Naruto Dream Fulfillment Master

Page 239

The powerful declaration echoed through the rain, causing Nagato and Konan, who were standing nearby, to feel a jolt in their hearts.

Nagato gazed at Yahiko's familiar yet resolute face, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Kakashi was also drawn in by Yahiko's words, and his previously nonchalant expression gradually became more composed.

He carefully examined the orange-haired boy in front of him, seemingly acknowledging his presence for the first time.

……

In the audience, Jiraiya heard Yahiko's spirited declaration and couldn't help but nod slightly, revealing a look of genuine satisfaction.

Xiao Nan stared blankly at the spirited Yahiko on the screen, her icy blue eyes gradually welling up with tears.

These familiar, bold words made her feel as if she had returned to the teenage years when the three of them took an oath together.

……

Sakumo Hatake laughed heartily and patted Yahiko's shoulder heavily without hesitation: "Very good! This is a great dream."

However, his tone shifted, and Sakumo's expression turned serious. "But, with your current abilities, it's far from enough!"

The phrase "far from enough" pierced Yahiko's heart like a sharp blade once again.

Yahiko lowered his head bitterly: "...I understand."

His voice was hoarse, and his clenched fists trembled slightly.

"I can't even beat Kakashi when he's so small, let alone... let alone achieve such a difficult goal..."

The fighting spirit that had just been rekindled was ruthlessly crushed by the gap in strength, and dimmed once again.

Konan quickly stepped forward and gently took Yahiko's arm to comfort him: "Yahiko..."

She was about to say something, but then stopped herself.

Xiao Nan was well aware of her partner's inner bitterness.

She could only stay silently by Yahiko's side, offering her support through her actions.

Nagato also stepped forward and stood on the other side of Yahiko.

He frowned, a hint of confusion in his mind.

Why did Sakumo Hatake bring Kakashi here and arrange this match? What was his purpose?

Was it simply to undermine Yahiko's ideals?

Nagato couldn't believe that Sakumo would be so cruel, but Yahiko's blow was undeniable.

He couldn't help but look up at Shuo Mao, waiting for what would happen next.

Shuo Mao did not disappoint them.

Seeing Yahiko's dejected appearance, a gentle smile appeared on his lips.

Sakumo slowly extended his hand to the three of them, his voice firm and powerful: "Yahiko, Nagato, Konan—come with me!"

"Huh?" Yahiko looked up abruptly, hardly believing his ears.

Sakumo smiled and nodded, then continued, "I have gathered a group of like-minded people under my command, and we are working hard towards the goal of 'ending the war and achieving peace'."

His eyes shone brightly in the rain, revealing genuine enthusiasm.

"Within our community, your talents and ambitions can be better developed. I will also have more time to personally guide you and help you become stronger!"

"Go with you...?"

Yahiko's eyes widened, and he was momentarily stunned.

This legendary expert whom he had long admired actually took the initiative to invite him and his party to join him?

Sakumo Hatake smiled as he watched the three young men before him, awaiting their reply.

He believed that after today's preparations, Yahiko would readily accept the invitation.

However, to Sakumo's surprise, Yahiko's expression did not brighten as expected; instead, it revealed obvious hesitation and struggle.

Yahiko turned his head to look at Nagato, his thin lips pressed tightly together, his expression shifting as if he were having a fierce internal struggle.

After a long pause, he took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Professor Sakumo... We appreciate your kindness, but..."

Yahiko spoke with difficulty, his words filled with contradiction and helplessness.

"We may not be able to accept your invitation."

Sakumo's eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting Yahiko to refuse.

He couldn't help but turn his gaze to Nagato, who was standing next to Yahiko, and to Yahiko's gaze just now.

Yahiko's hesitation was mostly due to this red-haired boy.

Nagato naturally saw through Yahiko's deep-seated concerns.

Yahiko didn't want to agree; he was just worried about his own feelings.

After all, Nagato's parents died at the hands of Konoha ninjas.

No matter how tempting the invitation was, Yahiko was unwilling to force Nagato.

Nagato's gaze darkened.

He slowly closed his eyes, then opened them again.

A thought suddenly flashed through my mind: Anyway... this is just a dream.

