Naruto brought Shikamaru to the Hokage Building and entered the Hokage's office.
"Shikamaru, those whose homes collapsed and who were injured during Pain's attack—medical expenses, house reconstruction costs, and pensions for the two deceased villagers—remember to implement everything properly." Naruto's tone carried the weight of responsibility.
Shikamaru nodded and wrote it down in his notebook. "Don't worry, Hokage-sama."
"By the way, does Konoha still have money in the treasury?" Naruto asked suddenly. After he'd succeeded to the Hokage position, he hadn't paid attention to Konoha's finances at all.
As Naruto's assistant, Shikamaru naturally remained familiar with all of Konoha's affairs. Otherwise, how could he assist Naruto's work so seamlessly? Without requiring any real thought, Shikamaru replied immediately, "Please rest assured, Hokage-sama. After the Sarutobi family's collapse, the stolen funds recovered from them—except for those returned to their original owners—have already been deposited into Konoha's treasury. Konoha's finances are very healthy right now."
"That's good. By the way, Shikamaru, from today onward, you'll be in charge of Konoha's finances. After I depart on my journey, when Tsunade-senpai acts as my proxy, don't let her touch the treasury. Not one ryō. You must remember this!" Naruto's face turned absolutely serious with this explanation.
If he didn't make this crystal clear, he feared that when he returned, Konoha would have been turned into an empty shell by Tsunade's gambling. What's worse, his farm might also be lost in the process.
This would absolutely not work.
However, getting Tsunade to quit gambling would be as difficult as getting Kakashi-sensei to quit Icha Icha.
"I understand completely, Hokage-sama. I definitely won't let Tsunade-sama touch half a ryō." Shikamaru promised immediately with complete seriousness.
Regarding Shikamaru's work ethic and reliability, Naruto felt completely at ease. Whether managing the farm or Konoha itself, having Shikamaru's management made everything much easier. Otherwise, he wouldn't have so much time for training.
As the System had said, Konoha and positions like Hokage were merely fleeting. Only training was eternal.
"Well, if Tsunade really gets the itch and wants to satisfy her gambling addiction, you can accompany her for a session. Anyway, I believe with Shikamaru's wisdom, combined with Tsunade's unbearably bad luck, you won't lose money." Naruto smiled, taking out additional insurance on the matter.
"I know exactly how to handle it, Hokage-sama." Shikamaru nodded with understanding.
For Shikamaru, who was so meticulous in his work, Naruto couldn't help adding, "Shikamaru, we're good friends. We've already discussed this—when we're alone together, just call me by my name. Don't always use 'Hokage-sama.'"
"Okay, Hokage-sama." Shikamaru replied with a knowing smile.
Regarding Naruto's words, Shikamaru had heard Naruto complain about formal titles more than once. He felt warmth in his heart, because even though his friend Naruto had become Konoha's Fifth Hokage—becoming the aspiration of all ninja—he would never put on airs with his friends. He treated his friends with the same sincerity and simplicity as always.
This reminded Shikamaru of that day after school when his friend Choji had tricked him and brought him to Naruto, forcing him to become Naruto's friend through "the process."
Thinking about it now, being friends with Naruto was truly a fortunate thing.
Thinking this, Shikamaru smiled warmly. "Hokage-sama, it's working hours now. I still prefer calling you Hokage-sama. This way is more efficient for work. Private time is another matter entirely. But no matter what, we're still good friends. My friendship with you will never change."
Hearing Shikamaru's sincere words, Naruto truly had no choice but to concede. "Alright. Have it your way. Go find Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya-sama, as well as the heads of the ninja families including Hiashi. Please ask them to come to the conference room for a meeting."
"By the way, there's also that dark guy. Please bring him too."
In the end, Naruto didn't forget to add Black Zetsu. Both Orochimaru and Black Zetsu knew enough about the Akatsuki organization, since both had been members.
It was just that Orochimaru possessed a weaker sense of loyalty and stronger ego. He'd joined Akatsuki for specific purposes. Even with Konoha, his sense of identity wouldn't run too deep. This time, when Asura Path Pain attacked Konoha, Orochimaru hadn't appeared at all.
Shikamaru received Naruto's orders and immediately went to invite people to the conference room for the meeting.
Basically, people like Patriarch Hyuga, Lady Tsunade, Lord Jiraiya, and his own father were all still waiting at the site of Asura Path Pain's attack.
Therefore, Shikamaru notified everyone to proceed to the conference room for the meeting.
However, what surprised Shikamaru was discovering that the current head of the Akimichi clan, Akimichi Choza, wasn't present. Under normal circumstances, if there was a major incident in Konoha, Choza would definitely appear to help suppress it.
