For soone like Madara, already long gone from the world, the best outco would have been to remain buried beneath the earth.
But now that he had resurfaced to stir up trouble… everyone felt uneasy, even anxious—including Hanzō.
After all…
He was a living legend.
Back then, the only one who could stand against Uchiha Madara was Senju Hashirama. But Hashirama had long since passed away, and now suppressing Madara again would not be so simple.
At this mont, Hanzō even found himself hoping that Nagato's eyes truly did belong to Madara.
That way…
At least they could comfort themselves with the thought that Madara no longer wielded the strength he once had at his peak, and that even the younger generation might still have a chance at defeating him.
Or perhaps…
After so many years, even soone like Madara could not escape the erosion of ti. Maybe he had not died, but had grown old and withered, his strength no longer what it once was.
Because otherwise…
Madara Uchiha in his pri was a force so overwhelming it left no room for hope.
Yahiko, however, seed calr.
For him, the na "Madara" was only a legend, a figure of history. It carried none of the suffocating pressure felt by those who had actually lived through the Senju–Uchiha era.
To him, Madara was sothing he had learned about only through books and intelligence reports.
And so…
He was steadier than Hanzō.
Kyoichi's intentions were already clear—join forces to eliminate Uchiha Madara. Not just their two villages, but the entire shinobi world united, to first remove Madara from the board.
Hanzō accompanied Kyoichi to seek out Nagato.
Nagato was with Konan.
Most of the ti, Konan was busier than Nagato. Her paper jutsu was invaluable—whether for crafting explosive tags or for communication.
What's more…
She now doubled as a teacher at the academy, overseeing its entire curriculum. Her days were packed, and only recently had she gotten a rare break.
Which was why…
When Kyoichi arrived, he was greeted by the rich aroma of simring at.
"Slls wonderful, Konan. Did you make a portion for too?"
"Eh? Kyoichi-kun, what brings you here?"
Konan poked her head out, dressed casually at ho. At the sight of Kyoichi, her face lit up with surprise and delight. She greeted him warmly—only then noticing Jiraiya standing behind him.
"Hmph… so people only have eyes for Kyoichi. They don't even see their teacher… sigh, such is the fate of us masters."
"Sensei! What are you saying?"
Konan was speechless. Truly… she just… hadn't seen him.
Well…
Compared to Kyoichi's height, looks, and presence, Jiraiya wasn't exactly the first one to catch the eye.
She gave a little "tsk" and chose not to humor his sulking.
"Sensei. Hanzō-sama. Kyoichi."
Nagato greeted each of them.
Since everyone here was already familiar, a bow and courtesy were enough before the group quickly relaxed. Especially with Jiraiya and Konan's lighthearted banter, the atmosphere ward at once.
Jiraiya imdiately drifted toward the kitchen.
After the long journey, he really was hungry, and the sll of at only made it worse.
Kyoichi didn't rush into business. He chatted casually with Nagato, all the while quietly using a clone and sage chakra to probe beneath the earth.
No trace of White Zetsu.
"How is it?"
Hanzō, sensing Kyoichi's chakra flow, guessed he was scanning the underground.
Kyoichi gave a faint shake of his head.
"Nothing for now. Can't say whether they were here before, but at least this area is clear of eavesdroppers."
"That's a relief…"
Hanzō let out a breath.
If their enemy had grown bold enough to infiltrate even here, he wouldn't know what to say.
Nagato was puzzled, but he kept silent. He simply watched, waiting for Kyoichi and Hanzō to explain on their own. If they didn't… well, that was fine.
When the ti ca, he'd learn what he needed to.
And if it wasn't ti yet, then clearly he wasn't ant to know. Either way, Yahiko would never betray him.
"Shall we tell them?"
Yahiko looked toward Kyoichi.
Kyoichi gave a light nod. Yahiko then carefully laid out the entire situation. Konan, hearing everything from the kitchen, abandoned her cooking to co out and listen.
Leaving Jiraiya to mind the food.
When the story ended…
Nagato himself remained calm, but Konan spoke up first:
"If only Kyoichi can detect their movents, then I support sending Nagato to Konoha. If he stays in Agakure, everyone could be in danger."
"I agree."
Yahiko nodded firmly.
Nagato stayed silent in thought.
From the kitchen, Jiraiya gave the pot a stir, added so water, then poked his head out:
"I think it's not just about Nagato. You two are in danger as well. Madara may be old, but his skill in controlling others is formidable. Who's to say he won't manipulate you both?"
"This…"
Yahiko and Konan exchanged glances.
It was… a real possibility.
They knew Nagato's character better than anyone. If either of them were taken hostage and Madara demanded a trade, Nagato wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice himself.
That was a weakness waiting to be exploited.
Yet…
While Agakure might function without Nagato, it could not do without Yahiko and Konan. Especially at this crucial ti—if they left, both the village and the budding alliance of smaller villages would be thrown into disarray.
Even Hanzō couldn't nod so easily now.
The room fell into silence.
"Isn't there another way? Nagato holds no official post in the village. But Konan and I do, and at present Agakure has no one else to take our places."
Yahiko finally spoke. He was the one most suited to address it.
"It's fine. I'll explain Madara's thods of control in detail—you should be able to prepare against them. He primarily uses genjutsu, sotis supplented by a kind of talisman, possibly tied to the heart."
Kyoichi laid out all the intelligence he had gathered.
Yahiko and Konan listened intently.
In the end, Kyoichi added:
"If you don't mind, I can send a Hyūga squad here. If you fall under genjutsu, they'll be able to detect it instantly and help break you free."
"No objection…"
Hanzō agreed without hesitation.
Though many matters in Agakure could not be revealed to Konoha, none of that outweighed the survival of the village. As for the suspicion that Kyoichi might be fabricating all this…
Based on their dealings, Hanzō thought not.
Kyoichi's strength was far too great for him to need such petty tricks. With subordinates like White Zetsu, keeping them hidden was far more beneficial than exposing them.
And besides…
The situation in Kirigakure was impossible to fake. Anyone could confirm it afterward.
Nagato finally spoke, just one line:
"Then I'll go to Konoha. I've wanted to see it for myself."
As the wielder of the Rinnegan, he had always rembered Jiraiya's advice—to guard his eyes with caution. That was why, during Danzō's ti, he had never dared approach Konoha.
But now Danzō was gone. With Kyoichi at the helm, there was less to fear.
And besides… Nagato was curious.
Konoha, under Kyoichi's leadership…
Might well be the model the entire shinobi world would one day follow.
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