Yes, the Hokage!

"Feng, Lord Fenglan..."

In the ensuing silence, Dai, the most naive and unable to keep a secret, rubbed his eyes hard: "Am I seeing things? That, that's the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju!?"

“Indeed.” Feng Lan sighed dramatically, then said angrily, “That bastard Orochimaru actually dared to defile the remains of the Hokage who were protecting the village!”

He glanced at Orochimaru, then paused slightly, "Is he under a genjutsu? Shisui, how long can you control this guy? Anyway, let's tie him up first."

The essence of illusion is to disrupt the enemy's chakra to create an illusion. Even if the opponent does not resist at all, the disrupted chakra will gradually return to normal, and the illusion will naturally be dispelled.

“My lord, there is no need to worry.” Shisui took a deep breath. “He… can no longer resist.”

"Hmm?" Feng Lan feigned slight surprise. "It's... your kaleidoscope ability?"

“Yes.” Shisui lowered his head slightly. “I have something I’d like to discuss with you privately.”

With Amegakure currently leaderless, the Akatsuki members yet to be subdued, and three resurrected Kage standing before them, it was hardly a good time to talk. Yet, Feng Lan nodded without hesitation: "Alright."

Seeing that Fenglan still trusted him so much, Zhishui felt a warmth in his heart, but then a pang of sadness struck him: "My relationship with you as your bodyguard probably ends today."

The two found a secluded and deserted place. Feng Lan used her senses to make sure no one was following or eavesdropping before she spoke, "Speak, what is it that is so important?"

"What I want to confess to you is..."

Even a mature and composed person like Shisui took several deep breaths before he could speak, and his voice even trembled as he spoke, showing his unease: "It's my Mangekyou Sharingan ability... Kotoamatsukami."

Chapter 77 The Pursuit of Still Water

"Kotoamatsukami... Sounds pretty powerful, doesn't it?"

Feng Lan smiled calmly: "It seems that the effect of subduing Orochimaru is quite good. This is a unique ability of your Mangekyou Sharingan. Is it really okay to tell me like this?"

“Yes…” Shisui lowered his head, “I wanted to tell you.”

Judging from Jiraiya and Tsunade's expressions, they have clearly already realized the effects of Kotoamatsukami. They will definitely suspect whether Fenglan is being controlled by them, especially given that he is so biased towards the Uchiha.

Rather than letting them question Feng Lan and expose him, it's better to confess voluntarily. As for what happens next... let Lord Feng Lan handle it.

"Alright, it seems you really trust me." Feng Lan smiled. "Then I'll be honored to listen attentively."

With a heavy heart, Shisui revealed the full effects of his Kotoamatsukami, explaining it in far more detail than what was shown in the anime.

He's truly an honest and kind person; he doesn't hold back at all.

Feng Lan stroked his chin and pondered, "So, your left eye can permanently control a person, but the cooldown time is more than ten years, while your right eye can control a person for a certain period of time. Although the cooldown time is not as long as the left eye, it is still about a year before it can be used?" (This is my original work; the anime does not provide such a detailed explanation.)

“Yes.” Shisui said, bowing his head, “I just used the Kotoamatsukami of my left eye to control Orochimaru. He will never be able to do evil again in his life.”

"I see..." Feng Lan's expression was inscrutable, and it was unclear what she was thinking.

Zhi Shui silently closed his eyes, awaiting Lord Feng Lan's verdict. Whether it was being removed from his guard duties, becoming a marginal figure, or even being imprisoned, he had long been mentally prepared.

Those who possess evil powers like Kotoamatsukami deserve to be feared and rejected.

"That's quite a skill."

However, after waiting for a long time, he only heard this sentence.

"That's...that's it?" Shisui opened his eyes in disbelief.

"More than that," Feng Lan scratched his head. "Are you sure you can control Orochimaru forever? If this guy breaks free from the genjutsu, he'll cause a lot of tragedies."

His words startled Shisui slightly, but the boy, unusually, did not answer him. Instead, he said somewhat excitedly, "Lord Fenglan, now that you know about my Mangekyou Sharingan's abilities, can you still trust me? Will you still let me serve as your guard? Aren't you afraid that I will use Kotoamatsukami to control you?"

His trembling voice carried a hint of expectation.

"What's so scary?" Feng Lan chuckled. "Would you really do such a thing?"

"Of course not!" Shisui couldn't help but shout excitedly.

"That settles it then." Feng Lan shrugged. "So, let's get on with our business. I need to check on Orochimaru's situation, as well as the Kage who were resurrected... There's still a lot to do."

"Oh, by the way, never tell anyone that you possess this technique. Such a powerful ability could undoubtedly trigger a war, and countless people would go crazy for it. I'll talk to Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Obito about it. Just remember to keep it a secret."

He had just turned around and taken a few steps when he heard Zhishui's voice: "You, you really believe me like this? Don't you never trust anyone?"

A rare hint of hesitation and vulnerability appeared in the boy's usually mature and confident voice.

"I've said it before, haven't I? If you want to use a sharp knife, you won't be afraid of cutting your own hand." Feng Lan replied calmly. "It's not that I trust you, but that I'm confident in myself. I feel that I can control you. No matter how sharp you are, I have the magnanimity to tolerate you. So just do your own thing and don't overthink it."

"What if, what if one day I really control you with Kotoamatsukami?" Shisui couldn't help but exclaim.

"That proves that I... am nothing special, lacking the magnanimity to tolerate you, which is why you chose to control me." Feng Lan turned half her head and chuckled. "In the end, it will be you who uses your magnanimity to tolerate me... But not to boast, even Minato couldn't completely control me. Do you have that confidence?"

Just then, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, and a ray of sunlight shone on Fenglan's profile, instantly dazzling Zhishui.

The other person's composure and demeanor, as well as the care and trust he showed, though not explicitly stated, deeply moved him.

"Lord Fenglan, I..." This was the first time Zhishui had choked up since their first meeting.

“Ninjas don’t accomplish missions with words.” Feng Lan shrugged. “But you’re not Obito, and you must be exhausted after using the Mangekyou Sharingan. Go and rest for now, and leave the rest to me…”

"No!"

Zhi Shui darted behind Feng Lan in one stride: "I will follow you, no matter what we do."

“Alright then. I’ll need you to be there as a reference when I’m experimenting with the extent of Orochimaru’s control.” Feng Lan nodded. “After all, you’re the number one genjutsu master in the Uchiha clan… or even the number one genjutsu master in Konoha.”

In the past, when he heard such praise, Shisui would only say a few words of humility and would not be proud of it.

But hearing Feng Lan say that today, he felt a surge of pride: "That's right, Lord Feng Lan has approved of me, and I certainly won't let him down!"

……

Although he was most concerned about Orochimaru and the Edo Tensei, reason told Fenglan that he had to strike while the iron was hot and deal with the Akatsuki organization to show that he valued them.

Sure enough, when he returned, both sides had recovered from their shock and the joy of their reunion and sat on opposite sides, clearly separated.

Even though Yahiko and his trio relied heavily on Jiraiya, after expressing their concern, they still did not sit with the Konoha ninja. Instead, their gazes toward the other Konoha ninjas were filled with undisguised hostility.

The entire Akatsuki organization were orphans, and the reason they became orphans was because the Sand Village and the Leaf Village were at war in the Land of Rain. The two great nations fought to the death for their own interests, but it was the people of the small country who suffered. How could they possibly have a good attitude towards the Leaf Village ninjas?

Especially Nagato, whose parents were killed by Konoha ninjas. Although it was an accidental killing, it did not prevent the pain and hatred from being firmly sealed in his heart.

When Feng Lan returned, everyone's eyes were on him. Both sides knew that the only one who could decide the future was this ordinary man.

"Shisui, go and rest with the team for a bit," Fenglan calmly instructed. "Orochimaru will need your strength later."

"Yes, sir." Shisui obediently complied. He didn't have Hashirama cells, and using the power of the Kaleidoscope once was a considerable burden on his body.

Upon seeing Shisui rejoin the group, Fenglan walked alone towards the Akatsuki's gathering place. Obito and Jiraiya instinctively stood up, wanting to take on the role of guards, but Fenglan waved them off.

He didn't even need to rely on Jiraiya's influence; he simply walked straight to the leader Yahiko and sat down opposite him. Everyone around him gave him cold looks, but did nothing.

After all, it was Feng Lan who saved Konan with the Flying Thunder God Technique, preventing the Akatsuki from being wiped out. With this favor still in place, it's not appropriate to turn against them directly.

Feng Lan had already entered his smiling tiger mode, extending his palm: "I am the leader of this Konoha delegation, and the chief advisor to the Fourth Hokage, Feng Lan."

Yahiko's personality is quite resolute and magnanimous, somewhat similar to Naruto's, so he wouldn't deliberately not respond. He extended his hand and said, "I am Yahiko, the leader of the Akatsuki."

"Hello, Yahiko," Feng Lan said with a smile. "Everyone's time is of the essence, so I'll get straight to the point. Are you... interested in becoming the leader of Amegakure?"

Chapter 78 Alliance Negotiations

"The leader of Amegakure?"

Yahiko had clearly considered this issue, and he showed no panic in the face of Fenglan's abruptness. Instead, he calmly said, "The personnel changes in Amegakure are none of Konoha's concern. Besides, your delegation's purpose in coming here is to pay a visit to Hanzo of the Salamander."

Although Amegakure was small and isolated, Yahiko was, after all, the leader of Akatsuki, and still held some influence in some of the surrounding small countries; otherwise, he wouldn't have attracted Hanzo's murderous intent. Therefore, although Jiraiya hadn't revealed anything, he still had a general understanding of the delegation's situation.

"At first, of course, but not later." Feng Lan seemed quite frank. "After Jiraiya-sama told me about the three of you, I changed my mind."

