At Konoha's barrier, Natsuhiko helplessly looked at the report in his hand.
Beside him, Nara Shikaku and Sora kept sneaking glances at Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama from time to time.
Such a major incident had happened at Konoha's barrier, so naturally, it had drawn the attention of many people.
However, with Natsuhiko blocking the area, ordinary people could not come in. But some people were clearly not within the range of those being blocked.
For example, Uchiha Sora, his personal secretary, and Nara Shikaku, the head of the Administrative Department.
The purpose of these two coming here was actually very simple. They wanted to use their identities to understand the current situation.
If the situation was fine, then everything was fine. If the situation was bad, then naturally, they would fire the signal flare at the first moment.
After all, the Hokage had personally taken action, so it was impossible for Konoha to have no defensive measures at all.
Right now, the shinobi inside Konoha had already begun gathering. As soon as their signal was sent out, those shinobi would immediately come to support them.
Running to a great nation's shinobi village to cause trouble was truly not something ordinary people dared to do, because the result of doing so was unimaginable.
However, when they quickly arrived at Natsuhiko's side, the two of them were immediately stopped by Kakashi.
At this moment, although Kakashi was wearing a mask, the eyes revealed through the mask looked so strange.
However, this strangeness did not attract the attention of the two of them. When they craned their heads and looked toward Natsuhiko, both of them immediately froze.
Because within their line of sight, two figures dressed in red and blue appeared before their eyes.
The state of these two people looked somewhat strange, because there were actually odd cracks on their bodies.
Aside from that, their eyes were also different from ordinary eyes. Their sclera was not the normal white of a living person, but black.
However, all these differences added together were still not the most important thing, because whether it was Nara Shikaku or Sora, both had already recognized their identities.
These two people were almost exactly the same as the two former Hokage carved onto the Hokage Rock.
But hadn't these two died long ago? Why were they still here?
Had they come back as corpses, or had Natsuhiko used some technique to revive them?
But no matter which one it was, the resurrection of these two was a major matter for Konoha.
At this moment, Shikaku and Sora were truly stunned. They had only come over to see whether there was a problem, but they ended up running into something like this.
Fortunately, Natsuhiko noticed them afterward and allowed the two of them to come over.
In truth, compared to the two of them, there was another person who was even more shocked, and that person was Nagato.
When Nagato heard Natsuhiko's words, his expression immediately changed, because he felt that Natsuhiko was playing with him.
However, after Natsuhiko gave a signal and Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama both removed their disguises, Nagato also froze completely in place.
Nagato was not from Konoha, so naturally, he was not familiar with the First Hokage and Second Hokage.
But unfortunately for him, this fellow had the Rinnegan. Earlier, he had already discovered that the state of these two people was not quite right.
And now, he could completely confirm that these two were not living people at all.
Through his Rinnegan, he could see that the true nature of their bodies was not originally theirs.
Yet because of some special chakra, they had become like this.
Natsuhiko also did not keep Nagato in suspense. He very directly explained to Nagato who these two were.
And at this moment, Nagato finally knew that Natsuhiko was not joking. He truly could bring people who had already died back.
Even though this resurrection was actually fake, what if he used the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique on someone in this state?
Nagato could not be certain whether his thought was correct, but he truly was tempted.
He wanted to see Yahiko. He wanted to see this close friend who had shared life and death with him, yet had left ahead of him.
"Take out his corpse. I need material. Also, Kakashi, Tobirama-senpai, take Kakashi to the prison. I need a death row prisoner."
Natsuhiko was already very familiar with Edo Tensei, and because Kakashi had experienced the matter of Natsuhiko reviving his father before, he could also be considered rather skilled with this whole process.
With Senju Tobirama's help, Kakashi soon brought over a death row prisoner.
This prisoner was also a spy, and a woman at that. This was someone Senju Tobirama had chosen on purpose.
After all, he was also someone who knew Edo Tensei, and he would not choose a good sacrifice for someone who might very well be an enemy.
No matter what, he would never do something that strengthened an enemy.
Natsuhiko clearly would not care what kind of sacrifice it was. In any case, to him, men and women were all the same.
However, Nagato seemed somewhat awkward, especially since his Rinnegan could see the true nature after the resurrection, which made him feel even more uncomfortable.
