Naruto: Kurotsuchi Mayuri

"Listen up, brats. War and peace in the ninja world aren't something you can achieve with mere naivety. To meddle in the wars of the Five Great Nations, what you need is not understanding, but enough power!

Because the First Hokage of Konoha was strong enough, he and Uchiha Madara could join forces to end a thousand years of ninja clan wars.

I'm telling you this only to warn you: don't let your actions drag the Land of Rain into the wars of the Great Nations."

"That doesn't sound like something the revered Demigod of the Rain would say."

Behind Yahiko, another voice suddenly broke the tense silence. Hanzō's words seemed to shatter the image of awe surrounding him, leaving Nagato visibly disillusioned.

"Revered, huh?" Hanzō's gaze shifted to Nagato, lingering on his fiery red hair as his eyes darkened slightly.

"Tell me, what does Konoha want from you?" Hanzō quickly quelled the ripples of emotion in his heart and asked in a calm tone.

"Konoha wants to cooperate with us, sell them large quantities of Healing Tags in exchange for the resources and money necessary for the survival of the people of the Land of Rain," Yahiko explained.

"Would Konoha really be this kind-hearted? Why would they come to you for something like this, and even share the benefits with you?" Hanzō asked, puzzled. He had racked his brains trying to understand why Konoha would make such a move, but he still couldn't figure it out.

These three in front of him—or rather, the Akatsuki organization they had founded—didn't seem to have anything that would catch Konoha's attention. If there was anything worth mentioning, it could only be the governance of Amegakure.

"They need us! The Akatsuki can help them mass-produce low-cost Healing Tags," Yahiko answered earnestly.

"Collaborating with Amegakure also means sharing the benefits and resources that Healing Tags bring. We thought Amegakure and you might need them as well."

"So, you want me and Amegakure to vouch for you? Hmph!" Hanzō narrowed his eyes immediately. "The materials and money obtained from trading the Healing Tags—aside from Konoha's share—Amegakure gets 90%!"

"What?"

Yahiko and his two companions were stunned by Hanzō's outrageous demand. For a moment, they were at a loss for words.

As three individuals without formal education, they had increasingly realized their limitations as their organization grew.

If it weren't for Jiraiya and Kakuzu offering guidance, and their recruits being like-minded followers, their organization might have dissolved long ago.

"Your demands are too high," Yahiko said, shaking his head. Though he had no formal training in negotiation, Jiraiya's teachings had taught him one key principle: if they agreed to Hanzō's terms, the Akatsuki would effectively become subordinate to Amegakure.

Maintaining the Akatsuki's independence was essential for pursuing their goals.

This was the most important lesson Yahiko had learned from Jiraiya.

"Without me and Amegakure, do you really think you can keep the Healing Tag business running? You came to Amegakure because only I and this village can provide you protection and ensure the stability of your trade, isn't that right?

If that's the case, isn't it only fair that I and Amegakure take the largest share? Giving you 10% is already me being generous, considering Konoha's backing," Hanzō said coldly, clearly displeased with Yahiko's rejection. His piercing gaze swept across the trio, his intentions inscrutable.

"The Akatsuki can ensure the trade runs smoothly. We've already completed our first deal with Iwagakure," Yahiko replied, meeting Hanzō's eyes. "We approached Amegakure for collaboration solely because you protected the Land of Rain from falling during the war. Nothing more."

"Crafty little brat!"

Hanzō's body disappeared in an instant, vanishing from Yahiko and the others' sight as his words fell.

"Be careful!"

Nagato, who had been keeping an eye on Hanzō, immediately pushed Yahiko out of the way and stood in front of him, crossing his arms in a defensive posture.

Boom!

A fist collided with Nagato's crossed arms, sending him flying like a cannonball. He crashed into the iron wall behind him.

"Nagato!"

Yahiko and Konan both shouted in surprise, quickly distancing themselves. They helped Nagato up while glaring at Hanzō with cautious and angry eyes.

"Is that all you've got? Are you really bold enough to speak like that? Instead of letting Iwagakure and other great nations show you the cruelty of the ninja world, how about I teach you your final lesson?"

"The ninja world is a place where the strong prey on the weak! As long as I capture you, the Akatsuki will be finished, right? Of course, I'll continue the cooperation with Konoha and Amegakure, but it won't be led by them anymore! Once I find a way to mass-produce Healing Tags cheaply from your heads, Amegakure will become a neutral country and be able to play both sides in this war."

"Your greatest failure was agreeing to discuss cooperation with Amegakure! Even a rabbit fights with all its might when cornered! Surrender now. I don't want to kill you."

"So, the so-called demigod that people worship is actually someone like this? What a disappointment!" Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato all showed their disappointment openly.

"This world is like this! Schemes, betrayal, the strong devour the weak."

Hanzō ignored the disappointed looks and harsh words from the three of them. It didn't shake him at all.

However, he was surprised that Nagato had managed to react quickly enough to push Yahiko aside and block his attack in time.

Though Hanzō hadn't used his full strength in the office and had only used Taijutsu, being able to push someone and block the attack seamlessly meant that Nagato had at least reached the level of a Jōnin.

Looking at Nagato's still young and innocent face, Hanzō couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his talent.

He always had an eye for young talent and was willing to give those who failed a chance to try again.

In the past, samurais from the Land of Iron and the Legendary Sannins of Konoha had been spared for similar reasons. Of course, the support of the Land of Iron behind the samurais and the Land of Fire behind the Legendary Sannins had played a significant role.

Especially the latter. Even though Amegakure was destined to fail, Hanzō didn't kill the Legendary Sannins to vent his anger. 

Aside from not wanting to provoke Konoha too much, his admiration for talent played a big part.

But the key to all of this was that none of it could threaten his position in the Land of Rain!

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