Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 159: The Choices of the Akatsuki Members

After aiding Madara by summoning a cascade of meteorites, Uchiha Yi didn't forget about Kakuzu and the others. Amid the battlefield chaos, he used Banshō Ten'in to pull Kakuzu and the surviving Akatsuki members directly to his side.

"That was way too close! I nearly died!"

Kakuzu grumbled as he landed safely next to Yi. "Couldn't you have acted sooner? Do you always have to cut it so close?"

The other rescued members, including Sasori, Deidara, and Kisame, also shot accusatory looks at Yi.

Yi, sitting calmly on his fiery throne, shrugged nonchalantly. "Relax, you're alive, aren't you? Stop whining. You've lived for centuries, Kakuzu—you'd think you'd learn to keep your cool."

"Enough with the sarcasm," Kakuzu snapped. "What about your promise? Does it still stand?"

The promise Yi had made to each of them was the only reason they had considered working with him in the first place. For Sasori, it was the resurrection of his parents. Kakuzu wanted unlimited financial opportunities. Each had their own demands, which Yi had agreed to fulfill.

"Of course, I keep my promises. But this battle isn't over yet. You'll need to wait a little longer."

Yi's attention then shifted to Kisame and Deidara.

"And what about you two? Are you willing to work for me, or should I toss you back into the battlefield? Your choice."

He had saved Kisame and Deidara intentionally. Kisame's loyalty and efficiency made him a valuable ally—if he could be convinced to shift allegiances. Deidara, on the other hand, was reckless and volatile but undeniably talented. Yi decided to give them a chance.

Kisame's shark-like grin faltered as he weighed his options. "Do I even have a choice here?" he asked wryly.

"Not really," Yi replied. "But I don't tolerate disloyalty. Join me, and you'll live. Defy me, and I'll throw you to your death. It's that simple."

Kisame considered this for a moment. With Itachi gone and Obito's motives unclear, he wasn't particularly attached to Akatsuki anymore. He had nothing to lose by siding with Yi.

"Fine. I'll work for you," Kisame said with a shrug.

Yi nodded in approval, then turned to Deidara.

"And you?"

Deidara scowled, his pride wounded by Yi's condescending tone. But the sight of Yi's Rinnegan, exuding an aura of overwhelming dominance, extinguished any thoughts of defiance.

"I'll join," Deidara said reluctantly. "But don't think I'll let you stifle my art!"

"Your antics stop in my village," Yi warned, his tone icy. "Cause any trouble, and I'll kill you myself."

The threat made Deidara flinch, but he managed a defiant smirk. "Understood."

With the deals sealed, Yi released the seals that had been placed on the Akatsuki members, restoring their chakra and freedom of movement.

"You're free now," Yi said, watching as the group flexed their limbs. "You can stay here or return to my village. Either way, you'll have to earn your keep."

"I'll stay," Kakuzu said. "I've waited decades to see Hashirama's power again. I'm not missing this fight."

Sasori, Kisame, and Deidara echoed his sentiments, each eager to witness the clash of legends unfolding on the battlefield.

Yi sighed but didn't argue. "Fine. Just keep your distance. The battles here are far beyond your current strength. If you're caught in the crossfire, I won't save you again."

"Save your breath," Deidara muttered. "I don't need your help."

Yi chuckled, letting them go. Watching the chaos below, he turned his attention back to the clash between Madara, Hashirama, and the now fully awakened Ten-Tails.

---

"Susano'o!"

On one side of the battlefield, Madara controlled his colossal Susano'o, wielding a sword that cleaved through entire sections of terrain. Opposing him was Hashirama, atop his gigantic wooden golem.

The clash of titans shook the earth, each blow creating shockwaves that sent debris flying in all directions. Those too close to the battle struggled to maintain their footing, retreating to safer distances.

"Tailed Beast Bomb!"

Meanwhile, the Ten-Tails, having entered its first transformation stage, roared as it began to charge a massive Tailed Beast Bomb.

Its body radiated ominous energy, and its tails lashed violently, flattening the ground around it.

"Not on my watch!"

Minato stepped forward, positioning himself between the Ten-Tails and the Allied Shinobi Forces. As the Tailed Beast Bomb launched toward them, he activated Flying Thunder God: Second Step to teleport the attack away.

The bomb vanished in an instant, reappearing far away before detonating in a blinding explosion. The resulting shockwave still rocked the battlefield, forcing the Allied Forces to brace themselves.

Panting slightly, Minato turned back to the others. "That's one. Let's hope it doesn't fire another anytime soon."

Above, Obito stood atop the Ten-Tails, smirking at Minato's efforts.

"How many of those can you handle, Minato?" he taunted.

"Let's find out."

---

Elsewhere, Yi observed the scene with mild amusement.

"This is getting interesting," he muttered. His gaze shifted to the Ten-Tails, now feeding on the chakra of the slain shinobi to hasten its transformation.

"If they keep playing at this rate, the Ten-Tails will reach its second form soon enough."

Leaning back on his throne, Yi allowed himself a smirk.

"Let's see how far they can push themselves before everything burns."

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