Yet even if he felt uncomfortable, he did not dare say anything. After all, the one who held this technique was Natsuhiko.
If it had been someone else, he might have tried to use his own power to seize this technique.
But Natsuhiko had once beaten him so easily that it made him doubt his life.
Facing such a person, if he made a move, the outcome could probably be predicted.
Especially this time, in order to show his sincerity, he had directly come to meet Natsuhiko with his real body.
Although this allowed him to display stronger combat power, if he failed, it also meant that he would truly say farewell to this world.
He had already begun to doubt his own beliefs, and he truly intended to do something to change things.
If he died at this time, that would be far too regrettable and far too unworthy.
When Natsuhiko quickly completed the hand seals, the female death row prisoner immediately let out waves of screams.
However, these screams did not last long before she was completely wrapped in Edo paper, finally turning into Yahiko's appearance.
Very soon, Yahiko woke up. He looked around in confusion, and finally, his gaze locked onto Nagato.
At this moment, Nagato had already become so excited that he could barely control himself. Before Yahiko had fully come back to his senses, Nagato had already rushed to Yahiko's side and pulled him into a tight embrace.
Facing this deep brotherly bond, Natsuhiko was also willing to give them some time.
Therefore, he turned his gaze toward Nara Shikaku and Sora. However, before he could say anything, Shikaku had already spoken.
"Hokage-sama, we know what should be said and what should not be said.
"And the reason we came this time is because there is a relatively important matter that requires Hokage-sama's handling."
After his words fell, Shikaku gave Sora a look, and Sora also handed a document to Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko looked somewhat puzzled as he read the report in his hand, but after only glancing at it twice, he already felt a headache coming on.
The contents of this report were truly nothing else. It was about the start of Natsuhiko's strategic plan toward the other small countries.
He really had not expected his plan to make progress so quickly.
According to the report's description, the Land of Hot Water had basically already been fully investigated. As long as Natsuhiko wanted, he could begin his plan at any time.
"What is wrong? You look so troubled."
Senju Hashirama glanced at Yahiko and Nagato, who were quietly talking not far away. Then he turned his head and saw the helpless look on Natsuhiko's face, so he could not help asking curiously.
Although Natsuhiko was holding the report, Hashirama still did not lean over to look at it.
Senju Tobirama was also very curious, but compared to Natsuhiko's troubled expression, what he paid more attention to was still Nagato.
After all, from Nagato's body, he sensed his elder brother's power, as well as a power that felt very familiar to him, yet he could not say where he had encountered it before.
Such a person had grasped two kinds of power and also possessed something like the Rinnegan. This could be said to be dangerous to the extreme.
Even Senju Tobirama felt that there might be something wrong with this fellow's head.
But no matter what, even if a fool grasped terrifying power, that was still something extremely worthy of attention.
Moreover, this fellow seemed to still hold some hostility toward Konoha.
"Rather than looking at those reports, it would be better to think more about how to solve the trouble before us." Senju Tobirama snorted coldly, crossed his arms, and spoke indifferently.
"This fellow is truly not easy to handle. What does Natsuhiko plan to do?"
"Do not worry. He will not be able to stir up any waves." Natsuhiko raised his head slightly and glanced at Yahiko and Nagato not far away, then let out a soft laugh.
"And if I have not guessed wrong, this kid may no longer be an enemy in the future."
"No longer an enemy?" Senju Tobirama looked seriously at Natsuhiko. In the end, he nodded.
"You are the Hokage, so I trust your judgment. However, can you explain this kid's situation?"
Senju Tobirama's words immediately made Senju Hashirama turn his head. Kakashi, Shikaku, and Sora did the same.
Facing someone who had come to Konoha alone, could draw out the Hokage, and even receive the attention of the Second Hokage, they had no choice but to be curious.
Natsuhiko, however, casually nodded. Although this involved his deal with Orochimaru, these matters would eventually be known by others.
Therefore, telling them ahead of time was not a big deal. In any case, the First and Second Hokage already knew about these troublesome matters.
"No problem. After all, there are some things you can know."
Natsuhiko spoke directly, telling them everything from the first time he and Kakashi encountered them, to his contact with Orochimaru, and then the battle that happened with Nagato.
