The group awoke the next morning with a new found determination. Their sadness of the previous night had morphed itself into an unwavering determination to avenge their fallen friend. They knew that succeeding in this mission was the ultimate revenge for Deidara as it would cement the Akatsuki as the most powerful organisation to ever exist and the world would quickly fall before them.
What they needed now was a plan to get into the Leaf Village and find Hinata as quickly and silently as possible. They quickly started thinking together. They drew ideas in the dirt and discussed for hours, always finding weak points in each other's plans and determined to keep thinking until everything was perfect. They discussed excitedly as they neared perfection.
"Alright everyone. So you all remember your parts?" asked Itachi not able to hide his smile.
"It took us a while but this plan is totally fool proof. They won't even know what happened until it's all over!" said Kisame triumphantly.
"Too bad there is one element that you didn't plan on." Said a hidden voice that made them all jump.
Kakashi came out from behind a tree. On the opposite side of him Yamato did the same. Many more did the same until it seemed every Jonin and ANBU from the Village was there surrounding them. Even for four Akatsukis, fighting this many Jonins and ANBUs seemed like a sure loss. The force had managed to get all around them while they plotted, making escape impossible. They knew they were trapped. A few ninjas came forward and the Akatsukis showed no resistance when they tied their hands behind their back with thick, heavy handcuffs. They left Kisame his sword knowing it would harm them if they touched it but took all other weapons and items the group had on itself. They were not worried about the sword anyway since Kisame's arms were now solidly tied behind his back. They even strapped dark glasses over Itachi's eyes so he could no longer trap them in his Sharingan genjutsu.
The large force escorted the Akatsukis through the village towards the Hokage's mansion. The villagers had been ordered to remain indoors but a few of them threw rocks or vegetables from windows at the detained prisoners. Sasori was hit a few times in the face. Kisame dodged a sharp rock that had been aimed for the back of his head. Not a single ninja left the group detaining them, knowing the immense power these four possessed and having all been ordered to keep a close watch on them by the Hokage.
They arrived at the Hokage's mansion where Tsunade was waiting for them outside. Shizune was standing on her right and the Leaf elders to her left. She looked upon the large group gravely. And spoke:
"So this is the infamous Akatsuki. I am honestly disappointed, I would have expected four S ranked criminals to be much harder to trace and capture. It will almost be a shame to execute you all."
"Aren't you gonna try to interrogate us or something?" sneered Sasori.
"As much as I would love to torture the information out of all of you even I know it would be a waste of time. No, the longer you are all alive the more danger everyone on this city is in. Which is why the preparations have already been made and you will all be killed right now by the ninjas that surround you." Said Tsunade in a strong tone.
The four criminals were dragged to an open area and each surrounded by four ANBUs. Each ANBU was armed with a chakra coated sword. One held the tip against the Akatsuki's head, another against the neck, one against the heart and one was place over the stomach. The Hokage wanted every precaution taken to assure the criminals would be truly dead once the executions were done with. The ANBU stood at the ready, blades pressed against the criminals, waiting for Tsunade's signal.
A bead of sweat leaked down Kisame's face and fell on the sword that was near his neck. The drips evaporated instantly due to the strength of the chakra coating it. Kisame gulped, not seeing any way out of this situation. The hand cuffs made it impossible to make proper hand signs and they no longer had anywhere to run, there were swords in all directions.
The group stood there and smiled at each other, knowing it was all they could do as they awaited their fate not knowing if it was really taking Tsunade a long time to announce the signal or if the anticipation of what was to come had slowed their perception of time.
Tsunade raised her arm. The criminals closed their eyes, still retaining the same defiant smile in the face of their doom.
Tsunade's arm fell and four blades pierced deeply into each Akatsuki.