Interlude 2: Akatsuki
It wasn't very often that they met like this.
Usually, it was three or four times a year.
Today marked twice in the same month.
And, as Kisame looked around, he noted that they were missing two members.
"We are back from our mission, Leader-sama."
"Report." the Leader spoke, his voice utterly void of emotion, with a hint of static from the Magic Lantern Body jutsu.
"Kakuzu and Tuyami are probably dead." Zetsu spoke
It was an announcement that none of them had expected.
Even Pain's eyes widened, though it was barely visible. "Elaborate."
"We are not entirely sure what happened, but as far as we know, Kakuzu travelled to the Land of Water a few days ago, probably hunting down a bounty. His partner travelled with him. There, he encountered the Sanbi, and engaged it in battle. He lost."
"Lost? To the Sanbi?" Kisame asked. "Kakuzu is a jackass and all, but he's more skilled than that. And what about Tuyami?"
"We don't know how it happened, just that it did. Although, knowing Kakuzu's tendencies, it is likely that Kakuzu killed Tuyami before he became aware of the Sanbi's presence."
Kisame snorted. "That finally bit him in the ass, eh?"
"It seems out of character for Kakuzu." Itachi noted.
"Indeed." Stated Sasori. "He normally isn't eager for battle when it isn't profitable for him."
"We don't know what he was thinking. He may have decided to capture the beast now instead of later, before it would have time to disappear or get captured again."
"Enough." Pain spoke. "What of their rings?"
"We weren't able to locate them. If Kakuzu actually did kill Tuyami, then he would have had the ring in his possession, and he would have lost both his own and Tuyami's when the Sanbi fired its Bijuudama. Assuming they weren't obliterated entirely."
"Bijuudama, eh?"
"We recognized the signs. Everything was fucked."