However, in the end, he still hid many details, such as Uchiha Madara, Black Zetsu, Obito, and so on.
He could not possibly reveal all these things together. After all, on the surface, he had not had much contact with Akatsuki.
Aside from that, the ANBU also had very little information about Akatsuki.
Natsuhiko had used Root to cover for him. At times, he even felt Danzō's organization was surprisingly useful for taking the blame.
"That is roughly what happened."
Natsuhiko quickly finished explaining the general situation, because these matters were not too complicated.
"It was because I came into contact with Kakuzu that I remembered them.
"After Root was taken over by me, I discovered that Danzō had actually also had contact with them before."
At this point, Natsuhiko paused slightly, then pointed at Yahiko, whom he had revived.
"That fellow can be considered someone Danzō caused to die. Moreover, according to Root's information, Hanzō has been missing for a very long time.
"Judging from the strength of this fellow called Nagato, I suspect Hanzō may already be dead.
"In other words, the Land of Rain is actually being controlled by this fellow."
"I truly did not expect there to be so many stories behind this."
After listening, Senju Hashirama could not help sighing softly. Then he turned his head and looked at Senju Tobirama with dissatisfaction.
"The good disciple you trained really knows how to create trouble for others."
"Hmph, he should be grateful that he died relatively early."
Senju Tobirama was also extremely displeased now. He snorted coldly and said no more.
However, in his heart, his dissatisfaction toward Sarutobi Hiruzen grew even greater. What kind of role was Danzō?
That fellow was nothing more than someone who served the Hokage. The one who truly made decisions was Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Hokage.
For something like this to happen, either Sarutobi Hiruzen gave the order, in which case he bore the main responsibility.
Or Sarutobi Hiruzen failed to properly control his subordinate, leading to this matter happening, in which case he still bore the main responsibility.
It could be said that at this moment, Senju Hashirama was truly somewhat disappointed in Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Forget it. Let's not talk about these issues."
Natsuhiko was also too lazy to dwell on matters that had already passed. He directly handed the report to Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama.
"Take a look at this report. Even I did not expect things to develop so quickly."
"Is that appropriate?"
Senju Hashirama said this with a smile, but he took the report without the slightest hesitation.
Senju Tobirama also leaned his head over, and after looking at it for only a moment, he roughly understood the situation.
Clearly, in his view, this was a good thing. Since he had already known about the plan, he naturally understood Natsuhiko's thoughts very clearly.
Now that the opportunity had already appeared before them, what to do next was something Natsuhiko needed to consider.
"What are your plans?"
Senju Tobirama thought for a moment, then asked curiously.
"I think you will not miss this opportunity, right?"
"Of course not. If I do not grasp this opportunity properly, that would be far too much of a pity." Natsuhiko nodded without any politeness, and he even revealed a smile. "Didn't that Nagato ask me how we intend to bring peace to the shinobi world? Is this not an opportunity delivered right to the door?"
"You mean?"
Senju Hashirama raised his brows and asked with some doubt.
"Is it appropriate to do this? If he causes destruction…"
"Then I will go to the Land of Rain and send him to hell!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Natsuhiko gave this matter a definition filled with killing intent.
Natsuhiko had never been a soft-hearted person. If someone truly provoked him, then he really would not mind letting his enemies know the consequences.
Moreover, it was not as though Natsuhiko did not know what Nagato's weakness was.
At worst, when the time came, he would capture Konan, then use Edo Tensei to summon Yahiko, and make Nagato stand there without moving while Yahiko stabbed him to death.
This kind of thing had no difficulty at all, and likewise, it would not make Natsuhiko feel troubled.
Turning his head, Natsuhiko looked toward Nagato and Yahiko, who were still talking.
He did not eavesdrop, because there was simply no need. Looking at Yahiko's somewhat ugly expression, and Nagato's guilty face, Natsuhiko knew that Akatsuki was truly about to change.
...
"Sigh, since things have already reached this point, there is nothing more to say."
On an open space not far from Natsuhiko and the others, Yahiko sighed helplessly.
Nagato had explained everything that happened after Yahiko's death in great detail.
