Yahiko was still a little reluctant to respond. After all, this agreement felt forced.
Sora continued, "Since we now have a cooperative relationship, I can share some information with you. The person manipulating Nagato behind the scenes is someone neither of us can afford to challenge right now. He's capable of facing the entire shinobi world alone."
He looked at Yahiko seriously. "The enemy we face is too powerful for us now. We can only stand against him in the future when we're fully prepared."
Yahiko asked in confusion, "Facing the entire shinobi world alone? Is there really someone that powerful?"
Sora nodded. "Of course. The shinobi world isn't what it appears to be. In his eyes, the current war is merely a minor skirmish."
Yahiko frowned. "Wait, if this person is so strong, why would they need to control Nagato? And you said the Rinnegan is the evolved form of the Sharingan, so is the person controlling Nagato a member of the Uchiha clan?"
Sora looked at Yahiko with an odd expression.
Yahiko felt uncomfortable under his gaze. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Sora frowned slightly. "You seemed quite foolish before, but now you're showing intelligence. I can't tell if you're actually smart or just pretending to be stupid."
Yahiko retorted angrily, "Of course I'm smart!"
Sora didn't pursue the topic further. "Fine, let's not dwell on this. Now, I want to discuss your assignment."
Yahiko looked surprised. "Assignment?"
Sora nodded. "Yes. The fact that you created an organization shows you have charisma, so I want you to establish another organization. The timing is perfect."
He continued, "We're in a time of war, filled with conspiracies. When these conspiracies are exposed, there will be powerful shinobi who become disillusioned with their former beliefs. I need you to recruit these powerful shinobi with your natural leadership abilities."
Sora's voice became firm. "I will be the leader, and you will be the deputy leader. I won't interfere with recruitment or organizational structure—you'll have freedom there. However, before the organization takes any action, I must review and approve it."
"This is what I want you to do."
Yahiko looked doubtful. "You want me to recruit powerful shinobi? Is that even possible?"
The members of Yahiko's former Akatsuki organization hadn't been particularly strong. That's why they had been so easily overwhelmed by the Amegakure shinobi and Root operatives.
Sora felt confident in Yahiko's abilities. He knew that Yahiko, whose future target would be someone like Naruto, must have persuasive skills.
Sora encouraged him, "You need to believe in yourself. Though your strength is indeed lacking... By the way, what chakra nature are you proficient with?"
"I'm better with Water Style jutsu."
Sora took out a scroll containing Water Style techniques and tossed it to Yahiko. "This scroll records many Water Style jutsu, including advanced techniques. Study them well."
Yahiko scratched his head, embarrassed. "Isn't this too much?"
"Not at all. The stronger you become, the better you can serve our purposes. But these Water Style jutsu alone won't make you truly powerful. Just wait..."
Sora spent 2,000 points in his exchange shop, acquiring several high-level Water Style jutsu. He then unfolded a blank scroll and wrote down training methods.
After handing the newly written scroll to Yahiko, Sora said, "With these Water Style techniques, you should be well-equipped. From here, your progress depends on you. Becoming truly strong requires more than just learning a few jutsu."
Yahiko accepted the scroll and said, "I'll train hard and fulfil my duties for you, but I also expect you to keep your promise—don't let anything happen to Nagato and Konan."
Sora nodded. "Of course. I'm a man of my word. But before we proceed, there are a few things you need to understand."
His tone grew serious. "First, from now on, the name 'Yahiko' no longer exists. You must adopt a new identity and always keep your face covered."
Sora spent 500 points to acquire a mask from his exchange.
"As an Uzumaki, Nagato has exceptional sensory abilities. He knows your chakra signature well. This mask can alter your chakra pattern. Wearing it, you could stand right in front of him, but he wouldn't recognize you. You must wear this mask at all times."
Yahiko stared at the strangely patterned mask in his hand, feeling conflicted.
Once he put on this mask, Yahiko would cease to exist.
"Also, this isn't an order but a suggestion: use this opportunity to truly see the shinobi world. Jiraiya's talk about an era of mutual understanding between people is nonsense."
Sora's voice hardened. "It's a waste of effort to pursue something no one can achieve."
"You need to see this shinobi world for yourself to understand how disappointing it truly is. Perhaps then you'll come to think like Nagato."
Yahiko nodded silently.
His heart felt heavy with the burden of this decision, but he resolved to observe the shinobi world closely and find a path to peace—a way to make everyone happy.
Sora smiled. "Good. This is the Konoha outpost in the Land of Waves. You can't stay here long. Come with me now, and I'll escort you out."
Sora quietly left the Konoha outpost with Yahiko.
In some ruins within the Land of Waves, Sora said, "I'll leave you here."
Yahiko suddenly asked, "By the way, I don't even know your name yet."
Sora laughed. "I thought you knew who I was. My name is Sora."
Yahiko was shocked. "Sora! Are you the famous Blood-Eyed Shura everyone talks about?!"
"Yes, that's me. Oh, I almost forgot—these are for you."
Sora gave Yahiko seven rings. "These rings can communicate with each other when you channel chakra into them. Use them to contact me."
These were similar to the Akatsuki rings, each worth 100 points. Unlike the Akatsuki rings with their distinct markings, these were differentiated only by colour.
Yahiko asked, "What should we call our organization?"
Sora thought for a moment and replied, "Let's call it Owl."
Yahiko nodded. "Owl... I understand."
"Well then, Yahiko, from now on, we are both collaborators and companions. If you have any questions, contact me."
Yahiko put on the mask Sora had given him. "I understand, and my name is now Jindai!"
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