Escape From Konoha

The sound of pattering rain could be heard in my ears.

Rainy days are particularly annoying.

Especially people from the Country of Rain, they especially hate their country where it rains all year round.

What came into Nagato's sight was the devastated village. It was affected by the battle between Konoha and Sunagakure ninjas and became like this. Now it can no longer be inhabited.

It wasn't just the corpses of ninjas that fell there, but also the civilians of the Rain Country.

Received the unparalleled disaster of ninja fighting.

Nagato looked up at the gray sky, pursed his lips with a pale face, and the vision in front of him seemed to become blurred.

His expression was sad and silent. Looking at the corpses on the ground, his eyes changed from sadness to confusion and doubt.

Why do great powers involve their own country in the war?

Akatsuki has dissuaded them from harming civilians in their battle, so why do they still bring pain to the innocent people of Rain Country so cruelly?

Isn't it stipulated by the five major powers themselves that ninjas are not allowed to harm civilians in battle? Why are they the first to break their own rules?

Where is their justice, where is their self-discipline? Where is the power that makes you think you are superior to others?

Extreme violence and power?

This is not the first time this has happened.

When he was young, his parents also died at the hands of great ninjas.

Now more people in this country are dying in this way.

And this chain will not disappear, and more people will die in wars in the future.

Nagato closed his eyes and thought about everything in this country.

Homeless wanderers and orphans are everywhere, emaciated and hungry corpses lying on the roadside, and bodies eaten by wild dogs.

Nagato suddenly discovered a very scary thing, that is, ever since he could remember, what he had seen in his eyes was a disordered, chaotic, twisted world full of blood and killings all day long.

"You are here, Nagato."

A voice came from behind.

It was a young woman with blue hair.

"Xiaonan, what's the matter?"

Nagato turned slightly to reveal his profile.

"Seeing this scene, do you recall the past?"

Xiaonan looked at the tragic situation of the village, with sadness in her eyes.

"Um."

Nagato nodded without hesitation.

There is no need to hide the pain in your heart in front of your peers.

He has experienced this, but now he has a lot of doubts and confusion in his heart.

"Don't think too much. One day, we will succeed. Everyone is working hard for this."

"I know. I'm fine, Konan. What did Yahiko say?"

Nagato asked about the business.

"He plans to negotiate with the ninjas of Sunagakure and Konoha."

"negotiation?"

"Tell them to stop the war."

Hearing what Konan said, although Nagato supported Yahiko's approach, he felt it was inappropriate.

After seeing this, Nagato didn't think that those powerful ninjas would listen to their prayers, stop their weapons, and go home.

In the end, the one who suffered the most damage was still the Kingdom of Rain, and nothing changed.

Thinking of this, Nagato couldn't help but think of what a guy from a certain organization who called himself a bug man said when he came to recruit them three years ago.

Said that they will definitely end in failure in the end.

When Nagato thought about this incident, it was indeed consistent with what the insect man said.

They continue to save money, give more materials to the poor people in the Rain Country, and even dedicate themselves to them for free.

Yet nothing has changed.

People who should be poor are still poor. After charity, their lives will become a big problem again.

"Before that, we need to distribute the recently collected supplies to the rest of the people. Yahiko asked you to come with me."

"Okay, let's go now."

Although I was confused as to why everyone at Akatsuki had done so much, nothing had changed in the end, and now was not the time to care about these things.

Saving the people of this country is the top priority.

In this war-torn era, we must race against time.

This village destroyed by ninjas is an example.

◎

Nagato and Konan walked forward in the rain.

The two of them were carrying a considerable amount of supplies on their backs, all of which were intended to be distributed to the people of the Country of Rain.

In the leaky little village, many buildings were destroyed, and most of the houses had big holes in the tops due to the ninja fighting.

The house was filled with rainwater.

However, even in such a difficult environment, many people from the Country of Rain took refuge here.

When the ninjas come again, they will take refuge elsewhere. If you don't have time to escape, you will have to wait to die.

Anyway, this country is hiding almost everywhere, the big names are too busy to take care of themselves, the nobles are drunk, enjoying themselves, and trying to get crazy in the end, so no one cares about the life and death of civilians like them.

"Why is there only so much this time?"

The male villager with only his head exposed from the broken wooden door seemed very dissatisfied with the meager supplies he received this time.

"Sorry, the supplies collected recently are getting less and less. We will bring more things next time."

"Our family can't hold on to such a small amount for long."

The male villager weighed the total amount of supplies he received this time and estimated that they would be gone in a month and a half.

Immediately, he looked behind Xiaonan, showing greed.

"Isn't there another one there? Take that one and give it to me."

This is a natural request.

"No! These are things to be distributed to others. There are only so many this time."

