When Yahiko once again heard Chinya refer to Nagato as just a chess piece, he couldn't help but ask, "When can I go see Nagato and Konan?"
Chinya didn't answer Yahiko directly. He simply gazed silently at him.
Minute by minute, Yahiko's head drooped lower and lower. "I won't ask anymore."
Chinya softly reprimanded, "Daiki, once you made a promise to me, you have to keep it. That's our mutual commitment.
And I've already warned you before—if you go rushing to Nagato now, you'll only bring danger to both him and Konan.
You should know just how much weight you carry in Nagato and Konan's hearts. The reason Nagato became so extreme was precisely because of your death.
And that person wants Nagato to be extreme because someone like that is easier to control.
If your reappearance causes Nagato to become uncontrollable, then you will definitely die—there's no way even I could save you.
Moreover, Nagato and Konan will also die because of you, since they would've lost control and thus any value to him.
I've told you this too—Nagato's worth lies entirely in the Rinnegan. If the Rinnegan can be given to Nagato, it can just as easily be transferred to someone else to continue the plan."
Yahiko sighed with guilt. "I know. It's just… I miss them so damn much. Sometimes I can't help wanting to know about them, wanting to know if they're okay."
Chinya gave a soft sigh. "I know you're emotional and care deeply for others—that's why I chose to save you in the first place. But as deputy leader of my organization, you must always remember this—if you ever act recklessly out of emotion, maybe I can still save you, but there's no way I'd be able to protect Nagato and Konan.
Also, you aren't responsible only for Nagato and Konan anymore. Pakura and Raiga Kurosuki joined the Xiao organization because of you. Both you and I must take responsibility for them.
Besides, Nagato and Konan are constantly under surveillance. If we want to rescue them, we need to wait until the moment they aren't being watched.
And when we do try to rescue Nagato, we'll basically be going to war with 'that person.' So we must be fully prepared.
Right now, nothing is ready yet. Far too early."
Chinya fixed his eyes on Yahiko's and said, "Let me give you a hint—I'll say it plainly. To save Nagato and Konan, you'll need to wait at least fifteen years!"
Yahiko's face went blank with shock. "Fifteen years? Is it really going to take that long?"
Chinya smiled slightly. "Too long? If you knew there was someone who had planned for over a thousand years toward one goal, would fifteen years still seem long?"
Yahiko forced a smile. "Who could possibly live that long? Come on, Chinya, don't joke around."
But Chinya kept smiling at him.
Gradually, Yahiko's expression turned to disbelief. "You're serious? There actually exists someone who can live that long?"
Leaning against the wall, Chinya looked up at the moon and said, "Yahiko, the Shinobi World runs deeper than you think. You might encounter all sorts of strange things. One wrong step, and there's no coming back from that abyss—and you've already tasted what that feels like."
Your previous Akatsuki organization was a mistake—one that Sanshouo Hanzo could not tolerate. In the end, he joined forces with Danzo and slaughtered every single one of your members.
"Now all of us have become prey. If we want to transform from being hunted into hunters, we must prepare thoroughly and strive to strengthen our own power."
Yahiko took a deep breath and said, "I understand, Chinya. I won't say things like that again. I'll handle everything rationally from now on!"
Chinya nodded and said, "Good. I'm glad you understand. Come on, let's go meet our two new companions."
Chinya and Yahiko met up with Pakura and Raiga Kurosuki.
Chinya addressed the three of them: "The reason I gathered you here this time was simply to get acquainted. Now that this goal has been achieved, I should return to Konoha. Lastly, welcome to the Xiao Organization. Until we meet again."
Chinya turned and walked away.
Suddenly Yahiko shouted, "Daiki! Wait!"
Chinya turned his head slightly and asked doubtfully, "Daiki, what is it?"
Yahiko opened his mouth but seemed to find it difficult to speak.
Pakura and Raiga Kurosuki also looked at Daiki strangely. Could this hard-to-say thing actually be something very important?
Helplessly, Chinya said, "Come on, Daiki, you're at least the deputy leader. Can't you just speak plainly?"
Daiki blushed and said, "You mentioned giving some organizational funding. Right now I only have enough money left for the three of us to eat a few meals!"
Pakura and Raiga Kurosuki staggered slightly, both developing dark lines across their foreheads. So after all that, was it just this?
Now that they thought about it, they indeed had no money either—the past few meals had all been paid for by Daiki, and their situation was already tight enough without more expenses.
Chinya also felt speechless as he approached Daiki. "It's such a small matter—you could've just said so directly."
Chinya patted his pockets and immediately wore an embarrassed expression.
He hadn't brought much money when he set out.
Chinya pulled out all the cash he had.
Exactly 8,470 taels.
Chinya handed the money to Daiki.
Daiki, Pakura, and Raiga Kurosuki all stared at the exact number in disbelief.
Their organization really appeared quite poor.
This funding Chinya mentioned—could it possibly also be such a precise number?
Coughing dryly, Chinya said, "I didn't bring much money when I set out. Use this for now. It should cover your meals for three or four days as long as you don't go for anything fancy. Stay temporarily at Tonton Street. After returning to Konoha, I'll send more money through my summoned beast. The first transfer will be about two million taels.
"Since it's just the three of you, expenses shouldn't be too heavy. When this runs out, let me know and I'll provide more."
Upon hearing 'two million taels,' Daiki, Pakura, and Raiga Kurosuki's eyes immediately lit up with greed.
These three individuals were all elite Jonin. Back in the ninja villages, completing a few missions would allow them to easily earn one or two million taels.
Although Daiki led an organization, previously in his group there had been people who specialized in making money, and Konan managed finances—no major funds, but never tight either.
But now, none of them belonged to any ninja village anymore; they were all rogue ninjas. No one would hire rogue ninjas anymore, meaning they had absolutely no income. Lately, they'd been living a very difficult life indeed.
Now, hearing that there was immediately two million taels of silver (Chinese silver weight units), he was absolutely thrilled.
Chinya stared at the three greedy grins in front of him and warned, "You guys, don't go splurging the money recklessly. Also, try to take on some mercenary missions or side jobs for extra income. I do have some savings, but I still need them to support my wife. And whatever you do, don't blow through all of it!"
"Got it, got it!"
Yahiko and the other two nodded like bobbleheads.
Chinya couldn't shake a bad feeling and warned again, "Seriously, don't waste it recklessly."
"Yeah, yeah, we've got it. No more reminders needed! Leader, hurry back to Konoha and wire us the funds!"
The more Yahiko and the others brushed him off like that, the more uneasy Chinya felt.
But what could he do? He still had to give them the money.
"Alright, I'm heading out."
Chinya raised a hand, then vanished into the night.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>