Chapter 345

“Is this Konoha?”

“So prosperous, so peaceful, so tranquil…”

“Perhaps in today’s entire ninja world, Konoha is the only place that can enjoy peace.”

“That’s certainly true—even the five major war zones of the Land of Fire haven’t had peace lately.”

“In my view, it’s only temporary. We just need to annex other nations; once that’s done, the war will end.”

“… ”

The people present all began speaking.

Standing on the Hokage Building’s rooftop, gazing down at the peaceful, prosperous Konoha, the members of Akatsuki all sighed in reflection.

This was only natural!

Even though they were all missing-nin, nearly all of them had their own pursuits—none were born to love killing.

Kakuzu was betrayed by the Hidden Waterfall Village, Sasori and Deidara sought art, and Kisame abandoned his village after his beliefs shattered.

They joined Obito’s side to pursue peace.

Nagato especially—no matter how crude his methods, his core goal was peace.

“Nagato…”

“Konan!”

As the group admired Konoha’s beauty, Konan suddenly appeared on the rooftop.

Nagato, seeing Konan, smiled faintly.

Especially as he thought of never again having to fight—that he, Konan, and the resurrected Minato would all enjoy lasting peace in Konoha—his smile carried genuine warmth.

After a brief greeting, Konan took a deep breath: “Everyone, follow me.”

After saying that.

She led the Akatsuki members straight to the Hokage’s office.

“Hokage!”

Seeing Uchiha Jin seated there, everyone present spoke up.

Even the lawless members of Akatsuki now showed a hint of respect.

This, too, was natural!

After all, everyone in the ninja world now knew Uchiha Jin was among the strongest—and they’d be living in Konoha from now on.

Respecting the strong is only natural!

“Hmm, greetings, everyone!”

“Have a seat. Konan, serve tea.”

“I don’t have many formalities—respect is in the heart, not in outward displays.”

“I’m the Hokage, but I don’t care about those formalities. Just be yourselves!”

Hearing Uchiha Jin’s words, those present finally relaxed.

Hmm, good!

Seeing how kind and approachable Uchiha Jin was, everyone grew fonder of this Hokage.

Of course!

They were all missing-nin—they naturally didn’t want to be overly constrained.

Uchiha Jin’s Hokage office was also nothing like the one under Hiruzen Sarutobi; his setup resembled that of officials in the Flower Country.

Besides the desk and bookshelf behind him, the large front area was filled with couches for guests and a solid wood table for tea.

After everyone sat down, Konan had already brewed the tea.

Nagato and the others lifted their teacups; their wariness toward Uchiha Jin eased significantly. At this moment, they truly believed he was sincerely trying to recruit them.

“Alright, everyone. Let’s get to the matter at hand.”

“Since we haven’t met before, I know some of Itachi may have been uneasy.”

“Now, as Hokage, I reiterate: all the promises I made to Itachi still stand. Konan will handle the paperwork for Itachi shortly.”

“If Itachi have any issues, come find me anytime!”

Uchiha Jin was a direct man—he knew exactly what they feared, so without hesitation, he gave his assurance.

Yes!

Uchiha Jin still valued the Akatsuki members greatly—they were all Kage-level Qiangzhe .

Especially Nagato—he was beyond Kage-level.

Though his Rinnegan certainly had issues, and Madara Uchiha might reclaim it anytime, Uchiha Jin wasn’t worried about that at all.

Once he awakened his own Rinnegan, he had the means to eliminate those threats.

With Konan and Minato’s bond to guide him, he was confident he could turn Nagato into his top-tier asset.

As for—Madara Uchiha?

Hah!

Someone as defiant as that could never truly be tamed.

If he’s not my asset, then let him rot!

Itachi say the Rinnegan is yours—where’s your proof?

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

For the Akatsuki members, this promise naturally lifted a heavy weight from their hearts.

Soon after,

After some casual chatter, they let Konan lead them away.

They wouldn’t be needed anytime soon!

Let them settle into Konoha first, let them experience its peace, and only then consider whether they’ve truly integrated.

…

Elsewhere, the Land of Snow.

At the exact moment Nagato and the others departed, Obito and Black Zetsu arrived there instantly.

“This is where Nagato’s chakra last lingered.”

“But clearly—”

“They’ve left this place. We can’t locate them for now.”

“It’s as if they vanished instantly. The only possibility I can think of is space-time ninjutsu.”

“In other words—Flying Thunder God Technique!”

“And right now, only Konoha has both the ability and the right to use it.”

Black Zetsu’s face darkened, his voice nearly grinding with rage.

Because Nagato had been possessed by Uzumaki White Zetsu, he hadn’t paid much attention to him lately.

But he hadn’t expected—

Just a moment’s neglect, and this happened.

What now?

He didn’t care about Uzumaki White Zetsu—he cared only about the Rinnegan, since it was essential to save his mother.

Obito, meanwhile, was also furious.

Though he didn’t know Black Zetsu’s true goal, his Infinite Tsukuyomi plan couldn’t proceed without Nagato’s Rinnegan.

“Damn it, this is a mess!”

“I should’ve retrieved the Rinnegan sooner! Now Nagato’s definitely joined Konoha—getting it back will be impossible.”

“That Uchiha Jin has some kind of secret technique—White Zetsu can’t hide from his eyes at all.”

“I told Itachi before that Konan in Konoha would be easy to sway, and that would influence Nagato.”

“Itachi wouldn’t listen. Now look!”

“What do we do?”

Obito glared at Black Zetsu, clearly blaming him for everything.

As for that—

Hearing this, Black Zetsu was so enraged he nearly spat blood. Could this really be blamed on him?

Did he want Nagato to escape?

Thinking of this, he snarled: “Obito, don’t slander me. Why didn’t I reclaim the Rinnegan earlier—don’t Itachi know why?”

“The Rinnegan needs Nagato to nurture it. The Uzumaki clan is already gone from the ninja world.”

“If I took the Rinnegan back now, who would nurture it? Itachi?”

“Do Itachi even have the ability?”