Konoha's Response

After distributing the trash, Yichen and the three Akatsuki Organization finally had time to talk about other things. Yichen first introduced Kanako to Konan.

Upon seeing Konan, Kanako immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Konan- sensei, thank you for your guidance."

Konan was also happy to see Kanako; seeing this little girl was like seeing herself when she was a child. Seeing the two of them walk aside and whisper secrets that only girls studying art could understand, Yichen and the other two resolutely didn't join them.

Yichen then summoned Uchiyama Takuhiro and said to Nagato, "Nagato, this is Uchiyama Takuhiro, my disciple from Team Four. I taught him the Gravity Ninjutsu, and now he has learned the Light-Weight Rock Technique, but he hasn't learned the Banshō Ten'in. Can you help me see where the problem lies?"

When Nagato heard this, he was very envious of Yichen. Over the years, he had also taken on disciples, but unfortunately, all of them were normal disciples. None of them had the talent for gravity, Soul Talent, or Summoning Jutsu. His disciples were all normal Ninjutsu Ninja or Taijutsu Ninja.

Yichen couldn't help Nagato with this matter. It was quite by chance that Yichen accepted Uchiyama Takuhiro disciple. Even if he were asked to find someone with talent in gravity, he wouldn't be able to.

Nagato also took Uchiyama Takuhiro to the side, while Yichen and Yahiko sat in front of the building's entrance, chatting idly while watching the continuous rain.

As for Yichen's disciples, the members of the Akatsuki Organization began sparring with each other.

Of course, the Akatsuki Organization wouldn't challenge Kawakita to a duel. Yichen had taken Kawakita to the Land of Rivers before, and the Akatsuki Organization members knew Kawakita and were aware of Kawakita strength; the two were not on the same level.

The Akatsuki Organization Yichen mainly challenged three familiar members of Team Two, while others targeted Team Three and Four, and Team Four. Deidara and his newly graduated Genin little attention, which greatly displeased Deidara.

However, having just witnessed the earth-shattering power of Yichen and his group, he dared not act recklessly. Deidara secretly resolved that once he returned, he would learn a few more moves from the old man and teach these clueless fools a lesson next time he came.

Seeing that the disciples of both sides got along well, and that Kanako and Uchiyama Takuhiro had also gained a lot, Yichen decided to stay in Amegakure for a few more days.

A few days later, Yichen bid farewell to Yahiko and the others, and then embarked on his return journey with his disciples, who had developed friendships with the Akatsuki Organization kids.

On the way back, Deidara cautiously asked Yichen, "Brother Yichen, will we come to the Land of Rain again next time?"

Yichen asked curiously, "What's wrong? Is there anything else?"

Deidara said, "I lost this fight against the Akatsuki Organization, but I'll get my revenge next time."

Yichen shook his head and said, "I don't know when I'll be back next time, but you can come by yourself. When you come, you can go to the new Amegakure or the new River Ninja Village to find the person you're looking for."

"A new Amegakure?" Deidara asked, puzzled. He looked back at the ruined Amegakure and figured Yichen probably meant the rebuilt Amegakure.

"Kanako, Takuhiro, how's your progress this time?" Yichen hadn't paid much attention to their cultivation these past two days, so he was quite curious.

Kanako said excitedly, "I'm almost mastering the real Paper Style Jutsu! In the future, I'll be able to create paper directly with Chakra, just like Konan- sensei!"

Uchiyama Takuhiro also said with a smile, "Teacher Yichen, I'm almost ready to learn the Banshō Ten'in, and Teacher Nagato has also taught me the training method for Shinra Tensei."

Yichen smiled but didn't say anything. It seemed that Nagato was still bothered by the lack of a suitable disciple.

Finding a suitable disciple depends on fate. In fact, although Yichen has taken in many disciples, none of them are exactly like him. There are a few who are similar, though.

For example, Ogura Saki is developing bloodline limits just like Yichen, and Kawazoe Yura is skilled in Sealing Jutsu. But they are only partially similar to Yichen.

As for Kanako and Uchiyama Takuhiro, Kanako Konan and Nagato envied, they were not actually Yichen's ideal disciples.

While Yichen and the others were leisurely Earth Flow back to the village, Konoha had already received news that Amegakure had been captured Akatsuki Organization the Akatsuki Iwagakure.

Tsunade solemnly convened High-Level Meeting.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the intelligence report, took a deep breath, and then sighed helplessly, "Another ninja village has been destroyed. Another Kage Level ninja has fallen in battle."

Tsunade fell silent. The previous ninja village to be destroyed was Uzushio Village Uzushio Village, which was also her grandmother's maternal home. The destruction of Uzushio Village was also due to the fact that Konoha's rescue efforts were not timely.

As for Hanzo's death, no one was really that shocked. Hanzo was old, and by old he meant old in spirit, just like Hiruzen Sarutobi now, whose mentality had aged because of the Uchiha incident.

However, the Konoha High-ranking officials was not focused on this; rather, they were concerned with the strength of the Akatsuki Organization its relationship with Iwagakure.

The Akatsuki Organization has two Kage Level, while Iwagakure already has Three Kage-level. If they join forces with the Akatsuki Organization, their high-end combat strength will surpass that of Konoha. Not to mention, Iwa ninja also has two Tailed Beasts, and both of Iwagakure's Jinchuriki are in their prime.

As for the Tailed Beast, Konoha only has one Nine-Tails Jinchuriki who is still an infant, and one Seven-Tails that needs to be returned. As for Kage Level, Konoha only has three Kage Level creatures on the surface: Shimura Danzō Hiruzen Sarutobi, Tsunade, and Tsunade.

