Chapter 198

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Defending against Hanzo of the Hidden Rain Village, pursuing Nagato and Konan, and recalling Danzō were the main tasks.

Although Danzō had no official position since stepping down from his advisory role, he was still a Jonin of the village, representing Konoha in his actions.

The main issue was his failed schemes, which had brought a powerful enemy to Konoha's doorstep.

If Danzō had acted discreetly, like Yoichi, who secretly acquired a Shikotsumyaku and an Ice Release Kekkei Genkai users without being discovered, Sakumo might have overlooked it.

Yoichi had brought valuable information and achieved numerous merits for the village, while Danzō's actions were foolish, allying with Hanzo and taking part of the blame. If Konoha's ninjas acted like Danzō, the village would eventually face the wrath of the entire ninja world.

Deploying six Anbu squads, ten Jonin squads, and a Sannin was a significant measure, given the partial intelligence they had on the Rinnegan.

Anbu members were at least Chunin, and usually only exceptional Chunin made it in. Squad leaders were undoubtedly Jonin-level.

The ten Jonin squads included no Genin, meaning Konoha had dispatched a total of forty-eight Chunin, sixteen Jonin, and a Kage-level ninja, Jiraiya, to capture Nagato.

This force was enough to wage a small war. Sakumo, having learned about the Rinnegan's capabilities, chose to be cautious by sending so many ninjas.

The only challenge was that Akatsuki was based in the Hidden Rain Village. Sending so many ninjas there would likely anger and provoke Hanzo.

However, Sakumo had prepared for this, combining negotiation and intimidation. Konoha needed the Hidden Rain Village, but Hanzo needed Konoha more, especially for maintaining his gains in the Land of Rivers.

The meeting lasted almost the entire morning before it adjourned.

Afterward, Jiraiya returned to rest, though he was nearly healed and set to depart the next day. The personnel configurations were discussed, including combat, tracking, and medical support.

They had considered the characteristics of the Rinnegan's techniques and selected ninja squads accordingly.

Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura couldn't contribute to the discussion. Sakumo's resolve was too firm.

Their influence in the village was waning, and they couldn't protest through strikes, as that would leave them with nothing to do.

Hiruzen's priority was to ensure Danzō's return. His subordinates included not only Root members but also the Sarutobi clan's ninjas.

The Shimura clan remained in the village, and if Danzō defected, the clan would face severe scrutiny from the security forces.

Returning to his clan, Yoichi felt the situation spiraling out of control, though he wasn't too concerned. If Akatsuki was eliminated, he could personally capture the tailed beasts. Within two years, his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan would reach its peak, making wild tailed beasts trivial opponents.

Capturing Jinchūriki would be more challenging, requiring initial subjugation.

Wars with other ninja villages would likely ensue while collecting tailed beasts. Before that, Yoichi aimed to strengthen his village, particularly the Uchiha clan.

Spreading the Sage Seal and researching the Extremis virus were priorities.

An ordinary Genin with these enhancements could rival an elite Chunin, while a Jonin could contend with Kage-level ninjas. The Uchiha clan also had medicinal support, making battlefield transformations routine.

With a Rinnegan enemy in Konoha, the village's new Ninja Park was opening, attracting many visitors. Families with some wealth were traveling to enjoy the park.

While building the park, Yoichi also developed nearby food and lodging facilities, creating a commercial area capable of hosting thousands of visitors.

The park had two entrances, one from Konoha and one from the outside, allowing villagers to bring their children for ninja-themed activities.

The park's opening acted as a magnet, drawing people from other parts of the Land of Fire to Konoha. Even before the park's opening, many applied to move to Konoha. Over time, the population could exceed 100,000.

"This is a modern city."

Yoichi watched the bustling crowds with satisfaction. Konoha still had many dilapidated houses, contrasting sharply with the village's technological progress.

It was as if they anticipated future destruction, avoiding renovations altogether.

"What did you say?"

Yugito, the girl accompanying him, asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"Nothing. Enjoy yourself today. Let me know if there's anything unsatisfactory."

Yoichi patted her head.

"Don't mess with a girl's hair, you pervert!"

Yugito protested but didn't pull away, almost rubbing her head against his hand.

'He likes to pat people's heads so much. Fine, with so many people around, I'll humor him.'

Hearing her thoughts, Yoichi laughed and ruffled her hair, provoking a playful protest from Yugito.

'Maybe we can build some factories near Konoha and lay train tracks.'

Yoichi pondered future development while viewing Konoha from a high vantage point. The contrast between the modernizing Uchiha district and the old, rundown village was stark.

"This is my Konoha, but it still needs improvement."

"Obito, things are looking bad. Konoha has sent many ninjas to pursue Akatsuki."