Xiaonan took a step back to protect the supplies behind and prevent men from coming to snatch them.

"Does this matter? Anyway, our family has the largest population in this village, so we should get more."

"That's all."

Xiao Nan refused to budge.

The man frowned angrily and rushed forward to snatch the supplies behind Xiaonan.

"Do not come near me!"

This kind of behavior by a man also made Xiaonan angry. She was already very humble, but she didn't expect that this man would take advantage of her.

He grabbed his arm and asked him to roll back.

"What are you bastards planning to do?"

The man rolled in the mud and had a bruise on his forehead, and became angry with Xiao Nan.

"I don't plan to do anything. These are the supplies that were distributed this time. There is nothing extra."

Nagato said indifferently.

The man snorted coldly and walked into the house angrily.

The moment he closed the wooden door, he left behind a very unpleasant sentence:

"Why are you pretending to be a philanthropist at this time? What a bunch of idiots!"

"you--"

Xiaonan couldn't help it anymore and wanted to rush in and teach this man a lesson.

What this man said was really ugly.

If it weren't for their Akatsuki relief, the family would have starved to death.

Nagato stretched out his hand to stop Konan, shook his head and said, "Forget it, Konan, even if you beat him, it's useless."

Xiao Nan finally stopped her hand, but there was still anger and grievance on her face.

I always feel that my and everyone's good intentions have been ruined by these people.

It was also the first time for Nagato to encounter this kind of problem, but he didn't know how to deal with it, but he understood that even if he beat this man up, nothing would change.

Even if the supplies are taken away, his family will still survive, including two children.

Next, Nagato and Xiaonan went to distribute the supplies to other people, but fortunately they did not encounter the same unreasonable incidents as before.

"It's finally finished."

Xiaonan let out a long breath.

"But as the war comes, it will become more and more difficult to collect supplies in the future. The organization does not have much funds left."

Nagato said so.

"Yes, this is indeed a big problem."

Xiaonan couldn't help but feel distressed.

Everyone at Akatsuki has finally reached this point, and no one wants to give up and start over.

Because they believe that under the leadership of leader Yahiko, Akatsuki's ideas will be recognized by more and more people and eventually change the country.

However, it now seems that this important task, not to mention future success, is just the first step, and it is so difficult, and peace is still far away.

Akatsuki's job has several parts.

Konan and Nagato are responsible for distributing supplies, because they have the best tempers among Akatsuki.

Although the leader Yahiko is also highly trusted, he has more important things to do.

Whether it is looking for ninjas to negotiate between Konoha and Sunagakure, or promoting Akatsuki's ideas in the Land of Rain, he, the leader, must be personally responsible for making everyone agree with Akatsuki, gathering more power, and changing the Land of Rain. world.

Even though they know that this road is extremely difficult and may even cost their lives at any time, everyone in Akatsuki embarks on this road without hesitation.

They all firmly believe that all hardships will be rewarded. The current distress and frustration are just a test of their will and body, and the future will definitely be better.

"Xiaonan, where are we going next?"

Nagato asked.

"The next step is to buy medicine. Many of the villagers rescued before were seriously injured. And our own internal people also need to use it. Hmm... I always feel that the budget is getting tighter and tighter."

Konan smiled bitterly.

Xiao's source of income basically comes from the release of tasks. Although Xiao often helps others for free, there are also enthusiastic villagers who will pay them or use some materials instead.

Furthermore, when cleaning up bandits, the silver earned from working on the bandits will also be converted into funds for Akatsuki's activities.

In the past, Xiaonan learned ninjutsu and believed that the world is big and you can go anywhere.

There is no need to be too demanding about money, an external thing.

The will of a ninja lies in endurance.

This is what their teacher, Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, taught them.

No matter how difficult it is, with my ninja abilities, I can survive in the wild.

But after establishing Akatsuki, I realized that many things in this world cannot be changed by relying on the power of ninjas.

Ninjas are also part of reality, and in reality money is needed in many places.

Without money, Xiao's activities cannot be carried out and it cannot help more people.

In short, it’s just one word, poor.

If Xiao's activity funds could be higher, the work efficiency would be much higher.

However, there are no business talents in Xiao, and it is impossible for those wealthy businessmen to finance their activities.

Overall, Xiao's various activities are all losses.

Taking money out of the hands of greedy businessmen is simply a dream.

Nagato also sighed, there was still a long way to go.

After being frustrated for a while, the two of them gathered their spirits and set off towards the nearby prosperous town.

This place has not been affected by the war from the beginning to the end. Although the economy will be depressed due to the impact of the war, it can be regarded as one of the few pure lands in the Land of Rain.

