Chapter 129 Akatsuki and Nagato (2)

Chapter 129 Akatsuki and Nagato (2)

The sound of pattering rain came from my ears.

Rainy days are especially annoying.

Especially people from the country of rain, they especially hate their country where it rains all year round.

Entering Nagato's sight is a devastated village, which has been affected by the battle between Konoha and the Sand Village ninja, and it has become like this, and it is now uninhabitable.

It wasn't just the corpses of ninjas that fell there, but also civilians from the Land of Rain.

Received the innocence of ninja fighting.

Nagato looked up at the gray sky, pursed his lips with a pale face, and his vision seemed to become blurred.

His expression was sad and silent, looking at the corpses all over the floor, his eyes changed from sadness to confusion and doubt.

Why should one's own country be involved in the battle of great powers?

Akatsuki has already dissuaded them from injuring civilians in their battles, so why should they bring pain to the innocent people of the Land of Rain so brutally?

It is stipulated that civilians are not allowed to be injured in ninja battles. Isn't it something stipulated by the five major countries themselves? Why are they the first to break their own rules?

Where is their justice, and where is their self-discipline? Where is the strength that thinks it is superior to others?

Extreme violence and strength?

This is not the first time this has happened.

When he was young, his parents died in the same way at the hands of a ninja of five major villages.

Now more people in this country are dying in the same way.

And this chain will not disappear, and more people will die in wars in the future.

Nagato closed his eyes, thinking about everything in this country.

There are homeless wanderers and orphans everywhere, and the skinny and hungry bodies are lying on the side of the road and being eaten by wild dogs.

Nagato suddenly realized a terrible thing, that is, from the time he remembered, what he saw in his eyes was a disordered, chaotic, distorted world full of blood and killing all day long.

"You are here, Nagato."

A voice came from behind.

It was a young woman with blue hair.

"Konan, what's the matter?"

Nagato turned slightly sideways, revealing his side face.

"Seeing this scene, do you recall the past?"

Konan looked at the tragic situation in the village, and there was sadness in her eyes.

"Um."

Nagato nodded without hesitation.

There is no need to hide the pain in your heart in front of your companions.

He has gone through this incident, but now he has a lot of doubts and confusion in his heart.

"Don't think too much, one day, we will succeed. Everyone is working hard for this."

"I know. I'm fine, konan. What does Yahiko say?"

Nagato asked about business.

"He's going to negotiate with Sand's ninjas and Konoha's ninjas."

"Negotiation?"

"Tell them to stop the war."

Hearing what Konan said, although Nagato also supported Yahiko's approach, he felt it was inappropriate.

After seeing this incident, Nagato didn't think that those ninjas from big countries would listen to their prayers, stop the weapons in their hands, and leave the land of rain.

In the end, it was still the Kingdom of Rain that suffered the most damage, and nothing changed.

Thinking of this, Nagato couldn't help but think of what a guy in a certain organization who called himself a Bug Man came to recruit Akatsukishi and said three years ago.

Said that they knew that Akatsuki would definitely end in failure in the end.

Nagato recalled this incident, and it was indeed as the Bug man said.

They keep saving money, donating more materials to the poor in the Land of Rain, and even dedicating their strength to them for free.

Yet nothing changed.

People who should be poor are still poor. After giving alms, their life will be a big problem again.

"Before that, we have to distribute the materials we have collected recently to the rest of the people. Yahiko asked you to come with me."

"Okay, let's go now."

Although I wonder why everyone at Akatsuki has done so much, nothing has changed in the end, and now is not the time to care about these things.

Saving the people of this country is the top priority.

In this war-torn era, every second counts.

This village destroyed by ninjas is an example.

•••

Nagato and Konan braved the rain.

The two of them carried a lot of supplies on their backs, and they were all things that were going to be distributed to the people of the Land of Rain.

In a broken village, many buildings have been destroyed, and most of the houses have a big hole on the top of the house because of the ninja battle.

The house is full of rainwater.

However, even in such a difficult environment, many people from the Land of Rain hid here for refuge.

Wait until the ninjas come again before going to another place to take refuge. If it is too late to escape, then you can only wait to die.

Anyway, this country hides almost anywhere, and the big names are too busy to take care of themselves. The nobles are drunk and dreamy, enjoying themselves, and trying to be crazy for the last time, so no one cares about the life and death of civilians like them.

"Why is there only so little this time?"

The male villager who only showed his head through the broken wooden door seemed to be very dissatisfied with the meager supplies he received this time.

"Sorry, the materials collected recently are getting less and less, next time we will bring a little more."

"Our family can't last long with such a little thing."

