Kitsuchi pointed at the Deva Path Clone, which was also Onoki's decision. Their Hidden Rock Village tried everything but couldn't kill the Golden Flash, who now died at the hands of someone from the Akatsuki Organization.
Whether it was because the Golden Flash was careless, or the Rinnegan was too strong, no one knew.
"The Akatsuki Organization has its own goals..."
"No matter how good your goals are, you can't change the fact that you're wanted by Hidden Rain and Konoha. Join the Hidden Rock Village, and at least we won't take your Rinnegan. If you side with the Hidden Cloud Ninja, you'll realize the benefits of Hidden Rock Village... Do you have anywhere else to go besides Hidden Rock?"
Kitsuchi paused, then continued, "Even if you want to return to Hidden Rain to deal with Hanzo, Hidden Rock will support you; the premise is that you help Hidden Rock and, after taking over Hidden Rain Village, form an alliance with Hidden Rock."
This combination of threats and promises left Nagato silent, and after a while, he finally spoke, "I need to think about it."
"Alright, this mission will take a long time anyway, so think about it carefully. Hidden Rock is the most sincere towards you."
With that, Kitsuchi allowed the two to leave.
This time, Hidden Rock Village planned to explore for another month, clearing the surrounding beasts near the suspected locations of the Four-tailed and Five-tailed beasts, after which only a few ninjas would need to remain before they could return.
Moreover, the Hidden Rock camp did not allow outsiders. Even though some hired Wandering Ninjas had followed them, they were only allowed to enter when receiving their payment and supplies; the rest of the time, they camped outside.
Once they returned, Konan couldn't help but ask, "Nagato, should we agree to Hidden Rock's request?"
"I need to consider it, Konan. There are benefits to agreeing; at least we can get support... and we are also closer to the two Tailed Beasts, and can still seek revenge against Hanzo!"
Upon hearing that nearly all the Akatsuki Organization members were captured, Nagato didn't show much reaction, but he had shared many experiences with some of the old members.
"Should we ask Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha... Madara for their opinion?"
"No need, Uchiha Fugaku just needs to complete the task. As for Uchiha Madara... Konan, don't trust him."
Nagato kept Yahiko's words in mind, and he also doubted Uchiha Obito's intentions. If Obito was truly concerned for them, why hadn't he given the possession-capable creature to him?
"Let me think about this..."
Although he said that, Nagato was already leaning towards Kitsuchi's offer. Aligning with or cooperating with Hidden Rock seemed to have no downsides besides temporarily postponing the Akatsuki Organization's goals, especially since they were short on manpower and couldn't execute their plans.
"Konan, after this matter is concluded, you and Uchiha Fugaku should recruit members for the Akatsuki Organization, starting with the person White Zetsu mentioned."
"I understand, Nagato."
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"Has Kushina arrived? Welcome... Minami, it seems today is the Chunin Exam day. Aren't you planning to watch it?"
Upon returning home, Uchiha Yoichi found Minami and Kushina chatting over snacks by the sofa, with three children sleeping nearby.
"Lord Yoichi, you're back..."
With a happy smile, Uzumaki Minami approached Uchiha Yoichi and said, "The second exam isn't very interesting, so I thought I'd wait until the third exam. However, Itachi and the others have already gone to the square to watch."
"By the way, Lord Yoichi, Kushina has something to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
As Uchiha Yoichi asked, he also went to the sofa, but upon seeing the three children in the baby carriage, he first picked up Uzumaki Naruto.
Spiritual Clone Jutsu.
As the Spiritual Clone entered deeply into Uzumaki Naruto's body, it could still perceive that extreme Yang Power; having also cultivated the basic techniques of a Spiritual Mind Master, Uchiha Yoichi's perception was becoming ever sharper.
Thus, he could now clearly sense the Yang Release Chakra inside Uzumaki Naruto, growing day by day.
"Mr. Yoichi, is there something wrong with Naruto?"
"Nothing much. What's your reason for seeking me?"
Uchiha Yoichi shook his head while asking, realizing there was no need to mention Asura.
Seeing that Uchiha Yoichi didn't want to talk about it, Kushina became a bit more serious and expressed her request, "Naruto has grown, and I would like to ask for your help in controlling the Nine-tailed Chakra."
"That matter? Of course, it's no problem. I should have helped sooner had I not overlooked it. But we'll have to temporarily release the seal on you. The key should be with you, right?"
Uchiha Yoichi pointed to Kushina's abdomen, explaining that the Chakra extraction would be faster after unlocking the seal, and he intended to take more Chakra this time.
"The key is with me..."
Noticing Kushina's concern, Uchiha Yoichi said, "Don't worry. After unlocking the seal, the Nine-tails won't be able to move. Besides, Minami will be right here; she can always add another layer of the Four Symbols Seal!"
"That's right, Kushina. If you show any signs of the Nine-tailed Transformation, I will seal you immediately."
Uzumaki Minami said with a cheerful smile, lifting her arm to show her strength. "And I trust Lord Yoichi. He can definitely control the Nine-tails."
"Thank you, Mr. Yoichi."
Recalling that Uchiha Yoichi had been able to control the Nine-tails before, Kushina thought he must be even stronger now, so she agreed without hesitation.
"Minami, create a clone to take care of the children, then come with me to the basement. But Kushina, let me make it clear, I will take half of the Nine-tailed Chakra this time."
"Just half? That's fine, I agree."
Kushina readily agreed. Previously, she could only get a fifth of it; getting half this time was more than double the amount.