Chapter 290: Purpose
Zetsu interjected, and the entire group began speaking as if Arthur wasn't there, like he wasn't a threat at all. Talks of sacrificing, imprisonment, sealing, and even shark bait were thrown around.
After their conversation, Konan finally approached Arthur. With a flick of her wrist, a special yellow paper manifested into her hand. Then it coiled and formed a triangular design with symbols on it.
"We'll accept your bargain," she said with a straight face. "On one condition, though: let us mark you with the seal. If you don't hold up your end within one month, it'll stop your heart and kill you on the spot."
Arthur had never heard of such a thing. While yes, there existed seals that activated via a trigger, but to think Konan was equipped with something like this.
"Hmph," he said with confidence. "Fine..."
Without another word, Konan pressed the paper seal firmly against Arthur's shirt. Instantly, chakra radiated from the seal as the patterns seeped through his fabric and touched his skin. The sensation was like a hot flash that intensified for a moment, and then it burned into his chest.
His expression remained steady, though he could feel the heat seeping deeper with an indelible mark forming. Opening his shirt, he saw the symbol of the Akatsuki—a cloud that had been imprinted on his chest.
"It's done," she said, stepping back.
Pain warned Arthur that he had one month to bring Kaito to them. If he fails within that time, or they get an idea that he's betrayed them, Konan can always activate the seal anytime and kill him on the spot.
It was one risky exchange, but Arthur had agreed to it nonetheless. If he didn't, they wouldn't have let him go without another fight.
Some moments later, he was finally allowed to leave. As he walked away, Hidan muttered, "I wish I wasn't him."