A day passed quickly, and Nawaki had already led the large force across half the Land of Rivers.
Just as he was telling Kakashi and the other kids about his experiences during the Second Shinobi World War, his story was suddenly interrupted by a shout from behind.
"Lord Nawaki!"
A Konoha ninja rushed up at full speed.
"What is it?"
Nawaki slightly furrowed his brow. Being cut off right at the climax really annoyed him.
"The Akatsuki have arrived."
The Konoha ninja delivered the message clearly and concisely, wasting no time.
"Kakuzu is here already?"
Nawaki's eyes lit up in surprise. He hadn't expected the Akatsuki to arrive so quickly.
Originally, he had planned to wait for Kakuzu until reaching the border, but now it seemed that wouldn't be necessary.
"Yes, the one leading them is that idiot who tried to assassinate Lord Kawaki."
The Konoha ninja spoke with undisguised mocking admiration, responding with complete certainty.
"How can you talk like that?"
"That's all in the past now."
"They're on our side these days."
"Calling him an idiot? Where's your respect?"
Nawaki did his best to keep a straight face as he scolded him.
This kind of talk couldn't go unchecked, or Kakuzu would be deeply embarrassed.
Even a glance in his direction might make Kakuzu uneasy.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
"It's Lord Kakuzu of the Akatsuki who has arrived."
With Nawaki's correction, the Konoha ninja quickly amended his words.
"That sounds better."
"Take me to meet Kakuzu."
Although Nawaki definitely had the standing to act superior, he still chose to remain humble.
"We want to go too."
Kakashi and the others naturally seized the opportunity to get in on the action.
"Let's go."
With a broad wave of his hand, Nawaki led the group following the Konoha ninja toward the rear of the formation.
When they reached the very back of the procession, they saw Kakuzu trailing behind with quite a number of Akatsuki members.
"Konoha, Senju Nawaki."
Nawaki psyched himself up mentally before stepping forward—he was genuinely worried he might burst out laughing.
Even though he hadn't personally taken part in Kawaki's scheme to fool Kakuzu, he knew all the details of what had happened.
Just thinking about how his brother-in-law had totally outwitted Kakuzu made him struggle to hold back his amusement.
"Kakuzu."
This was actually the first official meeting between Kakuzu and Nawaki.
Knowing full well that the person in front of him was Kawaki's brother-in-law, Kakuzu could only try to stay calm.
At least it wasn't Minato he had to deal with—that was a true enemy.
Facing Minato, he probably wouldn't have been able to introduce himself so calmly.
"With your help, we'll be unstoppable."
"I hope we can work together smoothly this time."
Nawaki spoke beautifully, making it impossible for anyone to find fault.
"I follow orders. I will do my best."
Compared to Nawaki, Kakuzu came off as rather cold.
But Nawaki understood. He was actually impressed that Kakuzu didn't openly disrespect him.
After all, his brother-in-law had truly done something unforgivable back then.
Who betrays someone so thoroughly and locks them away for years?
"Why don't we let the Akatsuki integrate into the team first? Let everyone get familiar with each other."
"It'll also help during battle if they have each other's backs."
One team, one voice. Nawaki's trying to take control.
He could give ground on other issues, but not when it came to command.
Whether it was because Konoha deserved to lead or for smoother coordination, he wouldn't back down.
"Mm."
Kakuzu simply nodded, too indifferent to argue.
After all, Akatsuki was, in name at least, under Konoha's control. Besides, he didn't care about command authority anyway.
"Combine both forces into one unit."
At Nawaki's order, the Konoha and Akatsuki ninja teams began integrating.
Before long, they merged into a single unit, moving forward in formation.
Nawaki walked side by side with Kakuzu, slowly edging toward the front of the group.
Along the way, Nawaki did most of the talking, with Kakuzu occasionally responding.
It wasn't much of a cheerful chat—more like just walking together.
"I heard he's already seventy years old."
Kakashi whispered quietly to the others behind them.
"Seriously?"
"He doesn't look it at all."
Kurenai was surprised, her eyes wide in surprise, though keeping her voice low.
"No way."
"He's older than my grandpa?"
Gai was equally stunned. There was no way to tell from looking at him.
He just looked kind of... unattractive.
"He must've used some secret jutsu to stay looking like this."
"That goes against the normal human aging process."
As a medical ninja, Rin naturally spoke scientifically and reasonably.
"You're right. That must be how he did it."
Obito chimed in from behind Rin, fully backing her theory.
"You're absolutely correct."
"Did you notice his scars?"
"He has five hearts, which means five lives."
...
Kakashi kept rambling on about various intelligence details of Earth Grudge Fear, showing off his vast knowledge.
Seeing the eager expressions on his companions' faces, he felt a strong sense of fulfillment.
Of course, with different company, he definitely wouldn't waste another word.
While they chatted animatedly, Kakuzu grew increasingly bored.
Unfamiliar with Nawaki, he had little to contribute—and even less interest in listening.
"Nawaki-kun, maybe we should discuss how to deal with Sunagakure?"
Kakuzu actively brought up a shared topic to avoid awkward silence between them.
Kakuzu feared the awkward silence would make Nawaki think he had no interest in contributing.
"Sure, what do you suggest?"
When it came to strategy, Nawaki became alert and eager.
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"The Samehada is in your hands, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then you take the Jinchūriki. I'll handle the Kazekage."
"Whoever finishes first will assist the other."
"Sounds good?"
Kakuzu clearly had no interest in dealing with ordinary Sunagakure ninja. From the start, he divided the two greatest threats from Sunagakure between them.
"Fine with me."
"Either way works for me."
Nawaki wasn't someone to insist on personal glory. As long as things were reasonably assigned, he wouldn't insist on taking Rasa personally.
"Then it's settled."
"Happy cooperation."
For once, Kakuzu offered a rare smile, and Nawaki returned it.
When the two had decided on their opponents, the meeting in Sunagakure finally resumed.
Inside the conference hall, silence still reigned. However, when Rasa walked in, his gaze was firm, clearly having already reached a decision.
As soon as he sat, he announced his decision.
"Today, there's no need for discussion."
"I've already made my choice."
"First: Master Bunpuku's days are numbered. The Sealing Team should prepare to seal the One-Tail."
"Second: Our village will surrender unconditionally to Konoha."
"Third: Starting today, I will step down from my position as Kazekage."
Rasa's declaration stunned Sunagakure's leadership with the force of thunder.
"This isn't that desperate yet, Kazekage-sama."
Most immediately felt that Rasa's decision was too hasty.
"There's no need to say more. My mind is made up."
"The most important matter at hand is handling Master Bunpuku's final affairs."
"As for extracting the One-Tail, I will take responsibility for its sealing."
"If anyone insists on continuing this fight, don't say I didn't warn you."
His intense, ruthless glare swept across the room. No one dared meet his eyes.
Only after he spoke so firmly did some people finally come to their senses.
Faced with internal strife and external troubles, Sunagakure had no other option left but to surrender.
If they insisted on continuing the war, it could lead to the loss of control over the One-Tail—an absolute catastrophe for the Sand Village.
Countless ordinary villagers would be affected, and combined with Konoha's offensive, the casualties could reduce Sunagakure's population to less than one-tenth of its original size.
Rasa had chosen the only viable path forward. He resigned as Kazekage out of a deep sense of responsibility.
Seeing the Sealing Team Squad Leader and Bunpuku depart, Rasa didn't intend to stay any longer either.
After he left, only Karura watched his retreating back with deeply sorrowful eyes.
...
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