Chapter 112 Taking A Disciple

Hiashi remained silent for a moment before asking, "What do you need me to do, Hokage-sama?"

Tsunade replied directly, "This afternoon, I will hold a small meeting to announce this decision. I hope you can represent the Hyuga Clan and publicly support me."

Hiashi had already guessed Tsunade's intentions, but his face showed a hint of hesitation.

Although he rarely involved himself in political struggles, he understood the basics. This was the time to secure benefits for his clan, especially since publicly supporting the proposal to seal the village would come at the cost of the Hyuga Clan's reputation.

So Tsunade would need to offer something in return.

Tsunade, noticing his hesitation, countered with a question, "Your eldest daughter, Hinata, is seven years old now, right?"

Hiashi was momentarily stunned, unsure why Tsunade had brought up his daughter.

But after a moment, he nodded.

"Recently, I've heard some unfavorable rumors about Hinata in the village."

"This..."

Hearing this, Hiashi's expression darkened, and his fists clenched involuntarily.

Although he had altered the story of Neji's disappearance to make it seem like a sacrifice, Naruto's betrayal of Konoha was undeniable. As someone who had been close to Naruto, Hinata's treatment in the village had undoubtedly suffered.

Moreover, the senior members of the clan have already planned to put the Caged Bird on Hinata.

"Hokage-sama, please speak plainly."

"I have never taken on a true disciple. I believe Hinata has potential, so I would like to take her as my student."

As she said, Tsunade looked directly at Hiashi and assured him, "Advisor Hiashi, you can rest assured, I will teach her everything I know."

Having said that, Tsunade fell silent, waiting for Hiashi's response.

Hiashi didn't keep her waiting long. After briefly weighing the pros and cons, he had his answer.

"In that case, I entrust my daughter to your care, Hokage-sama. The Hyuga Clan will fully support all your decisions."

This is a win-win-win situation.

Tsunade, as Hokage, gained the loyalty of the Hyuga Clan. Hiashi, as a father, avoided seeing his daughter branded with the Caged Bird. And the Hyuga Clan, through Hinata, established a direct connection with the Hokage.

All three parties gained what they wanted.

Moreover, as the Hokage, Tsunade having only Hinata as her disciple, and given Hinata's current personality, she might even have a chance to compete for the position of Hokage in the future.

By then, Hiashi's eldest daughter would be the Hokage of Konoha, and his younger daughter would be the leader of the Hyuga Clan. He could die without regrets.

Tsunade nodded and said, "In that case, please arrange the meeting for this afternoon, Advisor Hiashi."

"Understood, Hokage-sama."

Hiashi stood up, bowed to Tsunade, and left.

Watching Hiashi leave, Tsunade let out a small sigh of relief.

Sealing the village was a decision that went against tradition.

Her desire to take Hinata as a student actually had another purpose: she hoped that if Naruto ever returned to Konoha, he might spare the village for Hinata's sake.

"Tsunade-sama!"

A soft, soothing voice echoed in her mind.

"Katsuyu?" Tsunade was momentarily surprised.

"Tsunade-sama, there's something I need your help with."

---

Amegakure.

Atop a tall tower, in a cold, dimly lit hall.

Deva Path Pain stood impassively on the high platform, with Konan by his side.

Below, on either side, stood Sasori and Kisame.

They listened to the latest intelligence gathered by Black Zetsu.

The strange abilities of the Mangekyo Sharingan, Naruto's battle with Jiraiya, and how Naruto had effortlessly killed Jiraiya.

Finally, Black Zetsu emphasized Naruto's grand ambition, as mentioned during his fight with Jiraiya.

This revelation caused surprise among everyone present, except for Pain and Sasori, who were both puppets.

"To stand at the top and create a new world?"

"It seems that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki also wants to become a god of the new world."

Pain's expression remained cold, his voice filled with icy detachment.

"Hehe, Leader, I think this guy might actually fit well in our organization."

Kisame spoke up, his lips curling into a grin, revealing his sharp shark-like teeth.

He was very interested in this Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, even feeling a sense of agreement. This world of endless slaughter had long since grown tiresome.

"How about I go recruit him? The organization is short on members right now, and if he can kill one of the Sannin, his strength should be enough to join us, right?"

Kisame volunteered eagerly.

The others all turned their attention to Pain, waiting for his response.

Konan's expression was complex. She knew that Kakuzu and Orochimaru's disappearances were linked to Naruto, and now, he had killed their teacher, Jiraiya...

As for why Black Zetsu had emphasized Naruto's words, he believed Naruto could be useful.

'Creating a new world… what could be more convenient than the Infinite Tsukuyomi?'

Pain fell silent, lowering his head in thought before finally speaking.

"You all have other missions. Black Zetsu has found another promising talent, a Missing-nin from Konoha."

"A Missing-nin from Konoha? Understood."

Kisame nodded, though he couldn't hide his disappointment. He pressed further: "Then about the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki..."

"The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki will be handled by the Vice-Leader. "

Pain had his reasons for making this arrangement.

After all, there was already a precedent of two members being poached by Naruto. He was a little worried about letting other members contact the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, especially someone like Kisame, who had just joined the organization and had already expressed a sense of agreement with Naruto.

If Kisame were to be swayed, the Akatsuki would be left with little more than an empty shell.

Konan, hearing this, showed no objection and simply asked, "When should I make my move?"

"First, approach him under a different identity."