We, the Akatsuki, are the rightful authority in the Land of Rain!

Akatsuki base within the Land of Rain.

Inside the spacious and grand leader's office, a notice from Konoha regarding the Five Kage Summit lay quietly open on the table.

Kakuzu's fingertips lightly brushed over the Hokage seal on the paper, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes as he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

As expected of the Hokage, he truly exudes an aura of power!

Only a man like this is worthy of Kakuzu's sworn loyalty!

Composing himself, Kakuzu's face showed a hint of excitement, and his voice rose. "As expected of the Hanzō Hokage who single-handedly overwhelmed Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and even that old scoundrel Konoha!"

"To actually convene the Five Kage Summit here and redefine the rules of the Shinobi World, the Hokage's ambition is truly unmatched!"

Inside the office, the three young Akatsuki members, Yahiko, Nagato, Konan, stood quietly to one side, their eyes all fixed on the notice on the table.

Hearing Kakuzu's words, Yahiko looked puzzled and couldn't help but ask, "Lord Kakuzu, isn't this proclamation only sent to the leaders of the major Ninja Village and the Daimyo of the Shinobi World countries?"

"Our Akatsuki can only be considered a civilian force within the Land of Rain, so why did we receive an official ultimatum from Konoha? Is there some deeper meaning behind this?"

Upon hearing this, Kakuzu smiled faintly, a cold smile curving his lips, "Yahiko is right, there is indeed something to this."

"The biggest reason is that good-for -Hanzō. His ambition swelled up, and for his own selfish desires, he recklessly started the Second Shinobi World War, which ignited a war that lasted for several years in the Land of Land of Rain. The ninjas from those major Ninja Village wreaked havoc in our Land of Rain, wantonly slaughtering civilians."

"Most importantly, Hanzō ultimately suffered a crushing defeat and ended up in a sorry state."

"After this battle, Amegakure's reputation was ruined, and the trust Hanzō in the hearts of the people completely collapsed. He is no longer a hero in the eyes of the people of the Land of Rain; but a sinner who brought them war and the consequences of their defeat!"

"Furthermore, this defeat has caused the Land of Rain's status in the Shinobi World to plummet. Not to mention the major powers, even those smaller countries probably look down on the Land of Rain!"

At this point, Kakuzu's gaze swept over the three of them, and he continued, "In contrast, our Akatsuki is completely different from what Hanzō and his group have done; our Akatsuki is rooted in this chaotic world, constantly protecting and rescuing those suffering civilians, and is an organization wholeheartedly pursuing true peace."

"The Land of Rain today, with Amegakure as its Hanzō, is a corrupt relic of the past. They have committed countless evils and should be thoroughly eradicated and purified!"

"We, the Akatsuki, are the true heirs of the Land of Rain!"

At this point, Kakuzu's expression grew even more excited. He clenched his fist and said loudly, "Since we received Konoha's notification, it means that in Konoha's eyes, our Akatsuki is also a true force to be reckoned with."

"Then we absolutely must go to the Five Kage Summit in Konoha three months from now!"

"At that time, someone will definitely raise questions about the ownership of the Land of Rain and who is the rightful heir to the Land of Rain, regarding the issues between our Akatsuki and Hanzō's Amegakure."

"At that time, we'll settle this properly in front of the entire Shinobi World."

"Is the true heir of the Land of Rain the brutal and warlike Hanzō, or the Akatsuki, which is wholeheartedly devoted to good and protecting peace?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the room became slightly tense. Nagato stood silently to the side, his face pale and his eyes filled with confusion. He was completely listless.

Kakuzu keenly sensed Nagato's unusual behavior and immediately waved to Yahiko and Konan.

"Yahiko, Konan, you may leave now."

"I have a few private words to say to Nagato alone."

Upon hearing this, the two did not ask any further questions, nodded obediently, then glanced at Nagato, turned and left the office, gently closing the door behind them.

With the departure of the two, only Kakuzu and Nagato remained in the large room.

Kakuzu looked at Nagato, whose expression was dejected, and said in a deep voice, "Nagato, what have you thought about that matter I mentioned to you before?"

Nagato long silence, Nagato finally raised his head. The Rinnegan, which had once shaken the Shinobi World, was now dim and lifeless. His voice was as soft as the wind, full of self-mockery and sorrow. "Kakuzu, if you hadn't told me the truth before, I would still be kept in the dark."

"These Rinnegan eyes that I'm so proud of, supposedly inherited from the Sage of Six Paths, have never belonged to me."

"From beginning to end, I was merely a warm bed, a vessel, for others to store their eyes."

"What a ridiculous life!"

Nagato's voice was low, but then a glimmer of light appeared in his eyes, and his tone became incredibly firm. "But even if fate is so ridiculous, I am still grateful."

"I met you, Lord Kakuzu, and Yahiko Konan, and so many other companions."

"These bonds truly belong to me, Nagato, and are not the result of anyone else's manipulation."

At this point, his expression grew even more resolute, and he said earnestly, "Lord Kakuzu, I've thought it through!"

"These eyes never truly belonged to me; they are merely a burden and a shackle to me. I intend to return them to the person behind the scenes after we return from Konoha."

After saying this, Nagato slowly exhaled, as if she had let go of some burden.

Looking at Nagato, who seemed relieved, Kakuzu, who had watched the gentle boy grow up, Kakuzu his tense heart finally relax, and a deep sense of relief welled up in his eyes.

He stepped forward, looked earnestly at Nagato, and said meaningfully, "Very good, Nagato, it's best that you've come to your senses."

"You must understand, there's no such thing as a free lunch; and the Rinnegan is never some kind of stroke of luck, it's a time bomb hanging over your head, and indeed over all of us."

"As long as those eyes remain on you, that mysterious being lurking in the darkness will be watching you constantly, and even watching our Akatsuki."

"The safety of Yahiko, Konan, your parents, and the entire Akatsuki is tied to and controlled by these eyes."

At this point, Kakuzu paused slightly, patted Nagato on the shoulder, and solemnly said, "Only when you take off these eyes will you be truly liberated and truly able to live for yourself."

"You possess exceptional talent, unwavering resolve, and a foundation far surpassing that of ordinary people. With your dedicated and diligent training, and relying on your own aptitude, you too will be able to stand at the pinnacle of the Shinobi World and become a top-tier powerhouse."

"The future of Akatsuki, the rebirth of the Land of Rain, ultimately depends on your own efforts to protect it."

Nagato listened quietly to Kakuzu's words, his slender body straightening slightly, the confusion in his eyes disappearing, leaving only unprecedented clarity and determination.

Yes, it's just a pair of eyes. Without them, can't I, Nagato Uzumaki, become a strong person?

Lord Kakuzu, Yahiko, Konan, and everyone else...

I must diligently cultivate myself, and I must protect everyone!