Hearing Mirai's resolute tone, Konan furrowed her brows slightly.
"And what makes you so certain? How can you know without even trying?"
"Maybe you don't understand, but there are countless shinobi who yearn for peace."
"We firmly believe that one day, as long as people open their hearts, there will be a time when trust can flourish between everyone."
"Violence isn't the only way to solve problems."
Uchiha Mirai shook his head at her idealism. "There will always be walls between people. This so-called 'trust' is nothing but a self-deceptive lie."
Konan wasn't convinced and pushed back, "Then what would you do if you were in my place?"
Mirai replied calmly, "It's simple. Just gain enough power."
"That's absurd!" Konan retorted, her frustration mounting. "It's because everyone's trying to use their power to achieve their own goals that we have so many wars."
Initially, seeing Mirai help an ordinary citizen from the Land of Rain, Konan had thought she'd found a kindred spirit. But now, it was clear he was the kind of person who only believed in strength.
"That's only because their power isn't strong enough," Mirai continued. "If one had the power to conquer everything, then every decision they made would be the right one. Peace would be just a word away."
Konan found herself momentarily dazed by his confidence. She wanted to argue but couldn't find the words.
Seeing her hesitation, Mirai waved dismissively. "Enough of this. I'll tell you now: the higher-ups in Konoha won't meet with you, nor will they agree with your ideas."
As Mirai turned to leave, Konan called out, refusing to give up. "Even if you don't believe in our ideals, can't you at least introduce us?"
Mirai glanced back over his shoulder. "If you insist, try Sunagakure. They started this war. If they're willing to negotiate, Konoha might have no objections."
Konan could only watch as Mirai dismissed her pleas, a sense of helplessness creeping in. She had thought reaching out to Konoha's leadership through him might be possible, but his response dashed her hopes entirely.
Frustrated, she demanded, "Uchiha Mirai, why won't you even consider talking to us—talking to the Akatsuki?"
Mirai stopped in his tracks. "Since you're so insistent, fine. Let's talk."
"The 'Akatsuki' you speak of—is it an official organization within Amegakure?"
He continued, "In other words… has Hanzo, the leader of Amegakure, acknowledged Akatsuki?"
Konan's confidence faltered as she answered, "Lord Hanzo is our idol. We believe he'll recognize our efforts one day."
"So, you've created an organization on your own, bypassing Hanzo, and are representing Amegakure in dealings with other villages."
"And what of it?" Konan asked, confused by his criticism.
Mirai shook his head in mild exasperation. Naive. A group of kids raised in war, yet still so innocent in some ways. No village leader would hand over diplomatic rights so easily. If Konoha or Sunagakure were to negotiate with Akatsuki, how would Hanzo react? Wouldn't that create two competing leaders within Amegakure?
Even without someone like Danzo meddling, Hanzo would never allow such recklessness.
Mirai's eyes shifted, his gaze sharpening into the eerie form of the Mangekyou Sharingan.
"Mark my words: one day, your naivety will cost you dearly."
With that, he tossed a Flying Thunder God kunai to Konan.
"If you ever come to understand reality, you can find me in Konoha."
"Making a mistake once is forgivable. But don't make it again."
He turned and left without looking back. With Madara still lurking, Mirai had no desire to get further involved with Konan and her friends. He'd given his warning—what they chose to do with it was up to them.
...
Amegakure
In a simple wooden cabin, Konan finally returned. Yahiko and Nagato, who had been waiting, sighed in quiet relief.
Konan walked over to the table, turned over her nameplate, and spoke softly.
"Yahiko, how did things go on your end?"
Yahiko scratched his head with a sheepish smile. "Not well. Sunagakure's shinobi refused to meet with me. But I'll keep trying. We're bound to get through eventually."
Nagato remained his usual silent self, standing quietly behind Yahiko, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible.
"And you, Konan?" Yahiko asked. "Did you find anything new?"
Konan's expression grew distant as she touched the kunai in her pocket. After a moment's pause, she asked,
"Yahiko, are we really doing the right thing? Can peace in the shinobi world truly be achieved just by talking?"
Yahiko nodded confidently. "Of course."
"Our organization's grown a lot already. As long as we keep going, like-minded people will only increase."
Images of Mirai's words flashed through Konan's mind. She hesitated but eventually said,
"Yahiko, maybe we should consider reaching out to Hanzo first."
"Don't worry, Konan," Yahiko replied, patting his chest with a reassuring smile. "I already sent a letter to Hanzo, asking for a meeting. He just hasn't responded yet."
"Hanzo-sama must be overwhelmed with the current situation. We'll handle our part. Everything we do is for Amegakure."
After finishing, Yahiko studied Konan's face with a hint of concern. "Konan, you seem troubled. Did something happen?"
"Nothing. I just met Uchiha Mirai. I wanted to ask him to help us contact Konoha's leadership, but he refused."
Yahiko chuckled, trying to ease her disappointment. "No surprise. I hear the Uchiha are quite proud. It's only natural he wouldn't help."
"Come to think of it… Uchiha Mirai's made quite a name for himself lately. But with a heart so ruthless, he might end up being Akatsuki's enemy one day."
Konan didn't share Mirai's words with Yahiko. She knew he would never agree with such a view. Bringing it up might only cause discord. She resolved to keep an eye out for any dangers herself.
Besides…
Looking at the Rinnegan in Nagato's eyes, Konan felt reassured. With someone like Nagato, who bore the legendary eyes of the Sage, on their side, surely it was Mirai who was mistaken.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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