Justice's Perseverance and Romance

My first impression was that this guy was strong.

How should I put it? Instinct.

When the two men looked at each other, they could both sense an ominous premonition of danger from the other.

There was also an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if they had known each other for a very long time.

They smiled at each other.

"Hello."

The orange-haired man warmly took the blond man's hand.

"Welcome to our organization, Akatsuki!"

"I'm Akatsuki's founder, Yahiko."

"From today onward, we'll be comrades fighting side by side."

The leader's smile was highly infectious, warm and sunny, making him somewhat overwhelming.

Minato scratched his cheek. He had thought infiltrating the organization would take a great deal of effort, but he had never expected it to be this easy. He had merely wandered around the streets and happened to run into someone who looked like he was recruiting people. After a few casual exchanges, he had been brought here. He was at a loss.

Should he say this man was simply careless, or that he had a truly magnanimous heart?

He had not shown the slightest suspicion.

"Um, leader."

"Just call me Yahiko! Within the organization, we aren't superior and subordinate—we're brothers!" With a passionate, innocent smile untouched by the slightest impurity, Yahiko laughed heartily. "There's no need to be so serious. We're all striving toward a better future."

"Yeah! Newcomer! Come have a drink with us."

Inside the lively yet dilapidated beer hall, like-minded comrades raised their cups.

Minato looked over the packed tavern. Among them were not only people dressed as shinobi, but even more ordinary civilians.

There were at least several hundred people.

Was this the small group his teacher had mentioned?

Rather, its momentum was excellent.

"Um." Minato insisted, "Is it really all right to let