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Although Wuchen expressed his deep sympathy for the fate of Nagato Uzumaki and his companions, reality was this cruel. Some people's destinies were sealed even before they were born.
Just like Uchiha Itachi, whose Mangekyo might be taken by Wuchen in the future. Compared to Itachi's future fate, Nagato Uzumaki and his companions, though always suffering from misfortunes, were actually more fortunate.
"Regardless of Akatsuki's purpose, they have already taken a stance against us and should be completely annihilated." Jiraiya's voice was like a resounding bell, extremely loud, filled with endless killing intent and ruthlessness.
Wuchen looked at Jiraiya with pity at this moment, wondering what kind of expression this old man would make when he found out that Akatsuki's leader was his former disciple.
"Iwagakure must be stopped… but—"
The Third Hokage's voice suddenly shifted, a peculiar smile on his lips. He then looked at Wuchen meaningfully, a rare glint of determination in his eyes.
Throughout the previous Ninja Wars, Konoha's situation had always been extremely awkward and difficult, surrounded by enemies on all sides. It was almost always the target of beatings from the major nations of the ninja world. From the Five Great Nations down to the smallest ninja villages, almost all regarded Konoha as an eyesore, wishing to eliminate it quickly.
This situation of being attacked from both sides, with powerful enemies lurking, had to be completely changed. Otherwise, even if they won the Third Great Ninja War, nothing would truly change. In the next Ninja War, Konoha might still be the target of a group assault.
They had to win over a few ninja villages!
"Wuchen, stay. I have something to say to you. The rest of you, leave."
The Third Hokage looked at Wuchen thoughtfully, then indifferently spoke to Danzo and the others. His tone was quite firm, leaving no room for doubt.
"What did you say?!"
Hearing this, Danzo laughed in extreme anger. He hadn't expected this weak old man to be so bold at this moment, actually trying to drive them all out. His guts were incredibly huge! His anger immediately flared.
Just as he was about to angrily reprimand and lecture the Third Hokage, he suddenly felt a pair of incredibly cold eyes fixed on him. The biting chill pierced directly into his soul, and his hair stood on end.
"You let… I, I understand."
Suddenly looking up, it was the Third Hokage, his face icy cold, his hat brim pulled low, the other half of his aged face extremely dark, sinister and terrifying, his countenance even radiating a cold aura.
Danzo took a deep breath. He knew the Third Hokage was truly enraged, so he quickly slipped away. He had worked with the Third Hokage for many years and knew his temperament. This old man usually seemed harmless, like an old grandfather from next door, but once he lost his temper, it was no joke!
Those who usually had a better temper and were easier to get along with often had the most terrifying tempers when they finally erupted!
The group exchanged glances. Although they didn't understand the Third Hokage's intention, the Hokage was still supreme in Konoha, especially this Third Hokage, whose age almost equaled Konoha's history. He had existed almost from the moment Konoha Village was founded.
Without further ado, they successively exited the Hokage's office.
Wuchen looked at the Third Hokage with a face full of confusion, then looked at the figures leaving one after another, an expression of surprise inevitably forming on his lips.
"Bang!"
As the last person left, the door was shut with a bang. In the empty office, only Wuchen and the Third Hokage remained. Their eyes met, instantly sparking brilliant flames.
"Old man, what do you mean?" Wuchen asked, glaring coldly at the Third Hokage, his brow furrowed. Did this old man truly think of him as a dumb donkey who only worked hard without complaining?
"I should have told you once that if I ever got bored in Konoha, I would leave immediately. And I don't think I agreed to participate in this war against Iwagakure…"
Wuchen said expressionlessly, his eyes like stagnant water, staring motionlessly at the Third Hokage, exerting immense pressure, trying to see through him. Even the slightest flicker in the Third Hokage's eyes could not escape Wuchen's perception.
"I will, of course, provide you with compensation for your efforts in this war."
The Third Hokage suddenly smiled, his eyes clear and natural, exceptionally calm, showing no signs of joking. He knew that the opportunity wouldn't come twice; it was impossible to hire a ninja without compensation.
Especially for a ninja like Wuchen, attracting him to act required an enticing price.
Looking at Wuchen, the Third Hokage smiled mysteriously, saying with a sage-like calm, "And this compensation, for you right now, is like a timely aid in winter."
"Timely aid in winter?"
Hearing this, Wuchen scoffed at the Third Hokage. Konoha indeed had things he wanted, but only the Nine-Tails. Everything else was dispensable to him.
The Nine-Tails was Konoha's ultimate weapon. Wuchen naturally wouldn't believe the Third Hokage would just hand it over. That would be more painful than killing him directly.
"The Mangekyo Sharingan is a double-edged sword. Your eyesight must have declined considerably, right?" Disregarding Wuchen's scoff, the Third Hokage asked inexplicably instead.
His tone always carried an alternative meaning, seemingly hinting at something.
"What do you mean? This doesn't seem to have anything to do with compensation."
His brows furrowed, Wuchen's voice instantly turned cold, laced with killing intent. If the Third Hokage thought that his eyesight decline would also diminish the Mangekyo's power, he wouldn't mind giving the Third Hokage a good lesson.
"My compensation is your regaining your sight…" The Third Hokage looked at Wuchen, saying breathlessly, a deeply resolute flicker hidden in his eyes.
He had clearly made some unknown determination.
"Are you playing with me?"
His mouth twitched fiercely, and Wuchen's face instantly darkened. He glared unkindly at the Third Hokage. This compensation was no different from meaningless babble. As long as he didn't use the Mangekyo, he could still maintain his sight using the three-tomoe Sharingan.
"I don't mean what you think." The Third Hokage shook his head, clearly Wuchen had misunderstood.
"My bargaining chip is… the Mangekyo Sharingan, just like yours!"