Before they realized it, Nagato and the others had already been gone for several months.
Life in Konoha remained peaceful and serene as always.
The Hatake household missed its usual sweet laughter, but everyone seemed to have gradually gotten used to it.
Still, from time to time during casual conversation, people would naturally bring up Yahiko and the rest.
"I heard Nagato and his group are doing pretty well in the Land of Rain," Sakumo suddenly mentioned while having dinner.
He hadn't deliberately gathered information, but he'd learned that a new faction had emerged in the Land of Rain.
Led by several young men with strong abilities, the group was expanding rapidly.
Their sudden appearance directly shook up the existing situation in the Land of Rain.
He didn't even need to think twice—it had to be Nagato's group.
"Not bad."
"Just barely passed the test."
Kawaki shrugged nonchalantly, though the sake in his hand suddenly smelled more appealing.
"What do you mean 'not bad'?"
"C'mon, Teacher, tell us more!"
Minato's eyes gleamed with curiosity. Finally, today he might get some real insider info.
He really missed his junior brothers and sisters.
If Kawaki hadn't forbidden it, he'd already rushed over to the Land of Rain just to reunite with Nagato and the others.
"There's nothing much to say—it's not worth mentioning at all."
"If you really want to know, ask your teacher's wife to explain it to you."
Kawaki remained casual, but his lips twitched upward despite himself.
"Dad, your expression looks way too smug right now."
Ginji gave his father a deadpan stare, bluntly calling him out.
You're obviously proud but pretending not to care.
"Haha! Little Ginji hit the nail on the head."
Sakumo burst into laughter because of Ginji's comment, finding Kawaki's frozen wine glass even funnier.
"You brat…"
Kawaki sat there halfway between wanting to cry or laugh—since when do sons undermine their own fathers like this?
"Uncle, if you're proud, you can just smile."
Kakashi's slow, offhand remark completely ruined Kawaki's attempt to play it cool.
"Teacher's wife~"
Trying hard not to laugh, Minato cast his eyes toward Tsunade instead.
"They've formed an organization called the Akatsuki."
"The meaning behind the name is actually pretty fitting."
Tsunade paused after a couple of sentences and picked up her cup of sake.
"Sighhh~Haa~"
She took a sip and continued.
"First, they recruited remnants of the Rain ninja."
"Then started absorbing smaller armed groups."
"Now they've become one of the two largest powers in the Land of Rain."
"I estimate it won't be long before the entire Land of Rain falls under their control."
In just a few sentences, Tsunade summarized everything Nagato and his team had achieved in the past few months.
Listening to that made Minato extremely excited, wishing he could have fought alongside his juniors.
"Well done—I knew they could pull it off."
Minato clenched his fist tightly, visibly thrilled.
"They should be making a big move soon."
Tsunade added a bit more juicy detail.
Though based solely on her deduction, it was probably close to the truth.
According to intelligence reports, the Akatsuki organization recently purchased large quantities of weapons and medicine.
"Are they planning a final offensive?"
"Why don't I go lend a hand?"
Minato looked hopefully at Tsunade, eyes practically pleading.
He knew that if the teacher's wife agreed, his teacher would have no choice but to go along with it.
"Don't fantasize. Just stay in Konoha."
"If you go, do you think Nawaki won't follow?"
"Do you really think you can go without exposing yourselves?"
"Don't treat others like fools."
Before Tsunade could even respond, Kawaki had already shot down Minato's idea.
He saw right through Minato's little schemes.
"We can disguise ourselves."
Minato wouldn't mind having Nawaki dress up as a girl again, if necessary.
As for Nawaki's opinion? Minato didn't even consider it.
"Drop it."
"All we can do is believe in them."
"The teacher's wife will tell you any good news when there is some."
Tsunade didn't soften her stance or agree to Minato's request. Everything must be done with the bigger picture in mind.
Although she couldn't send people directly to assist, she still secretly sold Nagato and the others a large amount of supplies at discounted prices.
"In that case, fine."
Minato instantly wilted like a frostbitten eggplant, his eyes dimming.
"Just stay put in Konoha and wait for good news."
"Nagato and the others will be fine."
After witnessing Nagato's strength firsthand, Sakumo was full of confidence.
He couldn't think of anyone else in the Land of Rain capable of stopping Nagato and his team.
"Uncle, I understand."
Minato replied listlessly, his thoughts seemingly drifting far away.
...
In the Land of Rain.
Inside a brightly lit tent, a group of people were holding a meeting.
A map of the Land of Rain lay in the center. A red line divided the land into two parts.
On the left side was marked "Nagare," and on the right side: Akatsuki.
Upon closer inspection, Akatsuki's territory seemed slightly larger than that of Nagare.
Over these past few months, the Akatsuki organization had rapidly expanded by recruiting new members.
Once the wandering ninjas felt threatened, they too started absorbing nearby factions.
This had led to only these two factions remaining in the entire Land of Rain.
Peace was finally in sight.
"Have all weapons and medicine been distributed?"
Yahiko sat at the head of the table, directing the question toward Kakuzu.
During these months, he had smoothly taken full command of this team, solidifying his leadership status.
"Everyone has received theirs."
Kakuzu spoke stiffly, clearly not in a good mood.
With such a massive team now, the expenses for weapons and medical supplies were enormous—how could he possibly feel happy?
Oh hell!
Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade – Please remember to bookmark us: (m.
It took all that hard work to build something up, and now everything was almost back to square one.
"That's good to hear."
Yahiko wasn't bothered by Kakuzu's sour expression—he knew how tightwads always were.
"Any new developments regarding those wandering ninjas lately?"
He turned to Nonou, who was now in charge of intelligence.
"They've learned their lesson after the last battle."
"They're on high alert now. Another sneak attack will be difficult."
Not long ago, Akatsuki had launched a successful night raid against the wandering ninjas with impressive results.
"If we can't pull off a sneak attack, we'll just fight them head-on. What do we have to fear?"
The recent victory had greatly boosted morale among the Rain ninjas. The speaker was one of the Rain ninja who had once urged Yahiko and the others to stay put.
His name was Nakamura Daiki, and he currently served as the commander of the former Rain Village ninja forces.
"You're right. We can beat them in a head-on fight too."
Nagashima Yuki was the newly appointed commander selected from the newly recruited troops.
He had the power of a Jonin, and his [Earth Release] techniques were especially impressive.
If Yahiko hadn't valued his talents, Kakuzu would've already taken his heart.
"Confidence is good, but we still can't afford to be reckless."
"We should look down on our enemies tactically, but respect them strategically."
Recently, Yahiko's commanding aura had become increasingly prominent, and his speeches became increasingly refined.
"Show-off."
Konan muttered under her breath but couldn't help thinking Yahiko looked even more appealing now.
"The upcoming battle will be a tough one."
"We need to go all out."
"As for the deployment, we'll stick with the original plan—just keep your people in line."
"I don't want anyone to screw up at a crucial moment."
"Once this battle's over, you'll all be heroes."
"Peace in the Land of Rain is within our grasp."
At this point, Yahiko slammed the chair heavily, filled with emotion.
After months of hard work, they had finally reached this step.
Victory was within their grasp!!!
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