The male villagers weighed the total amount of supplies they got this time, and estimated that they would be gone after half a month.

Immediately, he put his gaze behind Konan, showing greed.

"Isn't there still there? Take that down and give it to me."

It is a matter of course to make this request.

"No! These are things that are going to be distributed to other people. There are only so many this time."

Konan took a step back to protect the supplies behind and prevent men from coming to rob them.

"Does it matter? Anyway, in this village, only our family has the largest population, so we should get more."

"That's all."

Konan refused to budge.

The man frowned a little angrily, and rushed directly to rob the supplies behind Konan.

"Do not come near me!"

For this kind of behavior, Konan also became annoyed.

grabbed his arm politely and made him roll back.

"You bastards, what are you going to do?"

The man rolled over in the muddy water, got a bruise on his forehead, and became angry at Konan.

"I don't plan to do anything, these are the supplies that were distributed this time, there is nothing extra."

Nagato said indifferently.

The man snorted coldly and walked into the house aggrieved.

At the moment when the wooden door was closed, a very ugly sentence was left behind:

"At this moment, what kind of philanthropist are you pretending to be! A bunch of idiots!"

"you-"

Konan couldn't bear it anymore, and wanted to rush in to teach this man a lesson.

This man's words are really ugly.

If it wasn't for Akatsuki's relief, the family would have starved to death long ago.

Nagato reached out his hand to stop Konan, shook his head and said, "Forget it, Konan, even if you beat him up, it's useless."

Konan stopped now, but there was still anger and grievance on her face.

I always feel that my good intentions and that of everyone have been ruined by these people.

It was also the first time Nagato encountered this kind of problem, but he didn't know how to face it, but he understood that even if he beat this man up, nothing would change.

Even if the supplies are taken away, his family members will still have to live, including two children.

Next, Nagato and Konan went to distribute the supplies to the rest of the people, but fortunately they didn't encounter the unreasonable incident like before.

"It's finally over."

Konan let out a long breath.

"But as the war comes, it will become more and more difficult to collect supplies in the future. There is not much money left for the organization."

Nagato said so.

"Yeah, that's a really big problem."

Konan couldn't help feeling distressed.

Akatsuki everyone finally got to this point, and they didn't want to give up and start over.

Because they believe that under the leadership of the leader Yahiko, Akatsuki's ideas will be recognized by more and more people, and will eventually change the country.

However, it seems that this important task, not to mention seeing future success, is just taking the first step, and it is so difficult, and peace is still far away.

Akatsuki's job has several parts.

Konan and Nagato are responsible for distributing supplies, because they have the best temper among Akatsuki.

Although the leader Yahiko is also trusted, he has more important things.

Whether it's negotiating with Konoha and Sunagakure's ninjas, or promoting Akatsuki's ideas in the Land of Rain, he, the leader, is responsible for making everyone agree with Akatsuki, gather more power, change the Land of Rain, and change the world.

Even though they knew that this road was extremely difficult and might even cost their lives at any time, everyone in Akatsuki walked on this road without hesitation.

They all firmly believe that all hardships come with rewards, and that the current distress and disappointment are just the training of their will and body, and the future will definitely be better.

"Konan, where are we going next?"

Nagato asked.

"The next step is to buy medicines. Many of the villagers who were rescued before were seriously injured. And our own people also need to use them. Hmm... I always feel that the budget is getting tighter and tighter."

Konan gave a wry smile.

Akatsuki's source of income basically comes from the release of missions. Although Akatsuki often helps others for free, there are also enthusiastic villagers who will pay them or use some materials instead.

Furthermore, when cleaning up the bandits, the silver earned from the bandits' work will also be converted into Akatsuki's activity funds.

In the past, Konan learned ninjutsu, thinking that the world is big, and she can go anywhere.

There is no need to force too much on things like money.

The will of a ninja lies in endurance.

This is what their teacher, Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, taught them.

No matter how difficult it is, with your ninja ability, you can survive in the wild.

But after establishing Akatsuki, I realized that many things in this world cannot be changed by relying on the power of ninjas.

Ninjas are also a part of reality, and in reality, money is needed in many places.

Without money, Akatsuki's activities cannot be carried out, and she cannot help more people.

In short, it is just one word, poor.

If Akatsuki's activity expenses can be higher, the work efficiency will be much higher.

However, there are no business talents in Akatsuki, and it is impossible for those rich businessmen to support their activities.

Overall, Akatsuki's various activities are all loss-making businesses.

Extracting money from greedy businessmen is a dream.

Nagato also sighed, and there is a long way to go.

The two of them were frustrated for a while, so they packed up their mood and set off towards the nearest prosperous town.