Shikamaru found Choji. When Shikamaru saw Choji's appearance, he felt genuinely shocked—because Choji's face was bruised and swollen beyond recognition. Suppressing his curiosity, Shikamaru decided to ask about business first. "Choji, where's your father?"
Choji's mouth was stuffed full of snacks. The man eats snacks unto death—this might be the perfect portrayal of Choji. His cheeks bulged outward. His face resembled a meat bun. With the bruised and swollen features, it was a meat bun that had been thoroughly beaten. He spoke vaguely through the food, "Father should be at home."
After getting this answer, Shikamaru immediately went to Choji's house and found Choza. At this time, Choza had his back turned to Shikamaru.
This operation confused Shikamaru instantly. What is Uncle Choza trying to do?
"Senior Choza, Hokage-sama invites you to the conference room for a meeting." After Shikamaru finished speaking, he activated Body Flicker Technique, trying to catch Choza by surprise and see his face.
However, Choza was a veteran after all. When Shikamaru launched the Body Flicker, Choza had already predicted it. He turned around at extremely fast speed. Shikamaru found himself looking at Choza's back again.
"Okay, I understand. You go back first. I'll be right there." Choza's muffled voice sounded strangely reluctant.
Shikamaru felt helpless. Anyway, his message had been conveyed. Choza should attend. Thinking this, Shikamaru had no choice but to say, "Then please hurry, Senior Choza. The other patriarchs of the ninja families have all arrived in the conference room and are waiting."
After speaking, Shikamaru departed directly.
After Shikamaru left, Choza turned around with visible sadness. His face was bruised and swollen just like his son's. He touched the swollen features gingerly and sighed heavily. "How can I show my face like this?"
This appearance was the lingering aftereffect of becoming friends with Naruto. It had made Choza appear only briefly when Asura Path Pain attacked. After seeing Naruto arrive, he'd retreated silently.
Because with Naruto present, he felt completely at ease.
The problem he faced now was that looking like this, he'd be secretly ridiculed by the other clan heads.
But I still have to attend the meeting.
Forget it. I'll just own it. There's no disgrace in being friends with Lord Hokage. With this changed mindset, Choza headed to the conference room.
As soon as he arrived in the conference room, Choza received complicated gazes from everyone present.
Choza ignored these stares. He came to sit beside the heads of the Nara and Yamanaka clans. With the air of a seasoned veteran, he settled himself on the ground and waited for Naruto's arrival.
Seeing Choza's appearance, Hiashi couldn't help smiling wryly in his heart. My son-in-law is so peculiar. I can't help thinking that Naruto actually wanted to be friends with me too.
Ten seconds later, Naruto and Shikamaru entered the conference room.
Seeing everyone assembled, Naruto walked to the vacant seat at the head of the table. He sat down and surveyed everyone's positions.
On his left and right sat Jiraiya and Tsunade. Next to Jiraiya was the pitch-black Black Zetsu. Next to Tsunade sat his prospective father-in-law, Hyuga Hiashi, head of the Hyuga family.
Further down the table sat the heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance, the Aburame, and other prominent Konoha family leaders.
Looking around at the assembled group, Naruto asked directly, "How much do you know about the Akatsuki organization?"
Jiraiya spoke first. "I understand a little."
Regarding Jiraiya's response, Naruto glanced at him meaningfully. "As far as I know, the three core members of the Akatsuki organization are students of Jiraiya-sensei. Namely Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan."
"I imagine Jiraiya-sensei believes all three of your students are dead at this point. Don't worry about correcting that assumption. Except for Yahiko, both Nagato and Konan are alive. And just now, Nagato returned Konoha a 'surprise gift.'"
Hearing Naruto's words, Jiraiya's expression became visibly embarrassed. His weathered face flushed red.
Tsunade and the others all thought of Jiraiya's three students in their minds. They all knew the trio—Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan.
Naruto smiled. Instead of dwelling on Jiraiya's discomfort, he glanced at Black Zetsu. Everyone here, Black Zetsu was most familiar with the Akatsuki organization. But Naruto also knew Akatsuki very well.
Thinking this, Naruto continued, "The person who attacked Konoha just now was Asura Path Pain of the Akatsuki organization—one of the Six Paths of Pain controlled by Nagato."
"Now, let me introduce the basic situation of the Akatsuki organization."
"The headquarters of Akatsuki is located in Rain Village..."
When Naruto said this, Jiraiya interrupted. "Rain Village? I'd originally planned to go to Rain Village to gather intelligence when I had time."
