With a few words, the follow-up plan of action was set.
Konan came to her senses, suddenly realizing that she had been poisoned by the incredibly potent Salamander venom, yet she hadn't died!
When did the organization acquire such an excellent medical talent?
Konan was puzzled, her gaze falling upon the female clerk standing by the bedside.
This was the only medical Shinobi at the "Peace" Supermarket.
"Axu, can you cure the Salamander's poison?"
As she asked, a rare, clear smile appeared on Konan's face.
After all, being able to cure the Salamander's poison was profoundly significant!
It could reduce the organization's casualties by at least one-third!
Such a medical talent is a rare find! Now that Akatsuki possessed one, how could this not be a joyous occasion?
However, Sawai shook her head, shattering Konan's beautiful vision.
"Konan-sama, I was not the one who cured your poison; it was the antidote provided by the manager."
"Megumai?!"
Konan was startled and subconsciously turned her head to look at Megumai.
A civilian was actually able to produce an antidote for the Salamander's poison?
Konan acutely realized that something was amiss.
Looking across the Shinobi World, only Hanzo the Salamander himself, Tsunade of Konoha, and Chiyo of Sunagakure had the ability to create this antidote, and they controlled this strategic medicine very strictly.
External forces essentially had no chance to seize it.
Since Megumai possessed the antidote, she must have some connection to Amegakure, Konoha, or Sunagakure-she couldn't be a civilian!
Upon this thought, Konan was inwardly horrified.
She never expected that two years ago, among so many civilians, she had specifically chosen a Shinobi!
At the same time, Sawai smiled and added, "Konan-sama, the manager is no ordinary person! A while ago, the manager instantly killed a Jonin on the street!"
This news had been sent back to the headquarters via messenger hawk by the clerk on the day Megumai revealed her strength.
However, Konan had already set off for Kouun City at that time and happened to miss it.
Therefore, upon hearing Megumai's feat now, she was greatly astonished, "Instantly killed a Jonin?!"
Konan furrowed her brows, countless thoughts tangled in her mind.
Megumai, on the side, corrected her, "That person might not have been a Jonin; perhaps they just had some minor skill in Taijutsu."
Was that the point?
No!
Konan automatically filtered out Megumai's words.
She didn't care whether the person Megumai instantly killed was a Jonin or a Chunin!
What she cared about was that she had been utterly mistaken in her judgment back then!
The seemingly helpless, floating, weak woman carrying her infant son in the busy city that year was actually a deeply hidden master!
Konan felt she had been deceived, and the previously unexamined doubts immediately surfaced.
No wonder Megumai, despite being so beautiful, was able to flee with her son and remain unharmed.
So, she possessed extraordinary skills!
Reflecting on the past, Konan couldn't help but feel emotional.
Establishing the "Peace" Supermarket as an intelligence post was initially just a casual move.
She never expected that a chance effort would yield an unexpected result, and the "Peace" Supermarket would gradually reveal its importance to the overall situation.
Hiring Megumai as the manager was initially an act of kindness.
She never expected that two years later, Megumai would save her life.
Konan sighed softly and lamented, "Megumai, you hid yourself so deeply. I didn't detect anything these two years."
Megumai gave an apologetic smile, "The world is not peaceful, and a single mother with a child can only be so careful. I am deeply grateful for your care these two years."
Konan shook her head, looking at the familiar person before her.
"It should be me who is grateful to you. I merely provided a trivial position, but you saved my life!"
With that, Konan got out of bed and bowed deeply.
Megumai reached out to gently support her, saying, "Mutual help is all a matter of fate."
According to her style of navigating the Shinobi World, she was always self-concerned, ignoring people she met by chance.
Even if a passerby was a victim on the brink of death, Megumai would not interfere or lend a helping hand.
However, if someone showed kindness to her, she would certainly repay that kindness; if not with a profound return, then at least by ensuring they didn't suffer a loss.
Konan had kindly offered a well-paid and easy job.
Now, Megumai, with a simple act, had proactively provided an antidote to save her life.
...
"Megumai, may I ask which hidden village you are from?" Konan asked curiously.
Megumai shook her head. "It's all history, and there is no benefit in talking about it. Now, I am only a mother, unrelated to any village."
"I see."
Konan didn't press the matter and changed the subject.
"Do you have any antidote left over? We are planning an ambush against the Amegakure Shinobis next. Having an antidote reserve would significantly increase our chances of success."
"The stock is very low. However, I can prepare more now."
"Prepare more now?" Konan's tone lifted slightly. "Megumai, are you a medical Shinobi?!"
"I know a thing or two."
"A true talent!" Konan nodded repeatedly, genuinely sighing in admiration.
A Shinobi who understands both cutting-edge medicine and can fight is extremely precious, and their strategic importance on the battlefield is self-evident. A talent like this could shine in any village. After all, who doesn't get sick or injured?
With such a rare talent right before her, Konan couldn't resist the urge to recruit her.
How could Akatsuki, which aims to pacify Amegakure and achieve peace in the Shinobi World, overlook such a talent?
Konan adopted a solemn expression and said seriously, "Megumai, you are a free person. I want to invite you to join Akatsuki and work together to achieve the great cause of peace!"
Megumai refused without hesitation.
"I regret to say that the focus of my life is my son, and everything must be governed by his needs. I cannot wholeheartedly dedicate myself to fighting for world peace."
"..."
Konan was speechless.
She couldn't bring herself to utter lies like 'joining Akatsuki won't affect your child's life.'
After all, in the Shinobi profession, one's life could be lost any day, especially in a high-frequency combat organization like Akatsuki.
Konan felt deeply disappointed but did not try to persuade her further.
She knew very well that a vague, distant vision of peace could not overcome a mother's concrete love for her child.
Especially since Megumai was raising her child alone; to say 'her son is her lifeblood' would be no exaggeration.
Asking her to neglect Seiya to create peace for the Shinobi World would be a pipe dream!
Konan let out a soft sigh, full of regret.
Megumai took this opportunity to state, "In fact, I have already planned to resign as manager and leave the Tetsu no Kuni with Seiya-kun."
Konan looked surprised and asked, "Why?"
"The time of the Shinobi Wars has passed, and the Tetsu no Kuni's neutral status is no longer an advantage but a drawback. It has become increasingly unstable recently. I need to find a stable environment for Seiya to grow up in."
"Yes, the Tetsu no Kuni is becoming more chaotic."
Konan sighed and nodded in agreement.
"It's a good thing the base has been exposed; we need to relocate and re-plan. Megumai, you should take Seiya-kun and leave shortly."
"No, I'll leave after dealing with this wave of Amegakure Shinobis," Megumai said calmly.
"Since they targeted the 'Peace' Supermarket, they must know that I am the manager. I won't feel at ease until these people are dealt with."
⚔️ Level Up This Fanfic! ⚔️
Every 500 Power Stones = 2 BONUS CHAPTERS! 🚀
Want faster releases? Show your support—drop those Power Stones, leave a review, and light up the comments! Your engagement keeps this story going strong!
Let's make this novel unstoppable—Power Stones, comments, and reviews are the ultimate power-up! 💥