This place has not been affected by the war from the beginning to the end. Although the economy will be depressed due to the impact of the war, it can be regarded as one of the few pure lands in the Kingdom of Rain.

Sand Village ninjas can be seen everywhere here, and the reason is that this ninja is temporarily controlled by the Sand village.

Sand village's supplies, on the one hand, are supplemented by themselves, and on the other hand, they are squeezed from the citizens of the country of rain.

Even though the people of the Land of Rain are very angry about this, they dare not say anything openly in the face of the oppression of the Sand Village ninjas.

Because the actions of the sand ninjas in the Land of Rain are legal, this order was also personally issued by the Daimyo of the Land of Rain.

Allowed the Sand Village ninjas to control some cities in the Land of Rain during the war.

The sand ninjas are responsible for protecting the safety of these cities, and residents are also obliged to provide services for the sand ninjas, such as handing in important supplies for the sand ninjas to use.

In the city, the few important buildings that are not controlled by the Sand Village ninjas are probably the pharmacies and weapon shops in neutral countries.

The Aster Flower pharmaceutical company in the country of Demons has set up branches in various countries, and the underworld weapon dealers in the country of iron also took aim at the country of rain, a land favored by wars, and came to sell weapons.

In terms of weapons, Konan doesn't have to worry, Akatsuki's reserves are still very sufficient, except for the lack of precious explosive tags, there is no shortage of Kunai and Shuriken.

However, in Konan's eyes, medicine is the one big problem.

Every time I come to buy medicines, I feel distressed for a while.

It can be said that after purchasing the medicine this time, Akatsuki's activity funds are basically empty, and there is nothing left.

In the next period of time, I also need to live on a tight schedule.

Aster Flower Pharmacy Branch is located on the prosperous street of the city, it is a tall building with four floors.

Pedestrians are hurrying on the street, walking in raincoats.

Konan and Nagato entered the pharmacy, put the coir raincoats on the shelf at the inner door, and then went to talk to the person in charge of the branch here to discuss the purchase of medicines.

The person in charge of the meeting with Konan was a young woman who looked to be in her thirties, with a rich body, giving people an impression of kindness and gentleness.

She has some impressions of Konan, a ninja from the Land of Rain, because this is not the first time Konan has come here to negotiate with her to buy medicines, and she has been here several times before.

"Pharmaceutical prices increased by five percent!?"

After hearing the quotation from the rich woman, Konan was stunned.

The rich woman ignored Konan's surprised look, but nodded, and said in a flat tone: "Now the medicine market here in the Rain Kingdom is in short supply, and the production at the headquarters can't keep up, so the selling price will naturally rise accordingly."

Although the rich woman stated the reason, Konan was still a little unwilling.

The money she brought over this time is just enough to buy the batch of medicines. If the price increases by 5%, she will definitely not be able to buy this batch of medicines.

She knew what was causing it.

Sunagakure and Konoha are at war, and some nobles and civilians are also buying a large amount of medicines. In this war age, the more prepared the better.

What's more, the medicine produced by Aster Flower Pharmaceutical Company is indeed more effective than other pharmaceutical companies.

Even the Five Great Ninja Villages allowed them to set up branches there. One can imagine the reputation and influence of this pharmaceutical company.

"But…"

When Konan was about to say something, the rich woman interrupted her again:

"In addition, when Miss Konan came to buy medicines a few times ago, she used credit here several times, and it was about to expire. I hope that Ms. Konan can pay back the money owed as soon as possible, otherwise she will be blacklisted by our company. After that, the words will be a bit harsh."

"..."

Konan showed embarrassment on her face.

Because Akatsuki's funds have not been very sufficient, when she came to buy medicines a few times ago, she used some money on credit and signed an IOU.

Counting the interest to be repaid every month, it is not a small sum for her personally.

Nagato heard from the side, but glanced at Konan, and found that Konan was avoiding his eyes.

Nagato never heard Konan mention this matter.

Konan, who bought medicine and went back, didn't mention it to everyone in Akatsuki, did she plan to carry it all by herself?

"Let me be tolerant. Before June this year, I hope that Miss Konan will repay the money she owed."

The rich woman said.

"I see. By the way, what if it's overdue?"(Overdue - could not pay on time)

"Pay overdue?" The rich woman frowned, then let go and said: "Miss Konan, please rest assured that our company has debt collectors who are responsible for such matters. Their force and means can definitely satisfy Miss Konan."

"..."

Hearing this, Konan became more and more worried.

However, I also know that a large company like Aster Flower Pharmaceutical Company will definitely be involved in some gray business, but I didn't expect that there are even specialized debt collectors trained.

