"Akatsuki. Its literal meaning is 'dawn,' symbolizing light."
"I think the future you all wish to create, your ideals... this name fits them perfectly."
"Akatsuki—clearing the fog to see the light. Tsk tsk, I have to say, my level of culture is just too high."
Gekko Chizan was already drowning in self-satisfaction, completely ignoring the fact that he had just copied this straight from the original story.
After all, he was the first to say it.
That meant the name belonged to him now.
No matter what happened in the future, the title of "the one who named the Akatsuki" would always be his.
When Yahiko heard the word "Akatsuki," his entire body trembled.
This single word crashed into his heart like a tidal wave.
It was just a name, yet it seemed to carry infinite strength.
His originally tired body suddenly felt revitalized.
Not just him—even Nagato and Konan felt as if a new door in life had just opened for them.
"Hahaha, judging from your expressions, I can tell you're very satisfied with the name I came up with, right?"
"Not just you guys— even I'm satisfied with myself!"
"Yugito, you hear that? Next time, read more books when you have time. Did you finish the ones I gave you yet?"
"Knowledge is strength! Kyahahaha!"
Gekko Chizan laughed boldly, pride swelling in his voice.
Chōmei stared at Gekko Chizan in shock.
He suddenly felt this man actually had some scholarly depth.
This name… it was impressive.
"No, this won't do. I need to improve my learning too. Tsk tsk, the way these brats are looking so stunned… it's kind of intoxicating."
"So this is what it feels like to be admired? Hiss… why didn't I realize this before?"
"Entertaining yourself isn't enough—you have to make others worship you. Now that is the ultimate realm!"
[Ding! Detected that the host has inadvertently influenced Chōmei's ambitions, filling him with expectations of showing off before others. Special reward: Tailed Beast Bomb optimization +10%!]
[Ding! Current Tailed Beast Bomb optimization progress: 50%. New skill unlocked: Handheld Capability, Compressed Bomb.]
Gekko Chizan's laughter froze instantly.
The notification had come too suddenly… and its content was shocking.
Showing off before others? Why hadn't he thought of that term?!
Indeed, nothing in the world was more satisfying than showing off in public.
"Wait, seriously, Chizan kid, you actually came up with such a meaningful name?"
"I've really underestimated you."
Suddenly, Tagitsuhime crawled out from beside Yugito, her face full of shock.
As for Yugito, he wore a look of deep displeasure, mumbling,
"Why didn't I think of such a nice-sounding name…?"
"Akatsuki… Akatsuki Organization… Aiya! I want to create my own organization too!"
A long crimson serpent suddenly spoke, startling Yahiko and the others.
"The snake… the snake is talking!"
"A monster!"
Gekko Chizan: …
Tagitsuhime: …
"You brats! I'm a Sage of Ryūchi Cave!"
"Who are you calling a monster?! Believe it or not, I'll roast you alive and eat you!"
With a flick, Tagitsuhime transformed into her graceful human form—though her face was full of anger.
Those vertical serpent pupils practically screamed: Say that again, I dare you!
"Ryūchi Cave? Isn't that one of the three great Sage Grounds, along with Mount Myōboku?"
"Jiraiya-sensei told me about it before… I didn't expect it to actually exist."
"A Snake Sage, huh? So beautiful… but not as beautiful as Konan. Yep, Konan is still the prettiest."
Yahiko looked at Tagitsuhime, then at Konan, before finally giving a most "objective" evaluation.
The result?
Both Tagitsuhime and Konan glared at him.
"Alright, enough nonsense. What do you think?"
"How about calling your organization the Akatsuki Organization?"
"And as for me… I'm the one who named it, tsk tsk."
Seeing the situation veer off into strange territory, Gekko Chizan quickly pulled the topic back.
After all, his reward hadn't arrived yet, meaning the matter wasn't over.
Yahiko nodded. He was very satisfied with the name Gekko Chizan came up with.
From his companions' faces, he could tell they were equally thrilled.
"Alright! Akatsuki Organization!"
"I accept this name!"
"For the liberation of the Land of Rain, for peace, for resisting war—everyone, let's work hard together!"
"From this moment on, we are Akatsuki! The Akatsuki born for the sake of light!"
At this moment, Yahiko radiated confidence like a blazing sun.
Even Gekko Chizan had to admit this orange-haired kid truly had the qualities of a leader.
No wonder Yahiko had been able to form the Akatsuki in the original story…
What a shame fate twisted everything he tried to accomplish.
But now… things were different.
For his own safety, Gekko Chizan absolutely would not let this blond die.
He then glanced at Nagato—the boy with the Rinnegan, currently too excited to notice Gekko Chizan's scrutiny.
Gekko Chizan only looked briefly before withdrawing his gaze, thoughts already spinning on how to eventually push this dangerous factor out of the picture.
After all, Nagato was Uchiha Madara's contingency plan.
Those eyes… were Madara's own eyes.
Countless thoughts flashed through Gekko Chizan's mind, but none brought a good solution.
All he could do was sigh inwardly: One step at a time, then.
"Thank you, Gekko Chizan!"
"Even though you're a Konoha shinobi, you helped us form the Akatsuki. In my eyes, you're our comrade!"
Yahiko strode forward, grabbing Gekko Chizan's shoulder, full of emotion.
Seeing that sincere look in his eyes, Gekko Chizan's mouth twitched hard.
Great, another hot-blooded idiot who gets overly emotional at the drop of a hat.
And just as Yahiko said this, the reward Gekko Chizan had been waiting for finally appeared.
[Ding! Detected that the host shamelessly stole the naming of the Akatsuki, reaching the pinnacle of audacity, while also gaining the recognition of Yahiko, Konan, and six other Akatsuki members. Special reward: Fire Release: Hiding in Ash and Dust Technique!]
Oh? Another Uchiha Madara-branded Fire Release jutsu. Not bad!
The reward made Gekko Chizan happy—but the system's words made his heart stir.
Eight members?
There were nine people present here…
Yet the system mentioned Yahiko, Konan, and others—but not Nagato.
Thinking back to Nagato's attitude toward him earlier, Gekko Chizan realized… Nagato had never considered him one of them.
Makes sense, though.
After all, Nagato's parents had been killed by Konoha shinobi.
Even though he had studied under Jiraiya-sensei and buried his hatred deep…
This was fine too.
Gekko Chizan had no intention of counting Nagato as an ally anyway.
Those eyes would inevitably become enemies one day.
That was unavoidable.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo