Chapter 85 : Teasing Konan!

Gamatatsu, Gamabunta, Manda, Aoda, Enma, Katsuyu, and others from the Three Great Sage Regions: are they Summoning beasts?

Yes and no!

Before they become Summoning beasts, they are originally ninja beasts, animals, or even monsters that have mastered Sage Jutsu Chakra.

They only become Summoning beasts when they form a contract with a ninja.

In other words, to be on the Summoning Beast List, both the ninja and the beast must acknowledge each other and establish a strong bond.

Signing a contract merely grants the qualification to summon, but it doesn't automatically make them your Summoning beasts.

For instance, when Naruto signed the Mount Myoboku contract, he tried to summon Gamabunta during a life-and-death situation, but Gamabunta didn't acknowledge him, so they didn't establish a connection.

Now, Gamabunta recognizes Naruto as a worthy summoner, but his strongest bond is with Jiraiya.

So, it can be assumed that a Summoning beast is listed with the person they have the strongest connection to.

Of course, there are exceptions.

Consider Uchiha Madara and the Nine-Tails' relationship.

If you can completely dominate your opponent and make them your exclusive Summoning beast, that's another story.

In summary, what about the opportunity to obtain Summoning Contracts from the Three Great Sage Regions?

Shikkotsu Forest's Katsuyu belongs to Tsunade or Uzumaki Ran.

The snakes of Ryuchi Cave are challenging to deal with. Orochimaru had to offer "gifts" to obtain their summoning contracts. How many can manage that?

Mount Myoboku has a plethora of toads and is more approachable, but from Jiraiya to the Fourth Hokage, and finally to Uzumaki Naruto, it's an ancestral lineage. Can other ninja villages steal them away?

It's possible but takes decades.

As for the core secret Senjutsu of the Three Great Sage Regions, it's not readily accessible.

But before that, it is necessary to  reap as many practical benefits as possible; that's the most significant gain.

In the Golden List era, you advance step by step!

No matter if you're a ninja or not, you never stop growing!

[Onoki: What do you wish to discuss?]

[Fourth Raikage Ai: Cloud Shinobi Village is willing to consider it as long as it's not excessive.]

[Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi: Fifth Hokage, Suicune can't be taken for granted, can it?]

[Rasa: ...…]

[Uchiha Ran: Matters like these should be discussed during the Five Kage Summit, don't you think?]

Uchiha Ran also respects the basic rules.

Cooperation between villages of the same rank is fine; that's called an alliance.

Discussing it openly is a foolish move.

[Fourth Raikage, A: Fifth Hokage, are you really willing?]

The Three Great Sage Regions hold the secrets of Senjutsu. The four major hidden villages have always wanted a piece of that pie.

Now, finally, there's a chance. How can we let it slip away?

[Uchiha Ran: As Hokage, I won't lie. But before that, did the Third Tsuchikage fulfill his promise and hand over Kurotsuchi? I happen to be in need of a secretary, and selecting her would be beneficial, wouldn't it?]

[Fifth Hokage, Onok: Ahem, I was just joking to lighten the mood. Sage of Six Paths and Ancestor Hamura are here, and their mother must be around. Can't you guess that?]

[Uchiha Madara: When it comes to thick skin, you're second to none.]

[Third Raikage A: You're still as annoying as ever.]

[Onoki: I've learned my lesson. Never mind.]

[Fourth Tsuchikage Kurotsuchi: Grandpa, I think Tsuchikage must keep his word. To maintain your image as a wise and capable leader, I'm willing to serve as the secretary for the Fifth Hokage.]

[Onoki: .....]

Onoki couldn't believe it. How could the Tsuchikage, the leader of the Hidden Stone Village, choose to join forces with Konohagakure? Is he really going to make this decision on his own? But yes, it appeared that the decision had been made.

Are there still village affiliations? Are his grandchildren destined to become Shinobi of the Stone, while the next generation of his family will be part of Konoha? Is this the power of a heartless peace treaty?

"Grandfather, you're still young, and you could continue serving as Tsuchikage," Kurotsuchi offered.

"I'm going to Konoha. I'll be able to gather intelligence openly and honestly there," Kurotsuchiexplained. "Konohagakure has changed from what it used to be. Under the leadership of the Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Ran, the village is entering a period of rapid development. I feel it's important to maintain a close relationship with the village's leadership."

"And you've noticed that Uchiha Ran has knowledge of other worlds. With my help, Iwagakure can avoid being left behind during this golden list age. What do you think?"

What did Onoki think?

As he looked at Kurotsuchi's unwavering determination to dedicate herself to Iwagakure, Onoki sighed deeply.

"I trust your judgment."

"What wicked ideas are you contemplating now?"

In the dark underground base, Konan's voice rang out seductively.

All the members of the Akatsuki immediately turned their attention to Uchiha Ran.

Somehow, even in this restricted space filled with Kage-level powerhouses, they all felt a chill running down their spines at that moment.

Could it be that the newcomer brought this chilling presence?

"Do you see it?" Uchiha Ran furrowed his brow.

Naturally, he wanted to tease the Kage and other shadows, but the operation was quite crude and shouldn't be seen by others.

Konan's power of observation astonished him, and at the same time, he was disappointed in himself.

How did he get exposed unless he revealed himself?

"Have you forgotten what you did to me?" Konan questioned.

"You're a big villain; you can't be kind!"

Konan shot him an accusing look.

Recalling their "random encounter" over a year ago, where she had been teased incessantly by Uchiha Ran, she realized that he could flirt at any moment, not giving an inch. An angel on the surface and a devil within.

It was embarrassing that she had already fallen when she realized it.

An angel lured into the abyss by a demon disguised as an angel.