Sunagakure ninjas can be seen everywhere here, and the reason is that this ninja is temporarily controlled by the ninjas of Sunagakure Village.

The Sunagakure shinobi's supplies were replenished by themselves on the one hand, and on the other hand they were extracted from the citizens of the Land of Rain.

Even though the people of the Land of Rain were very angry about this, they did not dare to say anything openly in the face of the oppression of the Sunagakure ninjas.

Because the actions of Sunagakure ninjas in the Kingdom of Rain are legal, this order was personally issued by the Daimyo of the Kingdom of Rain.

Sunagakure ninjas were allowed to control some cities in the Land of Rain during the war.

Sunagakure ninjas are responsible for protecting the safety of these cities, and residents are also obliged to provide services to Sunagakure ninjas, such as handing over important supplies for use by Sunagakure ninjas.

In the city, the only important buildings not under the control of Sunagakure ninjas are pharmacies and weapons stores in neutral countries.

The Aster Flower Pharmaceutical Company of the Kingdom of Ghosts has branches in various countries. The underworld weapons dealers of the Kingdom of Iron have also set their sights on the Kingdom of Rain, a land favored by war, and come to sell weapons.

In terms of weapons, Xiaonan doesn't have to worry. Akatsuki Ninja's reserves are still very sufficient. Except for the shortage of the more precious detonating charms, there is no shortage of kunai and shurikens.

However, medicines are the big deal in Xiaonan's eyes.

Every time I come here to buy medicine, I have to feel deeply distressed.

It can be said that after purchasing this medicine, Xiao's activity funds are basically empty, with nothing left.

In the next period of time, we will also need to live a tight life.

Ziyuanhua Branch Pharmacy is located in a tall four-story building on a prosperous street in the city.

Pedestrians hurriedly walked on the street, wearing raincoats.

Xiaonan and Nagato entered the pharmacy, put their raincoats on the shelf at the back door, and then went to talk to the branch manager here about buying medicines.

The person in charge of the meeting with Xiaonan was a young woman who looked to be in her thirties. She had a somewhat plump body and gave people a friendly and gentle impression.

She had some impressions of Xiaonan, a ninja from the Land of Rain, because it was not the first time that Xiaonan came here to discuss buying medicines with her, and she had been here several times before.

“Five percent increase in drug prices!?”

After hearing the rich woman's offer, Xiaonan was stunned.

The rich woman ignored Xiaonan's surprised look, but nodded and said in a calm tone: "Now the pharmaceutical market in the Country of Rain is in short supply, and the production at the headquarters can't keep up, so the sales price will naturally rise accordingly."

Although the rich woman stated the reason, Xiaonan was still a little unwilling.

The money she brought this time was just enough to buy that batch of medicines. If the price increased by 5%, she would definitely not be able to buy this batch of medicines.

She knew what caused it.

Sunagakure and Konoha are at war, and some nobles and civilians are also purchasing medicines in large quantities. In this war era, the more prepared the better.

What's more, the medicines produced by Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company are indeed more effective than other pharmaceutical companies.

Even the five major ninja villages allowed them to set up branches there. One can imagine the reputation and influence of this pharmaceutical company.

"But……"

When Xiaonan was about to say something, the rich woman interrupted her again:

"In addition, when Miss Xiaonan came here to buy medicines a few times, she made several loans here, and they were almost due. I hope Miss Xiaonan can pay back the money she owes as soon as possible, otherwise she will be blacklisted by our company. .After that, the words started to sound a bit unpleasant.”

"..."

An embarrassed look appeared on Xiaonan's face.

Because Xiao's funds have never been sufficient, the first few times she came to buy medicine, she took some money on credit and signed an IOU.

Including the monthly interest repayment, it is a large amount of money for her personally.

Nagato heard from the side and glanced at Konan, finding that Konan was avoiding his eyes.

Nagato had never heard Konan mention this matter.

Xiaonan, who had gone back to buy medicine before, didn't mention it to everyone at Xiao. Did she plan to carry it out by herself?

"Let me be lenient. Before June this year, I hope Miss Xiaonan will make up the money she owes."

said the rich woman.

"I understand. By the way, what will happen if it's overdue?"

"Don't pay back after the due date?" The rich woman frowned, then relaxed and said: "On this point, please rest assured, Miss Xiao Nan, our company has debt collectors who are specifically responsible for this kind of thing. Their force and means can definitely make Xiao Nan Miss satisfied."

"..."

Hearing this, Xiaonan felt increasingly uneasy.

However, I also knew that a large company like Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company would definitely be involved in some gray undertakings, but I didn't expect that it would even train specialized debt collectors.

No need to think about it, they are the ninja troops responsible for collecting debts.

"If you are short of money, I can also introduce you to some special jobs, Miss Xiaonan."