After hearing this news, Yahiko truly felt heartache, and at the same time, he felt deeply helpless.
What pained him was Nagato's experience. Although Yahiko had deliberately died by Nagato's hand in order to save Konan, he understood very clearly what kind of harm his actions would bring Nagato.
His heart was also filled with guilt, but he understood very clearly that under the circumstances back then, he had no other choice.
As for the reason he felt helpless, it was also very simple. That was because, after his death, Nagato had indeed changed.
He understood Nagato far too well. He understood this brother who had grown up with him far too well.
Nagato's heart had never been strong. After encountering such a major blow, he probably really would make some terrible choices.
And now it seemed that this matter had indeed happened exactly like that. But what was worth being thankful for was that Nagato still had the possibility to change.
"Sorry, Yahiko."
Nagato's face was full of guilt. He lowered his head slightly, and his voice was very low.
"I was the one who turned Akatsuki into what it is now. I was the one who failed your trust. I was…"
"All right. I already said this matter ends here."
Yahiko interrupted Nagato's self-blame and heavily patted Nagato on the shoulder.
"Everything is not too late yet. There is still a chance to fix everything.
"And I also have to admit that perhaps my views were indeed rather one-sided.
"That Fifth Hokage-sama is right. Back then, when we did things, we acted only with passion and never considered more things."
Having died once, when Yahiko now looked back on everything from back then, he himself could only sigh deeply.
Jiraiya-sensei's ideas were very good, but the problem was that such ideas were truly a little too beautiful.
Some people and some matters really could not be solved by communication alone.
If they could, then he and Hanzō would not have both ended up reaching the point they had.
As for the issue of benefits, they had never carefully thought about it, or rather, Jiraiya had never taught them about it.
Just now, Nagato had repeated what Natsuhiko had said earlier. As a smart person, Yahiko naturally thought of many things and considered many things.
Although this would more or less have some impact on his beliefs, as the true founder of Akatsuki, Yahiko was not fragile.
If there was a mistake, then it should be corrected. If there was a problem, then one had to think clearly about where the key issue was.
He now already knew where the problem with his original Akatsuki had been.
Likewise, he also understood that the current Akatsuki was even more terribly wrong.
It could only be said that the person who had misled Nagato truly had evil intentions.
"Yahiko, do you also think you were wrong back then?"
Nagato frowned, but very soon, he sighed.
"Perhaps. Just now, that Fifth Hokage was also very dismissive of Jiraiya-sensei's views."
"After all, we have never truly stood from a higher position to look at everything in the entire shinobi world."
Yahiko gently patted Nagato's shoulder once again, and this time, he revealed a smile.
"Do your best. Now, you have already awakened, and at the same time, you have also recognized where all kinds of problems are.
"I believe you can lead Akatsuki onto a different path, a truly correct path.
"And also, take good care of Konan."
"Yahiko, you…"
Hearing this, Nagato could not help opening his mouth. He still wanted to say something.
Unfortunately, Yahiko smiled and interrupted him. "Let's go. We should meet that Fifth Hokage. We still need to properly thank him, do we not?"
Saying this, Yahiko directly walked toward Natsuhiko's direction.
Nagato wanted to speak but stopped. He felt that Yahiko had already guessed his thoughts, which was why he acted like this.
His idea was very simple. He saw that Natsuhiko had summoned the First Hokage and Second Hokage, who had died who knew how long ago, and kept them by his side.
At that moment, an idea also appeared in his mind, and that was whether he should leave Yahiko here as well.
Although this was not true resurrection, it would still allow him and Yahiko to properly communicate.
Moreover, if possible, he was willing to use the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique on Yahiko.
However, obtaining that technique would likely come at a great cost. But to Nagato, the price didn't matter at all—Yahiko was far too important to both him and Konan.
"Hokage-sama, thank you." Yahiko brought Nagato to Natsuhiko's side, then directly bowed slightly to Natsuhiko.
"Thank you for letting Nagato understand where his problems lay, and likewise, thank you for allowing me to meet him once again. Thank you."
"You are Jiraiya's disciple. Although I do not like him, in the end, he is a Konoha shinobi and once made outstanding contributions to Konoha."
Natsuhiko slightly raised his head and spoke calmly.
