Reveal

After a relaxing bath in the hot spring, we exited and changed into our nightwear, preparing for the evening's banquet. Once we were seated, the food was brought out, and it was an impressive spread, both in quantity and appearance. The dishes were not only massive but also looked incredibly delicious. Sake was served to those of an appropriate age, and the atmosphere was one of conviviality and enjoyment,but I also took some after I got permission from mom.

"After a bath in the hot spring, sake tastes so good," Tsunade remarked, sipping from her cup with a contented expression.

"I agree, the sake is excellent. I think I'll buy some to take with me," Kurenai added, smiling as she took a small sip.

"Ah, it seems the two drinkers have started their beverages, and they're not likely to stop anytime soon," I commented, noticing their growing enjoyment.

Clearing my throat to draw attention, I said, "Ahem, everyone, I have something important to discuss."

Everyone quieted down as I stood up, my voice drawing their attention.

"I know we've all been through a lot, from battles to negotiations, and yet here we are, sharing a peaceful moment together," I began, looking around at everyone. "This is a reminder that there's more to life than just fighting or dealing with missions. It's these moments—when we can relax, enjoy good food, and each other's company—that make all the hardships worthwhile."

The group nodded in agreement, with smiles and murmurs of affirmation. It was clear everyone appreciated the respite.

"I just wanted to say that I'm grateful for each of you," I continued, raising my cup of sake, "For your support, your strength, and your friendship. Let's continue to make moments like this count. So, here's to good company, good food, and a future where we can all keep striving toward peace."

I raised my glass higher, and the others followed suit, echoing a chorus of cheers.

"Cheers!" they all responded in unison, the warmth of the sake and the atmosphere around us filling the room with a sense of camaraderie.

As we all began to enjoy the banquet, the laughter and casual conversation flowing freely, it felt like the world outside didn't matter for just this moment. All the tension, the missions, the expectations—none of it seemed important when surrounded by those who meant the most.

Koyuki smiled at us, clearly happy with how things had turned out. "I'm glad you all are enjoying yourselves. You deserve it after everything."

"We've earned it," I said with a grin, settling back into my seat, ready to enjoy the rest of the evening with everyone.

The atmosphere shifted as everyone absorbed the news. Koyuki's expression grew more serious, and Tsunade, who had been leaning back, straightened up.

"Akatsuki, you say?" Tsunade repeated, her tone grim. "That's dangerous. They've been a growing concern in the shadows for years. They're notorious for causing unrest in the villages and have ties to several rogue groups."

Kushina frowned. "Amegakure…that's a village with a dark past. If Akatsuki has ties there, things are going to get complicated."

Sakura nodded, her eyes intense. "Itachi said something about them having a leader called 'Pain' and that they're looking to collect powerful individuals and other assets."

"Pain?" Temari repeated, clearly unfamiliar with the name. "So, they're after power. What's their end goal?"

"Tsuna, I think you know about that Jiraya's pupils, right? After the Second Ninja War, Jiraiya took in three children as his disciples to train," I said, looking toward her for confirmation.

"Yes, I remember the three children," Tsunade replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Orochimaru had initially planned to kill them, but both of us intervened. Afterward, Jiraiya decided to stay with them for a while, raising them as if they were his own. We didn't hear much about them after that, though." Her expression became thoughtful, as she recalled the events from the past.

"As Itachi provided me with the information, he confirmed that one of the members, Konan, was indeed one of Jiraiya's disciples, just as he had mentioned," I continued. "However, the identities of the other two are still a mystery. What's more, Konan is closely allied with someone named Pain." I paused, letting the weight of the revelation settle in, knowing that the connection to Jiraiya made this even more significant.

Tsunade's eyes sharpened as I spoke, her fingers tapping lightly against the table in deep thought.

"Konan..." she muttered, her expression a mix of concern and intrigue. "I remember Jiraiya talking about her. She was quiet, serious, and had a strong sense of loyalty. But... I didn't expect her to be involved with Akatsuki. That's a surprise."

I nodded, continuing, "Yeah, and Itachi didn't give me much more than that. He confirmed Konan's affiliation with Akatsuki, but he didn't elaborate on her role or how close she really is to Pain. There's still so much we don't know about the organization and what they're really planning."

Koyuki shifted in her seat, her brow furrowed. "Jiraiya trained them... But then why would someone like Konan end up in Akatsuki? And what happened to the others?"

"That's the mystery," I replied. "I think we'll have to find out more from Amegakure itself. There's a chance we'll learn more about their true intentions if we get close enough."

Temari leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "If Konan's really close to Pain, we might have to tread carefully. Jiraiya wouldn't have let anyone he trusted turn to a path like that without a good reason."

"Agreed," Tsunade said, her tone serious. "And the others? Who were they? If they were as powerful as we've been told, Akatsuki could be a much larger threat than we initially thought. We'll need more intelligence on them before we take any action."

I glanced at Sakura, Ino, and the others. "Itachi is still part of the organization, but whether we can trust him is a big question. We'll have to be cautious when dealing with anyone from Akatsuki."

Sakura, spoke up. "We've faced members of Akatsuki before. If we need to, we'll fight them. But first, we need to know what they're after. If we don't stop them now, things could get worse."

Ino nodded in agreement. "Right. We need to be prepared, but we also need to figure out the full scope of what they're doing."

"Exactly," I said, feeling the weight of the situation on my shoulders. "We'll start gathering more information on Akatsuki, Amegakure, and whoever else might be involved. But for now, we'll keep a low profile and make sure we're ready for whatever comes next."

"So, I need to go to Amegakure," I said, my voice firm with resolve. However, the expressions on their faces shifted immediately, each of them wearing an unmistakable look of concern.

"Naruto, it's dangerous," my mother said, her voice laced with worry.

"Yes, Naruto, it's far too risky," the others added in unison, their concern echoing through the room.

"That's what I told him," Sakura chimed in, frustration in her tone. "But he didn't listen to me."

"I know it's dangerous," I replied, glancing at each of them. "But you should have some faith in your boyfriend," I said, turning toward the others, then shifted my gaze to my mother. "And your own son," I added, trying to reassure them all with a confident smile.