I Have a Dream

Before long, the group arrived at the entrance to the Hokage Office.

After the Konoha ninja knocked and reported to Sarutobi Hiruzen, he turned to Yahiko and the others and said softly, "You may go in now. Be careful not to offend Lord Hokage."

"Absolutely not."

Yahiko and the other two exchanged glances, their hearts fluttering with excitement. At last, they would meet the legendary strongest Hokage, the Shinobi World Professor, Jiraiya-sensei's teacher!

They said the Third Hokage loved peace. Their dream would surely come true, right?

The group pushed open the door and looked around curiously. The first thing they saw was Sarutobi Hiruzen seated with his back to the floor-to-ceiling window.

After bowing respectfully to the great man, they stepped up to his desk and introduced themselves. "Lord Hokage, hello.

My name is Yahiko. These are my companions, Nagato and Konan. The three of us have come as Lord Hanzo's envoys to invite you to the Peace Conference that will soon be held in Amegakure.

If there is anything you wish to know about this Peace Conference, you may ask us."

Oh?

That tone did not sound like that of ordinary envoys.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's curiosity was piqued. He asked, "A few days ago, Orochimaru sent back a battle report saying that an organization called Akatsuki had emerged within the Land of Rain.

This organization is young and influential, and it hopes to bring peace to the Ninja World without bloodshed.

You are..."

"That's right. We founded Akatsuki."

Yahiko's eyes gleamed with excitement. Akatsuki's name had actually reached the Hokage already. It seemed that he was walking the right path.

What a joke. Orochimaru had sent back that information because he thought Akatsuki might affect Konoha's defensive arrangements in the Land of Rain, and he had asked Sarutobi Hiruzen