Jiraiya had, in fact, been quietly fanning the flames behind Yahiko's peace initiative.
He didn't do much, just spread selective information about "Akatsuki" in taverns and entertainment districts across various countries, emphasizing how dangerous the organization could become. Combined with the recent destruction of a minor nation, it made smaller countries far more nervous and far more willing to actively support Akatsuki.
"Taverns and… entertainment districts?" Akio's focus shifted slightly.
"Ahem." Jiraiya cleared his throat. "Strictly for intelligence gathering. Or sharing intelligence."
Akio rolled his eyes. "Excuses usually mean there's more to the story. Sounds like Tsunade"
"Senior, I swear it wasn't like that!" Jiraiya blurted out.
"Oh?" Akio raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.
Fortunately, the three kids returned after choosing their rooms, saving Jiraiya from further interrogation.
"Take a look," Akio said. "The next generation of Uzumaki talent. They don't seem too impressed with a so-called Legendary Sannin."
Jiraiya's playful demeanor vanished the moment he turned to the children. In its place came the bearing of a seasoned master. Akio found it hard not to laugh.
"The two boys are solid," Jiraiya nodded approvingly. "As for the girl… hmm…"
A veteran in matters of observation, Jiraiya instantly recognized Haku as male. Karin, however, made him hesitate; he scanned her up and down thoughtfully.
Karin recoiled in disgust and ducked behind Kimimaro, muttering, "Pervert."
Jiraiya: "..."
If this were his younger self, he'd have fired back with a sharp insult. But age had mellowed him. He simply clicked his tongue twice and shrugged at Akio.
"She reminds me of Kushina when she was young. A lot of potential."
It was unclear whether he meant her abilities or something else entirely.
After saying that, Jiraiya slipped into the next room just as someone knocked at the door.
Akio waved his hand. The villa doors opened automatically.
Yahiko stood outside, posture straight.
"Senior… so you really came in person."
"I had to," Akio replied. "Nagato told me that most of the countries trading with the Uzumaki are joining Akatsuki. If you, as leader, decided to cut off trade with a wave of your hand, we'd be in serious trouble."
Yahiko gave a helpless smile. "You're exaggerating."
Seeing Yahiko's sincerity, Akio dropped the teasing.
"Come in. Sit down. Karin, make some tea."
Karin: "???"
"I'll do it," Haku said softly.
Akio nodded, then looked at Karin.
"A girl should learn hospitality. Take notes from Haku."
"Would you dare say that in front of Aunt Kushina?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Akio snapped then abruptly turned to Yahiko. "Ah, so you're here."
Yahiko blinked. "Yes… I am, Senior."
A question mark practically popped up over Kimimaro's head. Karin smirked.
With that moment passed, Akio shifted the conversation to serious matters.
Just as he suspected, Yahiko was struggling, doing his best to balance the interests of large and small nations alike.
Put bluntly, it came down to strength.
The Rain Village only had Yahiko at S-rank, Ringo at near S+, and barely over a dozen elite jōnin. Compared to the major powers, they barely registered. With this much attention drawn to the summit, the great nations were bound to send formidable shinobi and Rain, as host, risked becoming the weakest presence in the room.
"You still want the leader's position?" Akio asked.
"I know it's unlikely," Yahiko admitted. "But I can't accept this easily. Most of the countries joining aren't here for peace. If I can't even secure the symbolic leadership role, Akatsuki's original purpose could be twisted or torn apart entirely. We're so close to peace…"
Akio nodded.
"You won't get the leader position. But I'll give you an idea. Look at the Land of Iron, why is it treated as special? Because it stays neutral and once hosted the Five Kage Summit. Rain doesn't have the military strength, so instead, you step back from direct involvement. Remain neutral. Act as host and mediator. That alone earns you a unique, irreplaceable position within Akatsuki."
Yahiko's eyes lit up. He nodded slowly.
"Thank you, Senior. Oh by the way, I heard my teacher Jiraiya is here. Have you seen him?"
Akio glanced toward the next room and smiled.
"No. I only saw a white-haired pervert spying on the women's baths. That couldn't possibly be Jiraiya."
Yahiko sighed, looking in that direction.
"If you do see him, please send my regards. I'll take my leave."
After Yahiko left, Jiraiya casually emerged from the next room, grumbling,
"This is all your fault. If not for that soap, I never would've been caught. And you, pretty boy bring the tea over. Since Yahiko's gone, I'll drink it for him."
Akio raised an eyebrow.
"You planning to freeload here now?"
Jiraiya scratched his head.
"You made it impossible for me to show my face around Yahiko. Where else am I supposed to stay?"
Akio took a deep breath.
"Fine. Stay here. Perfect, we can play ball together."
Jiraiya froze.
"Speaking of which… what is that black ball you're holding?"
"A great thing. Catch!"
"AAAA—!"
...
Whether by Yahiko's intention or sheer coincidence, word spread that Akio was staying here. Delegates from every nation began paying visits.
Some were polite, bringing gifts. Others treated it like a shrine visit, praying for longevity. Akio nearly invited a few of them to "play ball."
Soon, the major nations and the Land of Iron arrived in full.
Mifune came personally, along with Okisuke and even the young heir of that other country.
Konoha sent Minato's team. Hiruzen likely didn't trust Obito, so Kakashi was included as well. Since they were still observing, the Fire Nation sent no officials. The other four great nations each sent mid-ranking officials with two accompanying shinobi—most of whom Akio already knew.
From Iwa came the Four-Tails Jinchūriki Rōshi and the Explosion Release user Gari.
From Mist: Mangetsu Hōzuki and the legally-questionable "child" Mizukage, Yagura.
From Sand: Chiyo, along with Sasori, who was already present.
From Cloud: two of their rare beauties Mabui, the Raikage's secretary, and Yugito Nii, who should have been the Two-Tails' jinchūriki.
Most shinobi from smaller nations were unfamiliar, except for the ever-recognizable Kakuzu and two unknown shinobi from the Land of Rice Fields. Orochimaru, as expected, hadn't missed the spectacle.
Time passed. May 20th arrived.
Akio cradled the Truth-Seeking ball and raised an eyebrow.
"Let's go. With this many powerful shinobi around, we've got enough to form a full soccer team."
Jiraiya lay sprawled across the bed, looking utterly defeated.
"Senior… you go play with them. I'll sit this one out."
---
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