Yahiko looked at the handsome young man before him.
"You're Byakuryu?"
"Yes, Lord Yahiko."
The man was tall and slender, his long black hair neatly tied into a ponytail. He looked somewhat frail overall.
Yahiko studied the man's file. A native of the Land of Rain, his family had been torn apart by war, and he had lived as a refugee ever since. He had joined mercenary groups, worked as a guard for merchant caravans, and traveled through many countries, including the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, the Land of Rain, the Land of Rice Paddies, and the Land of Grass.
All of this information had come from oral accounts, so it was not especially reliable. This man still needed to be thoroughly investigated.
If it was all true and his character proved suitable, then he was indeed the kind of person Akatsuki needed.
Only those who had suffered the pain of war would hate it and want to stop it!
Yahiko said, "Since Nagato thinks so highly of you, stay in the village from now on. But you'll have to start as a genin."
Byakuryu said, "As long as I can stay by Lord Nagato's side."
Yahiko chuckled and looked at Nagato. "I never expected you to have a follower too, Nagato."
Nagato looked slightly embarrassed at that.
Yahiko nodded to Byakuryu. "Everyone in Amegakure is a companion. From now on, help one another."
"Yes!"
Nagato took Byakuryu away. Since Byakuryu was a wandering ninja Nagato had brought back to Amegakure, he had been staying at the village inn.
Now that he had officially joined the village, housing would be arranged for him, and he would receive some relief funds during his first month.
On the way to the registration office, Nagato instructed Byakuryu, "Byakuryu, you're now