Yahiko welcomed anyone who shared his ideals. For those wishing to join Akatsuki, he conducted a formal registration process.
The growth of Akatsuki was foreseeable. Yahiko's gentle and open approach had earned widespread approval among the citizens of the Land of Rain. Now, with Hanzo's endorsement, it was clear Akatsuki's ranks would continue to swell.
However, the abilities of the newcomers left much to be desired. Aside from Tobi, whom Asahi knew well, most recruits were weak, with some barely able to use basic ninjutsu. Even the strongest among them only reached the level of a Chunin at best. Nevertheless, Yahiko accepted everyone.
In Asahi's view, these new members added little value to Akatsuki's future. He believed Yahiko needed a proper plan to manage the organization's members. But Yahiko seemed oblivious to these concerns, viewing the growing recognition of his ideals as an unequivocal success.
A week passed after their return from the Land of Grass, and Akatsuki resumed its usual routine of handling commissioned missions. During this time, more people trickled in to join.
Asahi felt this trend was unsustainable. While Akatsuki could self-sustain through mission commissions, resources were scarce. Many new recruits weren't even at the Genin level. Some were ordinary civilians—one had slipped in a few days prior, and Yahiko still let him join.
If Akatsuki continued expanding like this, it would require more missions to fund itself. In a small nation like the Land of Rain, resources were limited, and such growth would inevitably conflict with Amegakure's interests.
One day, Yahiko sought out Kyusuke and Asahi.
"I'm planning to establish a new Akatsuki base. With more people wanting to join us, we need a well-thought-out expansion plan," Yahiko said.
Asahi sighed inwardly, thinking Yahiko lacked management skills and relied solely on his charisma to keep Akatsuki running.
"This is great news, Brother Yahiko!" Kyusuke said excitedly.
The recent changes in Akatsuki had everyone optimistic, feeling that things were moving in the right direction.
Unable to hold back, Asahi finally spoke. "Yahiko, this matter requires more careful consideration."
Yahiko, noting Asahi's hesitation, remained calm and asked sincerely, "What's on your mind?"
Choosing his words carefully, Asahi replied, "While it seems like everything is heading in a positive direction, continuing like this will lead to problems."
Kyusuke frowned. "What do you mean, Asahi?"
Yahiko interjected, "Kyusuke, let him finish."
Asahi explained, "The recruits we've taken in recently are too weak. They'll struggle to complete missions and could damage the reputation we've worked so hard to build."
Yahiko appeared thoughtful.
Asahi continued, "Secondly, we shouldn't let Akatsuki's membership grow too large. More members mean higher costs. To sustain further expansion, we'd need to take on more missions. But have you considered Amegakure?"
Yahiko froze, suddenly understanding the implications.
Konan, Kyusuke, and Daibutsu also grasped Asahi's point.
Akatsuki was merely a small ninja organization, akin to mercenaries. In any nation, only one ninja village could exist as a dominant force.
Yahiko's expression shifted, and after a long pause, he asked, "What do you suggest we do next?"
After a moment of silence, Asahi replied, "Raise the recruitment standards. Also, conduct an assessment of the new recruits and dismiss those who don't meet the requirements."
"This…" Yahiko hesitated. He could accept the first part, but dismissing members made him uncomfortable.
Akatsuki wasn't a large or influential force yet. Burdened by Amegakure's shadow, they couldn't afford to do anything too drastic.
Kyusuke couldn't help but protest, "These people share our dreams. Isn't it unfair to treat them this way?"
"They shouldn't expect fairness here. Taking them in is already an act of charity," Asahi said, shaking his head. "Take that one guy, Jozu—he's not even a ninja. What can he possibly contribute to our pursuit of peace? He's just a drifter with no job, looking for a free meal."
Asahi's bluntness made Yahiko frown slightly, but upon reflection, he realized Asahi was right.
In the end, Yahiko sighed. "I didn't think this through properly."
With a bitter smile, he glanced at Asahi and said, "Asahi, you're more of a leader than I am."
Asahi immediately responded, "Yahiko, you're joking. Only you can be Akatsuki's leader."
Yahiko pondered for a moment. "This issue needs careful planning. Asahi, help me draft a plan."
