"A deeper-level jutsu… that I don't know. Maybe my current ability isn't enough to wield such techniques. As for the strain… if I were to summon that Gedo Statue, I feel like it might even kill me."
Nagato spoke solemnly.
Yahiko glanced at Kyoichi.
Kill him?
If it were some other kind of forbidden ninjutsu, the user's death wouldn't be surprising. But summoning techniques… even with great strain or backlash, they usually wouldn't outright cost the caster's life.
Unless…
This thing truly doesn't belong to Nagato?
Before, Yahiko only considered it as a precaution. But now, the possibility seemed overwhelming—almost certain.
Yet…
The thought itself was absurd.
Who could imagine that eyes you were born with, eyes you believed were your own since childhood, might actually belong to someone else?
The room fell into silence.
After a moment, Nagato asked:
"Kyoichi, when you spoke of cell transplantation—do you mean you want to use transplanted cells to reduce the strain of my eyes, so I can summon that thing?"
Kyoichi chuckled.
"Talking with you is always such a relief—I don't even need to explain much. Yes, that's the idea. By normal reckoning, Madara should already be decrepit with age. Given his constant fighting, by rights he should have been buried long ago."
"You're suggesting… that the reason Madara is still alive and capable of stirring up trouble might be tied to summoning that thing? And if that's the case, then if we summon it—"
Yahiko's eyes lit up. He caught Kyoichi's implication immediately.
Nagato fell into deep thought.
But Kyoichi quickly added:
"Of course, that's only if summoning it has no fatal cost. If the price is too steep, then we don't need to go that far. As a compromise, Nagato—I'll need you to use your summoning sense to help me locate where it is."
"Finding its location should be easier… but if the other side really is Madara, he may have countermeasures prepared."
Yahiko frowned.
Even so, he had to admit—Kyoichi's plan was currently the best option. It accounted for every angle, minimizing risk to Nagato. He felt much more reassured.
By this time, Jiraiya and Konan had finished their conversation as well.
He had mostly spoken with Konan about the situation in Amegakure. As for Nagato, it had been more about exchanging views—part advice, part persuasion.
On the surface, it seemed to change little.
But in reality…
Had Jiraiya not come, Nagato would never have made his decision so quickly. Jiraiya's presence carried a weight difficult to describe.
He embodied Konoha's goodwill—
Even in the harshest times, when Amegakure was an enemy, he had stayed behind, teaching them ninjutsu and survival skills, ensuring they had a chance to live through the chaos.
That mattered.
Because of Jiraiya, Nagato's defenses lowered considerably.
Of course…
On the other hand, Kyoichi's support through these years was also plain to see. Amegakure's transformation spoke for itself—it made Nagato even more curious, even longing to see what Konoha was like.
That was crucial.
When the talks ended, Konan served the meal. She had only prepared enough for three, but quickly added a few more dishes and boiled extra noodles.
The five of them ate together in silence.
Though Nagato had agreed to go to Konoha, the thought of parting still weighed on Yahiko and Konan.
This time… it wouldn't just be a day or two.
Until the matter with Madara was resolved, no one could say how long Nagato would have to remain in Konoha—days, months, maybe years.
After the meal…
Kyoichi and Jiraiya stepped outside, giving the three friends space. They stood on a high ledge, overlooking the village.
"The change is incredible… Last time I passed through, this place looked so desolate, with hardly anyone around. In less than a year, it's become this lively."
Jiraiya sighed with genuine admiration.
After speaking with Konan, he now understood the root of Amegakure's transformation. Turning to Kyoichi, he asked:
"How did you even come up with these plans?"
"Balance and prosperity. The truth is, the lifeblood of the shinobi system is in our hands now. Sure, other villages might eventually develop their own methods, but their efficiency and capability can't compare to ours."
Kyoichi lowered his voice.
Jiraiya froze, then gazed again at the bustling Amegakure. He understood.
What he saw was surface prosperity.
What he hadn't seen was the shadow beneath it—Konoha's shadow.
The so-called "alliance" of minor villages looked independent, but in reality, they were bound tightly to Konoha.
Because what they had now was only the framework of a shinobi system. The real core—its lifeblood—still belonged to Konoha. By the time they caught up, Konoha would already be a step ahead, more advanced still.
As long as Konoha kept progressing, it would remain at the pinnacle of the shinobi world.
Jiraiya had never thought about it this way.
Yes, conflicts still existed.
But compared to outright war, this path avoided large-scale bloodshed.
Of course, war could never be completely avoided.
No one wanted Konoha to remain unchallenged forever.
But the cycle of war would be stretched longer and longer. And many battles might not even be fought with kunai and jutsu, but through economics, technology, and shinobi arts.
Jiraiya didn't fully grasp the intricacies, but he saw a broad, expansive future ahead.
After some time, Yahiko and the others came out.
"The situation is special, so we won't keep you and sensei here any longer. Please… take care of Nagato."
The three bowed deeply.
Nagato bowed too, saying nothing.
"In Konoha, you can stay at my place. Honestly, I already have too many guests there. And when the time comes, I'll introduce you to a clansman of yours."
Kyoichi smiled.
Nagato trusted him. If it had been anyone else, he might not have agreed.
They spoke a little longer, then finally parted ways.
Kyoichi left with Nagato.
As for Sunagakure, there was no need to go personally. Both Konoha and Amegakure could dispatch envoys.
Unlike Amegakure, Suna's factions were divided—especially Rasa's. If Konoha showed up in person, some might even take it as weakness.
Now that both Amegakure and Kirigakure were aligned with Konoha, what other choice did Suna really have but to follow?
On the return trip, Kyoichi deliberately went north through the Land of Rivers.
The region was clearly much improved. While rogue shinobi and bandits still existed, their numbers had dwindled. Many traces of Konoha caravans could be seen.
Not only that—the northwest of the Land of Fire itself was far more prosperous than before. Merchants came and went in numbers several times greater than before. Small villages were thriving.
After this circuit, Jiraiya fully grasped Kyoichi's earlier words.
As for Nagato…
"You've never been to the Land of Fire before, have you? How does it feel?"
"Uh… the weather is really nice. In Amegakure, we rarely have skies like this."
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