A wanted list is a kill order from a ninja village.
Usually, it's not just for traitors from their own village.
For example, Kakuzu and Sasori had several fights with Konoha before. So, Konoha added extra money to the bounty for them in the black market.
But, well, when someone is as strong as Kakuzu, normal ninjas can't beat him. To kill him, you'd need to send out several elite teams or someone strong like Orochimaru. Otherwise, it wouldn't do much good.
So, for ninjas strong enough, a wanted list can be like a 'resume'.
The clan leaders sitting there knew this, of course. But they were shocked that someone had actually used these 'resumes' to gather traitors together.
Wow... aren't they afraid the group will blow up?
That strange thought popped into everyone's head.
It's understandable to think that way, since they're traitors.
Hoping they'll learn to obey, listen, and follow the rules is harder than climbing to the sky.
If they could do all that, they might not have betrayed in the first place.
All traitors exist as small groups, small teams, or lone wolves. They have their own clear will. No group can contain them.
Unless there's a power that can suppress their individual will, like the Hokage's authority in Konoha.
No, even stronger than that.
The clan leaders there still had to think about their families and future growth. The traitors wouldn't think about any of that.
Almost instantly, everyone there realized how serious things were.
"Sasori and Kakuzu personally wiped out those two samurai teams."
The Third Hokage took out his pipe and blew out smoke. "Also, they must have a rare intelligence unit. Otherwise, they couldn't have found out the samurai's location so quickly."
The Land of Iron has been run by samurai for a long time. Defeating or killing them is one thing, but if they're all trying to escape and still get wiped out, it takes more than just a difference in strength to explain it.
"Hiruzen, after saying all that, who exactly is gathering these people in secret? Have you found out?"
Utatane Koharu looked serious, and Mitokado Homura didn't look good either.
They'd been in charge of the intelligence agency for four or five months, taking over from Danzo, and thought they were making progress. But they knew nothing about what the Third Hokage was talking about, which was embarrassing.
Luckily, they felt relieved when the Third Hokage shook his head.
"I haven't found out the specific details yet. They're quick and don't leave many traces."
"But I did find out their name."
The Third Hokage looked around and said seriously, "The group's name is 'Akatsuki'."
"'Akatsuki'?"
Utatane Koharu repeated it to herself, deep in thought.
Mitokado Homura and many clan leaders also looked confused and puzzled.
They'd never heard of an 'Akatsuki' group.
But next to Mitokado Homura, Danzo, who had been quiet, slightly raised his head and his eyes flashed for a moment.
Unlike the others, he wasn't completely clueless about 'Akatsuki'.
Years ago, when Akatsuki was using the slogan of 'peace' and trying to connect countries, he was the one who pushed for a plot to make 'the Salamander Hanzo, the demigod of the ninja world' fight with them.
The result was a big loss for Akatsuki. They only had a few members left.
Although Danzo was worried about a red-haired guy with a scary summoning animal, he disappeared and there was no news of him. Danzo thought he had died in some ditch.
But now it seems he's alive and has overcome Hanzo's power, succeeding in what he couldn't do back then.
Danzo's mind raced, connecting recent events, and he understood everything instantly.
He secretly regretted not chasing them down back then, letting Akatsuki become a big problem.
As for whether Akatsuki was really for 'peace' back then, Danzo didn't think about it and never would.
When those people successfully created 'bonds' between small countries and formed an alliance, they would fight against the big countries for their own benefit and change the ninja world.
If they didn't do that, they couldn't keep representing the small country alliance.
Ideals only exist for emotional moments. Profit is reality.
Conflict between countries and ninjas is unavoidable. It's just a matter of who has the upper hand and what methods they use.
But, regrets aside, these things have nothing to do with him now.
Danzo glanced at the Third Hokage without being noticed and laughed coldly in his heart.
He now understood the key—the red-haired boy who escaped that year had strange eyes, possibly the legendary Sage of Six Paths' eyes.
Whether that's true or not, that weird summoning animal was really strong. Even the 'demigod of the ninja world' suffered a loss.
After so many years, his power is probably even scarier. Otherwise, he couldn't control those traitors. If Hiruzen, that old guy, is careless, wow... his chance will come.
Thinking that, Danzo had no intention of reminding the Third Hokage. He remained silent as usual.
He was now thinking about how the Third Hokage would act and how he could make a lot of money from the Kusagakure Ninja.
"Right now, we know almost nothing about Akatsuki except for these traitors."
The Third Hokage held his pipe and looked around. "I'll find a way to get more information. After you go back, prepare for war."
"Yes!"
Everyone replied together, looking more serious
They naturally have to protect their own interests in the village, but in a crucial moment, they'll unite against outsiders.
As long as they're smart, no one will underestimate the threat of Akatsuki after getting this information.
"Knock, knock, knock..."
A knocking sound interrupted the serious atmosphere. Everyone turned to look and saw Orochimaru walking in.
"Sorry, I had some things to do and was delayed."
Orochimaru had a smile on his face and looked at everyone with interest.
"What's going on? What are you talking about?"
"Orochimaru..."
The Third Hokage took a puff from his pipe and frowned slightly. "I don't remember inviting you here."
Orochimaru hasn't shown his face in the village for more than three months. Anyone can guess what he's been busy with.
Now he has time to come to the meeting room? Did he finish all the surgeries on the samurai?
"Hehe, old man, I naturally have the right to attend the village meeting."
Orochimaru licked his lips and looked around. "Or are you saying I'm not welcome?"
The clan leaders didn't say anything when they met Orochimaru's gaze.
But not saying anything is also a way of saying something.
Maybe they were afraid of Orochimaru's power before, but it's different now.
Body strengthening surgery was originally said to only be possible on the Uchiha, but now another group has successfully survived.
If those samurai can do it, there's no reason why they can't.
Actually, Orochimaru doesn't always lick his lips, it's just dry. The author does that too.
Take a sip of water and press your lips together.
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