About half an hour later, Nagato returned to the meeting room with firm steps.
"Nagato, how did it go?"
Yahiko had already given the Fourth Raikage a headache with his chatter. When he saw Nagato walk in, the Fourth Raikage's face broke into a wide grin.
"Don't worry. I've already issued the orders."
"Two days should be enough."
"We'll be right on time at the border of the Land of Earth."
Seeing how confident Nagato sounded, Yahiko and the others didn't need to guess—Nagato must have already contacted Kawaki.
"I told you there was nothing to worry about. See?"
Yahiko took shameless bravado to the extreme, using a tone completely different from earlier.
Years of experience had made him a skilled politician.
"Yeah, yeah," the Fourth Raikage said, immediately smiling, no longer inclined to argue with Yahiko at all.
Before and after Nagato entered the room, his mood had completely shifted.
"I do have an immature suggestion though," Nagato said as he sat down.
"Please share," the Fourth Raikage responded respectfully, along with everyone else turning their attention toward Nagato.
"The Raikage probably suggested attacking simultaneously to reassure us."
"But we believe he won't use allies like disposable tools."
"We truly appreciate this gesture."
"As allies, we must also prove our sincerity."
Nagato paused here, saving face for the Fourth Raikage while keeping the others in suspense.
"In two days, our Akatsuki Village will launch the first attack."
"Once we've drawn out Iwagakure's main forces, that's when you strike."
"This strategy should lead to greater success. What do you think?"
After finishing his words, Nagato stared straight at the Fourth Raikage, confident that the Cloud Ninja Village wouldn't refuse such an offer.
As for whether they might actually be used as bait, the Akatsuki Village didn not care.
Because no matter what happened, they always had backup.
"Great!"
Just as expected, the Fourth Raikage impulsively stood up.
Realizing he'd overreacted, he awkwardly scratched his head and sat back down.
"Lord Nagato, your suggestion is excellent."
"I believe we'll surely cooperate extremely well."
Pleased beyond expectation, the Fourth Raikage couldn't hide his excitement.
Though he tried to hide his growing smile, it barely worked.
Meanwhile, vivid images of himself leading victorious campaigns across the Land of Earth under his father's guidance raced through his mind.
"Cooperation goes both ways," Nagato nodded politely as he finalized the combat mission.
"Our Akatsuki Village lacks strength; this plan carries considerable risk."
"So we sincerely hope the Raikage will act at the right moment."
Yahiko gave a look of earnest sincerity, convincing anyone present not to doubt the Akatsuki's cooperation.
"Rest assured, I will personally handle surveillance."
Almost naively, the Fourth Raikage immediately made the promise.
"With those words, I feel reassured."
Yahiko smiled warmly, clearly pleasing the Fourth Raikage—this was clear recognition of his strength.
"Most of the business is done."
"You've come all this way and must be tired. Would you like us to make arrangements for you to rest?"
Before the Fourth Raikage A could speak again, Yahiko gave a meaningful glance.
"Cough cough~ Thank you for your kindness."
"Father is still waiting for my report, so I won't stay any longer."
As a man himself, the Fourth Raikage A naturally understood—Land of Rain's pleasure district was famous throughout the Ninja World.
"What a shame. Next time, don't be shy if you've got more free time."
Yahiko rose first, and everyone escorted the Fourth Raikage A outside the village.
"See you in Land of Earth."
After bidding farewell to everyone, the Fourth Raikage A turned and left, vanishing in an instant.
"Was this part of the Elder's plan too?"
Only after the Fourth Raikage A's presence faded did Yahiko ask Nagato.
"No. It was the Shimu's idea. The Elder didn't object."
Nagato couldn't help laughing as he recalled Kawaki's stunned expression.
Even the Elder isn't omniscient. Right now, he's likely calling an emergency meeting.
*Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade* please bookmark: (m.)