--- Akatsuki Rings ---

Every official member of the Akatsuki is given a ring, which symbolizes position. Since the Akatsuki's inception, the rings have always acted as the 'key' to the Akatsuki Base, each ring activating the entrance to open while disarming the various traps. The rings also denote where each member stands when sealing a bijuu with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. It also denotes their seat around the table in the meeting room and their personal quarters within the dorms.
Since taking over leadership, Sai has upgraded the rings, discarding the old ones and replacing them with a more secure version. Sai's ring (Zero) acts as the head ring and can control the active security clearance of all of the other rings. His ring also controls the various security devices of the base, allowing him to access, upgrade, and activate them from within the base. Each ring also acts as a communication device, allowing Sai to project a slightly distorted holographic image of himself to give orders in the field, or recall members back to the base. Members can communicate verbally back to him, but only after using a specialized series of hand seals to activate the communication.






