LRAB Chapter 198 The New Organization
Chapter 198 The New Organization
Chapter 198 The New Organization
on the screen.
Near the cabin shrouded in rain.
As soon as Sakumo Hatake finished speaking, Kakashi reluctantly stepped forward and lazily assumed a fighting stance: "Honestly, Dad only said he was bringing me to meet a few people, but now I have to compete. What a hassle—"
However, despite his muttering complaints, Kakashi's obsidian-like eyes were already half-closed, and a hint of caution was revealed behind his lazy expression.
He slowly drew the white dagger from behind him, its blade gleaming coldly in the rain.
Seeing this, Yahiko did not rush to make a move.
He merely flexed his wrists, without actually drawing the martial arts sword from his back.
Clearly, he intended to hold back and not use his weapon to bully this child who was four years younger than him.
Yahiko grinned and said casually to Kakashi, "You're still too young; using a knife is too dangerous. I'll just play with you empty-handed."
Let's stop here.
As he spoke, he adopted a martial arts stance, a confident smile on his face.
Kakashi glanced at him warily upon hearing this, his brows furrowing slightly, a barely perceptible glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes.
He naturally saw through Yahiko's thoughts.
Kakashi, however, wasn't angry. He just gave a low snort: "Stop when you've hit the mark? Boring! Do as you please."
A tense atmosphere gradually filled the air.
Large raindrops kept hitting the muddy ground, making a "pat-pat" sound.
Yahiko took a deep breath and stared intently at the unremarkable brat opposite him, thinking that after all, the other party was the son of Lord White Fang, so he couldn't be underestimated.
"Haaah!"
Yahiko struck first, taking a step forward and aiming his fist straight for Kakashi's shoulder.
Even though he deliberately held back, the force of this punch still stirred up the moisture in the rain and created a whooshing sound.
Kakashi slightly raised his eyelids, and his lazy expression vanished in an instant.
He dodged to the side with incredible speed, and at the same time, the short sword in his hand flashed coldly and slashed straight at Yahiko's waist.
Yahiko's pupils contracted, not expecting that his opponent, despite his young age, would be so fast!
In his haste, he didn't have time to think it through. He quickly withdrew his fist and leaped back, trying to create distance between himself and Kakashi.
However, Kakashi gave him no chance to catch his breath.
The silver-haired boy's figure followed closely like a ghost, a flash of white light appearing in the rain.
boom!
Yahiko felt a blur before his eyes, and a powerful force had already struck his calf!
Kakashi's short sword didn't actually slash down; instead, he used the blade to strike Yahiko's leg.
Yahiko lost his balance and with a "splash," he splashed up a cloud of mud and water, then fell heavily to the ground!
The outcome was decided in less than three rounds.
Konan's pupils dilated suddenly, and she exclaimed in surprise, "Yahiko!"
She disregarded everything else and rushed into the rain to Yahiko's side.
Yahiko lay on the ground, covered in mud, staring blankly at the gray sky, his face filled with disbelief.
Konan hurriedly helped him up, anxiously checking on him: "Yahiko, how are you? Are you hurt?"
Yahiko seemed not to hear, letting the rain stream down his face, completely absorbed in his shock.
He thought that with his age advantage, he could at least be evenly matched with Kakashi, if not better.
I never expected it to be a complete rout.
The gap between myself and Kakashi is really this big?
in the audience.
Xiao Nan's eyes widened in shock.
"Yahiko—he really lost like that?"
She murmured to herself.
[Ding! Xiao Nan's emotional fluctuations have been detected. Emotional value +300!]
It's important to know that, without using Nagato's Rinnegan power, Yahiko is definitely the strongest of the three!
As early as the founding of the Akatsuki organization, Yahiko impressed everyone with his extraordinary strength and leadership charisma, and his formidable power was beyond doubt.
But now, even when facing a young boy from Konoha who hasn't even grown up yet, Yahiko still has no chance of winning. How can Konan believe that?
She stared intently at the panting Yahiko and the indifferent silver-haired boy on the screen, unsure of what to say.
After a long pause, Xiao Nan frowned and whispered, "Is that kid really that strong?"
Upon hearing this, Jiraiya crossed his arms and said calmly, "Hmph, not surprising at all. Kakashi is no ordinary genius."
Obito remained completely unfazed, showing no surprise whatsoever.
That's true, though.
Kakashi is known as the "50/50" Kakashi.
However, it depends on who you're fighting. Someone of Yahiko's level is still far from being able to trigger the 50/50 matchup mechanism.
on the screen.
Seeing that his opponent had already fallen to the ground and admitted defeat, Kakashi stopped attacking.
He sheathed his sword, stood aside, his expression calm and composed, and even yawned listlessly.
For him, this competition held absolutely no appeal.
"throat."