Noticing Konan's gaze lingering on him, Asahi avoided making eye contact, focusing instead on Yahiko's words.
After the discussion ended, the room was left with only Yahiko and Konan.
Reflecting on his leadership, Yahiko admitted, "It seems I lack the qualities of a true leader."
Konan reassured him, "You're just starting to handle these matters. Akatsuki's growth will inevitably bring challenges, but you have unique strengths others don't."
Yahiko gave a bitter smile. "But why is it that Asahi, who grew up in circumstances just like ours, naturally sees these problems?"
Konan fell silent, unable to answer.
Yahiko sighed deeply. "Asahi is very wise. I hope he will be a great support to Nagato in the future."
As Asahi and Kyusuke left the meeting room, Kyusuke kept sneaking glances at Asahi.
"What is it?" Asahi asked.
"I feel like I'm starting not to recognize you," Kyusuke remarked.
Asahi joked, "I guess I'm just exceptionally gifted."
Kyusuke rolled his eyes.
"Kyusuke-senpai! Asahi-senpai!"
A familiar voice called out loudly from a distance, and Kyusuke didn't need to guess who it was.
Sure enough, Tobi, dressed in Akatsuki's uniform, came running toward them with exaggerated enthusiasm.
"Hey, Tobi! Stop being so reckless!" Kyusuke scolded.
Tobi, with his ever-cheerful demeanor, replied, "Kyusuke-senpai, Asahi-senpai, were you discussing some super-secret mission with Brother Yahiko? Can I know what it was about?"
Kyusuke glared at him. "Do you think we'd tell you if it's a secret?"
Then, recalling the upcoming reassessment of recruits, Kyusuke thought about how Tobi's frivolous behavior might not help him pass.
Tobi's lighthearted nature had earned him a place in Akatsuki as a "comic relief." He always addressed senior members with respect, calling them "senpai" or "brother." His bright personality made him popular despite his apparent lack of reliability.
Kyusuke secretly hoped Tobi wouldn't be eliminated. It would be a pity to lose such a unique presence.
Asahi, meanwhile, thought differently. If Tobi truly wanted to know what we discussed, he'd have no trouble finding out.
A faint flicker crossed Asahi's sharp eyes.
"Kyusuke-senpai, can I take on a mission? I'm so bored!" Tobi asked eagerly.
Kyusuke responded bluntly, "There aren't that many missions right now, and you're a new recruit. We can't assign you a task until we've evaluated your abilities."
Tobi protested, "But I heard other members saying their missions were really simple! Kyusuke-senpai, you have to trust me—I'm super reliable!" He flexed his scrawny arms in an exaggerated gesture.
Kyusuke gave him a dismissive wave. "Alright, you'll get a mission when the time's right."
Tobi's face lit up with joy as he nodded vigorously.
Asahi suddenly noticed Tobi leaning in close, his wide, animated eyes staring at him.
"What is it?" Asahi asked.
Tobi replied with a hint of mock grievance, "Asahi-senpai, you haven't talked to me at all! When I greeted you earlier, you didn't even respond."
"You're so hard to approach, Asahi-senpai. But I respect you a lot!"
Asahi's heart skipped a beat. Could Tobi have sensed his wariness?
Kyusuke lightly kicked Tobi's leg. "Hey! Show some respect. Asahi is one of our senior members and an important one at that. Don't be so casual around him!"
Tobi immediately bowed repeatedly in panic, apologizing profusely.
Asahi maintained a calm smile. "It's just that we haven't spent much time together yet."
Tobi straightened up, his expression serious. "I'll make sure to respect Asahi-senpai even more from now on!"
Then, rubbing his chin, Tobi added, "But wow, I didn't realize Asahi-senpai was so amazing. I always thought Kyusuke-senpai was Brother Yahiko's most trusted person."
"You little brat! Are you looking for a beating?"
Kyusuke grabbed Tobi's ear and playfully smacked his head a few times.
Asahi watched the scene but felt no relief.
A tiger among wolves offers no comfort.
Asahi's mind churned with uncertainty. What exactly was Tobi's motive for joining Akatsuki?