'A peaceful organization? That's a little too peaceful.'
Everyone looked at Yahiko's warm, sincere smile and felt a chill run down their spines.
Originally, they thought the Uchiha were suppressing them.
Now they understood: what Uchiha Madara truly suppressed was Akatsuki.
Now, suddenly, they found themselves nostalgic for the first Hokage of Village of Earth, Lord Madara.
They'd rather deal with the strict, unbending Uchiha Madara than play games with this scheming, treacherous Yahiko.
But now, whatever they said was too late.
Akatsuki possessed power beyond their imagination: mysterious, mighty space–time ninjutsu, six hundred billion explosive tags, and… that meteor capable of destroying the entire Shinobi World, plus the power to shatter that meteor in an instant.
That power exceeded everyone's understanding; it was no less than godlike.
The Third Raikage's face went extremely sour. He had originally thought that, thanks to the Chakra Converters Akatsuki supplied, Kumogakure could, through technological innovation, regain a voice after Uchiha Madara's death.
Perhaps even lead this unstoppable transformation.
Yet when he had been smiling and underestimating things, he never imagined that maybe… it simply didn't matter to them.
The facts proved it, 'What good is building a super cannon?'
They didn't need a cannon at all, they could smash the entire Shinobi World without one.
At that moment, the Third Raikage felt utterly weary.
He turned and looked at Onoki, whose face was just as grim, and a strange, ineffable affection arose in him.
This person, once his mortal enemy in his eyes, had now become possibly the one who understood him most in this world.
As for the remaining Kirigakure and Sunagakure, hm, better not mention them. They'd already become Konoha's lapdogs; only Namikaze Minato carried weight.
The Third Raikage and Onoki exchanged looks, sharing a pitying expression.
They both turned their heads to look at Namikaze Minato.
Although it was common knowledge that Minato was the Shinobi World's greatest hidden hand, compared to the power Akatsuki displayed, surely this backstage manipulator would be as stunned as they were, right?
They didn't mind being outplayed themselves, if they could see Minato take a hit too, they'd feel immensely satisfied.
But when they actually looked at Minato, they suddenly found that the Fourth Hokage's eyes held only pure blessing; his face bore a contented smile, as if he'd encountered one of the happiest moments of his life.
'No! How could this be?'
They knew Minato and Yahiko shared a brotherly bond, but they also knew Minato represented Konoha's interests; any sentimental bond should give way to benefit.
They couldn't believe that, with their lives in others' hands, Minato could still smile like that.
Yet Minato not only smiled, his smile matched Yahiko's exactly.
Why was that?
Was Minato simply inscrutable, or…
Suddenly they exchanged another glance and remembered a detail they'd overlooked before.
That godlike Tobi of Akatsuki.
When dealing with others, Tobi always seemed casual and indifferent, as if nothing mattered to him.
Yet when Minato began to question him, Tobi showed a trace of respect, calmly answered Minato's questions, and even offered solemn promises.
This was unprecedented.
And when that thought lodged in their minds, they simultaneously recalled another matter.
Tobi had displayed a mysterious space–time ninjutsu, and in the whole Shinobi World the recognized master of space–time techniques was that yellow flash.
"Sss!"
The two of them drew a sharp breath.
They seemed to have seen the truth.
'Could the space–time technique Tobi demonstrated have come from Minato's handiwork?'
It was highly possible, rumors said Minato had once harassed the Sunagakure base of the Fourth Kazekage.
This sort of ability to go home and torment someone at will was terrifying and inexplicable.
Even after they'd possibly overestimated him, they found they had actually underestimated the Fourth Hokage.
Although they didn't know what unspeakable deal Minato and Akatsuki had reached, seeing him smile so happily now meant he must be sitting pretty, having gained enormous benefits.
Then, recalling Minato's already-ambiguous relationship with Yahiko…
'Is the Shinobi World not only under Akatsuki's sway, but also under Konoha's?'
They seemed to see a pair of huge hands reaching out to grasp the entire Shinobi World and hold it firmly in their palms… Not only the Third Raikage and Onoki perceived this; many major figures harbored similar suspicions.
But no one dared say otherwise, nor show any scheming thought.
Instead, everyone finally understood whom they would have to obey from now on; their faces mirrored Minato's, the same smile.
For a moment, the atmosphere shifted from tense to amicable, as if every person present was a lover of peace.
Yahiko, seeing the sudden friendliness below, smiled happily.
He exclaimed, "Now that everyone sits together beyond borders and exchanges friendly words, the smiles on your faces are why I founded Akatsuki."
"Here and now, I will not shirk, from this day onward, I will serve as the second village head of Planet Earth!"
"I promise, I will make the majority of the Shinobi World show smiles just like yours."
People exchanged glances. Yahiko really had no shame.
But what could they say?
Someone began clapping first, and everyone followed along.
Applause thundered.
Yahiko knew the matter was completely settled; next came his wedding.
He gave Konan a look in the sky. Konan understood and flew to his side.
The golden boy and jade girl stood together.
At this moment, Yahiko looked toward Jiraiya at the table of the Three Sannin, his eyes hopeful.
He reached out to Jiraiya and said, "Master Jiraiya, you know Konan and I are war orphans without parents. Would you, please, be our shared elder?"
Jiraiya laughed heartily. At that moment, his wavering over who the Child of Prophecy might be shifted.
At first, he thought Nagato or Minato were the candidates.
But now he suddenly realized that perhaps Yahiko was the one.
And even if not, it seemed less important, Yahiko was the one truly walking his path and realizing his vision.
He stepped forward with great satisfaction and stood before Yahiko and Konan.
"You are both Jiraiya's finest pupils, as excellent as Minato. With you as my students, Jiraiya has no regrets in life!"
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