Konan remained silent for a moment, finally understanding everything.
Natsume *is* Kishi.
Given the power Kishi had displayed, it would have been nearly impossible for Natsume to secure this loan contract.
Unless they were actually the same person.
In fact, Konan had once suspected that.
After all, both possessed equally powerful [Wood Release] techniques.
But back then, she hadn't believed it.
Because if Kishi and Natsume were one and the same, it would be unthinkable.
That would mean Konoha's strength would expand beyond limits.
They already had the Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild, an enormous financial powerhouse, and maintained close cooperation with Kirigakure.
Add in their previous alliance with Sunagakure—did this mean Konoha had already united half the ninja world?
She had never imagined that such an absurd theory could actually be true.
Konan stared at the loan contract, wanting to speak but unable to find the right words.
If the attack on Konoha had already succeeded, none of this would matter.
But it hadn't yet.
The enemy was strong while they were weak.
They didn't even have a legitimate reason to retaliate.
Konan glanced at Nagato.
He had sustained severe injuries in this battle.
Yet not serious enough to warrant suicide.
At the same time, she realized Natsume had no intention of wiping them out entirely.
In other words, they still had a chance to survive.
Since Yahiko's death, her spiritual pillar had been Nagato.
She definitely wouldn't let Nagato die before her eyes.
"With Konoha now as it is, I suppose there's no point in us joining anymore?"
Choosing her words carefully, Konan said, "What if you allowed us to return to Amegakure so we can begin repaying the debt sooner?"
Hmm, it sounded reasonable enough.
However, Amegakure could hardly develop under its current model.
First, there was no external communication.
Second, its local resources were scarce or underdeveloped.
Third, the village relied entirely on Akatsuki for support.
Even given decades, Amegakure would still struggle to develop significantly.
It was time to teach them a lesson.
"I understand what you're saying," Natsume smiled slightly.
"But don't rush things just yet. As for joining Konoha, I'll give you time to think it through."
Just then, nearby space began to warp slightly.
The fully restored Kaguya Ōtsutsuki appeared.
Nagato and Konan instantly felt suffocated.
She had just finished fighting; her aura still fluctuated violently.
Konan handled it relatively well, but Nagato, possessing the Rinnegan, found Kaguya even more terrifying.
A familiar sense of connection stirred, soon overtaken by fear and submission.
Nagato immediately fell silent.
Suddenly, he realized how absurd his self-proclamation as "God" had been.
Kaguya glanced at Natsume and gave a slight nod.
She didn't speak, but her meaning was clear.
Black Zetsu was no more.
At the same time, the Destiny Bracelet emitted a prompt sound.
Nagato, Black Zetsu, Konan, Kakuzu, and Obito Uchiha—
Five individuals contributed 500 destiny points.
Capacity full.
But this was just the beginning.
Because the battle on Kirigakure's side had not yet ended.
Their strength wasn't sufficient, so declaring a winner would take time.
However, the lack of any alert from the Tamaki of Destiny also proved that no one had died so far.
"You don't have to worry about Zetsu anymore."
Natsume took out two Heavenly Network Log-in Devices and said, "I'll send you back to Amegakure Village. After today's matters are settled, I'll contact you again."
Konan and Nagato exchanged glances and both showed no objection.
She stepped forward and accepted the two bracelets, saying, "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Natsume nodded.
Leaving them behind was naturally for the purpose of increasing his destiny value.
Once he unified the ninja world, obtaining destiny value would slow down significantly.
But with many supporting characters around, even a small gain was still progress.
After that came the time to enjoy life and increase his power.
After all, the Otsutsuki Clan might descend upon this world again.
[The Flying Thunder God Technique] activated.
Natsume sent them back to Amegakure Village.
After finishing this, he turned his gaze toward Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.
"What comes next doesn't require your involvement."
The four Akatsuki members at Kiri—Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, Sasori, and Deidara.
None of them were truly a match for him.
Even Itachi with various cheat abilities.
Like his Sword of Totsuka, for example.
Natsume possessed the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and Wood Release; he had nothing to fear.
Kaguya hesitated for several seconds before speaking, "I'll wait for you in the office."
In the blink of an eye, she vanished.
A faint twitch tugged at the corner of Natsume's mouth.
In the office, huh?
That would be a brutal fight.
Well, considering how much help Kaguya had provided today, he'd have to give it his all.
No backing down. No surrender.
Collecting himself, Natsume activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In the blink of an eye, he arrived at Mizukage's office.
Mei wasn't inside.
Not that Natsume needed to ask, because he had already sensed turbulent yet immense chakra from afar.
It was emanating from the deserted island beyond Kiri village.
Clearly Mei had made preparations in advance.
Moving the battlefield away prevented Mist Village from having to be rebuilt again.
Hmm, the biggest reason was likely concern over debts they couldn't repay.
Natsume smiled slightly, leapt forward in rapid succession, and made his way toward the deserted island.
Moments later, he came to a halt.
Contrary to what he had expected, the Akatsuki side was clearly at a clear disadvantage.
Kisame Hoshigaki faced off against the new Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails, Zabuza Momochi, and Six-Tails Jinchuriki Ephemeral.
Although he was known as the "Tailless Beast," when the enemies were actual tailed beasts—and two of them—he found himself hard-pressed to keep up.
Chapter Not Finished Yet!!!
Deidara believed art was explosions, proudly dubbing his technique Explosion Release.
He molded various clay figures that became explosive techniques.
Since he could fly, his opponents were Gaara and Mei Terumī.
Gaara manipulated sand, allowing effortless flight, and the two engaged in an aerial battle.
Coincidentally, things were unfolding just as they had in the original story.
Back then, Gaara was Kazekage. He fought to protect Sunagakure, ultimately exhausting his strength and falling to Deidara.
This time was different—freed from those burdens, the fight was far fiercer.
And with Mei Terumī assisting, Deidara found things rather difficult.
Under normal circumstances, he would've already called on Sasori for backup.
But right now, Sasori was busier.
Fighting alone, he was up against three opponents.
Kakashi Hatake, Maito Gai, and Naruto Uzumaki.
Fortunately, he was the greatest puppet master in the ninja world and barely managed to hold on.
But he also understood that defeat was only a matter of time.
The only one looking relaxed among them was Itachi Uchiha.
Following Natsume's instructions, Kurenai Yuhi had created a fair battlefield for Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha.
She allowed no outside interference.
However, to prevent Itachi from escaping and ensure Sasuke's safety, she and Yugao Uzuki acted as sentinels and watched the battle nearby.
Natsume stroked his chin thoughtfully.
If he stepped in personally, the fight would end much faster.
But given the current situation, there was no need to rush.
He materialized beside Kurenai Yuhi.
"Na—"
Kurenai caught herself just in time. "Hokage-sama."
She almost forgot that Yugao Uzuki was right there.
Natsume gave a slight nod.
Because Kurenai needed to fight, she had changed into a green Jonin flak vest, which dulled her usual vibrance.
He glanced once, then redirected his attention to the battle between Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke Uchiha.
Should he bring Mikoto Uchiha here?
No, better not. She's pregnant now — she can't handle such emotional strain.
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