184.Acting Hokage, Uchiha Fugaku

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"Nagato, let's halt the conflict. We should negotiate with Konoha," Konan suggested with a sigh.

"A truce? How could that be possible? We've been entrenched in this war for six years!" Nagato responded, his face marked by a ghastly pallor.

If the war was deemed a loss, it would signify a defeat not just in terms of military might but also in morale, especially since, on the frontal battlefield, Akatsuki had not been bested by Konoha.

Particularly in his confrontations with the Fourth Hokage, Nagato felt he had the upper hand almost every time. "But if we continue fighting, there won't be a Rain Shinobi Village left to fight for," Konan argued, her expression grave. "The Yellow Flash's attacks have left our village in ruins; our schools have been destroyed, making it impossible to nurture a new generation of ninjas. Our organization, Akatsuki, won't have the chance to grow."

Nagato was silent for a long while, contemplating Konan's words. She was right; the ongoing war with Konoha, intended to carve out a space for Akatsuki's growth, had instead drained the life from Rain Shinobi Village, rendering the conflict futile.

Despite his personal animosity towards Konoha, Nagato hadn't lost sight of Akatsuki's ultimate goal: achieving peace in the Ninja World. According to his vision, Akatsuki first needed to amass strength and expand. Stuck in a war with Konoha, how could they possibly focus on development?

Moreover, the war had depleted all the funds Akatsuki had accumulated from its mercenary work over the past six years. Financial resources, Nagato realized, were a critical aspect that couldn't be overlooked. For instance, if Akatsuki couldn't afford to pay its members, Kakuzu would undoubtedly be the first to abandon ship.

"Let me think about this some more..." Nagato muttered, feeling weary. The outcome of the war wasn't solely determined by military prowess. It was also a test of endurance between the two factions. Clearly, Rain Shinobi Village couldn't match Konoha's resources or size.

Konoha camp, under the deployment of the Fourth Hokage, had formed a powerful barrier with multiple defenses, thwarting any potential sneak attacks from Akatsuki.

"Whoa" Fourth Hokage exclaimed as he utilized the Flying Thunder God Technique, instantly returning to the Konoha camp.

"Minato, you're back," Jiraiya remarked, his keen perception immediately sensing the fluctuations in Chakra. Observing the exhaustion evident on Fourth Hokage's face, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel concerned. "Are you injured?"

"I'm fine, Jiraiya-san... Just a bit drained from the Chakra usage," Fourth Hokage replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead, managing a faint smile. The continuous use of the S-level Flying Thunder God Technique had taken its toll, leaving him visibly fatigued. Despite being in his prime in his thirties, signs of aging were beginning to show, with streaks of white hair interspersed among his once hearty blond locks—a consequence of prolonged and intense Chakra usage.

"Thank you for your hard work," Jiraiya said, extending his hand to pat Fourth Hokage on the shoulder.

"Jiraiya-san, without the intelligence you obtained on the Rinnegan, our casualties would have been far worse," Fourth Hokage remarked, his gaze involuntarily drifting to the empty space where Jiraiya's right arm used to be.

In a past conflict, Jiraiya had risked his life to gather intelligence on Nagato's Rinnegan, analyzing its abilities in battle. This endeavor cost Jiraiya his right arm, severed by Nagato's use of the Shura Tensei. "Haha! I consider myself fortunate to still be alive," Jiraiya chuckled with relief. Had he faced Nagato alone, losing an arm might have been the least of his worries. Fourth Hokage had come to his rescue using the Flying Thunder God Technique, which, coupled with the Rinnegan intelligence, enabled him to confront Nagato with greater composure, though direct victory remained elusive.

"Lord Foruth Hokage, the village supplies have been delivered," Uchiha Shisui reported, breaking the conversation.

"Thank you, Shisui," Fourth Hokage acknowledged. With Konoha and its allies stationed in the Rain Country for an extended period, all essential supplies—food, medical provisions, and ninja equipment—had to be transported from Konoha, making logistical support vital. Uchiha Shisui had played a crucial role in repelling enemy attacks and ensuring the safe delivery of these supplies.

"Also, here's the daily report from the Acting Hokage," Shisui added, presenting a secret letter sealed with a special technique, designated for the Hokage's eyes only. Fourth Hokage unsealed the letter and perused its contents. Uchiha Fugaku, the acting Hokage in his absence, had provided updates on various matters concerning Konoha.

Firstly, there was an increase in espionage activity from allied ninja groups, though the issue was being effectively managed under Fugaku leadership.

Secondly, some members of the Uchiha clan were exhibiting signs of arrogance due to their elevated status within the village's power structure.

While Fourth Hokage recognized the potential risks posed by these developments, he remained confident in his ability to address them. Moreover, he commended Uchiha Fugaku's candor in acknowledging the internal challenges faced by the Uchiha clan.

"This is the power of conviction," Fourth Hokage mused, impressed by Uchiha Fugaku's forthrightness and dedication to the village's well-being.

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