Okay, okay, okay...
So the Land of Rain is shirking responsibility, is it?
Tsunade clenched her fist in frustration, but couldn't refute it, because, at the root of it all, it was Shimura Danzo's fault.
"At this point, it's not the time to evade responsibility."
As the Hokage of Konoha, Tsunade had no choice but to shoulder the troubles left behind by Shimura Danzo. Anyway, this trouble couldn't compare to the one caused by Akihara Kagura.
"Now, we should first resolve the crisis with Akihara Kagura."
Tsunade tightened her fist, preparing to give commands in a deep voice: "The first thing we need to do now is to gather our forces and seal the past Hokage..."
"According to my understanding of Akihara Kagura..."
Orochimaru squinted his eyes and began to ponder deeply, "He might already have a way for the four Hokage to escape Konoha..."
This was a lesson Orochimaru had learned long ago.
Before Akihara Kagura executes any plan, he already prepares the next step, leaving no time for them to react.
"And over with Naruto..."
Jiraiya reminded Tsunade.
"And with Sasuke..."
Orochimaru also reminded Tsunade.
"I know, I know..."
Tsunade waved her hand impatiently, feeling a bit annoyed by these two old friends. Didn't she already know all this? But what could she do even if she knew?
Naruto Uzumaki and Uchiha Sasuke had both fallen into Akihara Kagura's trap. All she could do was first send the Dark Department to track them down, so they wouldn't go missing.
"I think..."
Salamander Hanzo looked at Tsunade and suggested, "This crisis might not be something that Konoha Village can solve alone..."
"Does Lord Hanzo have any suggestions?"
Tsunade furrowed her brows.
"Gather all the ninja of the Ninja World."
Salamander Hanzo looked at Tsunade and continued, "At least, we need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. This is a crisis that could destroy the entire Ninja World, and Konoha alone might not be able to stop that dangerous man named Akihara Kagura..."
"I understand."
Tsunade had to admit that Salamander Hanzo made a valid point.
Because Akihara Kagura had never lost, whether his opponent was one person or an entire village, it never seemed to matter.
Salamander Hanzo looked at everyone present and continued, "Perhaps this might seem disrespectful to Konoha, but right now, summoning enough manpower is the only way to collectively resolve this crisis..."
"I agree with Lord Hanzo's idea."
Nagato strongly supported Salamander Hanzo, even recalling an old lesson from his friend Yahiko: "One straw is easy to break, but a bundle of straws tied together..."
"...is still easy to break..."
Konan had to remind Nagato.
This was Yahiko trying to recruit some wandering ninja by illustrating the strength of unity with straw. However, the straws broke during his speech, making it a rather poor but memorable talk.
This example with the straws...
Made Konan feel a sense of foreboding.
Because the first group of Akatsuki Organization members, like straws gathered together, was almost entirely wiped out, leaving only herself and Nagato. Could this gathered force truly defeat Akihara Kagura?
"Having more strength is never a bad thing."
Salamander Hanzo shook his head and spoke up, "I will first go around the Ninja World, dragging this old body of mine, to try and persuade some to join forces to resolve this crisis, so we won't be picked off one by one..."
"To my knowledge..."
Salamander Hanzo looked at Tsunade and others, speaking in a grave tone, "So far, no great country ninja village in the Ninja World has ever won against Akihara Kagura..."
"Yes..."
Tsunade also had to acknowledge this fact.
Though Konoha Village had never faced the danger of being overrun, Akihara Kagura had once saved Konoha single-handedly, suggesting a possibility that he could also destroy it alone.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Lord Hanzo."
Tsunade had to appreciate Salamander Hanzo's good intentions.
"This is also a selfish thought of mine."
Salamander Hanzo waved his hand and initiated, "Because on the way here, they also discussed letting Nagato revive and control the war weapon, but any power comes with a cost..."
"If the cost is not too great for Nagato, at least the Hidden Rain Village could still have a qualified successor..."
"Lord Hanzo!"
Nagato called out to Salamander Hanzo, unable to hold back from telling this respected elder the truth: "My life is nearing its end, and if it comes down to it, I've prepared myself for sacrifice..."
"..."
Tsunade glanced at Nagato's frail, emaciated form.
To be honest, based on Tsunade's many years of medical experience, Nagato having just a month or two to live would be a pleasant surprise; he couldn't hold on much longer.
"..."
Salamander Hanzo hesitated for a second, perhaps slightly surprised. His body trembled for a moment, only to nod slowly after.
"I understand."
After speaking, Salamander Hanzo continued in a muffled voice, "Nagato, death is not the end of life. If your life reaches its endpoint, then do your utmost to leave your story in the Ninja World!"
"Let the ninjas of the Hidden Rain Village, and all those in this Ninja World remember, a man named Nagato sacrificed himself for the survival of the Ninja World, and his will shall remain forever."