"Jiraiya-sensei has mentioned us to you?" The trio seemed somewhat surprised.

“Of course.” Feng Lan tilted her head. “Should I call Jiraiya-sama over and ask him?”

This time he wasn't lying. On the way here, Feng Lan deliberately guided the conversation, making Jiraiya describe the trio's situation in detail, for fear that something not mentioned in the original work might happen.

"No need. As the chief advisor, he wouldn't lie to us about something like this." Yahiko shook his head, worried that he might soften his heart if Jiraiya pleaded for him.

Feng Lan knew this, which was why he deliberately didn't let Jiraiya come over. The perverted sage had already used his charm to increase favorability, and he hoped that the next negotiation would be reached under completely rational conditions. These three were not motivated by gratitude or momentary impulse, but by the benefits he offered.

Only alliances formed by combining gratitude and self-interest are truly reliable.

"Why would you choose us over the mighty Hanzo the Salamander?" Yahiko stared intently at Fenglan, trying to find clues, but the other party always had that squinty-eyed smile, and he couldn't see any flaws.

“You are young, confident, and deeply influenced by Jiraiya-sama. You yearn for peace and independence but do not rashly resort to violence. These are all things I admire…” Feng Lan said, tilting his head towards Nagato. “Of course, now we also need to add the Rinnegan.”

At this moment, Nagato was still fatigued from overusing his Rinnegan. When Fenglan looked at him like that, he couldn't help but shrink back. Yahiko and Konan immediately stepped in front of him to block his way.

"Don't worry, if I wanted to seize the Rinnegan, I wouldn't have come alone like this." Feng Lan smiled. "Just as I said, I'm not someone who uses violence rashly."

“Is that so…” Yahiko glanced at the corpses of Amegakure and Root members not far away, his tone somewhat sarcastic, “This is the first time I’ve heard that people from Konoha don’t like using violence.”

"This was also to save you," Feng Lan said calmly. "Moreover, I only chose to fight because I was certain that my side could achieve a complete victory. Even if one person might lose their life in the battle, I would not rashly start a war."

He was undoubtedly declaring his principles. Yahiko frowned slightly. He could also hear the strong confidence and pressure in the other man's words. He was certain that he could achieve complete victory before choosing to fight. In other words, once this man made a move, he would bring annihilation to the other party.

He glanced calmly at Shisui, Obito, and the other powerful figures, silently shaking his head inwardly: [We can't act impulsively. If things really turn sour, even with Nagato present, we'll be wiped out. And if a fight breaks out, Jiraiya won't be on our side, not to mention Konoha's reaction.]

In this negotiation, the Akatsuki organization was the weaker party, which put them in a very passive position.

However, Fenglan spoke up at this moment, giving him the initiative: "Of course I admit that Konoha caused great trauma to Amegakure during the Second World War. That is why I hope you can give me a chance to make amends."

As expected, Yahiko seized on this point: "You know the sins Konoha has committed. Most of the Akatsuki members became orphans because of you. Why should I believe you? Why should I give you this opportunity?!"

“I’ve never denied that either.” Feng Lan spread his hands. “Of course you can hate me, hate Konoha, but people always have to make choices. You can choose to continue this hatred and refuse my help, but let me say this first… Hanzo of the Salamander has run away, and a considerable number of his subordinates have also fled. If that guy really comes back, are you confident you can hold him off?”

"You clearly let him go on purpose!" Yahiko angrily slammed his fist on the ground.

“Yahiko…” Konan gently tugged at his sleeve. She was ultimately saved by Fenglan himself, and she still felt grateful and did not want the two of them to fall out directly.

"As I just said, I won't issue a decision if it will result in losses for my subordinates," Feng Lan said calmly. "The interception of Hanzo the Salamander and all his men will undoubtedly cost my men dearly. Unfortunately, you are not worth that price."

He spoke very bluntly and harshly, and the Akatsuki members all looked grim, but they couldn't retaliate because what he said was true.

"By the way, letting hatred linger... doesn't quite align with the spirit and beliefs passed down by your teacher, Jiraiya-sama." Although Feng Lan himself didn't believe in Jiraiya's ways, he believed in the theory of not holding grudges and settling scores on the spot, but that didn't stop him from using it to put Yahiko down.

Seeing that the other party was a little red, Feng Lan quickly changed the subject: "Then another option is not to let hatred consume reason, but to accept our help. As for revenge, wait until you become stronger before thinking about it. For Amegakure, it is already very difficult to continue and protect the villagers."

These words left the Akatsuki members speechless. Yahiko subconsciously looked at Nagato; in his heart, Nagato was the Akatsuki, the future of Amegakure.

However, Nagato's personality is gentle and reserved. In his mind, Yahiko is the core of Akatsuki and the person he should always follow. As long as Yahiko doesn't die and he doesn't turn to the dark side, he will never be too opinionated.

So when he saw that Nagato still supported his decision as always, Yahiko hesitated for a moment, but before he could look at Konan, he felt his hand being grasped.