Chapter 98
**The Next Morning**
Haneda put on his forehead protector, ready to return to Konoha.
Last night, he received a letter from Kogiku, saying that Obito, Kakashi, and Guy were all worried about him. Moreover, the Third Hokage had dispatched a large number of Anbu ninja to search for him in the Land of Rain. So far, his whereabouts hadn't been discovered, likely due to some manipulation behind the scenes by Madara. If Haneda stayed any longer, it might put Yahiko and his group in danger.
After the conversation last night, Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato had a feeling that Haneda might return to Konoha soon. A Konoha ninja who went missing for several days without reporting back would either be presumed dead or treated as a defector. Haneda had already stayed at their secret base for three days. Now that he had recovered, it was time to leave.
When Haneda appeared at the breakfast table with his forehead protector on, it confirmed their suspicions. This was the last breakfast before his departure. Yahiko prepared the meal himself, putting all his cooking skills into it, serving a table full of dishes. The delicious aroma filled the air, immediately awakening everyone's appetite.
"Today's food is quite good," Haneda remarked as he tasted the local fish, a specialty of the Land of Rain.
"I'm glad you like it, Haneda," Yahiko replied, scratching his head.
After Yahiko spoke, the table fell silent. Everyone quietly ate their breakfast, the atmosphere heavy with the impending farewell. It wasn't until they were nearly done eating that Haneda broke the silence.
"Yahiko, after today, will you continue leading Konan and Nagato to build roads?" Haneda asked.
Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Yahiko replied, "More or less. We'll also help others when we can, or try to prevent the war from escalating, though…"
"After what you said last night, I understand now that the war between Konoha and Sunagakure is inevitable."
"I'll do my best to minimize the impact on the Land of Rain..."
"Yeah, the starting point of my dream is to begin by changing the Land of Rain," Yahiko said with renewed excitement, standing up as he spoke. "One day, I will transform this crying nation!"
Seeing Yahiko's unwavering determination, Haneda sighed inwardly. In the future, Yahiko would willingly die by Nagato's kunai, all part of Madara and Black Zetsu's hidden plan, just as they had manipulated Haneda into believing Sakumo had to die for him.
"Let's hope so..." Haneda murmured, casting his gaze outside where the rain continued to pour, the droplets splashing against the window, creating a heavy rhythm.
After a brief pause, Haneda spoke again, "Yahiko, to change a country, you need a leader—a strong, determined leader with vision."
"He must believe that he can change the country, rather than leaving it to some vague destiny."
"Haneda, are you saying that I'm that leader?!" Yahiko asked, his face lighting up with joy. The feeling of being recognized—especially by Haneda—filled him with pride.
"In a way, yes," Haneda said, unable to suppress a slight twitch of his mouth. He was subtly reminding Yahiko to focus on strengthening his own abilities and not rely on Jiraiya's prophecy of a "child of destiny."
The Akatsuki of the future wouldn't be built on the idea of some prophesied savior, but on Yahiko's personal charisma. Unfortunately, Yahiko later placed his faith in Nagato as the "child of destiny," falling right into Madara's trap.
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from outside. It was Jiusuke and a few of the other Rain ninja, coming to see Yahiko.
"Yahiko, we've spotted some Konoha ninja nearby. They might be looking for Haneda," Jiusuke reported as he entered, noticing the forehead protector on Haneda's head and immediately understanding the situation.
"Are they the masked ones?" Haneda asked.
Jiusuke nodded. "Yes, they were moving in a four-man squad, dressed in black cloaks. They're likely Anbu from Konoha."
"They noticed us but didn't engage. They just passed by from a distance."
Haneda glanced at Yahiko, then at Konan and Nagato, and said, "Looks like I should leave immediately. I don't want the Anbu to notice you and cause any unnecessary trouble."
"How about we escort you, Haneda?" Yahiko suggested.
"Sure," Haneda agreed, appreciating their gesture. He headed toward the door, turning back to say, "Let's go."
---
At a riverbank near their secret base, they stopped. Following the river eastward would take Haneda to the border of the Land of Fire.
As Yahiko and the others reached the spot, Haneda said, "This is far enough. We're from different villages, after all. If you go any further, it might raise suspicion."
Yahiko looked at Haneda, hesitating for a moment. "You mentioned earlier that changing a country requires an exceptional leader, but I think there's one more thing."
"A leader also needs enough followers. Only by uniting allies can you gather the strength to change the world."
Finally, overcoming his hesitation, Yahiko met Haneda's gaze with a determined look in his eyes.
"I want to create an organization—an organization dedicated to pursuing peace."
"And I want to invite you to be a part of it, Haneda!"
"Even though we belong to different villages, we share the same ideal of achieving peace. We're like-minded companions!"
Haneda shook his head. "Yahiko, like you, I have ties to my village and my country. You understand that feeling, don't you?"
Seeing Yahiko's crestfallen expression, Haneda added, "How about this, Yahiko—let's make a promise."
"After the Third Great Ninja War ends, if we meet again in the Land of Rain, I'll join your organization as an external member."
"Deal! It's a promise!" Yahiko exclaimed, raising his right hand and smiling at Haneda.
This familiar gesture made Haneda pause for a moment. He smiled and raised his left hand. This time, instead of a fist bump, their hands clapped together.
The promise was sealed. Haneda knew, however, that the condition he had set was difficult for Yahiko to achieve. Only by breaking free from his predetermined fate would Haneda truly acknowledge Yahiko.
Becoming an external member wouldn't cost Haneda anything, and in return, he'd have Nagato and Konan's support.
Suddenly, the skies cleared at the end of the river, and the Land of Rain's tears finally stopped.
At that moment, Konan approached, holding a bouquet made of paper. She handed it to Haneda, the sunlight shining on the flowers.
"This is the Flower of Hope, a symbol of peace. It will never wither," Konan said softly. "Yahiko believes you can change the world, and I believe in you too. So does Nagato."
Haneda accepted the paper flowers from Konan and gazed at the breaking dawn. He was momentarily lost in thought. After a few seconds, he turned to Yahiko and said:
"You want to create an organization, right? Why not call it 'Akatsuki'?"
"Break through the darkness of the world and become the dawn that changes it!"
Yahiko looked up at the dawning sky and at the country that had stopped crying. Bathed in sunlight, he smiled and said:
"Akatsuki… it's a good name. I didn't realize you were so good at naming things, Haneda."
"Then it's settled. Our name will be Akatsuki!"
"I believe the dawn of Akatsuki will light up this world and bring peace to everyone!!"
...