Sakumo Hatake shook his head, quickly walked to Yahiko's side, and reached out to pull the distraught Yahiko up from the mud.
Sakumo asked gently, "Yahiko, how are you feeling?"
Yahiko stood up blankly, and it took him a long time to come to his senses: "I—I—"
He opened his mouth, but didn't know how to answer.
How do you feel?
Yahiko looked down at his mud-covered hands and gave a bitter smile.
How can one describe the feeling of being defeated by a ten-year-old child in just a few moves?
Humiliation, resentment, confusion, self-doubt—a mix of emotions weighed heavily on his chest, as if a large stone were pressing down on him.
He originally thought that with his fourteen-year age advantage, he could at least be evenly matched with Kakashi, if not guaranteed to win.
But the result was a complete defeat, a total and utter defeat!
The gap between myself and Kakashi is really this big?!
Seeing that Yahiko remained silent, Sakumo did not urge him, but simply looked at him with a smile, without any mockery in his eyes.
Sakumo suddenly asked, "Yahiko, do you remember why you wanted to become stronger?"
Yahiko was startled.
Why do I want to become stronger?
This question struck him like a bolt from the blue, jolting him awake from his grief.
"I remember!"
Yahiko clenched his fist tightly. "I want to become the strongest. Only by becoming the strongest can I change this nation that is always weeping, and only then can I bring true peace to this world!"
As he spoke, he suddenly raised his head, and his orange eyes rekindled with an indomitable light.
The powerful declaration echoed through the rain, sending a shiver down the spines of Nagato and Konan standing nearby.
Nagato gazed at Yahiko's familiar yet resolute face, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
Kakashi was also drawn in by Yahiko's words, and his previously nonchalant expression gradually became more composed.
He carefully examined the orange-haired boy in front of him, seemingly acknowledging his presence for the first time.
In the audience, Jiraiya heard Yahiko's spirited declaration and couldn't help but nod slightly, revealing a look of genuine satisfaction.
Konan gazed contentedly at the spirited Yahiko on the screen, her icy blue eyes gradually welling up with tears.
These familiar, bold words made her feel as if she had returned to the teenage years when the three of them took an oath together.
Sakumo Hatake laughed heartily and patted Yahiko's shoulder heavily without hesitation: "Excellent! This is a great dream."
However, his tone shifted, and Sakumo's expression turned serious. "But with your current abilities, it's far from enough!"
The phrase "far from enough" pierced Yahiko's heart like a sharp blade once again.
Yahiko lowered his head bitterly: "I understand."
His voice was hoarse, and his clenched fists trembled slightly.
"I can't even beat Kakashi, who's so small, let alone—let alone achieve such a difficult goal—"
The fighting spirit that had just been rekindled was ruthlessly crushed by the gap in strength, and dimmed once again.
Konan quickly stepped forward and gently took Yahiko's arm to comfort him: "Yahiko—"
She was about to say something, but then stopped herself from speaking.
Xiao Nan was well aware of her partner's inner bitterness.
She could only stay silently by Yahiko's side, offering her support through her actions.
Nagato also stepped forward and stood on Yahiko's other side.
He frowned, a hint of confusion in his mind.
Why did Sakumo Hatake bring Kakashi here and arrange this match? What was his purpose?
Was it simply to undermine Yahiko's ideals?
Nagato couldn't believe that Sakumo would be so cruel, but Yahiko's blow was undeniable.
He couldn't help but look up at Shuo Mao, waiting for what would happen next.
Shuo Mao did not disappoint them.
Seeing Yahiko's dejected appearance, a gentle smile appeared on his lips.
Sakumo slowly extended his hand to the three of them, his voice firm and powerful: "Yahiko, Nagato, Konan—come with me!"
"Huh?" Yahiko looked up abruptly, hardly believing his ears.
Shuo Mao smiled and nodded, then continued, "We have gathered a group of like-minded people under my command, and we are working hard towards the goal of 'ending the war and achieving peace'."
His eyes shone brightly in the rain, revealing his sincere enthusiasm.
"Within our community, your talents and ambitions can be better developed. I will also have more time to personally guide you and help you become stronger!"
"Should I go with you?"
Yahiko's eyes widened, and he was momentarily stunned.
This legendary expert whom he had long admired actually took the initiative to invite him and his party to join him?
Sakumo Hatake smiled as he watched the three young men before him await their reply.
He believed that after today's preparations, Yahiko would readily accept the invitation.
However, to Sakumo's surprise, Yahiko's expression did not brighten as expected; instead, it revealed obvious hesitation and struggle.
Yahiko turned his head to look at Nagato, his thin lips pressed tightly together, his expression shifting as if he were having a fierce internal struggle.
After a long pause, he took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Professor Sakumo—we appreciate your kindness, but..."
Yahiko spoke with difficulty, his words filled with contradiction and helplessness.
