"I, Genji, pay my respects to Lord Akatsukikage."
As soon as Yahiko stepped inside, he saw an old man leaning on a cane, bowing to him.
"There's no need for such formalities, Elder Genji."
Yahiko, showing respect, stepped forward and helped Genji straighten up. He didn't even spare a glance at the Kiri-nin standing behind the elder, who had yet to disperse.
"You honor me, Lord Akatsukikage."
"I should be the one thanking you for sparing Kirigakure."
Genji remained humble, his tone devoid of any resentment.
One had to admit, the old man understood the situation well. Since he had already chosen to surrender, he no longer cared about maintaining the dignity of a Great Elder. His only priority now was ensuring the safety of the Kiri-nin behind him. Nothing mattered more than that.
"There's no need to mention it."
"I appreciate your cooperation as well."
Since Genji was being courteous, Yahiko naturally wouldn't embarrass him.
"You are too kind."
The two exchanged formal pleasantries while the Akatsuki and Kiri-nin watched from opposite sides.
"That's Akatsukikage?"
"He's so young."
Mei tilted her head slightly to get a better view of the scene.
"I heard he's not even twenty."
"Compared to someone like him, you still have a long way to go."
Ao's gaze lingered on Yahiko for a moment before shifting to Nagato and the others. He had to admit—there were true prodigies in this world.
All of Akatsuki's founders, except Kakuzu, were terrifyingly young.
When he was their age, he hadn't even reached Jōnin-level strength, while they were already the central figures of a village.
"Ao, why are you comparing me to him?"
Mei pouted in dissatisfaction. While she had thought about comparing herself to others before, having it pointed out felt entirely different.
"Shh—"
Ao signaled her to be quiet. At that moment, Yahiko and Genji finally got to the point.
"Lord Akatsukikage, I now formally surrender all Kiri-nin to you."
Genji stepped back, positioning himself at the front of the Kiri-nin.
"Very well."
Yahiko nodded, his expression turning serious.
"Genji of Kirigakure, along with all Kiri-nin, formally surrenders to Akatsuki."
"Disarm."
At Genji's command, the Kiri-nin unsheathed their blades and removed their ninja pouches, tossing them onto the ground in front of them.
"Akatsuki accepts your surrender."
"I appreciate everyone's cooperation."
Yahiko's words rang clear in the ears of every Kiri-nin.
"Kirigakure is now in your hands."
"What do you plan to do with us?"
Genji stepped forward again, respectfully presenting a strategic plan for the village.
Hearing this, the Kiri-nin tensed.
Recalling Ao's words, Mei strained her ears, hoping Yahiko wouldn't say anything too drastic.
"Plans?"
Yahiko frowned. He hadn't given it much thought.
Isn't sparing them enough? Am I supposed to reward them too?
"Then let them go?"
Seeing Yahiko's response, Genji naturally wouldn't suggest restricting the Kiri-nin.
If anyone was foolish enough to act out, they had only themselves to blame.
"Disperse."
"I still need to send people to secure the area."
Yahiko waved a hand dismissively. He had never considered imprisoning them—there was simply no need.
Even Kirigakure itself was under his control now. Why worry about a few average Kiri-nin?
"Thank you, Lord Akatsukikage."
"Dismissed."
"But don't blame me for speaking out of turn—don't go wandering around aimlessly if there's nothing to do."
"If trouble finds you, don't say I didn't warn you."
Genji turned and ordered the Kiri-nin to disperse, adding a few words of caution out of kindness.
Yahiko was magnanimous, so he couldn't be careless. The current situation was already more than satisfactory to him.
"Yes, Elder Genji."
The Kiri-nin responded in unison before hastily leaving, each one wishing they had more legs to escape this troublesome place.
"See you, Ao-senpai."
"Looks like I don't need to come find you anymore."
Mei walked lightly, bidding farewell to Ao at a fork in the road.
"See you."
Ao waved, only now feeling like he had truly survived.
A mix of emotions welled up in him as he stared in the direction of the village entrance for a long time.
"Elder Genji, you should head back as well."
"With this map, we can handle things ourselves."
Yahiko raised the scroll in his hand, unwilling to waste any more time.
With Kirigakure secured, the next step was leading a team to the capital.
"Then, I will take my leave."
Genji bowed once more before departing, uninterested in Akatsuki's defensive arrangements.
At this point, Kirigakure had no way to turn the tables—nothing he did would change the outcome.
"Goodbye."
Once Genji was gone, Yahiko called Nagato and the others over to review the plans. Instructions flowed steadily from their mouths as they assigned tasks.
As more Akatsuki members dispersed, Kirigakure fell completely under their control.
"Are there any oversights?"
Seeing that all the key areas had been assigned, Yahiko couldn't think of anything else that needed arranging.
"None for now."
"Once everyone is familiar with the layout, we'll choose a team to head to the capital."
Nonō confirmed that the defenses were tight—at least, she couldn't find any flaws before something happened.
"Good, then let's find a place to rest."
Konan, having barely needed to intervene, was already growing bored.
"Let's go. The Fourth Mizukage's residence should be big enough for us."
Nagato took the lead, as if he already knew where Yagura Karatachi's mansion was.
"You know the way?"
Kakuzu followed behind, mildly curious.
Could Nagato's sensory abilities extend to finding mansions too?
"We just have to ask."
Nagato answered matter-of-factly, not the least bit embarrassed.
Walking beside him, Nonō nearly laughed out loud.
Perhaps because Genji had publicly announced Akatsuki's arrival, the streets were nearly deserted.
After a long search, Nagato finally caught hold of a "lucky survivor."
The trembling middle-aged man stammered out the location of Yagura's mansion, and Nagato even remembered to thank him.
"Do we really look that scary?"
Konan pinched her cheek.
"I thought I looked nice."
"This has nothing to do with looks."
"It's our identity, get it?"
Yahiko sighed, exasperated. Konan's train of thought was always different from everyone else's.
"Oh!"
"Whatever, let's go."
Following the middle-aged man's directions, Konan took the lead.
After weaving through several streets and alleys, Yahiko and the others finally arrived at Yagura's mansion.
Even before entering, they could tell no one was inside—whether Genji had arranged this in advance was unclear.
But none of that mattered to them. Yahiko simply pushed open the door and walked in.
As the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura's residence was grand, more than enough to house them all.
Each person chose a suitable room and settled in.
...
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Akatsuki had familiarized themselves with Kirigakure, and the Kiri-nin hadn't caused any disturbances. With everything in order, Yahiko began selecting personnel for the next mission—heading to the capital.
After some discussion, it was decided that Nagato and Nonō would remain in Kirigakure, while Yahiko would take Kakuzu and Konan to the capital.
With the Daimyō's heirs locked in a power struggle, Yahiko hardly had to put in much effort to take control.
At this moment, the entire Land of Water had fallen into Akatsuki's hands.
And with that, Akatsukigakure had become the largest territorial force in the ninja world.