As soon as Jiraiya finished speaking, Naruto immediately shot him a pointed look. "Fortunately, Jiraiya-sensei didn't actually go to Rain Village for reconnaissance."
"Why not?" Jiraiya asked with visible confusion.
Why? Because as soon as you went to Rain Village, you would have been killed by Pain controlled by Nagato. Of course, Naruto wouldn't say this aloud. With him here, Jiraiya would never die at Pain's hands again.
Thinking this, Naruto continued, "I imagine everyone doesn't know enough about the Akatsuki organization. Their headquarters being in Rain Village doesn't mean the Akatsuki is a Rain Village organization. On the contrary, Rain Village itself is under Akatsuki's complete control."
"This matter goes back to Yahiko, the previous leader of the Akatsuki Organization. At that time, Yahiko wanted to change the status quo of the Rain Country. He wanted the Rain Country to become beautiful and peaceful. So he founded Akatsuki's predecessor—an organization called Dawn."
"Dawn... Just listening to the name tells you everything. After the night comes the breaking dawn—light returns to the world. Yes, Yahiko created this organization precisely to bring light and peace to the Land of Rain."
"This noble original intention naturally received the support of his friends Nagato and Konan."
"Later, the organization became stronger and stronger. More and more people with the same ambitions joined. It gradually became an influential force."
"However, when it grew too powerful, Konoha's Danzo appeared. He manipulated the relationship between Hanzo and Dawn. So the two leaders joined forces and decided to eliminate the Akatsuki organization."
"Yahiko died because of this betrayal."
"Afterward, the second-generation leader—Tendo Pain—took control of the Akatsuki organization. In reality, Tendo Pain is merely a puppet manipulated by Nagato. Tendo Pain was created by Nagato using Yahiko's corpse, which is why Nagato treats Tendo Pain with such reverence—as if Yahiko still lived."
"Because Nagato carried this hatred, the organization's later development turned it into what's known today as a gathering place for S-rank rogue ninja from around the world."
"However, no matter what they were before or what they are now, the only thing they did wrong was attacking Konoha and causing casualties among our villagers."
"So this is why I've called everyone here—to plan the disbanding of the Akatsuki organization."
After listening to Naruto's comprehensive explanation, everyone fell into thoughtful silence. Black Zetsu looked at Naruto with internal turmoil. He couldn't figure out why Naruto knew so much detailed intelligence about the Akatsuki Organization.
The conference room remained silent for a moment. Finally, Hyuga Hiashi spoke up, "Hokage-sama, please include me in the battle to disband the Akatsuki organization."
Hyuga Hiashi felt very satisfied with Naruto as Hokage.
As soon as Hiashi expressed his position, others also voiced their support one after another, willing to contribute to this mission.
Looking at everyone actively volunteering to participate, Naruto smiled and raised his hand. "Actually, the Akatsuki organization isn't that terrifying. We don't need so many people. I'll lead a select team to disband the organization."
"Participants will be: Jiraiya-sensei, Sister Tsunade, Kakashi-sensei, Black Zetsu, Sasuke, and Orochimaru."
Naruto directly finalized the roster.
Regarding this selection, no one voiced objections. After all, even without anyone else, Naruto alone possessed the strength to disband the Akatsuki organization single-handedly.
"Now, let's review Akatsuki's combat power."
"The one with the strongest combat ability is undoubtedly Nagato—owner of the Rinnegan and controller of the Six Paths of Pain."
"Konan. Well, although her direct combat power isn't overwhelming, don't underestimate her explosive tag techniques."
"In truth, there aren't many high-end combatants remaining. Uchiha Obito, Kisame, and Itachi are dead."
"That's the situation. After breakfast tomorrow, we'll gather at the village entrance, proceed to Rain Village, and discuss compensation terms with Nagato."
At the end of his analysis, Naruto suddenly felt there was no need to continue. There was no point analyzing further when his strength alone surpassed everything. Let them try to be strong—Naruto would always be stronger.
He dismissed the meeting immediately.
After the meeting ended, Jiraiya found Naruto privately. "Naruto, tomorrow—can you spare Nagato and Konan?"
After all, they were his students. He wasn't hard-hearted enough to abandon them completely. Of course he'd choose to plead for mercy on their behalf.
"Jiraiya-sensei, don't worry. I'll give them a chance." Naruto spoke with reassuring calm.
He and Nagato and Konan didn't share deep hatred. Only with people like Obito would Naruto kill regardless of who begged for mercy.
As for Nagato, he was actually quite useful. The Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique was Nagato's signature ability. Keeping Nagato alive to study the drawbacks of resurrection techniques would prove much faster than researching alone.
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