Chapter 350: Official Refusal

Masahiko didn’t participate in the wrangling negotiation. He only paid attention to the result; Sunagakure and Iwagakure intended to form an alliance with Amegakure, but the specific details still need to be discussed.

The alliance was so quickly, not because of what the dead for money Kakuzu did, but because Chiyo made a request to Sasori. After he agreed, she decisively supported the alliance.

Naturally, she didn’t ask him to return to the village, she did that several times already, and it only made him more rebellious. Chiyo tried to compromise, hoping that after the establishment of the Akatsuki, Sasori could join as a representative of Sasunagakure.

Sasori thought about it again and again and reluctantly agreed, but assertively rejected such things as going back to the village and also offers of high commission…

“This is also a good result. It seems that I have to find a chance to confiscate the Third Kazekage puppet from Sasori. Otherwise, it will be difficult for Chiyo to accomplish this if it ever gets exposed.” Masahiko murmured, then shook his head and sighed: “That’s not right, why did I start to be noisy again? What does this have to do with me? Am I feeling sorry for Chiyo?”

It’s undeniable that Chiyo’s old face, which is close to the original, really made Masahiko a little softhearted, you know; she’s only 54 years old now. Maybe the loss of her young brother made her age faster…

The intention to form an alliance has finally been reached, now both Sasori and Kakuzu have completed their mission. The signing of the specific agreement requires Yahiko to come personally.

Yahiko and Ringo also came faster than expected. Before the letter Chiyo sent to Sunagakure was answered, they arrived at Iwagakure, and Yahiko met Masahiko for the first time.

“Elder, I really appreciate you taking care of us in the Land of Rain.” Yahiko smiled brightly.

“He beat you half to death. It’s shameless that you can say that with a smile on your face.” Ringo said, grinning.

Masahiko smiled and said, “It’s okay, my pleasure. Sowing the seeds of peace is what an old ancestor like me should do. The Akatsuki Peace Plan you’ve proposed is very good, but there are still some flaws….”

Yahiko nodded, “I know, Elder. That’s why I came to you. I wanted you to help.”

Masahiko was stunned, “Why, do you want my help knocking some sense into the other villages? It’s useless. You’re not strong enough. Even if I forcefully suppress them, you won’t be able to convince the crowd… wait, you want me to be the leader of the Akatsuki, right? That’s even more unnecessary. If I go out personally, what difference will the Akatsuki make then?”

Yahiko shook his head, “I just want you to help, choosing a ninja who seeks peace to this world from each village to join the Akatsuki, such as Obito….”

“Obito?” Masahiko was a little surprised, “Did Hiruzen actually agree to form an alliance?”

Yahiko smiled and nodded, “The Third Hokage-Sama was very kind, and he said to use that he will consider.”

Masahiko’s mouth twitched. He’s stalling, isn’t he…

Looking at Yahiko, who was full of enthusiasm in front of him, Masahiko felt helpless and chose to remind him.

“Did Hiruzen say how long he will think about it?”

Yahiko was taken aback, “You don’t need to overthink it. I will go to Konoha again after I sign the agreement with Iwagakure and Sunagakure.”

Masahiko laughed, “Well, when you successfully sing the paper with Konoha, I can help you choose the right people, but besides Konoha, I really don’t know which powerful ninjas in other villages seek peace.”

“And it’s not as simple as you think. Even if they agree to form an alliance, they will definitely select the ninjas that can strive for more benefits for their village.”

Yahiko frowned, “Is their benefit really more important than the life of a person? Starting a war will only cause more pain.”

Ringo smirked and said, “Their benefits are, of course, important. Kakuzu and Sasori got involved because of their own sake. Otherwise, we would have needed to put more effort into this to succeed.”

Yahiko sighed after hearing these words and turned to Masahiko, “Elder, do you have away?”

Masahiko spread his hands, “I naturally have away, but you’re the one working for peace. It’s not okay to rely on me for everything.”

“I told you, Yahiko, it’s useless to ask this old guy for any….”

Boom!!

“Ouch!”

Masahiko rubbed his fist then smiled at the stunned Yahiko, “She may have improved a little and tried to avoid, but my fists of love will always find its target.”

For a long while, Ringo weighed her Kiba with one hand, looking at Masahiko angrily.

Masahiko frowned slightly, “Oho, it seems that it’s finally my chance to knock these teeth of yours down!”

Yahiko hurriedly said, “Ringo, let’s go, don’t disturb the Elder.”

Masahiko smiled and stopped him, “Well, I just a little impulsive just now. Now that I’ve calmed down, I’ll give you an idea.”

“Huh…” Ringo was about to speak again, but Yahiko hurriedly pulled her back.

Masahiko pondered slightly for a while, then raised his head and said, “The people who will join the Akatsuki must be S-Ranked ninjas, and the number doesn’t need to be large. One or two from each village should be ideal.”

“Sunagakure has determined that Sasori will be one of them and the other… Chiyo may join in for the sake of her grandson, so the candidates from there are basically determined.”

“The key is Iwagakure. In addition to Onoki, there are only three S-Ranked Shinobi in the village. His son Kitsuchi is unlikely to join. The possibility of the Gobi’s Jinchuriki joining is also relatively slight, so there’s only one left. The guy called, Taiseki, but I don’t know him very well… Oh, there is actually another candidate—the Yonbi’s Jinchuriki, who left Iwagakure because of some disagreements with Onoki a few years ago. If you can find him, I will make him join. The village then will have less interference. Also, there’s that kid. He doesn’t have a strong sense of belonging to Iwagakure….”

Masahiko pointed to the distance, and it was Deidara, riding a bird, and constantly yelling artistically: “True Art is An Explosion, Kai!”

On the other hand, Akatsuchi was silently casting Earth Release defensive technique and confronting Deidara.

Yahiko was startled: “The kid with yellow hair? He’s still too young, and he’s not strong enough to be an S-Ranked ninja, right?”

Masahiko shook his head and chuckled, “I don’t think you, The Akatsuki, can be formed any time soon. I’m sure that Hiruzen will keep considering this for two of three more years. Besides, there are also Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and other small ninja villages, waiting for you to visit. When you finish this trip, you will find him almost grown-up.”

Yahiko sighed, then said, “You mean, the Third Hokage-Sama is bullshitting….”

Masahiko waved his hand, “Figure it out yourself. I can only help you get there, and rest, you must work really hard to achieve it.”

Yahiko pondered for a moment, then nodded, “Thank you for your help, Elder!”

Watching the two walk away, Masahiko whispered, “Sure enough, it’s not that easy. Konoha won’t join easily. Hiruzen’s refusal is quite official….”