[Ding! Nagato's emotional fluctuations have been detected. Emotional value +300!]

Yes, whether they agree or not, it's just a choice in a dream.

If that's the case, why burden Yahiko with such psychological pressure?

Let's fulfill a friend's wish and let him try different paths in his dreams.

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Nagato's lips, then his eyes suddenly hardened: "Yahiko, let's go!"

"Nagato?!" Yahiko stared in astonishment, his eyes widening in surprise, unable to react for a moment.

Nagato turned around and strode up to Sakumo Hatake, bowed deeply, and said loudly, "Sakumo-sensei, don't listen to Yahiko! We agree to join!"

Upon hearing this, both Yahiko and Konan were taken aback.

Yahiko snapped out of his daze and stamped his feet anxiously, "But Nagato—"

Nagato turned around and solemnly shook her head at him.

Yahiko opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't say anything more.

Sakumo Hatake was taken aback for a moment, then laughed: "Haha! Good! Welcome to the team!"

He stepped forward, excitedly pulling Nagato with one hand and Yahiko's shoulder with the other, nodding with satisfaction, "From now on, we will be partners fighting side by side!"

Seeing this, Yahiko took a deep breath and finally revealed a smile.

He nodded solemnly: "Please take good care of me, Professor Shuo Mao!"

Xiao Nan breathed a sigh of relief, a long-lost smile returning to her face: "That's wonderful..."

And so, Sakumo's invitation was successfully accepted.

Since the three Amegakure boys didn't have much luggage, they quickly packed up and prepared to go to Sakumo's base with him.

Before leaving, Yahiko went to the wall of the small wooden house and carefully took down the wooden frog sign hanging on the wall, then kept it close to his body.

"Let's go!"

Sakumo Hatake looked up at the sky, then deftly put on his straw hat and raincoat.

"Get to the camp before dark, so as to avoid any unforeseen events on the way."

He gave a shout, picked up his bag, and strode into the rain.

"Yes!" Yahiko replied enthusiastically.

The three Rain Shadow youths exchanged glances, smiled, quickly grabbed their simple bundles, and followed closely behind Sakumo.

The rain gradually subsided.

The group braved the rain and continued westward along the rugged, muddy path.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, a patch of faint lights and figures appeared ahead.

Looking around, one can see a sizable campsite nestled in the misty valley.

Campfires flickered around the camp, a few tents were faintly visible, and ninjas patrolled the area.

Sakumo Hatake pointed to the camp not far away, turned back and smiled at the three of them, saying:

"That's our camp. It's located at the border of the Land of Rain, the Land of Grass, and the Land of Fire. This area is also known as the 'Heaven and Earth Bridge' area. You'll get to know it better as you go."

Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato were all quite surprised to see such a large ninja camp for the first time.

They followed Shuo Mao quickly toward the camp, passed the guard post smoothly, and stepped into the brightly lit camp.

Konoha ninjas were busy coming and going throughout the camp, and many people curiously cast their gazes at the three newcomers from Amegakure.

Some eyes held friendliness and welcome, while others concealed wariness and suspicion, making the three newcomers feel slightly uncomfortable.

Yahiko unconsciously moved closer to Sakumo, his expression slightly reserved.

After Sakumo noticed, he turned around and patted Yahiko on the shoulder reassuringly: "Don't be nervous, everyone here will be your companion from now on."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a loud, slightly disgruntled voice came from deep within the camp: "Kakashi! Where did you sneak off to all by yourself? I've been looking for you for ages!"

The voice came from afar, carrying the naivety of a boy and a self-righteous tone of reproach.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a boy wearing goggles running quickly towards them.

The boy was about ten years old, wearing orange goggles, his black hair sticking up like a hedgehog underneath, and he was wearing a Konoha ninja uniform and headband.

Standing next to Sakumo, Kakashi rolled his eyes and retorted helplessly, "Obito, what are you trying to do now? I'm just accompanying my dad on a trip, don't make a fuss."

Obito?

Nagato scrutinized the clumsy, goggles-wearing boy before her, feeling a strange sense of familiarity about him.

But no matter how he tried to recall, he had never heard the name "Obito" before.

Strange, why do I feel a strange sense of familiarity when I see this reckless young man?