Just as Hanzo's chain blade was about to strike Reiki, a silver-haired figure appeared in front of him, deflecting the attack with ease.
"Hanzo-sama, don't you think it's inappropriate to target Konoha's young ninjas like this?" the man asked calmly. "As far as I know, our alliance should still be intact. Are you planning to unilaterally dissolve the treaty?"
The voice belonged to none other than Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo. Hanzo's eyes narrowed as he took a step back, realizing he had underestimated the situation.
"Hatake Sakumo?" Hanzo muttered, his expression turning serious. Reiki, a mere chunin and a medical ninja, hadn't concerned him. But Hatake Sakumo was a different matter entirely. And with a quick scan, Hanzo sensed more presences approaching.
Moments later, Jiraiya, Senju Tsunade, Hyuga Omo, and Uchiha Ze appeared at Reiki's side. Seeing this gathering of powerful Konoha shinobi left even Hanzo momentarily taken aback.
Had he miscalculated? The dispute with Akatsuki was a matter within his Land of Rain—how had it attracted so many prominent Konoha shinobi?
"Teacher." Reiki approached Tsunade, his earlier confidence replaced with a sheepish expression.
"I'll deal with you later," Tsunade replied, shooting him a stern look before turning to face Hanzo.
"Hanzo-sama," Jiraiya began, "we're here to clarify the relationship between us and Yahiko. Yahiko and his friends were my students for a time, but my involvement ended years ago, right here in the Land of Rain. Secondly, the alliance between Konoha and Amegakure was initiated by your own village. The liaison at that time was Tsunade, not myself."
Jiraiya straightened, a serious resolve in his eyes. "Whether you believe it or not, Konoha has no intention of controlling the Akatsuki organization through Amegakure. The next steps are your choice."
Hanzo was silent, the tension lingering in the air as he weighed Jiraiya's words.
"Very well, if what you say is true and Konoha has no plans to interfere with Amegakure's internal affairs, then I request that you leave immediately," Hanzo replied, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Our alliance can remain intact."
It was a deadlock. Hanzo acknowledged Jiraiya's statement, but by calling Akatsuki's situation an "internal affair," he left no room for Konoha's intervention.
At that moment, a voice whispered urgently into Yahiko's ear. "Brother Yahiko, agree to merge Akatsuki into Amegakure's forces. I can help counteract the poison. Just play along for now."
Yahiko was startled to recognize the voice. "Reiki? But this is Hanzo's poison!"
"Trust me," Reiki's voice assured him.
Yahiko nodded slightly. "Lord Hanzo," he called out, his voice steady. "I am willing to integrate Akatsuki into Amegakure's forces and serve as a member of Yuyin Village."
The sudden declaration from Yahiko caught everyone's attention.
"Yahiko!" Konan and Nagato exclaimed in shock, while the other Akatsuki members murmured in disbelief.
Hanzo laughed, turning to Jiraiya and the others with a smug expression. "See? This is an internal matter of Yuyin Village. I appreciate your visit, but we have our own issues to resolve. Please take your leave."
He released Yahiko from his chains, then turned toward Amegakure, signaling the conclusion of the standoff. Yahiko subtly nodded to Reiki, feeling a slow neutralization of the poison, aided by the potion Reiki had slipped him. With regular use, he would gradually recover.
"Nagato, Konan," Yahiko called softly. "Come with me. Everyone else, please return to your posts."
He bowed briefly to Jiraiya and walked forward, his face calm, as he followed Hanzo back into the village. Konan gave Jiraiya an apologetic smile before joining Yahiko, while Nagato bowed respectfully before leaving.
As the Akatsuki members dispersed, Jiraiya turned to his team. "Let's go. Staying here won't accomplish anything now."
With that, the Konoha shinobi began their journey out of Amegakure, Reiki trailing behind. But as they entered the dense forest, Tsunade's voice froze Reiki in his tracks.
"Young man, you owe me an explanation." Tsunade's tone sent a chill through him.
Reiki turned, realizing he couldn't talk his way out of this one. "Teacher, please hear me out… I was only concerned for Yahiko and the others, so I came to help."
Tsunade crossed her arms, her stern gaze piercing. "You're my student, but that doesn't mean you get to act on your own."
"Sorry, teacher!" Reiki stammered, knowing he had crossed a line. But before he could continue, Tsunade pulled him into a tight hug.
"Next time, don't worry me like that!" she murmured softly. Reiki felt a pang of guilt. He'd forgotten how much she cared for him.
"Teacher, I—"
His words were cut off as Tsunade pulled back and thumped him with her fists. "This is for making me worry! Don't think you're off the hook just because of a hug."
"Ow! Teacher, I'm sorry! Just… not the face!" Reiki yelped, his apologies echoing through the forest.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 330 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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