In the tavern, the members of the "Akatsuki" organization gathered in a cramped private room.
The content of their meeting was very simple, still focusing on helping the impoverished people of the Land of Rain, and persuading Konoha and the Hidden Sand to cease their war, so that the Land of Rain can quickly restore its economy.
Currently, half of the population in the Land of Rain is living precariously, and this situation will worsen as time goes by. The only solution is for the Hidden Sand and Konoha to stop the war.
However, the result is not ideal, because within a few months, Yahiko has gone to seek negotiations with the ninja of Konoha and the Hidden Sand multiple times, but each time he was turned away, unable to even see the command levels, and was violently driven out.
Despite such unfavorable situations, Yahiko didn't feel disheartened, but he understood that Konoha and the Hidden Sand didn't care how the Land of Rain would end up because of the war. This made Yahiko both angry and helpless.
He has always believed that people can understand each other, and no matter how difficult this path is, he would persistently walk down it.
But so far, Konoha and the Hidden Sand's refusal to talk has completely negated his fervent desires.
Why is everyone unwilling to sit down for a calm negotiation? Yahiko couldn't understand this.
Clearly, war only brings severe trauma. Whether it be the enemy or oneself, both will be hurt by war, and the feeling of losing family is the same.
Despite this, the Hidden Sand and Konoha still insist on fighting, killing each other on the battlefield, causing pain to the enemy and themselves, which Yahiko couldn't comprehend.
Seeing people's troubled expressions, Nagato clearly understood the difficulties Akatsuki is currently facing.
Ultimately, it's still a matter of insufficient funds, isn't it?
Because to restore the daily lives of the people, even if the Hidden Sand and Konoha stopped the war, how to gather money is the primary task.
Akatsuki does not have the ability to make money.
None among them understood the way of business to earn money.
Their income still comes from the rewards received for completing missions… Therefore, in Nagato's view, it would be more profitable to go to the Land of Demons and use the Rinnegan to labor.
After the meeting ended, Nagato walked out of the stuffy room, stood on the second-floor balcony, watching the drizzle outside the eaves.
"Is that you, Konan?"
Nagato heard footsteps coming from behind and slightly turned his head.
"Yes. Nagato, what are you thinking about alone here?"
"Thinking about how to obtain funds."
Nagato thought for a moment before answering.
"I'm sorry, it's all because of me…"
Konan thought about the tens of millions in debt she owed, which was barely paid off with Nagato's assistance.
It was at that time Konan learned that Nagato had started working in the Underground Black Market.
Hunting alone, wandering the Land of Rain, seeking business from criminals of various countries, silently supporting Akatsuki's actions in the background.
Therefore, even though Akatsuki's funds were not ample, the procurement of supplies was not reduced.
And this secret is known only to Konan.
Aware of the prices of supplies like medicine, if another member were to take over her procurement tasks, they would quickly uncover the financial issues.
"This has nothing to do with you, I just want to fulfill the dream the three of us share. This bit of sacrifice is nothing."
"Really, there's no need to tell Yahiko and the others? Perhaps if they knew, they might also…"
"No need. Compared to my work, he faces even greater pressure. I don't want to add to his worries because of this."
As the leader, Yahiko certainly has a lot of pressure, and Nagato is very aware of this.
For this reason, Nagato understood even more that one must face reality.
If Yahiko was seen as the Savior in everyone's eyes, the dreamer, then what he wanted to become was the nameless one sacrificing everything silently behind Yahiko, the dreamer.
Even so, it is something he is glad to do.
"I have always envied Yahiko's personality since I was a child. No matter what kind of setback he faced, he never got discouraged. He has a unique ability to inspire others; he is a born leader. In the past, he saved me like this, and becoming a nameless nobody following behind him is my heartfelt intention. Don't persuade me anymore, Konan. Yahiko will change this country, for sure. I believe he has that power."
Nagato smiled.
Hearing Nagato speak this way, Konan could only agree with his thoughts, nodding seriously.
Yahiko is indeed an overly optimistic person, and because of this optimistic life attitude, he can face any hardship with his head held high and is able to selflessly dedicate everything to everyone around him.
Because of this, Akatsuki was founded, gaining the recognition of more and more people, becoming members of Akatsuki.
Simply complaining and hating is meaningless; the purpose of Akatsuki is to change this country and the world that's started to distort due to constant wars.
◎
The topmost floor of the tower.
The sound of rain outside could no longer be heard inside.
Isolating all disturbances from the outside world.
Inside the room, candlelight flickered, casting shadows through the window paper, as a figure slowly sat upright.
Without leaving the room, outside there was a large guard of Hidden Rain Ninja wearing Anti-Poison Masks, providing protection twenty-four hours without interruption.
"Is there something you need?"
An old yet somewhat energetic voice came from inside the room.
The Hidden Rain Ninja responsible for reporting knelt on one knee on the floor, enveloped in an atmosphere of silence, showing respect on his face, apparently harboring an admiration for the person residing in that room from his heart.