Akai stood in the rain-soaked, gloomy atmosphere of Amegakure. His face was like chiseled stone as he looked at the old Hanzo, who still trembled before him. In an instant, Akai vanished, and in the next, he stood directly in front of Hanzo, who stumbled back in shock. The staggering speed and precision of this man were almost too much for Hanzo, whose heart pounded wildly.
"Do not be afraid," Akai began, his voice booming like thunder through the silence. "I will not kill you. Although now you are like a dog who has lost his former power and status, there was once a time when you led this land like a true leader, protecting it from harm."
Hanzo, still fearful, could hardly believe what he was hearing. His eyes widened as he looked at the man before him, whose presence was so overwhelming it was almost tangible.
Akai continued, his voice majestic and powerful, piercing through the rain and wind. "But now that you have grown old and lost your former strength, you have become a coward who sets traps for his juniors to get rid of them, even though you once fought for the same cause. I will not kill you for who you once were. Even if you are now scum, your former self deserves to live and be respected."
Akai paused dramatically, letting the weight of his words cut through the damp, heavy air. "Consider yourself lucky to walk out of here alive today. Thank your past and remember who you once were. Do not align yourself with scum like Danzo again, or you will die without even knowing how. Understood?"
Hanzo, already feeling small and insignificant in Akai's presence, slowly lowered his head. There was nothing he could do to resist this overwhelming force. The words Akai spoke were like a judgment—both merciful and terrifying.
Akai took his time, casting one last, piercing look at Hanzo. Then he turned away from the old ninja and walked toward Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, who stood in silent awe.
Hanzo was left alone, his thoughts swirling. The merciful words of this powerful man were a heavy legacy he would have to bear. Perhaps it was a chance for redemption, or maybe it was the last spark of his former dignity given to him by someone who had judged him. Either way, it was a burden Hanzo could not easily shed. The old demigod knew that his path had to change now, and it was up to him to find that path.
As Hanzo pondered Akai's words, Akai turned back to the three teenagers who were still impressed by the dramatic scene. Their expressions ranged from relief to genuine astonishment.
"Come," Akai said, his voice now calm and inviting. "Let us leave this place. There is much to do and many conversations to have."
As he walked away from the destroyed site, the rain had now subsided to a light drizzle, fading into the background. The massive bodies Akai had defeated lay turned to ash on the ground, and the smell of burned flesh slowly disappeared into the clouds.
Akai led Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan to a safe place, far from what was once Hanzo's home. The rain had turned to a light drizzle, and the air was filled with a new, elusive calm.
In the hours to come, there would be discussions about what had happened. But for now, Akai was determined to help his new allies and guide them into the next phase of their shared journey.
The surviving members of Akatsuki, along with Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, followed Akai with reverence and respect. Their gazes were full of questions and curiosity as they wondered who this powerful man was and what would happen next. The atmosphere was filled with awe and admiration.
Akai suddenly noticed that the system window had reactivated and examined it attentively. The message explained that Danzo's death had caused a significant change in this world's fate. The rescue of Yahiko and Akai's positive speech to Hanzo had major effects on the course of events. For this, Akai received:
1. 300,000 system points (100,000 for each significant change)
2. 3 turquoise special cards
3. 3 red cards
4. One golden card
5. 10,000 scientists for technology and medicine
These rewards were overwhelming, and Akai felt deep gratitude for Danzo's unintended support in earning these rewards. Despite the joy, he decided to close the window for now and deal with the rewards later on the Sky Island.
As Akai turned back to the Akatsuki followers, he noticed their astonished expressions and the soft murmurs. The people looked up as he smiled and addressed them. With a snap of his fingers, a magnificent stone house appeared, its majestic presence drawing everyone's attention.
"Come inside," Akai said with an inviting gesture. "Let us talk here."
The Akatsuki members exchanged questioning looks. When Yahiko led the way and followed Akai into the house, they curiously followed. The interior of the house was as impressive as its exterior, with elegant furniture and a large table already set with tea and small snacks. Each seat was prepared with care, and the atmosphere was welcoming.
Once everyone was seated, Akai took his place at the head of the table and sipped his tea. The attendees settled into their seats, their eyes fixed on him, waiting intently for what he had to say.
Finally, Akai broke the silence. "You are probably wondering who I am and why I helped you. Your question is valid."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Yahiko, reading the room accurately, stepped forward and spoke. "Of course, we know it's impolite to be skeptical of our benefactor. But in this world, there is no free lunch. So, what do you want from us? Someone like you, so powerful, must surely have something in mind when dealing with people like us."
Akai smiled and began to speak. "Your question is completely understandable. In truth, I have no specific desire or demand. My goal was to restore balance and bring order to the chaos I found myself in. Danzo's death was a necessary step to prevent a greater disaster. And saving Yahiko was a crucial part of that plan."
Yahiko and the others listened attentively as Akai continued. "You have fought through war and suffering. Although your paths have not always been clear, there is now a new chance for you. I invite you to join my nation and, from there, improve your land. On the Sky Island, I have built a strong community ready to change the world. Perhaps from there, you can have a positive impact on the world."
Akai kept smiling and added, "The future lies before you. Take this chance to reinvent yourselves and make the world a better place. I invite you to be part of this change and bring your skills to an environment that gives you the opportunity to grow and reach your full potential."
The attendees looked at each other, processing the significance of Akai's offer. Their thoughts and emotions swirled, and the decision before them was profound. Akai, seated at the end of the table, watched the group with a reassuring smile, waiting for them to gather their thoughts and make their decision.
In the silence that followed, it became clear that this invitation was not just an opportunity but also a challenge. The time in this magnificent house was an occasion for everyone to reorient themselves and think about the possibilities now open to them. The discussions would decide the course of the future and could mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.