Yahiko once again heard Sora say that Nagato was a pawn, and couldn't help but ask: "When can I meet Nagato and Konan?"
Sora didn't answer immediately. He simply looked at Yahiko quietly without speaking.
As time passed, Yahiko's head gradually lowered: "I won't ask anymore."
Sora scolded him lightly: "Shenshiro, since you made a promise to me, you need to keep it. This is the agreement between us.
I told you a long time ago that rushing to see Nagato would only harm both him and Konan.
You should understand how important you are to Nagato and Konan. The reason Nagato became so extreme was because of your death.
That person wants Nagato to become extreme, because it makes it easier for him to control Nagato.
If Nagato loses control because of your sudden appearance, you will definitely die, and even I won't be able to protect you.
And Nagato and Konan will also die because of you, having lost their usefulness to him after becoming uncontrollable.
I've also explained that Nagato's value lies in the Rinnegan. If the Rinnegan could be given to Nagato, it can certainly be given to others to continue the plan."
Yahiko sighed guiltily: "I know, it's just that I miss them so much that sometimes I can't help but want to know how they're doing."
Sora sighed softly: "I know you value relationships, and that's precisely why I chose to save you. But as the deputy leader of my organization, you must always remember that if you act irrationally, I might be able to save you, but I definitely can't save Nagato and Konan.
And now your responsibility extends beyond just Nagato and Konan. Pakura and Raiga joined the Owl Organization because of you, so both you and I are responsible for them.
Since Nagato and Konan are being monitored constantly, if we want to save them, we need to find moments when they're not being watched.
Moreover, when we rescue Nagato, we'll become enemies of that person, so we must be fully prepared.
Everything isn't ready yet, and the time is still far off."
Sora stared into Yahiko's eyes and said, "Let me be clear. If you want to save Nagato and Konan, fifteen years is the minimum time you'll have to wait!"
Yahiko looked at Sora in astonishment: "Fifteen years? Is it really such a long time?"
Sora smiled: "Does that seem long? If you knew there was someone who had been planning for a goal for thousands of years, would you still think fifteen years was a long time?"
Yahiko smiled bitterly and said: "How could anyone live that long? Sora, please stop joking."
Sora looked at Yahiko with a knowing smile.
Yahiko's expression gradually turned to disbelief: "Are you telling the truth? Can someone really live that long?"
Sora leaned against the wall, looked up at the moon and said: "Yahiko, the waters of this shinobi world run very deep, and there are all kinds of strange things beneath the surface. One wrong step can lead to eternal disaster. You should understand this feeling well.
Your previous Akatsuki organization made a mistake and was outmaneuvered by Hanzō of the Salamander, who ultimately teamed up with Danzo to massacre all your members.
Right now, all of us are prey. If we want to transform from prey to hunters, we must make thorough preparations and increase our strength as much as possible."
Yahiko took a deep breath and said: "I understand, Sora. I won't speak of this again, and I'll approach everything rationally!"
Sora nodded and said: "Good, as long as you understand. Now, let's rejoin our two new companions."
Sora and Yahiko returned to Pakura and Raiga.
Sora addressed the three of them: "I called you here this time just to get acquainted. Now that my goal has been achieved, it's time for me to return to Konoha. Finally, welcome to the Owl Organization. Until next time."
Sora turned to leave.
Yahiko suddenly called out: "Sora! Wait!"
Sora turned his head and asked with confusion: "Shenshiro, is there something else?"
Yahiko opened his mouth, seemingly struggling to speak.
Pakura and Raiga also looked at Yahiko strangely. Was it something so important that it was difficult to say?
Sora said helplessly: "Shenshiro, you're a deputy leader after all. Can you please be more direct?"
Yahiko blushed and said, "You mentioned organizational funds, but currently we only have enough money for a few meals between the three of us!"
Pakura and Raiga nearly fell over. Black lines appeared over their heads. Was this what took so long to say?
But, thinking about it, they really didn't have any money. Yahiko had been paying for their recent meals, and the food had been pretty bad.
Sora walked up to Yahiko with an exasperated expression: "That's all you wanted to discuss?"
Sora reached into his pockets, and his expression suddenly became very embarrassed.
He hadn't brought much money with him when he left Konoha.
Sora took out all the money he had.
A total of 8,470 ryō.
He placed the money into Yahiko's hand.
Yahiko, Pakura, and Raiga looked at the odd amount and were stunned.
Their organization seemed quite poor indeed.
Were the organizational funds Sora mentioned just an empty promise?
Sora coughed awkwardly and said: "I didn't bring much money with me when I left.
Use this for now.
It shouldn't be difficult to manage for three or four days if you don't eat at expensive places.
Stay in Tansho District for the time being.
After I return to Konoha, I'll send my summoning animal with more money.
The first payment will be about two million ryō.
There are only three of you now, so you should be able to live quite comfortably. When you're running low, let me know and I'll send more."
When Yahiko, Pakura, and Raiga heard "two million ryō," their eyes practically turned into money symbols.
All three were elite jōnin. When they had been in their respective Hidden Villages, they could easily earn one to two million ryō completing missions.
Although Yahiko had led an organization before, and they had members skilled at earning money, with Konan managing the finances, they never had significant wealth, but they weren't lacking either.
But now, none of them were affiliated with any Hidden Village. As missing-nin, no one would hire them for official missions, so they had no income and had recently been living quite poorly.
The promise of two million ryō immediately lifted their spirits.
Sora pursed his lips and looked at the three money-obsessed shinobi, warning them: "When you get the money, save some of it and find ways to take on employment tasks. Although I have some savings, I still need to support myself and my wife. I can't give you everything!"
"We know, we know!"
The three nodded quickly, like chickens pecking at rice.
Sora felt a bad premonition in his heart and could only emphasize again: "Seriously, save some money!"
"We understand! No need to keep reminding us, leader. Please return to Konoha quickly and send us the funds!"
The more Yahiko and the others behaved this way, the more uncertain Sora felt.
But what could he do? The money still had to be provided.
"Alright, I'm leaving now."
Sora waved his hand and disappeared into the night.
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I wasn't able to upload chapters for the past 6 days since I was traveling. Thank you for your patience and support during that time! Starting today, I'll be back to regular uploads. As a bonus for the missed days, I'll also be releasing 10 extra chapters. Stay tuned!