Obito's words couldn't exactly be called "deafening," because among those present, some might have already gone deaf. It wasn't that they were pretending not to hear, it was that... they really couldn't hear anymore.
But still… since he wanted to prove his innocence and sincerity, even if some people couldn't hear, Obito was determined to speak as loudly as possible.
It might seem childish, but that was precisely what the "dawn of daybreak" should look like.
The Third Raikage couldn't help but cough lightly before saying, "Rules exist to restrain people, yes, but to some extent, they also protect people. You can't just completely deny them because some parts don't make sense."
Obito said calmly, "I've never completely denied them. What I've always said is, if they're not suitable, then change them until they are suitable."
"Indeed, rules have both pros and cons. But once the restrictions outweigh the protection, when the harm outweighs the benefit, then why shouldn't they be adjusted?"
"Is it that they can't be adjusted? Or that certain people think they shouldn't be adjusted? You all know the answer better than anyone."
The Raikage was momentarily speechless.
And not only him, Onoki too found himself at a loss for words.
Both of them couldn't help but glance again at Namikaze Minato.
For a Uchiha so young to already be so powerful, there was no way he could also have such a mature mind.
After all, the more mature the mind, the stronger the ability to handle pressure, and the stronger a Uchiha's mental endurance, the more they understand. That sort of understanding... is not good for "development."
If he was truly "Black Fang," that meant he clearly had some psychological issues, yet he could say such words? That didn't sound like something he came up with himself.
Who was teaching him behind the scenes? Who was guiding him? The answer was obvious.
Both Raikage and Tsuchikage drew in a sharp breath at the same time, 'Namikaze Minato, not only is he unfathomable, even his disciples are gradually being reshaped.'
'Too terrifying!'
The Raikage didn't want to keep up this line of conversation anymore. He quickly turned toward Yahiko and said, "I admit, your Akatsuki has some reasonable points, but forcing the Five Great Villages to merge? How is that reasonable? That doesn't sound like something a child would come up with."
Yahiko thought for a moment, then smiled,. "A child is still young, after all. Sometimes, they need the care and guidance of adults. And behind every child… there's always an adult standing there, isn't that so?"
The Third Raikage suddenly felt a wave of deep discomfort.
There was nothing scary about a schoolboy having a homeroom teacher.
But an Akatsuki student having a Madara-teacher, now that was terrifying.
He could only say, "So, aside from Uchiha Madara's usual nonsense, do you have anything new to say to us? If not, I'd rather not hear you repeat it again."
Yahiko gave a bright, sunny smile. Suddenly, he glanced toward Konan, then said, "Actually, I'm not here to discuss anything so grand. I just have a personal matter to share."
"A year from now, Konan and I will be getting married. I hope everyone can come to the wedding."
At those words, Konan's cheeks instantly flushed crimson. She shot Yahiko a slightly reproachful look, 'Is it really appropriate to invite all the Kage to that here?'
Everyone froze in surprise. At such a serious occasion as the Five Kage Summit, talking about something like this, there was something undeniably strange about it.
Onoki muttered instinctively, "How improper!"
But as soon as he said it, he regretted it, 'Yahiko now represents Madara's will, is it really wise to show such disrespect?'
However, Yahiko didn't mind at all. Instead, he laughed, "It's true, not the right time or place, I just couldn't hold it in. Whether you come or not, it's up to you. I promise, I won't interfere either way."
Seeing that, Minato was the first to respond. He smiled, "Since it's the wedding of my junior brother Yahiko and junior sister Konan, of course Konoha will attend. Not only will I come, but I'll also invite Jiraiya-sensei as well."
Konan's eyes lit up with joy, "Really?", she asked.
Minato replied warmly, "Of course it's true."
This heartwarming bond between teacher and students, to the other Kage, looked completely different.
They suddenly remembered, Yahiko wasn't just the founder of Akatsuki; he was also Jiraiya's disciple, and Minato's junior.
'Cursed Konoha! Could it be that even this is part of Minato's grand plan?'
The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, hurried to chime in, "Since the Hokage himself will be attending, I will naturally come too, and bring the blessings of the Land of Wind."
The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, immediately followed, "Then I shall come as well."
Seeing the two Kage "defect" just like that, Onoki had no choice but to sigh and say, "This old man will come too."
The Raikage, seeing this, could only say, "Since you're all going… then fine, I'll go too."
Yahiko stood up joyfully and gave them all a deep bow, "Then I thank everyone for their support!"
Only then did the others realize, Yahiko hadn't mentioned "union" even once, yet every word he spoke was about it.
The Five Kage all attending a wedding together, joyfully celebrating, wasn't that the perfect way to dissolve resentment, untie knots, and bring people closer together?
And the way he brought it up, so smooth, so natural, they couldn't feel a single hint of manipulation. It was as if Yahiko was born with a talent for gathering people around him.
Honestly, he'd make a great pyramid scheme leader.
The Five Kage looked at Yahiko's warm smile, then at Minato's identical one, and suddenly began to wonder, 'Could it be that Jiraiya, one of the Three Legendary Sannin, has been playing the long game all along? Is he the true mastermind behind everything?'
Onoki forced out a grimace uglier than crying, "This old man suddenly feels unwell. Can we end this Five Kage Summit here? Whatever Akatsuki requested before, I'll agree to it all. Just please, no new demands!"
Yahiko nodded and was about to agree when Konan suddenly spoke up, "No."
Everyone was stunned. Of course Akatsuki still had another trap waiting. Onoki had been smart enough, but even he couldn't escape this one.
At that moment, Konan stretched out her hand and materialized a huge sheet of paper, spreading it across the table before the Kage. Smiling sweetly, she said,
"Don't be nervous. This just represents the personal opinion of our Akatsuki organization's finance chief, Lord Kakuzu. He merely wants to offer you a few great deals."
The Kage all turned to look, and saw, in huge bold letters, the words:
[Only 9.9 billion ryo! Take home 1,000 Chakra Converters today!]
That was quite a deal. Compared to Madara's earlier offer of ten billion for a hundred units, this was a full one million ryo discount.
The problem was… with such a massive quantity, could any one village even handle it?
The Kage exchanged glances. Onoki's expression shifted, and he looked toward the Third Raikage.
"Lord Raikage, despite our little grudges, surely you're interested in these Chakra Converters, no?"
The Third Raikage hesitated, "You mean… we pool our funds and buy together? The price isn't much lower, but for this quantity, it might be worth it?"
Onoki nodded, "Exactly."
At that moment, both Yagura and Rasa spoke up at once, "No way! We of Kirigakure (Sunagakure) want them too!"
And instantly, the Five Kage Summit, excluding Minato, turned once again into something resembling a market brawl among old ladies.
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