"We may not be able to accept your invitation."
Sakumo's eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting Yahiko to refuse.
He couldn't help but turn his gaze to Nagato, who was standing next to Yahiko, and to Yahiko's gaze just now.
Yahiko's hesitation was mostly due to this red-haired boy.
Nagato naturally saw through Yahiko's deep-seated concerns.
Yahiko didn't want to agree; he was just worried about his own feelings.
After all, Nagato's parents died at the hands of Konoha ninjas.
No matter how tempting the invitation was, Yahiko was unwilling to force Nagato.
Nagato's gaze darkened.
He slowly closed his eyes, then opened them again.
A thought suddenly flashed through my mind: Anyway—it's just a dream.
[Ding! Nagato's emotional fluctuations have been detected. Emotional value +300!]
Yes, whether they agree or not, it's just a choice in a dream.
If that's the case, why burden Yahiko with such psychological pressure?
Let's fulfill a friend's wish and let him try different paths in his dreams.
Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Nagato's lips, then his eyes suddenly hardened: "Yahiko, let's go!"
"Nagato?!" Yahiko's eyes widened in surprise, and he didn't react for a moment.
Nagato turned around and strode up to Sakumo Hatake, bowed deeply, and said loudly, "Sakumo-sensei, don't listen to Yahiko!"
We agree to join!
Upon hearing this, both Yahiko and Konan were taken aback.
Yahiko snapped out of his daze, his legs trembling with anxiety: "But it's Nagato Hajime!"
Nagato turned around and solemnly shook her head at him.
Yahiko opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't say anything more.
Hatake Sakumo was taken aback for a moment, then laughed: "Haha! Good! Welcome to the team!"
He stepped forward, excitedly pulling Nagato close with one hand and Yahiko's shoulder with the other, nodding with satisfaction. "From now on, we'll be comrades fighting side by side!"
Seeing this, Yahiko took a deep breath and finally revealed a smile.
He nodded solemnly: "Please take good care of me, Professor Shuo Mao!"
Xiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief, a long-lost smile returning to her face: "That's wonderful—"
And so, Sakumo's invitation was accepted without any problem.
Since the three Amegakure boys didn't have much luggage to begin with, they quickly packed up and prepared to go with Sakumo to his base.
Before leaving, Yahiko went to the wall of the small wooden house and carefully took down the wooden frog sign hanging on the wall, then kept it close to his body.
"Let's go!"
Sakumo Hatake looked up at the sky, then deftly put on his straw hat and raincoat.
"Get to the camp before dark, so we don't encounter any more unexpected events on the way."
He gave a shout, picked up his bag, and strode into the rain.
"Yes!" Yahiko replied enthusiastically.
The three Rain Shadow youths exchanged glances, smiled, quickly grabbed their simple bundles, and followed closely behind Sakumo.
The rain gradually subsided.
The group braved the rain and continued westward along the rugged, muddy path.
After walking for an unknown amount of time, a patch of faint lights and figures appeared ahead.
Looking around, one can see a sizable campsite nestled in the misty valley.
Campfires flickered around the camp, a few tents were faintly visible, and ninjas patrolled the area.
Sakumo Hatake pointed to the camp not far away, turned back and smiled at the three of them, saying:
"That's our camp. It's located at the border of the Land of Rain, the Land of Grass, and the Land of Fire. This area is also known as the 'Heaven and Earth Bridge' area. You'll get to know it better as you go."
Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato were all quite surprised to see such a large ninja camp for the first time.
They followed Shuo Mao briskly towards the camp, successfully passed the guard post, and stepped into the brightly lit camp.
Konoha ninjas were busy coming and going throughout the camp, and many people curiously cast their gazes at the three newcomers from Amegakure.
Some eyes held friendliness and welcome, while others concealed wariness and suspicion, making the three newcomers feel slightly uncomfortable.
Yahiko unconsciously moved closer to Sakumo, his expression slightly reserved.
After Sakumo noticed, he turned around and patted Yahiko on the shoulder reassuringly: "Don't be nervous, everyone here will be your companion from now on."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a loud, slightly disgruntled voice came from deep within the camp: "Kakashi! Where did you sneak off to all by yourself?"
I've been looking for you for ages!
The voice approached from afar, carrying the naivety of a boy and a self-righteous tone of reproach.
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a boy wearing goggles running quickly towards them.
The boy was about ten years old, wearing orange goggles, his black hair sticking up like a hedgehog underneath, and he was wearing a Konoha ninja uniform and headband.
Standing next to Sakumo, Kakashi rolled his eyes and retorted helplessly, "Obito, what are you trying to do now? I'm just accompanying my dad on a trip, don't make a fuss."
Obito?
Nagato scrutinized the clumsy, goggles-wearing boy before her, feeling a strange sense of familiarity about him.
