Chapter 219: Three Men, One Play
How does the saying go?
Dignity only exists at the edge of a sword.
After the Tianming Organization displayed its invincible posture, everyone's attitude became friendly.
The joint development of marine resources, which had been under discussion with the Hidden Mist Village for a long time, finally reached a contract.
On some terms that were hard-fought for, Mei Terumī made concessions.
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In addition, the high-end ninja tools launched by the Artisan Village were also very popular.
The appearance of the sky city made the major Ninja villages realize the infinite possibilities of ninja tools.
Especially the oppressed small Ninja villages felt they had found a certain way out.
Although it was still far away, at least there was hope.
"They seem to regard the sky city as the ultimate ninja tool of the Artisan Village."
Naruto couldn't help but smile after learning about Konoha's reaction.
It can only be said to be a coincidence.
But it makes sense.
After all, the destruction of the Sky Hidden Villagehappened many years ago.
Plus, the airship has changed drastically; even if they knew, they wouldn't dare to be sure.
If it had this power back then, they would have won the Ninja World War long ago.
The threat of the Tianming Organization is far away, and life must go on.
At least Konoha hasn't changed much; instead, it's become a bit more lively.
Because July brings a new round of Chunin Exams.
But this time, it has nothing to do with Naruto.
He isn't participating, nor is he setting the questions.
In the original work, it was only mentioned briefly.
After Gaara arrived, he first talked with Tsunadeand others about the Akatsuki Organization and the Tianming Organization.
In terms of threat, the Akatsuki Organization is actually a bit greater.
After all, its goal is very clear: capturing the Tailed Beasts.
As for what Tianming wants to do, no one knows for now.
Jiraiya knows the White Lotus Sect very well, but because he didn't join, he has no idea that the White Lotus Sect is a subordinate organization of the Tianming Organization.
After the conversation, Gaara chatted with Narutofor a few more words.
However, there wasn't much specific content.
He wanted to ask about the ultimate goal of the Tianming Organization, but after thinking about it, he didn't.
If Naruto didn't say, he naturally had his reasons.
To be honest, knowing his true identity made Gaarafeel a mountain of pressure.
In the end, the Hidden Sand Village still has too few top-tier experts.
After Gaara left, Jiraiya arrived.
"Take me to the Langya Pavilion."
"What are you going there for?" Naruto looked at him in confusion.
"The Langya Pavilion claims to know everything in the world. I plan to ask if they know anything about the Akatsuki Organization and the Tianming Organization."
Jiraiya was purely treating a dead horse as if it were alive.
The main clients of Langya Pavilion are nobles, not Ninjas.
Normal people would certainly not expect them to have understanding of Ninja organizations.
"..."
Naruto thought to himself: You really asked the right person.
The one who knows these two organizations best in the entire Ninja World is the Langya Pavilion.
Even the Akatsuki Organization can't compare.
"Fine."
Naruto grabbed his shoulder and arrived at the city nearest to the Langya Pavilion.
Teleporting directly there would easily arouse suspicion.
But it wasn't far.
With their speed, it only took ten minutes.
The Langya Pavilion was built by the river.
"Who goes there? What is your business?"
The two youths guarding the gate raised their hands and asked.
One was named Qingfeng, and the other was Mingyue.
When Naruto first heard this, he complained about Merlin's full-blown bad taste.
Why didn't you just call them Cu Chulainn?
"Konoha's Jiraiya."
"So it is Master Jiraiya. Please come in."
The two stepped half a pace to the left and right.
In fact, they recognized Jiraiya, but the procedure still had to be followed.
The gates opened, revealing a dense array of books.
No one would doubt it if you called it a library.
In addition, there was a huge computer center.
Confidential matters were preserved in scrolls, while excessive data was stored on computers.
At the same time, to promote computer technology, a group of programmers was specially raised here to research every day.
Merlin was a modern person after all, with forward-thinking awareness.
Although he didn't quite understand things like C language, he could still say a few things about many directional matters.
Jiraiya followed the familiar path all the way to the top floor.
Merlin sat before a Go board, his eyes looking through the window at the river scenery.
He had the air of a great master.
But in reality, he was a terrible player.
If you asked the First Prince and other nobles, the most painful thing about visiting Langya Pavilionwasn't the high price, but playing Go with the Pavilion Master.
Winning was easy, but losing was truly difficult.
But when you come to ask for a favor, it's not good to win wildly here.
Naruto expressed that this couldn't be blamed on him.
In his previous life, he hadn't played board games much.
The only ones he was somewhat familiar with were Gomoku and Xiangqi.
As for Go, he was truly terrible.
But for a great master, playing Gomoku would lack class.
"Oh, Jiraiya."
Merlin turned his head and greeted warmly, "Come, sit down, let's play a game."
Jiraiya's mouth twitched.
Play what with those skills of yours?
"No need for Go, I'm here to buy information."
Jiraiya sat down and said, "I just don't know if Langya Pavilion will have it."
"Naturally, we do."
Merlin glanced at Naruto and said, "This little friend should sit down too."
"..."
Naruto's face darkened.
What the hell do you mean 'little friend'!
"Do you know about the Akatsuki Organization?" Jiraiya asked.
"I do." Merlin nodded, "But your question needs to be more specific."
"Who is their leader?" Jiraiya asked after thinking for a moment.
"This question is very expensive." Merlin laughed, "It concerns one of the several greatest secrets in the Ninja World. Jiraiya, you can't afford it."
Jiraiya frowned and sized him up, wondering if he really couldn't afford it or if they simply didn't know.
"Can I politely ask for a price?"
He spoke tentatively.
Merlin held up one finger and said: "Ten billion."
Jiraiya immediately fell silent.
Ten billion—even if Konoha could produce it, they would be severely weakened.
Not to mention they can't produce it now. ♦ൠ ♦♦
Having ten billion in assets doesn't mean you have ten billion in liquid capital.
"Is there an internal price?" Jiraiya asked again.
"Internal price?" Merlin raised an eyebrow, "As long as you are high-level in Langya Pavilion, you naturally don't need to spend money."
Jiraiya's heart trembled; it seemed his title as Dharma King was quite valuable.
But he was just asking.
"Is the Akatsuki Organization's goal the Tailed Beasts?"
"Don't you already know that?" Merlin asked back.
"I want to be sure."
Jiraiya's eyes rolled as he asked, "I won't ask who their leader is. I'll ask if their leader is someone I know? That shouldn't be expensive, right?"
"Not expensive."
Merlin pondered for a moment and said, "He is indeed someone you know, and you have even dealt with him."
A look of surprise appeared on Jiraiya's face.
The phrase 'dealt with' meant it was far more than just knowing them.
To be honest, the first person he thought of was Danzo.
Perhaps he was influenced by some kind of 'Pot Shadow' will in the dark.
"Is it Danzo?"
Jiraiya asked abruptly.
"No."
Merlin smiled slightly and said, "But it is related to him."
Putting aside Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu, the culprit behind the birth of the Akatsuki Organization should naturally be Danzo.
Moreover, Uchiha Itachi was his undercover agent.
Saying it's related to him is not wrong.
Jiraiya was stunned.
Danzo was actually involved in this?
He noted this down, planning to investigate it when he got back.
"Does Langya Pavilion know anything about the Tianming Organization?"
Jiraiya changed the subject.
After this inquiry and several previous encounters, he understood the Akatsuki Organization quite well.
But he was completely in the dark about the Tianming Organization.
He didn't recognize a single member; he had no idea where they came from.
"If you're asking about the leader, you can't afford that price either."
A mischievous look appeared on Merlin's face as he said, "If you're asking whether you know him, my answer is the same as before."
"..."
For a moment, Jiraiya felt that Merlin was teasing him.
I know the leaders of both major mysterious organizations and have even dealt with them.
How the hell do I not know?
It's truly ridiculous!
Jiraiya was made a bit confused. After a moment of silence, he asked: "He doesn't have a relationship with Danzo too, does he?"
"This time there isn't much of a relationship."
Merlin thought about it and didn't make him take the blame.
As an information seller, he still had basic professional ethics.
If he said there was a connection with Danzo, Jiraiya would probably have to arrest and interrogate him as soon as he got home.
Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief; it's good if there isn't.
"My rule is to sell three pieces of confidential information a day. Since these two about Tianming are the same as Akatsuki, they don't count. Ask one more."
Merlin felt he was very conscientious.
Giving away two pieces of information for free.
Jiraiya expressed his thanks and thought about the last question.
He looked at the unhurried Merlin and felt that his expression was a bit different when he mentioned the Tianming Organization earlier.
All surprises have traces to follow.
He remembered his initial investigation of the White Lotus Sect in Wudi City and couldn't help asking: "What is the relationship between the Tianming Organization and the White Lotus Sect?"
Merlin raised an eyebrow.
That's a good question.
Directly asking what the relationship is.
If he used the high price as an excuse to brush it off, it would clearly be a self-confession.
If he said there was no relationship, it would be a pure lie.
He glanced at Naruto and got a casual answer.
Thinking about it, it really didn't matter.
Whether Jiraiya knew or not didn't seem to have much impact.
"The two are indeed related, coming from the same origin."
Merlin spoke somewhat ambiguously.
The explanation of'same origin' could mean they are the same force, or it could mean they were the same force that split due to disagreements.
Jiraiya quickly thought of the latter possibility.
Because he had read the White Lotus Sectdoctrines thoroughly, and there was no mention of high-profile actions or military deterrence.
