Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 112: I Refuse to Be the Villain!

"This…"

The logic was solid—undeniable, even.

The heir to the Rain Village, destined to become its leader, versus a rogue ninja in the Akatsuki. These two identities were worlds apart.

One enjoyed a life of honor and luxury, while the other lived in the shadows, homeless and hunted.

No one in their right mind would give up the former for the latter.

The representatives were left speechless. They couldn't find a single point to refute.

They had come here brimming with confidence, ready to corner the Rain Village and demand answers. But now, they were outmatched both in strength and in reason.

Their earlier righteous indignation now felt hollow.

Why had they even come here in the first place?

The delegates exchanged glances, confusion mirrored in their eyes.

"But…"

"We've investigated thoroughly. The Akatsuki operates in and around the Rain Village. They've carried out bounty missions and mercenary work here for years.

"Recently, though, they've shifted focus, attacking villages and capturing jinchūriki.

"This can't be a coincidence—it's clearly a well-planned operation.

"While we don't yet know what they're plotting with these tailed beasts, it's bound to be something dangerous—something that threatens the entire ninja world.

"And there are witnesses who've seen Akatsuki members coming and going from the Rain Village.

"Frankly, it's hard to believe the Rain Village isn't involved."

The Hidden Waterfall representative, Shibuki, hesitated but eventually mustered his courage to speak.

As soon as he finished, his confidence waned. He glanced nervously at Uchiha Yi, worried he might have said too much and inadvertently provoked him.

"None of what you've said proves anything," Yi replied calmly, unfazed by the accusation.

"The Akatsuki operates here because we have a business relationship. The Rain Village occasionally hires them for missions.

"But that doesn't mean we're responsible for everything they do.

"If we follow your logic," Yi said, pausing for effect, "then let's look at the Hidden Stone.

"As I recall, during the Third Great Ninja War, the Hidden Stone frequently employed the Akatsuki's services.

"So, does that mean the Hidden Stone is the mastermind behind their recent actions? Are they the ones orchestrating the capture of jinchūriki?"

The room fell silent.

Yi's argument struck a chord.

To cut ties with the Akatsuki, Yi had preemptively taken steps. He'd ensured Nagato transferred the title of Akatsuki leader to Obito, severing the Rain Village's connection to the organization.

By doing so, he protected Konan, Nagato, and the Rain Village from becoming targets once the Akatsuki's actions drew the ire of the entire ninja world.

Yi's rebuttal left the representatives grasping at straws. They sensed something was off but couldn't articulate it.

Unconsciously, they began to agree with him. And once they accepted his reasoning, their position crumbled into a farce.

---

"That's enough," Yi said, cutting through the silence.

"I don't know what the Akatsuki is planning.

"Our village only had a working relationship with them, nothing more.

"If you want answers, I suggest you investigate the Hidden Stone.

"They've worked with the Akatsuki far longer than we ever have. If anyone knows the Akatsuki's intentions, it's them."

Yi stood, his tone dismissive.

"As for the Rain Village, we have nothing to do with this. Good day."

And with that, he left the room, leaving the other representatives stunned and confused.

---

"What now?"

Shibuki, as the least influential delegate in the room, nervously broke the silence.

"Let's head to the Hidden Stone and confront Ōnoki," the Hidden Cloud representative growled, his anger reigniting now that Yi was gone.

"Wait a second!" protested the Hidden Stone representative. "Our village lost two jinchūriki to the Akatsuki!

"If we had inside information on their activities, do you think that would have happened?"

"Ha! Your village has always been conniving. For all we know, this could be a ploy—a staged tragedy to throw us off your scent!"

"You're looking for a fight, aren't you?" the Stone representative shot back.

---

"Enough!" Shibuki yelled, his voice uncharacteristically firm. "Don't forget where we are. If you start fighting here…"

Everyone froze.

They remembered all too well how ruthless Yi had been earlier, silencing the Cloud representative with a single glance.

If they caused trouble in his territory, they wouldn't leave the Rain Village alive.

Reluctantly, the delegates backed down, each letting out a frustrated huff.

After a brief discussion, they decided to follow Yi's suggestion and head to the Hidden Stone.

---

As Yi observed their departure from a distance, he allowed himself a small smile.

The seeds of doubt he'd sown would soon spread. By publicly severing ties with the Akatsuki, he ensured the Rain Village's safety.

From this point forward, any connection between the Rain and the Akatsuki would be viewed as baseless conjecture.

The remaining tailed beasts were almost all accounted for. Even without his direct involvement, Obito and the Akatsuki would manage.

And if not, there was always Madara—the ace up Black Zetsu's sleeve.

Once the Akatsuki's actions reached their peak, they'd become the most hated organization in the ninja world, uniting every village against them.

But Yi had no intention of standing in the crossfire.

Let the Akatsuki take on the role of the villain. Let them bear the weight of the world's hatred.

As for him?

"I refuse to be the villain," Yi muttered to himself.

"When the time comes, I'll step in as the hero."

And with that, the world would know Uchiha Yi not as a destroyer, but as its savior.

---

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