However, his words were not especially polite, and both Senju Tobirama and Nara Shikaku couldn't help but raise their brows upon hearing them.
Once made outstanding contributions? Hokage-sama, are you truly planning to remove Jiraiya from Konoha's shinobi registry?
Neither of them spoke. They simply watched Natsuhiko calmly.
"Well…"
Yahiko also heard that there was something different in Natsuhiko's words, and he appeared somewhat awkward.
As for Nagato, he did not hear any problem. Like Yahiko, he maintained a bowing posture toward Natsuhiko.
"All right, I know you have many questions."
Natsuhiko did not give Yahiko a chance to speak. He directly opened his mouth and interrupted him.
"I will make a deal with you. Do you not want to see how I intend to bring peace to the shinobi world?
"My movements will not be fast, but they will not be too slow either.
"Now there is an opportunity placed before you. It is just that, as Konoha shinobi, we do not want to act personally.
"We will be responsible for negotiations, and you will be responsible for taking action. At the same time, this will also give you a chance to learn.
"What do you say?"
"This…"
Yahiko's expression became somewhat troubled. He could see that this Fifth Hokage seemed a bit too forceful.
Moreover, he could see even more clearly that this Fifth Hokage's gaze was on him, not on Nagato.
Nagato had said before that this Hokage knew some information about them, and this Hokage had also killed Danzō.
Clearly, this Hokage was directly treating him as Akatsuki's leader.
Yahiko gave a somewhat bitter smile, but he also knew that there was no room for him to think too much right now.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "We can agree, but there is one matter where Hokage-sama needs to help us."
"Speak," Natsuhiko asked directly.
"There is a cursed seal inside Nagato's body, and he cannot solve it himself."
Yahiko lowered his head and quickly explained the situation.
"I hope Hokage-sama can help him solve this problem. If so, we will also do everything we can to help Hokage-sama.
"Except war."
"I do not need you to start a war. You are not worthy of that yet." Natsuhiko let out a soft laugh before continuing.
"I admit that you are very strong, but that is all.
"I accept the condition. You are smarter than him. I will not release your Edo Tensei for now, and likewise, I will not control you.
"Think carefully about how to deal with the situation in your Land of Rain. We also need to make preparations on our side. Then, happy cooperation?"
"Happy cooperation." Yahiko raised his head slightly and spoke with great seriousness. "Hokage-sama…"
What Yahiko told Natsuhiko did not surprise him much. Or rather, he had truly guessed correctly.
Natsuhiko had never believed that Black Zetsu would unconditionally give Nagato something he should not have been given.
Even if it had been out of necessity, he would definitely have left enough hidden measures behind to ensure that no problems appeared in the plan.
From beginning to end, he had only one goal, and that was to save his mother, who was sealed inside the moon.
Uchiha Madara was an important part of his plan, and Nagato was the key to reviving Uchiha Madara.
As a result, Nagato had been beaten by Natsuhiko until he lost confidence, and his body had also been hollowed out by the Rinnegan.
Such a Nagato was a useless person. He simply had no way to gather the power of the Tailed Beasts, and whether he could even live until the day Uchiha Madara was revived was uncertain.
Therefore, helping Nagato was inevitable, and guarding against Nagato was also inevitable.
Nagato had a large amount of White Zetsu flesh inside his body, so it was only normal for there to be something wrong with that flesh.
Moreover, Uchiha Madara had tampered with the Rinnegan and also Obito's cardiac tissue. It was far too normal for Black Zetsu to do something inside White Zetsu's flesh.
With this answer, Natsuhiko also knew clearly what he had to do.
The cursed seal inside Nagato's body had to be studied clearly.
That way, not only could Nagato truly break away from Black Zetsu's control, but Natsuhiko could also try and see whether he could control Nagato himself.
Natsuhiko had never been a good person, and Senju Tobirama was likewise not a good person.
Natsuhiko did not even need to say his thoughts before Senju Tobirama had already begun preparing.
Natsuhiko handed this matter over to Senju Tobirama, because what Natsuhiko needed was precisely Senju Tobirama's research ability.
And Tobirama only spent one day finding the cursed seal, then immediately began working on studying it.
"The cursed seal inside this kid's body is somewhat troublesome. It falls within the scope of Yin-Yang Release."