Was he even capable of being a good person?

Uchiha Ran's lips twitched slightly. What did she mean by calling him a bad person? Didn't she see through his intentions?

"I do this for you," Uchiha Ran said softly. "I can't use just a few words for someone like you."

"No!" Uchiha Ran shook his head with a slight smile. "A single phrase is enough."

"What do you take me for?" Konan was obstinate. "I'm not one of those easily charmed women who fall for sweet talk."

"No!" Uchiha Ran shook his head lightly and smiled. "One word is enough."

Konan's heart felt like it was exploding.

Uchiha Ran meant that if she thought a few words were insufficient, then just one word was sufficient.

It was like he was encouraging her to confess her feelings.

He definitely was.

The way he was so sly and alert; it was her favorite style.

"I'm going to check on Nagato's whereabouts," Konan said, transforming into paper and fluttering away.

She didn't want to stay any longer, afraid she might end up in Uchiha Ran's arms.

That would be embarrassing.

With Konan's departure, the single members of the Akatsuki felt like they had been hit with a critical attack.

So it was Sister Konan all along, leading them into the Akatsuki and showing off her love life.

It turned out to be a trap, popularly known as leading the dog to the trap.

"In the face of eternal art, all of this is superfluous," Sasori mumbled to himself.

"Damn, I could use some art explosions right now!" Deidara complained.

"How can I, Jashin-sama's follower be swayed by such mundane  thoughts?" 

Kakuzu sighed. "It's unreliable, it's unreliable, it's unreliable for anyone except money."

"Stupid little brother, I want to motivate you further," Uchiha Itachi said, closing his eyes.

Fortunately, he closed his eyes in time, or he would have witnessed Kisame's death glare beside him.

It would've been a Susanoo-level incident.

Uchiha Ran chuckled inwardly.

Konan's intention was clear: he couldn't afford to give away benefits in vain. It was a reminder and a recognition that he had delved too deep into the game.

"In the eyes of many, I'm no longer the pure individual I used to be," he thought. "I am an Uchiha, the Fifth Hokage, who forcibly took the position of Hokage from Sarutobi Hiruzen."

He continued to reflect, "Onoki and the others will likely view me similarly, and their recent attack, in essence, was more of a compromise. They can't refuse the contract of the Three Great Sage Regions, and their true target might not even be summoning beasts but Senjutsu."

"Some things require a different approach," he concluded.

The importance of being a good ally became apparent. If he relied on himself, he would eventually figure things out, but sometimes seconds could make a significant difference.

Konan observed from the sidelines and her reminder was timely. With that in mind, Uchiha adjusted his glasses and pushed back his bangs.

Aizen hairspray, you earned it.

"Now, everyone, let's discuss the matter of your stay," Uchiha Ran declared. He had taken Yahiko's position and looked down at the Akatsuki members.

His decision created some disagreement, particularly from Deidara and others. Did anyone truly believe they joined for the sake of peace? No, It was only because of Pain's imposing presence.

"My strength surpasses yours. Are there any objections to following my lead?" Uchiha Ran spoke confidently.

"What?" Deidara and Hidan immediately showed eagerness. Strength was not determined by words but by action.

"Seems like you don't object," Uchiha Ran said, his mouth curling slightly. He activated his Sharingan, revealing the Mangekyō Sharingan.

After a minute, everyone knelt on one knee, sweating profusely, and panting heavily. They looked at Uchiha Ran with fear and awe.

"Five senses domination!?" Uchiha Itachi asked in a hoarse voice. He felt the power of Ran's Mangekyō Sharingan's abilities, and it overwhelmed him.

"That's right," Uchiha Ran confirmed with a smile. "Unless one day your mental power is on par with mine, you won't stand a chance against me."

Next, he discussed his sincerity. Uchiha Ran put on his glasses and spoke with a smile that felt like a breath of fresh air.

"I started a business association in the ninja world called Kyushu, selling drinks and various items. Kakuzu here is my vice-president. How does that sound?"

Kakuzu was astonished. "The Kyushu Chamber of Commerce, which makes billions in net profit annually, is yours?"

Uchiha Ran replied casually, "Yes, I started it when I was twelve because I felt I needed more money. Now, I have so much wealth that it's just a bunch of numbers. If you perform well, I might leave it to you."

Is money just a set of numbers? They all wondered.

The atmosphere tensed as everyone exchanged glances.

"You know, Uchiha Ran, we'd like to dub you the strongest," Kakuzu declared, placing a hand over his chest, promising to reveal all five of his hearts to Uchiha Ran.

Eyebrows raised across the room.

Is this the same Kakuzu who battled the First Hokage?

Uchiha Ran's knowledge expanded.

"How about granting you a platform for you to preach your religion?" Uchiha Ran inquired, turning to Hidan. "This kind of forbidden jutsu, capable of tearing reality asunder, deserves a successor."

"The boss acknowledges the Jashin faith too? No objections here," Hidan responded with a sinister grin.

"What do you say to reviving your parents and offering funds for puppetry research in the future?" Uchiha Ran suggested to Sasori.

"Thank you, boss," Sasori said, his gratitude apparent.

"I possess a portion of the Explosion Release and knowledge of a technique that could shatter the ninja world. Would you like to learn more?" Uchiha Ran turned to Deidara.

"I, Deidara, am without a doubt the boss's most loyal follower!" Deidara exclaimed, eager to embrace Uchiha Ran.

As they discussed the terms further, Uchiha Ran grinned.

"You've all made your commitments."

Now, with his plans set, Uchiha Ran prepared to use the Flying Thunder God technique to locate Uchiha Madara.

But then, Kisame interrupted, "Hold on, what about me?"

**********

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