Special, special work?

Xiaonan's face immediately turned red.

"Please don't think wrongly. Our Ziyuanhua Company is not involved in the sex industry, it is a legitimate business. The job I introduced is also a serious job."

Rich women declare this.

Xiaonan breathed a sigh of relief.

"Can't the drug prices really be lowered this time?"

Xiao is in urgent need of these medicines.

"Sorry, this is a decision made by the headquarters, and I have no right to change it."

The rich woman helplessly spread her hands.

She naturally knows something about the situation in the Country of Rain, but this is not something she can decide.

She is just a branch manager. Deciding whether to increase or decrease the price is a decision made by the upper management. A middle-level administrator like her only needs to follow orders.

"However, Miss Xiaonan really wants these medicines, so she can go to the headquarters of Ghost Country to buy them. The price of medicines there has not increased, on the contrary, the price will be much cheaper."

The rich woman can be regarded as pointing out a clear path for Xiaonan.

After all, drug prices are measured according to the conditions of each country, and each region and country has different prices.

"The country of ghosts?"

Xiao Nan rubbed her sore eyebrows. She had never left the Country of Rain.

And now that the Kingdom of Rain is in such chaos, it would take a long time to go to the distant Kingdom of Ghosts to buy medicines.

Leaving Ziyuanhua branch pharmacy with Nagato, Xiaonan is now a little distressed about how to choose, whether to buy in the country of rain, or go to the country of ghosts... It is better to go back and discuss it.

"Nagato, don't tell others about the money I owe. I don't want everyone in Akatsuki to worry about me."

Konan reminded Nagato on the way back.

Nagato nodded, and then said hesitantly: "But this is not an option. How do you plan to pay back the money? And, how much do you owe?"

"Not a lot."

Xiaonan's eyes looked away unnaturally.

“How much is not much?”

Nagato looked serious.

Xiaonan hesitated and finally stretched out a finger.

"one million?"

"Not including interest, it's about 10 million..."

Xiao Nan's voice weakened.

"Ten...ten million!?"

Nagato's voice couldn't help but become louder.

This is much more than their annual activity funds.

Ten million taels was an astronomical figure that Nagato could not even imagine.

"No wonder you always bring back a large amount of medicine... I thought the price of medicine in the Rain Country had dropped a lot."

Because Xiaonan is responsible for purchasing supplies, the rest of Xiao's team is not very clear about what's going on.

If Nagato hadn't acted together this time, there's no telling how long this matter would have been hidden.

After all, the consequences of going against a large force like Ziyuanhua Pharmaceutical Company would be very troublesome.

Especially since the other party also has a special debt-collecting ninja unit. If Xiaonan fails to pay back overdue, he will definitely get into trouble with Akatsuki.

Nagato didn't know what Konan should say.

But I was also a little touched. Xiaonan did this for Xiao and to save more people.

If he blamed her, it would hurt her self-esteem too much.

But...how to repay the ten million taels?

After all, the special job that the branch manager mentioned... is too reminiscent of some unsightly pornographic industries.

"To the country of ghosts?"

In a cave, it was raining outside, and Xiao's people held a short meeting here.

Xiaonan did not buy the medicine, but explained to everyone that she was going to the Kingdom of Ghosts to buy medicine there that had the same effect but was very cheap.

"Yes, I have already made up my mind. Akatsuki's funds are not much. If I buy cheap medicine from the Ghost Kingdom, the quantity will be sufficient. And I will go there by myself, so I can save the travel expenses."

Xiaonan's firm face showed that she had made up her mind.

"But……"

Yahiko hesitated a little.

It's not that he doesn't agree with it. Waste a little time and get more medicine. He agrees with both hands.

But he was a little worried about letting Xiao Nan go to the remote place in the Kingdom of Ghosts alone.

And he was about to prepare to negotiate with the ninjas of Sunagakure and Konoha. Coupled with his status as leader, he could not leave the Kingdom of Rain easily.

"Let me go with Xiaonan."

Nagato took the initiative to stand up.

Because by sending someone else there, Xiaonan's debt will definitely be exposed.

Moreover, he is also the strongest among Akatsuki, and can protect Xiao Nan even in dangerous situations.

"Then I leave this matter to you, Xiaonan, and Nagato. Be careful on the road."

"yes."

Konan and Nagato nodded heavily, knowing that this operation was very crucial to Akatsuki and they would not allow any problems to occur.

The people of Akatsuki are all resolute and resolute people. Once they decide something, they will take action immediately.

After the short meeting, Yahiko took the rest of Akatsuki's companions to negotiate with the great ninjas.

Nagato, on the other hand, protected Konan all the way to a distant country that was completely unknown to them - the country of ghosts.