Nawaki was about to complain, but suddenly froze.
It was because Takuya's words weren't wrong; it's just that Nawaki had never really thought about these things before.
When Konoha was established, the ninja world indeed experienced peace. Apart from some minor skirmishes, there were almost no major wars.
But why?
Wasn't it because of the immense power and influence of Hashirama Senju, with the added threat of Madara Uchiha? Who would dare to cause trouble?
Later, after Madara's feigned death and Hashirama's passing, the First Shinobi War broke out not long after.
That's the most obvious example.
"So… peace must be built on the foundation of great strength?" Konan and Nagato had also emerged from the back room, with Nagato—head still bowed—asking the question.
"That's not entirely true," Yahiko said, suddenly remembering something and starting to argue. "Lord Hanzō is incredibly powerful, but Amegakure still went to war with Konoha. Strength isn't everything."
How do you explain that? Nawaki and Minato both looked at Takuya.
Takuya hadn't expected Yahiko to bring up Hanzō as a counterargument, and he couldn't help but laugh.
"Powerful? He's strong, sure, but at best, he's only on par with the Kage of the Five Great Ninja Villages. And he dares to call himself a demigod? What a joke."
"…"
If Hanzō heard this, he'd probably want to cut you down with his scythe.
Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato were all dumbfounded. They thought Takuya was just boasting.
Minato smiled wryly but didn't dare to argue.
Because Takuya could easily counter any argument, leaving people doubting their own beliefs.
"Why are you all looking at me like that? I admit that Hanzō is strong, but he's far from reaching the level of a god—not even close to being a demigod."
"Right now, in the entire ninja world, I believe the strongest is the Third Raikage of Kumogakure."
Honestly, the Third Raikage was truly formidable in his prime.
Takuya even suspected that he was more fearsome than Ōnoki.
Unparalleled defense and offense, combined with speed that surpassed most shinobi.
It's safe to say that during this period, the Third Raikage was practically a walking cheat code.
The man who single-handedly took down the Eight-Tails wasn't just boasting.
Don't be fooled by how easily the Third Kazekage could handle Shukaku—that was only because his magnet release could suppress Shukaku.
And Shukaku wasn't particularly strong among the Tailed Beasts.
If it had been the Eight-Tails instead, the Third Kazekage would have been running for his life.
There's a reason Kurama ridiculed Shukaku's weakness.
Among the nine Tailed Beasts, Shukaku really was the weakest. Takuya didn't even recall seeing Shukaku use a Tailed Beast Bomb in the anime.
Whether it was because he couldn't or didn't want to use it remains unknown.
The scene where half of Kurama single-handedly crushed a group of Tailed Beasts in the anime stunned many viewers.
And that was only half of Kurama, not the full beast.
From Kurama's various flashbacks, it's clear that while he didn't care for Shukaku, he often sought out the Eight-Tails for a fight.
As for the other Tailed Beasts, he mostly ignored them.
It seems that in Kurama's eyes, aside from the fairly strong Eight-Tails and the annoying Shukaku, the other Tailed Beasts were of little importance.
"The Third Raikage, huh?" Nawaki scratched his head. "I've heard Orochimaru-sensei mention him before. He's supposed to be a powerful and tough opponent."
No kidding.
If your teacher ever faced him, he'd probably be at a complete loss.
If the Third Raikage hadn't been killed by the plot, Konoha's situation during the Third Shinobi War might have been even worse.
One thing Takuya never understood was that if the Raikage was the most important person in the village, he would certainly be heavily protected.
The Raikage's escort team existed to protect the Raikage, right?
So why, after a raid in the Land of Earth, did the Raikage's escort leave first, forcing the Raikage to cover their retreat and eventually die from exhaustion?
If that's not a plot device, what is it?
If the Third Raikage had wanted to leave, even Ōnoki couldn't have stopped him. Just look at the speed of the Fourth Raikage, and you'll understand that if the Third Raikage wanted to go, almost no one could have stopped him.
For a man with such overwhelming power to die of exhaustion in the Land of Earth…
It's just like Tobirama Senju from Konoha, a man full of forbidden techniques and master of water release, dying while covering a retreat in the Land of Lightning.
It's even more absurd!
After Minato learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, he performed countless rear-guard actions.
Especially during the Third Shinobi War—there were more than anyone could count.
Yet Minato never died covering a retreat.
Of course, Minato's death was even more frustrating. He let his wife die, ignored his son, and pursued death to follow his wife, leaving poor Naruto to grow up in isolation and scorn.
"Is it because Lord Hanzō isn't strong enough? The Third Raikage…" Yahiko bowed his head, deeply contemplating Takuya's words.
"Sir, please teach us ninjutsu. We want to become ninja."
Suddenly, Yahiko stood up and bowed deeply to Takuya.
"Uh…"
Nawaki was stunned.
Minato was equally baffled.
What's going on?
Even Takuya was a bit taken aback:
"You want to become my disciples?"
"As long as you're willing, I'll become your disciple," Yahiko replied firmly.
"Why do you want to become my disciple?" Takuya asked, laughing despite himself. "Honestly, I'm still a kid too—only about three years older than you.
Don't you think that's a bit childish?
Aren't you worried I might be a fraud?"
"I trust my instincts. I believe you're incredibly strong, sir."
Yahiko's actions not only shocked Takuya, Nawaki, and Minato but also startled Konan and Nagato.
Why did he suddenly want to become a disciple?
There wasn't even time to mentally prepare for this.
"Your instincts are strong," Takuya replied after regaining his composure. Nawaki started laughing and ran outside, giving Yahiko an encouraging look as he went.
Good luck. The guy you're looking at, who even disdains Hanzō, is indeed very strong.
Nawaki ran because he was afraid Takuya would hit him.
He couldn't help but burst out laughing and even teased Yahiko a bit.
Just you wait!
Takuya grabbed a stone from the ground and hurled it at Nawaki. Nawaki dodged with a smug twist of his waist and even wiggled his hips as if to say, You can't hit me!
Minato shook his head with a smile, gesturing to Takuya that he should take his leave for now. He thought it best to set up some traps outside to prevent any enemies from approaching.
I never thought I'd experience something like this!
Takuya had assumed this kind of situation would come much later, but here he was, already being asked to take on disciples.
And not just any disciples—the future leaders of the Akatsuki.
Nawaki and Minato's reactions only made Yahiko more convinced that his instincts were correct. Despite Takuya's young age, only slightly older than them, he was definitely a strong shinobi.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken so dismissively of Hanzō.
***********
Note: If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 130+ at patreon.com/Emik01. Don't forget to give a power stone for many bonus chapters!