As for Fugaku Uchiha the Mangekyo, even if Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others knew, they would only feel more uneasy.

Seeing Tsunade's pale face, Hiruzen Sarutobi comforted her, "Tsunade, we've seen the rise of Iwagakure's power, not only have we, but also Sunagakure and Cloud ninja have. We can use diplomatic means to limit Iwa ninja's development."

"At this time, we should win over the Cloud ninja and sow discord between the Sunagakure and the Iwa ninja. As long as the other Four Great Nations are hostile to each other, we will eventually regain our strength." This is true. That's what the Third Hokage did when he first took power, and he did the same thing after the Nine-Tails' Rampage in the original story.

Although the Third Hokage was constantly embroiled in internal strife, he was still quite adept at political maneuvering, consistently striving to give Konoha a chance to recuperate and rebuild.

As it turned out, he did get what he was waiting for; he met Naruto, his savior.

Although the Third Hokage didn't live to see Naruto's true rise to power, Yichen also felt that Konoha's ability to survive until the very end was inseparable from Hiruzen Sarutobi's methods.

At this point, Danzo also stepped forward to express his support for Hiruzen Sarutobi. This was because Hiruzen Sarutobi had secured his power through a combination of overt and covert Danzo with Danzo.

If Tsunade is to do what Hiruzen Sarutobi did, then she must make good use of Danzo.

Tsunade thought for a moment and said, "Then let's do it this way. Also, let's hold a Joint Chunin Exams. Invite the Sunagakure, Cloud ninja, and Mist ninja to participate."

"Let's put the Iwa ninja issue aside for now. What about the Akatsuki Organization? The Akatsuki Organization destroyed the Land of Rain, which fully demonstrates their restlessness. We must take strong measures to strike at the Akatsuki Organization." Danzo, seeing that his suggestion had finally been adopted, immediately began to speak enthusiastically.

Tsunade frowned. It wasn't that she didn't want to destroy the Akatsuki Organization, but her strength wouldn't allow it. She couldn't very well, as the Fifth Hokage, lead the Third Hokage, Danzo as an advisor, and a Danzo of Elite Jonin directly storm their doorstep.

But if we don't do this, it seems we can't win either. Intelligence indicates that the Akatsuki Organization may have two Kage Level. Besides Nagato, who possesses the Rinnegan, their leader Yahiko may also have Kage Level strength. This can be seen from the fact that Rasa preferred to offend Hanzo by invading from the Land of Rain rather than offend the Akatsuki Organization by invading from the Land of Rivers. Rasa definitely knows something.

Seeing that Tsunade didn't respond, and feeling a bit awkward, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately said, "Let's send someone to thoroughly investigate the Akatsuki Organization's strength first."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's approach was consistent with his usual style: to stall until Konoha recovered and until more Kage Level Konoha appeared.

"How is Kakashi?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.

Tsunade her head and said, "He's still the same, looking like he has no will to live. I'm thinking of having him join the Anbu; maybe doing more missions will help."

Hiruzen Sarutobi has some hope; originally, Kakashi was Konoha's most promising genius to become Kage Level expert in the near future.

"How are Namiashi Raido, Tatami Iwashi, and Genma Shiranui's Flying Thunder God Techniques Namiashi Raidō?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked again.

"Progress is going relatively smoothly, but it will still take the three of them quite a while to learn it. And even if they do learn it, they can only teleport one or two people or things; they won't be able to fully unleash the power of the Flying Thunder God Technique like the Fourth Hokage did," Tsunade replied.

Hiruzen Sarutobi then looked at Danzo and asked, "How's the cultivation of the Nanoscale Poisonous Insects going?"

Danzo was taken aback by Hiruzen Sarutobi's question. How did Hiruzen Sarutobi know he was researching this? Could there be a traitor in Root? But the Root member were all controlled by the Cursed Seal; they couldn't possibly betray him.

After a long while, seeing that Hiruzen Sarutobi was still staring at him, Danzo said in a strained voice, "It's not successful yet; it will take time too."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, giving Danzo a deep look. He had actually been Danzo; he didn't have concrete information, only guesses based on Danzo's actions. And indeed, his guess was right— Danzo was conducting research in this area.

No longer dwelling on Danzo's shortcomings, Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to ask Tsunade, "How many gates has Might Guy mastered in his Eight Inner Gates?"

Tsunade was also aware of the power of the Eight Inner Gates and had been paying attention to it as well, saying, "You've reached the fourth gate; your progress is rapid."

Taking a puff of his pipe, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked again, "How strong is that Shisui Uchiha from the Uchiha Clan now?"

Tsunade taken aback. She really didn't know this. She didn't understand why Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly asked about Shisui Uchiha.

Danzo's eyes flashed, and he cursed inwardly, "Damn it, Hiruzen Sarutobi me to it again."

Sure enough, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "This Shisui Uchiha is the inheritor of the Will of Fire. I heard he wants to join the Anbu. Tsunade, approve his request and let him be my bodyguard."

Danzo wanted to say something at this moment: Shisui Uchiha clearly wanted to join Root; he wanted to resolve the misunderstanding between himself and the Uchiha Clan. However, having just been startled by Hiruzen Sarutobi about the Nanoscale Poisonous Insects, Danzo was somewhat hesitant.

Tsunade didn't think much of it; she also hoped that more members of the Uchiha Clan would inherit the Will of Fire, so she nodded in agreement.

After establishing the basic strategy for dealing with the current situation, Tsunade adjourned the meeting.