The other party deduced something through the recent series of events in the Hyuga Clan.
Undoubtedly, this is a woman with extremely keen insight.
By observing slight changes in details, she can independently infer a lot of important information, even directly tracing back to Ayane.
It is enough to prove the opponent's intelligence and talent.
"There's something that needs to be handed over to Lord Hakushi. I originally intended for someone else to transfer it to Lord Hakushi, but due to the seriousness of the matter and the concern over unexpected incidents, if Lady Ayane delivers it personally, it will be foolproof."
Asami Shinsui took out a black scroll from the pocket of her white coat.
Ayane used the Byakugan to observe that a very powerful Sealing Technique was placed on the black scroll.
The complexity of this Sealing Technique made even Ayane frown slightly.
"Who?"
"Akatsuki."
Asami Shinsui uttered a single word.
This is the name of an organization.
It originated early in the Land of Rain, formed by a group of ambitious young people who shed blood and dreams to save the Land of Rain.
But with the outbreak of the Third Ninja Realm War, Akatsuki became a sacrificial casualty in the confrontation between Hidden Rain and Hidden Sand, laying the foundation for Konoha's great victory.
Most of Akatsuki's original members died at the hands of Konoha Root, including their first-generation leader Yahiko.
However, although most of Akatsuki's members became sacrifices to Konoha's victory in the war, they were not completely wiped out.
Two people managed to escape on that day.
Utilizing the critical timing when Konoha and Hidden Cloud went to war, Akatsuki's remnants eliminated Danzo, who betrayed Hidden Rain's interests, securing control over Hidden Rain Village and preventing Konoha from interfering.
According to intelligence personnel from the Land of Demons, Akatsuki has shown signs of revival over the past two or three years.
"Akatsuki?"
Ayane seemed to be contemplating something.
It's no wonder, others might not know much about Akatsuki's affairs, but for her, it wasn't much of a secret.
Akatsuki's leader is Nagato, possessing the legendary Rinnegan that only the Six Paths Sage had.
A few years ago, when she, Hakushi, and Ruri united to kill Madara, Nagato's strength was already significant.
Over the past few years, it's unknown to what extent his power has grown.
Overall, this poses a potential threat that is no weaker than the Five Great Nations.
In terms of concealment, they are not inferior to the Land of Demons.
"Yes."
For Nagato of Akatsuki seeking her and interacting with Hakushi, Asami Shinsui was not surprised at all.
Three years ago, they had briefly collaborated once, resulting in the sacrifice of Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato and his wife, significantly weakening Konoha's power.
With such a good foundation for cooperation, it was natural for Nagato to seek collaboration again through her as the intermediary.
"Recently, this organization has been quite reckless. It's said that that fellow Jiraiya seems to be investigating Akatsuki's whereabouts as well."
Ayane took the black scroll handed over by Asami Shinsui, planning to deliver it to Hakushi for processing.
"Jiraiya?"
Asami Shinsui was slightly shocked.
"Yeah, since Orochimaru left Konoha, it seems Jiraiya has been searching the Ninja Realm for traces of Orochimaru. Orochimaru seems to have had contact with Akatsuki afterward, leading Jiraiya to target Akatsuki."
"Akatsuki actually had contact with Orochimaru? That's certainly news."
Asami Shinsui showed an amused smile.
If she recalled correctly, the first-generation Akatsuki fell into a miserable condition largely because of Orochimaru behind the scenes.
At that time, Orochimaru was still a Commanding General of Konoha.
Rather than saying Hanzou died at the hands of Hidden Sand, it might be more accurate to say he died in Orochimaru's conspiracy.
Orochimaru betrayed the alliance with Hidden Rain and failed to arrive on the battleground as promised on the decisive day, causing Hanzou to be besieged and killed by Hidden Sand Ninja.
Afterward, to conceal the truth, Danzo from Root took immediate action and ruthlessly killed Akatsuki's leader along with most of its members, supporting Danzo's puppet to gain control of Hidden Rain Village.
Despite such a Sea of Blood enmity, Akatsuki actually cooperated with Orochimaru.
This seemed incredibly unbelievable to Asami Shinsui.
"The current leader of Akatsuki is not the type to be carefree. Be cautious when interacting with him."
Ayane warned Asami Shinsui.
"Ah, of course, I understand."
Asami Shinsui's expression turned extremely serious.
Holding such a Sea of Blood enmity with Orochimaru, Nagato of Akatsuki could still calmly interact and collaborate with him.
It's precisely because of this that Nagato of Akatsuki is even more dangerous.
Someone who sacrifices everything for their ideals, even tolerating a Sea of Blood enmity, is the most terrifying.
Such a person will undoubtedly become a formidable enemy someday.
A foe more formidable than the Five Great Nations.
◎
In the desolate small village, smoke rose everywhere.
Not long ago, this was a relatively peaceful village, but now it has turned into ruins.
"Really, still can't find satisfactory materials..."
Looking at a field of ninja corpses, a raspy, impatient voice came from a hunched man.
With rugged eyebrows, a thick voice, plus five tufts of hair on his head, he looked like a very crude adult male.
Moreover, his hunched body made him appear even more ugly and uncouth.
He wore a black robe with red clouds, his hands hidden within the sleeves.
Behind him was a metallic weapon resembling a scorpion's tail, its sharp tip and sides stained with copious amounts of blood, mingled with purple venom from the metallic tail, appearing extremely eerie.