Chapter 189: What Is Peace
"Damn Kumogakure!!!"
"Damn this world!!!"
After hearing Li Yao's story, the three brats roared internally, their hearts weighed down by sorrow and rage. Any wariness they'd felt toward Li Yao and Yuzu vanished completely.
Not only because Yuzu was a member of Nagato's clan—but because of everything she'd been through.
Compared to her, Yahiko felt that their own tragic childhoods seemed far less painful.
Of course, suffering can't be compared. Only those who've lived it can understand that kind of pain.
But just imagining Yuzu 's experiences was enough to feel the despair she must have endured.
In a single night, her clan and homeland were annihilated, and she fled with nowhere to go.
She watched helplessly as her kin were killed, one by one.
Her father died protecting her. Her mother was reduced to living blood bait to shield her, her body covered in bite marks.
Just as Li Yao rescued her, her mother sacrificed herself. Then Yuzu was captured by Kumogakure and subjected to horrific experiments—nearly turned into a breeding tool.
The actions of Kumogakure gave the three brats their first real glimpse into the hidden darkness of the great ninja villages. Their worldview was shaken.
At the same time, Yahiko's resolve grew stronger than ever.
He vowed to dedicate his life to peace in the ninja world—to ensure that no one from Nagato's clan or anyone else would ever have to experience what Yuzu had endured. He wanted a world where people could enjoy peace and no longer live in fear.
Rip!
Yahiko gripped Yuzu 's wanted poster and slowly tore it to pieces.
"Sister Yuzu , don't worry. As long as you're in the Land of Rain, I swear I won't let anyone hurt you."
"Heh... maybe I'm overestimating myself!"
After saying it, Yahiko realized he wasn't even stronger than Li Yao or Yuzu . Claiming to protect them made him blush, scratching his head with a silly grin.
Since ancient times, nothing moves the heart more than sincerity.
Even Yuzu , who was borderline broken mentally and trusted no one except Li Yao, was affected. Seeing Yahiko's bright, honest smile, her heartstrings were tugged. She furrowed her brows, said nothing—but the way she avoided his gaze showed her emotions were stirred.
Because she could feel Yahiko's resolve.
This boy, younger than her, truly meant it when he said he would protect her with his life.
Yuzu , so used to Li Yao's constant protection, was suddenly flustered by Yahiko's presence.
It was like already having a loving boyfriend—and then a charming guy suddenly confesses to you right in front of him.
She didn't know how to react.
Li Yao noticed.
He couldn't describe what he was feeling—maybe a bit of comfort?
Deep down, Li Yao didn't want Yuzu to turn out like him.
Maybe Yahiko's sincerity would change her in some way.
Or so Li Yao hoped.
Now it was his turn to step in.
Having earned the trio's trust through Yuzu 's identity and experiences, it was time to discuss ideals.
"Aren't you afraid of Kumogakure coming after you?" Li Yao asked.
Yahiko looked at his companions, but before he could reply, Nagato and Konan spoke up.
"We support Yahiko's decision. Sister Yuzu , stay with us—we'll protect you."
Faced with their heartfelt words, Yuzu still said nothing. She merely turned her head away, refusing to look at them.
She couldn't understand it. One story from Li Yao and they trusted him completely? Didn't they fear being deceived?
After all, she knew very well that approaching them was an assigned mission—not something they'd done by choice.
...Well, maybe now Li Yao had changed his mind. Maybe he did want to join them.
But the trio's quick acceptance still made her uneasy.
"Brother Li, join us. Let's create a peaceful world without war together," Yahiko said, sincerely inviting him.
Li Yao smiled and asked the trio, "What is peace to you? How do you define peace?"
Peace?
What counts as peace?
The question stunned the three. Nagato and Konan looked lost—they had never considered it before. So naturally, they turned their eyes to Yahiko.
Among them, Yahiko had always been the one with the bigger vision.
He didn't disappoint.
After a moment of reflection, Yahiko's expression brightened. He turned to look at Nagato and Konan, then said to Li Yao:
"I think peace means that all the orphans—like me, Nagato, and Konan—can grow up safely, without fear or suffering."
Yes!
That's it!
Nagato and Konan's eyes lit up. Thinking of their own childhood hardships, they were quickly moved to tears.
Yuzu trembled as well. She looked at Yahiko with surprise, not expecting such a simple yet profound answer from this boy.
Even Li Yao was taken aback.
It was a moment like Luffy's answer to what the Pirate King meant—freedom on the seas.
If a world could allow orphans to grow up in peace, then that world must be full of love and support—enough to fill the hearts of children even without parents.
Such a world must be one of mutual understanding—a truly peaceful world.
Li Yao understood Yahiko's vision of peace.
But he also knew it was a dream. Reality would never allow it.
"I believe that one day, a world of mutual understanding will come," Yahiko said, noticing the doubt in Li Yao's eyes.
His face remained filled with confidence.
"How do you plan to achieve that peaceful world you envision?" Li Yao asked.
"First..." Yahiko walked up and extended his right hand. "We start by convincing you to join us. I believe that with more companions who believe in peace, we can create a world where orphans can grow up with joy."
"Heh..." Li Yao chuckled and shook his head. Just as Yahiko looked slightly disappointed—
Clap!
A strong hand grasped his.
Li Yao smiled and said, "I still don't believe your peaceful world will ever exist. But… I'm looking forward to it."
It was the truth. He wasn't lying.
Yahiko gripped his hand tightly and laughed. "I'm looking forward to it too!"
And so, Li Yao and Yuzu successfully infiltrated the trio's group.
Their conversation was overheard, word for word, by White Zetsu, hidden underground.
That Li Yao, of all people, would look forward to Yahiko's idealistic vision of peace—White Zetsu was shocked. This wasn't the Li Yao he knew.
But somehow, this version of Li Yao made White Zetsu feel oddly reassured.
After all, a world full of dreamers like Yahiko was easier to manipulate—easier to guide toward their grand plan.
…
What was the coolest organization in Naruto?
It had to be Akatsuki. Their black cloaks with red clouds, their individual strength—it all left a deep impression.
In the fanfics of Li Yao's past life, 9 out of 10 protagonists ended up joining Akatsuki.
That showed just how iconic the group was.
Li Yao had now officially joined Akatsuki. Well, technically, it wasn't called that yet. But he was one of its founding members.
They say starting a business is always hard.
Li Yao had never felt that before—until now.
Thunk thunk...
He placed a carved stone into a slot. Yahiko handed him another. He took it and pressed it in.
Nearby, Nagato, Konan, and Yuzu were hauling stones and repairing buildings.
That's right—the future legendary Akatsuki, the coolest group in the series, was currently doing free manual labor.
Their first mission together wasn't as mercenaries or bounty hunters. It was rebuilding villagers' homes.
"Sigh…"
"Oh well. Since I'm here, might as well embrace it."
Li Yao sighed internally, but his hands didn't slow down. Before nightfall, they had finished repairing the collapsed walls and roofs of two houses.
(END CHAPTER)
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