"Stop."
The captain of the Sand ninja raised a hand, halting their forward movement.
Before him stood several Akatsuki ninjas blocking their path, led by the very same ninja who had previously reported to Yahiko.
"Kazuhiro Yamaguchi, Jonin of Akatsuki Village."
"A few of you have traveled far from the Land of Wind. Might I ask what brings you here?"
Kazuhiro spoke first to introduce himself, to show he meant no harm.
"Sand Hidden Village, Jonin Nohara Yoshino."
"We've come on orders from the Third Kazekage to offer our congratulations."
"Congratulations on the establishment of Akatsuki Village."
Nohara's words came smoothly, with no sign of insincerity.
Even if they were here to discuss an alliance, such matters couldn't be discussed with just a Jonin.
"The Third Kazekage is most generous."
"As honored guests, you will be treated with great hospitality."
"We still have some way to go, so please allow us to lead the way."
True to Yahiko's orders, Kazuhiro was indeed courteous.
"Thank you."
After exchanging pleasantries, the two groups merged into one and continued toward Akatsuki Village.
By the time they arrived at Akatsuki Village, night had already fallen.
"Our village is newly established. If there are any shortcomings in our hospitality, please forgive us."
Smiling all the while, Kazuhiro gestured to the many villagers hard at work.
"You're too kind—it's we who are intruding."
"May I ask if the Akatsuki Shadow Leader is available to see us now?"
Nohara was eager to meet Yahiko as soon as possible, discuss the alliance, then leave.
"No need to hurry. Let's eat first."
"You must be starving after such a long journey."
Without waiting for Nohara's reply, Kazuhiro took the lead toward a barbecue restaurant.
"Captain."
Three Chunin called out when they saw Nohara hadn't moved.
"Sigh… Fine, let's go."
Since there was no way for Nohara to find Yahiko himself anyway, he had no choice but to follow Kazuhiro.
Besides, he really was a bit hungry.
A newly opened barbecue restaurant, mostly serving wild game.
At this time, the Land of Rain still couldn't provide enough farmed meat.
"Conditions aren't ideal, so we can only offer you something simple."
Kazuhiro handed Nohara the menu, his mannerisms exceptionally courteous.
"Thank you."
Nohara didn't feel like studying the menu carefully either. He ordered a few familiar kinds of wild game, and the group found an empty table to sit down at.
Unable to decline Kazuhiro's warm hospitality, Nohara and his three companions ended up drinking a little sake as well.
Since the two sides weren't enemies, by the time they left the restaurant, they seemed quite friendly with each other.
At least outwardly, both parties appeared amiable—what they were all really thinking remained a mystery.
"Kazuhiro-san, could you do me a favor?"
"I'd like to meet the Akatsuki Shadow Leader as soon as possible—I still have official duties to handle."
With their arms draped over each other's shoulders, cheeks flushed from alcohol, Nohara and Kazuhiro looked surprisingly close.
"It's getting late now, and I can tell you're tired."
"Why not take a bath first, rest up, and meet tomorrow instead?"
Though phrased as a consultation, Kazuhiro began practically dragging Nohara toward the bathhouse.
"I don't want to trouble you further with more expenses."
"Please, just send word ahead."
Slightly stumbling as he walked, Nohara didn't refuse too strongly.
"You reek of alcohol—it really wouldn't be appropriate."
"I think it would be better to meet tomorrow."
Taking advantage of the moment, Kazuhiro pushed Nohara forward.
"This really isn't right."
"This is truly not good."
"This must have been quite an expense."
...
"Now this is truly relaxing."
In the hot spring, Nohara stretched his arms onto the pool's edge, wearing a blissful expression.
"You can rest assured, Nohara-kun."
"Tomorrow I'll definitely show you our Akatsuki Shadow."
Worried that Nohara might still feel uneasy, Kazuhiro pounded his chest as he spoke.
"In that case, I'll leave it to you, Kazuhiro-kun."
At this moment, how could Nohara possibly be thinking about meeting Yahiko? The exhaustion from his long journey finally eased completely.
After finishing the bath, Kazuhiro personally escorted Nohara and the other three to their guest room before leaving.
The next day, he once again treated them to breakfast, then headed toward the Akatsuki Shadow's office.
Knock knock knock—
"Please come in."
Yahiko's voice came from inside.
"Lord Yahiko, these are envoys from the Sand Hidden Village."
"They've come to congratulate us on the establishment of the Akatsuki Village."
Kazuhiro entered first, bowing respectfully to Yahiko.
"You're most welcome. The Kazekage was most gracious."
"Everyone, please have a seat."
Smiling warmly, Yahiko stood up and gestured for Nohara and the others to sit down.
"From the Sand Hidden Village, Yoshino Nohara and subordinates pay respects to Lord Akatsuki Shadow."
Quickly glancing at Yahiko, Nohara lowered his head again.
A flicker of shock remained in his eyes—he hadn't expected the Akatsuki Village leader to be so young.
"No need for such formalities. Please sit and talk."
Upon Yahiko's second invitation, the four guests took seats opposite Nagato and the others.
"Then I'll take my leave now."
After exchanging slight nods with Nohara, Kazuhiro departed first.
Click—
As the door shut behind them, Nohara's heart began to pound.
Something just didn't feel right; seeing the smiles on Yahiko's and the others' faces, he had the unsettling sensation of a lamb walking into a tiger's den.
"Nohara-kun, these are all elders of our Akatsuki Village."
Without introducing each one individually, Yahiko skipped past pleasantries and dove straight into conversation.
"I tend to speak my mind, so please forgive any offense I may cause."
"You didn't come here just to offer your congratulations, did you?"
Seated, Yahiko leaned one hand against his chin, fixing a piercing gaze directly on Yoshino Nohara.
"Lord Akatsuki Shadow, your insight is impressive."
"This visit serves more than just celebration—it's also about forging an alliance."
"After all, we are neighbors. It would be wise to cooperate and consult one another when issues arise."
Hm...
Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade—please bookmark this novel: (m.)
"Besides, the current peace in the Ninja World is only superficial."
"What do you think of this idea?"
Seeing that Yahiko got straight to the point, Nohara didn't beat around the bush either.
Calling it 'working together' sounded agreeable, but its true meaning was clear—to become subordinates of the Akatsuki Village.
You're just a small village in the Land of Rain; accepting this alliance already shows respect toward you.
But none of these inner thoughts showed on his face.
"Lord Yahiko, I think this sounds like a great idea!"
Nonou spoke up eagerly, clearly ready to accept right away.
Nohara instantly felt delighted—never had he expected one of the Akatsuki Village elders would support the idea right away.
This mission now seemed all but certain to succeed.
"Indeed, it does."
"But our Akatsuki Village is still in the early stages of reconstruction."
"Even if the Ninja World changes, we'd like to cooperate closely with the Sand Hidden Village, but we simply don't have the strength to do so right now."
Yahiko frowned, clearly hesitant.
"Shadow of Akatsuki, you needn't worry about that," said Nohara. Before arriving here, Nohara had been granted specific authority. Rasa knew full well that no one acts without their own interests in mind. There's no way Akatsuki would follow orders without receiving something in return.
"That's truly appreciated," Yahiko was overjoyed. This Nohara seemed not too bright; he should be easy to fool.
"You flatter me. Mutual support is the foundation of trust between allies."
Nohara smiled, as though the mission were already accomplished.
"I think we should drop it."
"What we require is no small sum."
"It wouldn't be fair for the Sand Hidden Village to shoulder all the costs while giving us such a massive advantage. I believe this is highly inappropriate."
The moment Nagato spoke, Nohara's expression shifted instantly.
What kind of people were these? Who in their right mind refuses free money?
Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade – Please bookmark: (m.