace must be stained with blood, must it not?" Nagato's lips curled slightly as he looked at Kanon.
"I only want Konoha to feel pain," Kanon said flatly. "Everywhere else is irrelevant to me."
"Come. Let me tell you my story, and the answer I have found." Nagato held nothing back, recounting every ounce of agony he had endured to his junior disciple.
After Nagato finished his tale, Kanon fell into a deep silence. Now, she finally understood the motivations behind the man sitting before her.
"Through Yahiko's death, I discovered that the means to achieve peace is not through understanding, but through deterrence."
"Our goal is to collect the Tailed Beasts. By utilizing the power of all nine, we can create a weapon capable of obliterating an entire nation in an instant."
"We will then provide this weapon to every nation. Once war breaks out, hundreds of millions of lives will vanish in a flash of blood."
"And then, people will know true terror. That terror will suppress war and compel the world toward peace."
"People easily forget the beautiful things, but fear stays engraved in their hearts forever. This is the answer I found through the Third Great Ninja War."
"Would you really provide it to every nation?" Kanon pointed directly at Nagato. "If you were to use it yourself, you would be the most terrifying person alive. I would strike you down right now, even if you are my senior."
"Rest assured, I will provide it. I, too, long for a peaceful future," Nagato nodded slightly.
"One more thing. This 'deterrence' of yours requires the lives of countless people as proof. Isn't that..."
"It is the only way to peace! The shinobi living in great nations never care about the wounds and pain of small countries like ours! We are human too; why must we suffer such injustice?!" Nagato spoke with rising passion.
"The selfish will to maintain peace causes war, and hatred is born to protect love. In this cursed world, true peace does not exist!"
"Therefore, to make the world understand true peace, we must use the terror of pain to suppress war. This is the dream of the Akatsuki."
"And you, Kanon Uchiha, are one of the most suitable candidates for our organization."
"Join us. Let us build an era free from conflict and war. Let us find that flower field you've been searching for."
Nagato's words were powerful and resonant. He was truly baring his soul to Kanon, revealing his ultimate objectives. Even Konan was slightly surprised, but she knew this was Nagato's choice.
"Nagato-senpai... that animal Itachi Uchiha is in the Akatsuki. If I join, I will kill him."
"The organization will not interfere in Uchiha private vendettas, provided you have the strength to defeat him. However, by the same token, you must contribute when the organization requires your strength."
"I only said if! I haven't agreed to join yet!" Kanon frowned. She knew very little about the Akatsuki beyond a few scattered details.
"I know you won't refuse. Because you also crave peace, and you also want to find that flower field in your heart."
"The Akatsuki exists for that very purpose."
"I'm sorry, I won't join." Kanon thought it over carefully before shaking her head.
"Why?" Konan and Nagato asked, visibly startled.
"Your target is the Tailed Beasts. While I want to destroy Konoha and I know I'll eventually clash with Naruto, he... he and my brother are my best friends..."
Nagato and Konan finally understood Kanon's hesitation.
"I can understand you," Nagato sighed.
"I promise you this: the Nine-Tails will be captured last. And at that time, you may leave the Akatsuki whenever you wish to go to the Nine-Tails' aid."
"Furthermore, the Akatsuki can provide you with the power of the Tailed Beasts to destroy Konoha!"
Looking at Nagato's sincerity, Kanon still shook her head gently.
"I have my lines I will not cross. There are things I should do, and things I must not."
"Please leave. While your invitation is sincere and I appreciate it, there are people in my heart I refuse to hurt."
"I respect those who care for me, and I'm grateful for their affection."
"The moment my bottom line is crossed, I will leave the organization without hesitation. Do you still want someone like that?"
Kanon stood up, turning to look at them.
"Tell us about this bottom line," Nagato said, watching her rise.
"The people I love, and the people who care about me," Kanon said softly.
"Understood. If we touch those people, you will leave the Akatsuki instantly, is that it?"
"Yes," Kanon nodded.
"Then come with us first. We will deal with that when the time comes," Nagato said, causing a look of genuine shock to cross Kanon's face.
"You really want me to join that badly? I heard that when Orochimaru left, you guys hunted him relentlessly."
"He is not like you. You act for the sake of those you cherish; I can understand that sentiment."
"I grant you permission to betray the Akatsuki should we cross your line!"
"You're actually that lenient?" Kanon was stunned.
"Kanon Uchiha, if the organization had ordered the death of Yahiko, I would have abandoned the organization for his sake as well."
"It is only natural. I understand your convictions."
"The pain of losing someone important is the same for everyone. You for those you cherish, I for those I cherish, we are all enduring the agony brought by fate for the sake of those we hold dear."
Kanon fell silent. She truly did hate Konoha, and if she joined the Akatsuki, she would finally have the chance to kill that bastard Itachi.
"What are you still hesitating for?" Nagato seemed to remember something.
"Oh, there is one more thing I should tell you."
"The Akatsuki can facilitate the transplant for the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan."
"The Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan?" Kanon nodded slowly. That was certainly a compelling reward.
But a reward alone wasn't enough to make her join. Kanon looked up and saw Konan smiling warmly at her, while Nagato's expression remained gentle. She truly felt their sincerity.
"Fine... alright. I'll take a look first."
"But... are there any other members as young as me?" Kanon asked curiously.
"No. But you can see for yourself." Nagato shook his head slightly before producing a ring engraved with the kanji for "Void" (空, Kū) and handing it to her.
"This is?"
"A codename ring for members of the organization. This originally belonged to Orochimaru, but since he defected, it now belongs to you, Kanon," Nagato chuckled.
"Okay."
Kanon nodded. From this day forward, she had officially entered the Akatsuki. To be personally recruited by the leadership of the organization was a testament to her worth.
They had promised not to interfere with her business with Itachi, and they possessed the technology for the Eternal Mangekyo.
I might as well check it out before deciding for sure, Kanon thought. Maybe I'll even find a way to kill Itachi while I'm at it.
With those thoughts in mind, Kanon followed Nagato and Konan into the shadows of the forest.
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