EBE Chapter 614 No way
Chapter 614 No way
Zhang Hai felt a pang of heartache as he recalled losing everything at the gambling table last time. He replied quietly, "I used to have some, but now I don't." He was referring to the time he lost all his money to Tsunade at the gambling table, leaving him penniless.
Upon hearing this, Tsunade unconsciously smiled, clearly pleased by Zhang Hai's "bankruptcy".
Yahiko stepped forward again, his face solemn, but his tone still resolute. He pointed at Jiraiya and said to Zhang Hai, "Although you helped us before, I still prefer to learn from Lord Jiraiya." Yahiko's reason was simple: Zhang Hai's face was too young, making him feel that his strength couldn't possibly surpass Jiraiya's. In Yahiko's view, the title of the Legendary Sannin was a true symbol of power.
Looking into Yahiko's hopeful eyes, Jiraiya felt a surge of responsibility. He knew these three children had lost everything in the war, yet they still yearned for power, for a change of fate. He remembered Hanzo's prophecy, and he remembered the "destined one" he had always been searching for. Perhaps, these three children were a part of his destiny.
“In that case, come with me.” Jiraiya finally made his decision. He turned to Tsunade and Orochimaru, his tone calm yet carrying a hint of farewell: “Tsunade, Orochimaru, you two go back to the village first. I will stay in Amegakure for a while to guide their training.”
Tsunade nodded, understanding Jiraiya's decision. Orochimaru merely glanced at Yahiko and the other two, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, but said nothing more. The two turned and left the cave without another word, speeding towards Konoha.
Inside the cave, only Jiraiya, Shokai, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan remained. The rain pattered, and the light from the campfire danced on the cave walls.
Jiraiya looked at Yahiko and the other two, a gentle smile on his face. "Alright, since you want to learn ninjutsu, I'll teach you." He knew this would be a long and challenging journey.
Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan all showed expressions of surprise and delight. They hadn't expected that one of the legendary Sannin would actually be willing to take them as his disciples.
Zhang Hai stood aside, watching this scene, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He felt fortunate for Nagato and the others to have met such an excellent teacher as Jiraiya, yet he also felt a pang of regret for not obtaining the Rinnegan himself. But he knew this was fate's arrangement, a historical process he couldn't easily change. He had already intervened too much; at this moment, perhaps observing was the best choice.
He glanced at Yahiko, then at Nagato's eyes hidden beneath his hair, and sighed inwardly. The future Akatsuki, the future suffering, were quietly sprouting at this moment. He didn't know if he should do anything to change it all, but at least he could witness its beginning.
“Lord Jiraiya,” Zhang Hai suddenly spoke, interrupting their conversation. “I’ll stay too. Lady Tsunade has been teaching me some medical ninjutsu lately, so perhaps I can be of some help.” He didn’t reveal his true purpose, only hoping to observe these three people more closely.
Jiraiya looked at Zhang Hai with some surprise, then smiled. "Alright. You've really learned a lot. With your help, things will be easier for me." He didn't think much of it, only assuming that Zhang Hai was acting out of concern for a friend or pity for these children.
And so, Zhang Hai stayed in Amegakure. He watched as Jiraiya began to instruct Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan in their training, teaching them the most basic chakra refinement and the Three Body Techniques. He watched as these three children, under Jiraiya's tutelage, grew little by little, gradually revealing their talents.
Although Nagato was physically weak, his progress was exceptionally rapid under Jiraiya's guidance. Zhang Hai would occasionally observe Nagato's Rinnegan in secret; those eyes were currently hidden beneath his dark hair, but Zhang Hai knew that one day they would unleash astonishing power.
Life in Amegakure Village passed slowly amidst teaching and learning. The shadow of peace gradually enveloped this land once ravaged by war. However, Zhang Hai knew in his heart that the real storm might only be brewing.
The rain in Amegakure seemed never to stop. Under Jiraiya's tutelage, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan's ninjutsu training progressed smoothly. Zhang Hai also stayed behind, ostensibly to assist Jiraiya, but in reality, his gaze lingered on the three children, especially Nagato.
After careful consideration, Zhang Hai realized that with Jiraiya, the "reviser of history," present, it was virtually impossible for him to directly obtain the Rinnegan. Jiraiya had poured his heart and soul into these three children, treating them as his own. Any unusual action on his part would inevitably trigger Jiraiya's alert and a strong counterattack. While his current strength was sufficient to handle most ninjas, he didn't have an absolute chance of victory against the Sannin, especially against a powerful ninja like Jiraiya who could unleash Sage Mode.
Rather than taking the enormous risks of forcibly seizing it, it's better to start planning now and bring the Rinnegan under his control. Furthermore, he's considering the future Akatsuki organization; their power will be of great help to his exploration of the world's secrets and some of his schemes. If he can harness the Akatsuki's power for his own use, it will be twice as effective with half the effort.
In that case, he doesn't need Nagato. He only needs to take one person with him—Konan.
Zhang Hai wore a friendly smile as he approached Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, who was still somewhat at a loss. His voice was gentle, with a hint of seduction and persuasion: "Yahiko, Nagato, Konan." He paused, his gaze falling on Konan, his tone tinged with regret, "I can see the deep bond between the three of you. But in this chaotic world, my energy is limited, and I can only take one of you with me."
He offered his suggestion, his tone full of consideration for the other party: "I propose taking Konan to Konoha. Konoha is one of the most powerful villages in the ninja world, possessing the best resources and education. Let her go to Konoha, receive the best ninja training, and become an excellent ninja. When she returns after completing her training and has the ability to protect herself, wouldn't it be better for her to come back and reunite with you?" He painted a beautiful picture, attempting to use the brightness of the future to cover up the present separation.
However, before Xiao Nan could react, Zhang Hai had barely finished speaking when Yahiko and Nagato blurted out almost simultaneously, their voices filled with anger and determination: "No way!"