One from top to bottom, and one from bottom to top?
"So you know them all?"
Jiraiya's gaze fell on Merlin's face as he asked.
"Quite familiar."
Merlin smiled and said.
In this building, everyone except you is a member.
To be precise, half a person.
After all, you've also got half a foot in the White Lotus Sect.
Jiraiya picked up a cup of tea and drank it.
The information he received today was so much that he had indigestion for a moment.
"We'll take our leave."
A moment later, Jiraiya stood up and went downstairs to pay the bill.
Naruto followed behind him.
However, at the door, the atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Kakuzu and Uzumaki Menma.
Naruto scratched his head.
What's going on?
Should our three Shadow Clones sit down and play mahjong?
"Kakuzu?"
Jiraiya's expression suddenly changed.
He had dealt with Kakuzu and had specifically investigated Takigakure, so he knew him quite well.
But the other red-haired youth was quite unfamiliar.
However, wearing the Akatsuki uniform, his strength must be extraordinary.
Why would they appear at Langya Pavilion?
To buy information?
"So it's Jiraiya."
There was unconcealed killing intent in Kakuzu's eyes.
Especially facing Naruto.
He was both the enemy who killed his teammate Hidan and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
It could be said to be a combination of new and old grudges.
"Oh, everyone, harmony is precious, harmony is precious."
Uzumaki Menma's cheerful voice was out of place, yet he insisted on interjecting.
"This must be the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya. I grew up listening to your stories; I'm your fan! Seeing you today, why don't you give me an autograph?"
He pulled out a copy of 'icha icha paradise' and handed it over.
Jiraiya gave him a strange look.
Is this guy really my fan?
He took out a pen, narrowed his eyes, and asked: "What is your name? I'll write a message for you."
"That's great, my name is Uzumaki Menma."
"What did you say? Uzumaki?"
Jiraiya looked up in surprise and asked, "Are you from the Uzumaki Clan?"
Naruto behind him also appropriately showed a confused expression.
This wave appeared to be an ensemble scene, but it was actually a duet.
"Yeah."
Uzumaki Menma flipped his hair, "As genuine as it gets."
Jiraiya signed his name and asked again: "Why join the Akatsuki Organization? Konoha has always been on good terms with the Uzumaki Clan; you should have come to find us."
"Everyone has their own ambitions," Uzumaki Menma laughed.
"..."
Jiraiya frowned, said no more, and turned to leave.
Half an hour later, he returned to Merlin once again.
"What information did the Akatsuki Organizationbuy from you? Was it related to the Tailed Beasts?"
"According to the rules of Langya Pavilion, we cannot disclose client information. Besides, haven't you already guessed it?"
Merlin waved his hand and said.
Jiraiya left in silence.
In the blink of an eye, Naruto appeared again.
Merlin closed the door and looked at the three people in the room.
Uzumaki Menma, Kakuzu, and Naruto.
He couldn't help but laugh.
Uzumaki Menma did the same, laughing until he rolled on the floor.
Only Naruto was more serious, looking speechless.
While Kakuzu was dumbfounded.
Who am I? Where am I?
After a long while, he tremblingly raised his finger and asked: "Are you all from the Tianming Organization?"
To be honest, he felt like he had been screwed over by a husky.
Mainly because the identities of these three people were too ridiculously different.
A newspaper seller, an Akatsuki undercover, and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
They were actually in the same organization!
He had lived for nearly a hundred years, and this was the first time he felt he had seen it all.
This almost matched the sense of absurdity he felt when he couldn't beat a single Wood Clone of Senju Hashirama back then.
"You two have had enough!"
Naruto frowned and asked, "Uzumaki Menma, did you come here to capture the Seven-Tails?"
"That's right."
Uzumaki Menma sat up straight again.
Seeing this, Kakuzu felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.
Damn!
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is actually in the leading position.
This world is too crazy; the mouse is the best man for the cat.
At this moment, he really wanted to say something to Deva Path Pain: we can't win this.
Naruto scratched his head.
"Has Sister Nan ever held a concert in the Land of Fire?"
"No."
"Then you go back and say you encountered an ambush at Langya Pavilion. It's full of traps and cannot be stormed; it's best to lure the snake out of its hole. The Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, Fu, is playful by nature. Let's hold a concert in the Metropolis and have Sister Nan personally take action."
Naruto thought of the active achievement on her.
All that was missing was fame.
Kakuzu thought to himself, 'You guys are really bold.'
Who doesn't know that Konan is Pain's woman?
But that had nothing to do with him.
After Naruto returned to Konoha, the system's prompt sounded in his ear.
[Congratulations to the host for achieving the 'Three Men, One Play' achievement. Obtained one normal card draw and three destiny stones.]