But no matter how he tried to recall, he had never heard the name "Obito" before.
Strange, why do I feel a strange sense of familiarity when I see this reckless young man?
Nagato couldn't help but frown slightly.
The night passed quickly, and the dream ended.
The following morning, atop the central tower of Amegakure.
Nagato slowly opened her eyes, waking up from the lingering effects of the dream.
His consciousness returned to reality, but the last image from last night's dream lingered in his mind for a long time.
The Konoha boy who wore goggles and called himself "Obito".
"Obito—?"
Nagato murmured the name softly, gazing thoughtfully out the window.
The morning light streamed into the room, illuminating his pale, handsome face.
Just as Nagato was lost in thought, there was a gentle knock on the door, which pulled him back to reality.
Nagato!
Xiao Nan's cool voice rang out through the door.
"Are you awake? Scorpion wants to see Payne; he has something important to discuss."
Upon hearing this, Nagato sat up straight and quickly composed herself.
"I see."
He answered in a deep voice, and at the same time, with a thought, he connected with "Pain of the Deva Path" which was placed in the secret chamber of the tower.
During the foggy hour, the tall figure with Yahiko's face opened his eyes and stood up from the dark room.
A few minutes later, in the conference room inside the tower in Amegakure Village.
Red Sand Sword stood before the table, arms crossed, a hint of urgency in his hoarse voice beneath the mask: "Pain, when are we going to deal with Orochimaru?"
He asked bluntly, his voice icy and undisguised in his killing intent.
"His defection has caused the organization so much trouble, and he even turned against his own partner! I can't wait to feast on his corpse!"
Jie's words were sharp and direct, echoing in the quiet room.
Payne, seated at the head of the table, listened attentively with his eyes lowered, his expression unreadable.
Konan, standing beside Pain, noticed his expression change slightly upon hearing this and couldn't help but object, "No! We can't kill Orochimaru!"
Her cool voice stood out sharply in the silence.
This statement serves as evidence for both Jehovah and Payne.
Scorpion turned to stare at Konan in disbelief: "What?! I can't kill her?!"
"Orochimaru is a traitor! Why isn't he executed?!"
Faced with Scorpion's questioning, Xiao Nan was speechless: "I—I..." She opened her mouth and stammered, unable to utter a single convincing reason.
She had only blurted it out in a moment of panic, and only after calming down did she realize that she had openly pleaded for Orochimaru.
Xiao Nan bit her lower lip tightly, caught in a dilemma, and could only look away and stop talking.
Sasori of the Red Sand paused for a moment, then let out a chuckle.
He narrowed his eyes, his expression full of suspicion and displeasure: "Hmph, I really don't understand you guys! Are you just going to let this go?"
Seeing that Konan looked troubled, Payne took the initiative to speak.
His tone was calm, like a high god looking down on all living beings: "Although Orochimaru betrayed the organization, he did not sell any information, nor did he commit any unforgivable crimes."
Pain slowly scanned the two people present, and then said, "Besides, Orochimaru is a rare talent, it would be a pity to kill him like this."
Jie paused, taken aback: "Huh? Just because of that, you won't kill him?"
He stared intently at Payne, as if he doubted he had misheard.
Payne stared at Jie silently for a moment, his voice devoid of any emotion: "Lock him up for now. Keeping him alive might come in handy later."
Having said that, Scorpion could no longer refute it.
He snorted coldly and lowered his head somewhat unwillingly:
"—Yes, I understand."
Despite their discontent, within Akatsuki, Pain's orders were divine pronouncements, and no one dared to disobey.
Jie could only suppress his anger, and with a heavy flick of his sleeve, he turned and left.
Watching Scorpion leave the conference room, Xiao Nan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Before she could fully calm down, Payne slowly turned around beside her, his cold Rinnegan staring straight at her.
"Konan," Pain said in a deep voice, his tone unreadable, "Why didn't you want to execute Orochimaru just now?"
Xiao Nan's heart tightened. Avoiding Payne's sharp gaze, she stammered, "Just like you said, I just felt—keeping him around for now might be more beneficial for the organization."
She offered a perfunctory explanation, but her voice grew softer and softer.
Payne did not answer, but simply stared at Konan in silence.
After a long silence, he stood up, walked to Konan, looked down at her downcast face, and slowly said, "Konan, the reason you didn't want to kill Orochimaru is because of Jiraiya-sensei, right?"
Xiao Nan's delicate body trembled violently, and she abruptly looked up: "What?!"
She met Payne's gaze, a mix of guilt and panic welling up inside her.
Last night in the audience, Jiraiya's sudden plea echoed in his ears again: "Could you, for my sake, spare his life—..."
Thinking about this, Xiao Nan was in a state of utter confusion.
She turned her head away hastily, denying in a flustered and awkward manner, "It has nothing to do with him! It has absolutely nothing to do with him!"