Instead, Yahiko smiled and said, "We will, Nagato. We'll live to see that day!"
After a brief pause, he added, "For now, all we need to do is keep the villagers safe!"
There was still a note of optimism in Yahiko's voice. After all, this was the Akatsuki's proudest achievement of late, through dozens of clashes.
Thanks to the Akatsuki's protection, Amegakure had suffered damage to its buildings, but its people were safe.
Not one person had been injured or killed, young or old.
Only then did Nagato's expression soften a little.
It was something they could take credit for.
Once the two warring groups had left Amegakure, Yahiko and Nagato let the people out of the shelters.
The shelters were safe, but people still had to live their lives.
Nagato and Yahiko stood on either side of the entrance, watching the people file out.
As Yahiko looked at their faces, a bitter feeling settled in his heart.
At first, these people had been deeply grateful to them. But after it happened enough times,
the gratitude on their faces had gradually disappeared, replaced by a numb look.
Just as they were about to head back, Yahiko and Nagato heard someone muttering in the crowd.
"Who knows if they really mean to help us? They've got the strength. Why don't they just drive those people off?"
"Exactly. Instead, they make us hide here and there day after day."
"Maybe they're just afraid of dying and don't want anyone to call them out on it!"
The words sent a sharp pang through Yahiko's heart.
His immediate reaction, though, was to look at Nagato.
Nagato's expression was complicated, but when he looked at Yahiko, his eyes were full of sorrow and helplessness.
In that moment, even Yahiko's convictions wavered.
Yahiko stepped up to