White Zetsu emerged beside Obito, grumbling, "We should have killed Jiraiya. Now even Nagato might be in danger."

Obito replied coldly, "Nagato won't be in danger with me around. Stop whining and give me the intel."

Zetsu internally grumbled but reported, "Jiraiya's injuries are healed. Konoha knows about Nagato and has sent sixty-five ninjas, all Chunin or higher."

"Sixty-plus..."

Obito fell silent, knowing the force likely included many Jonin alongside Jiraiya and the leaked Rinnegan intel.

"What will you do?" Zetsu asked.

"Let's see Nagato. He's just mastered the Six Paths' power and plans to use himself as the Outer Path."

After some thought, Obito said, "You will come with me to inform Nagato."

"Understood!"

...

They arrived to find Nagato preparing a body for the Six Paths of Pain.

"It seems you've mastered the Six Paths' power and are ready to create clones. But the enemy won't give you time."

Obito's voice, mimicking Madara, reached Nagato as he emerged from the Kamui space.

Seeing Nagato and Konan's puzzled expressions, Obito continued, "Last time you spared Jiraiya. Now he's bringing more people to capture you and take the Rinnegan to Konoha."

Nagato felt a surge of frustration. He hadn't wanted to kill Jiraiya but now faced a greater threat.

"Tell them, Zetsu."

Zetsu explained, "Jiraiya leads sixty-four others, including twenty-four Anbu. They left Konoha yesterday and should be near the Land of Rain."

Obito asked, "What will you do? My suggestion is to avoid them. Jiraiya knows your abilities and will likely succeed in capturing you."

Konan, in disbelief, said, "Jiraiya-sensei would never capture us. He's our teacher and once..."

"Took care of you for three years, right? Yes, he's a good person but responsible for Konoha."

Zetsu shrugged, "Without Nagato's Rinnegan, he wouldn't have taught you ninjutsu. Children aren't that valuable to him."

Nagato and Konan fell silent. Yahiko had desperately wanted to learn from Jiraiya, who only agreed after seeing Nagato's Rinnegan power.

"Should we leave?" Konan asked.

"It's up to you. Our goal is to protect the Rinnegan and guide you to use its power for world peace."

Zetsu felt Obito's manipulation was increasingly like Madara's. Madara must have taught him how to influence Nagato.

"I'll stay. This is where Yahiko's dream of peace can be realized. Running would mean abandoning that dream."

Nagato decided, letting his gratitude to Jiraiya be overshadowed by hatred. He had spared Jiraiya, wanting no further ties, but now faced capture by Konoha ninjas.

"So, have that creature assist me."

"How rude, I have a name. Call me Tobi."

Tobi emerged from behind a pillar, annoyed at being called a creature.

"Use it as you see fit," Obito said. "Before Jiraiya finds you, you can create one more Pain body. With an extra body, your strength increases significantly."

The Six Paths of Pain were essentially six corpse clones, each wielding part of the Rinnegan's power, controlled by Nagato's chakra through black rods.

With a Deva Path body, Nagato and the clone could effectively resist Konoha's ninjas.

"I understand."

Nagato intended to use Yahiko's body for the Deva Path but decided to do so now, to settle things with Jiraiya.

"Jiraiya-sama, we've entered the Land of Rain. Where should we search?"

A Hyūga clan Jonin asked. His team was the only scouting unit, including members from the Yamanaka, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans.

In the rainy environment, the abilities of the Inuzuka and Aburame were limited unless the rain stopped.

"I know a few towns where Akatsuki members often appear. We'll split into four squads, keeping within two kilometers of each other. Signal immediately if you find anything."

Though reluctant to fight his students, Jiraiya had to follow village orders.

After giving instructions, the squads set out.

The Akatsuki had been a significant presence in the Land of Rain, leaving traces behind. They also had the option of using genjutsu on civilians to gather information, unlike Jiraiya's previous moral restraint.

Disguised, Jiraiya's team quickly gathered intel. They found civilians aided by Akatsuki and captured a ninja who had recently left the organization.

As they prepared to contact the Yamanaka member, explosions rang out, followed by a signal flare in the sky.

"Found something!"

Jiraiya and the other squads rushed toward the flare.

"Yahiko?"

Jiraiya, using Body Flicker, was the first to arrive, shocked to see another student.

"What's going on? Yahiko, why are you alive and why do you have the Rinnegan?"

"Such a nuisance, Jiraiya-sensei."

The Deva Path clone coldly said, "I told you last time not to seek us out."

With that, the Deva Path clone raised its hand, and to Jiraiya's shock, said,

"Shinra Tensei!"

(End of Chapter)