Senju Tobirama himself knew Yin Release, and he had also read the Ōtsutsuki books on the moon, so naturally, he could recognize these things.
"The method is very clever, and handling it will be troublesome. However, it is not impossible to study."
"Then I will leave this matter to you."
Natsuhiko nodded and said with a smile.
"Tobirama-senpai, this is your strong point, so I will watch your performance."
"Do not worry. I will crack this cursed seal."
At this point, Senju Tobirama raised his head proudly.
"Not only will I crack it, I will also grasp this cursed seal. Once this kid is controlled, it will be a good thing for Konoha."
"I do not know, but I will not oppose it either."
Hearing this, Natsuhiko could not help revealing a face full of smiles. Having this Hokage helping at his side was truly far too comfortable.
He was the kind of person who knew very clearly how to gain the greatest benefit, and likewise, he simply did not care how others viewed him, as long as he obtained what he wanted.
This kind of person had extremely high compatibility with Natsuhiko, and when the two of them cooperated, it could be called perfect.
Moreover, Nagato truly was a good blade. He had strength when strength was needed, and when it came to brains, he really did not have much. Being able to control him would simply be too good.
"However, you should not have revived that orange-haired brat. That kid has some brains."
Senju Tobirama quietly said this while cleaning up the experimental materials.
"Reviving him will not make it convenient for you to control things."
"But if I did not revive him, it would not be convenient for me to gain trust." Natsuhiko spoke without much concern, then lightly waved his hand. "I will handle this matter properly. I will leave the other aspects to you."
After saying this, Natsuhiko also left this laboratory, which had been set up beneath the Hokage Building.
This place had been personally chosen by Senju Tobirama, and Natsuhiko naturally did not object. He had even specifically brought over everyone from the ANBU Research Division.
Nagato had now already left Konoha together with Yahiko. Naturally, they had to go back and properly handle some of the problems that might appear after they left.
After all, Black Zetsu and Obito would not be at ease about Nagato, and Obito also possessed the power to travel through space.
If they failed to handle things properly and were caught off guard, while Konoha had not yet cracked the cursed seal, then Nagato's ending would simply be unimaginable.
Making every preparation accurately was an extremely necessary matter, and it was also something good for everyone.
...
Natsuhiko walked all the way into the Hokage's Office, nodding in return to the shinobi he passed along the way. Very soon, he entered the office.
What he didn't expect was that Nara Shikaku and Sora were already there, while Senju Hashirama was smiling as he spoke with Sora.
"What are you talking about?"
Natsuhiko casually closed the door and asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
Sora's face flushed slightly the moment he spoke, which struck him as odd.
Senju Hashirama, on the other hand, didn't seem bothered at all. He said directly, "Of course. I was asking her what she thinks of you. You're both adults now, so it's time to have children."
"I can make the decision for you and her. Even if Madara were here, it would be the same!"
"…"
After hearing Senju Hashirama's words, Natsuhiko could not help rolling his eyes, while Sora's face became even redder.
Uchiha Madara would definitely not object. That man had once wished for the current Uchiha to disappear entirely—so what reason would he have to oppose it now?
Moreover, that "old man" had already been dead for a long time. Senju Hashirama could say whatever he wanted.
Rather than engaging with him, Natsuhiko shifted his attention to Nara Shikaku, who had been keeping his head lowered at the side, pretending not to exist.
"Department Head Shikaku, how are the preparations for the matter I asked you to handle?"
"Hokage-sama, I came this time precisely to speak about this matter."
When Nara Shikaku heard Natsuhiko's words, he immediately raised his head and took out a document.
"This is the result of our discussion this time, and the cooperating troops have already gathered at the border."
"Is that so?"
Natsuhiko nodded. This time was a deterrence operation. Although the troops would not truly take action, the proper stance still had to be shown.
After carefully looking at the report, Natsuhiko frowned slightly.
"This time, you plan to go personally?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Nara Shikaku nodded, and his expression was extremely serious.
"Although this is only a small matter, it is also Konoha's first operation of this kind.
"We must treat it with extreme caution, so this time, it is best for me to step forward personally.
"I ask Hokage-sama to approve it."
...
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