Don't think about it, that's the ninja army responsible for debt collection.

"If you are short of money, I can introduce some special jobs to you, Miss Konan."

Special, special work?

Konan's face immediately turned red.

"Please don't think wrongly. Our Aster Flower Company is not involved in the **** industry, but a legitimate business. The job I introduced is also a serious job."

Rich Woman makes a statement.

Konan breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then can't the drug prices be lowered a little this time?"

Akatsuki is in urgent need of these medicines.

"Sorry, this is a decision made by the headquarters, and I have no right to change it."

The rich woman spread her hands helplessly.

She naturally understands the situation in the Land of Rain, but this is not something she can decide.

She is just a branch manager. Deciding whether to increase or decrease the price is a decision made by the upper management. A middle-level administrator like her only needs to follow orders.

"However, Miss Konan really wants these medicines, so she can go to the headquarters of the Demon country to buy them. The price of medicines there has not increased, on the contrary, the price will be much cheaper."

The rich woman also pointed out a bright way for Konan.

After all, drug prices are measured according to the conditions of each country, and each region and country has different prices.

"The country of Demons?"

Konan rubbed her sore brows, she had never left the Land of Rain before.

And now that the Land of Rain is so chaotic, it will take a long time to go back and forth to buy medicines in the remote Demon Country.

Leaving Aster Flower branch pharmacy with Nagato, Konan is now a little distressed about how to choose, whether to buy it in the country of rain, or go to the country of Demons... It is better to go back and discuss it.

"Nagato, don't tell others about the money I owe, I don't want everyone in Akatsuki to worry about me."

Konan reminded Nagato on the way back.

Nagato nodded, then said hesitantly: "But it's not an option to go on like this. How do you plan to pay back the money? And, how much do you owe?"

"Not a lot."

Konan looked away unnaturally.

"How much is not much?"

Nagato has a serious expression.

Konan hesitated, and finally stretched out a finger.

"one million?"

"Not counting the interest, about ten million..."

Konan's voice weakened.

"One... ten million!?"

Nagato's voice became louder.

This is much more than what they spent on activities for one year.

Ten million ryo, that is an astronomical figure that Nagato could not imagine.

"No wonder you can always bring back a large amount of medicines... I thought the price of medicines in the Kingdom of Rain had dropped a lot."

Because Konan was responsible for the purchase of materials, the rest of Akatsuki didn't know much about it.

If it wasn't for Nagato's actions this time, it's unknown how long this matter would have been kept a secret.

After all, if you fight against a large force like Aster Flower Pharmaceutical Company, the consequences will be very troublesome.

Especially because the other party has a dedicated team of debt collector ninjas, if Konan fails to pay back after the due date, she will definitely find all kinds of troubles for Akatsuki.

Nagato didn't know what Konan said.

But I was also a little moved. Konan did this for Akatsuki, and for the sake of saving more people.

If I blame her, it will hurt her self-esteem too much.

But... how to pay back the ten million ryo?

After all, the special job that the branch manager mentioned...it reminds me of some unsightly **** industry.

"To the country of Demons?"

In a cave, it was raining outside, and everyone from Akatsuki held a short meeting here.

Konan didn't buy the medicine back, but explained to everyone that she was going to the Demon country to buy the medicine with the same effect but at a very cheap price.

"Yes, I've already decided. Akatsuki doesn't have much money. If I buy cheap medicine from the Demon Country, the portion will be sufficient. And I'll go there by myself, so I can save on travel expenses."

Konan showed a determined face had made up her mind.

"But…"

Yahiko hesitated a bit.

It's not that he doesn't agree, it's a waste of time, in exchange for more medicine, he agrees with both hands.

But let Konan go to the remote place of the Demon country alone, he is a little worried.

And he is about to go to negotiate with the ninjas of Sand Village and Konoha, and with his status as the leader, he cannot easily leave the Kingdom of Rain.

"Let me go with Konan."

Nagato took the initiative to stand up.

Because of sending someone over there, the matter of Konan owed money will definitely be exposed.

And his strength is also the strongest in Akatsuki, even in a dangerous situation, he can protect Konan well.

"Then I'll leave this matter to you, Konan, and Nagato. Be careful on the road."

"yes."

Konan and Nagato nodded heavily, knowing that this action is very critical for Akatsuki, and no problems will be allowed.

Akatsuki's people are the people who act resolutely, and they will take action immediately when they decide on something.

After a short meeting, Yahiko took the rest of Akatsuki's companions to negotiate with the great ninja.

And Nagato protects Konan all the way, heading towards a distant country that is completely unknown to them—the kingdom of Demons.

(end of this chapter)