Standing at the cave entrance were five people.
Wearing rain-drenched cloaks and soaked conical hats, only their eyes exposed, they silently watched the Akatsuki Members.
"Who are you?"
As the Leader, Yahiko stepped forward, revealing a hearty smile, seemingly unfazed by the eerie aura surrounding the five.
"Are you the Leader of the Akatsuki?"
The leading Ninja among the five asked softly.
He removed the hat from his head, revealing an unfamiliar male face, around thirty years old, with hair the color of withered white.
"Yes. I am the Leader of the Akatsuki, Yahiko."
Yahiko examined the white-haired Ninja, finding no trace of aura on him, his power well-hidden.
Very strong.
"Pleasure to meet you."
The white-haired Ninja smiled gently, extending his hand amicably.
Yahiko was momentarily surprised, then smiled as he reached out to shake his hand.
"Although it's a bit presumptuous, may I ask who you are…"
"Just call me Insect Man."
Insect Man, what a strange name. Yahiko wasn't sure whether to comment inwardly.
"Mr. Insect Man, is there something you need from us?"
"Yes, we wish to obtain the power of your Akatsuki."
Insect Man directly stated his purpose, his gaze solemn, unmasked.
Yahiko and the other Akatsuki Members were momentarily stunned.
"When you say obtain… you mean…"
One Akatsuki Member asked with a frown.
"The five of us belong to an organization. Our Leader became very interested in your Akatsuki after learning about what you're doing in the Land of Rain, so we've come to invite your Akatsuki to join our organization."
After a brief silence, Yahiko shook his head, smiling as he politely declined: "Sorry, our Akatsuki has no intention of joining other organizations."
The other Akatsuki Members also nodded, agreeing with Yahiko's standpoint.
Right away asking them to join an unknown organization, everything seemed abnormal.
"Don't you want to hear our conditions?"
Insect Man hadn't expected simple words to compel Akatsuki to surrender at once.
"Conditions?"
"Yes. Our Leader knows you wish to change this impoverished Country, and he'll provide weapons and food, even pacify the chaos in this Country."
"What do we need to give?"
"Since the organization's base isn't in the Land of Rain, after joining, you'll need to temporarily leave the Land of Rain, returning at a suitable time to transform this Country. By then, you can deploy the organization's armed forces, food, even more resources. This, I can assure you."
Insect Man displayed an official demeanor, devoid of personal emotion.
Simply conveying the Leader's orders faithfully.
"Although very tempting, forgive us for declining. We will not abandon this Country."
Yahiko spoke firmly.
"It's not asking you to abandon the Land of Rain, but to join our organization to learn advanced technology and critical ideas, then return to transform this impoverished Country."
"That's as good as abandonment. Now is when the Country needs us most, we won't leave."
Yahiko finished speaking and met Insect Man's gaze.
They remained silent for a minute, then Insect Man chuckled bitterly, sighing: "Alright, everyone has their aspirations, we won't insist. Consider these as a meeting gift."
As he spoke, he took out a scroll and placed it on the ground.
"What is this?"
"Inside are some stored food and winter supplies. I know you don't want to accept others' charity, but remember, this isn't charity. It's not common funds from our organization but my personal support for you."
Yahiko looked at Insect Man, surprised.
Insect Man glanced at the torrential rain outside, sighing quietly: "I was once a member of this Country, but I'm also a member of the organization, unable to act on feelings. So, this isn't charity, merely a trivial return to my former Country."
Yahiko and the others were slightly moved.
Yahiko stepped forward and said: "If that's so, then join our Akatsuki, together we'll change this Country."
After Yahiko's words, Insect Man and the other four looked at Yahiko, their eyes reflecting refusal.
Insect Man pondered for a moment then said: "Although your dream is commendable, I don't believe you have the power to change this Country. You haven't realized what lies at the core of this issue… That's all for now. We should be on our way, other tasks await."
Insect Man turned to leave.
"Wait!"
Yahiko called him.
"Something else?"
"Who is your Leader?"
Yahiko asked earnestly.
Insect Man paused, then smiled and said: "I cannot reveal his real name, but if you ever meet our Leader, you can call him 'Doctor'."
With that said, he and his four companions left, leaving behind the bewildered Akatsuki Members.
Doctor?
Who is that?
In the Ninja Realm, such a figure has never been heard of.
"A secret codename?"
Yahiko mused, rubbing his chin.
Clearly, it wasn't a real name, but a codename used internally.
Then, Yahiko picked up the scroll left by Insect Man, with everyone else curious.
Yahiko then opened the scroll, ensuring there was no issue before unlocking the jutsu on it.
They saw several sealed heavy wooden boxes, about a dozen.
Opening one, they were amazed by the abundant food inside, swallowing saliva.