Ep. 348: Nagato assumes leadership of the Akatsuki after Yahiko's death and the destruction of enemy forces.

348

Yahiko plans to step down as Akatsuki leader, asking Nagato to succeed him while unaware of Konan's capture. Danzo informs them of Hanzo's meeting request, and Obito warns Nagato about reality before they depart. Kyusuke discovers a trap involving Leaf ANBU and attempts to warn the pair but is killed by Obito and Zetsu. At the meeting, Hanzo forces Yahiko to choose between killing Nagato or watching Konan die. Yahiko chooses death by Nagato's kunai. Enraged and injured by paper bombs, Nagato uses his Rinnegan and the Gedo Statue to slaughter the shinobi while Hanzo and Danzo flee. Later, Nagato converts Yahiko's corpse into the Deva Path of the Six Paths of Pain, solidifying his role as the new Akatsuki leader.