Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer - Chapter 723

Aoba should have paid more attention to the gatekeeper ninja’s thoughts. As his gaze fell upon the gatekeeper, he could sense the confusion in the other’s eyes, as if the gatekeeper had noticed some expressions Aoba had displayed while reading his memories.

However, none of that mattered.

To Aoba, the gatekeeper was just a minor character.

He hadn’t even dared to speak about what had happened earlier with Minato Namikaze, so naturally, he couldn’t find the current situation worth mentioning either.

The most important thing was that Aoba could see the fear in the gatekeeper’s heart, which was directed at him.

Fear could be the best weapon.

Since this person was already afraid of him, he wouldn’t say anything, so Aoba had no worries.

Next, Aoba once again sifted through the gatekeeper ninja’s memories.

After all, there were still events he hadn’t fully seen yet. He needed to understand everything before making the best decisions later on. It was crucial to sort everything out before arriving at Ichiraku Ramen so that he could remain invincible.

The images in the memories continued to flash.

Nagato and Minato Namikaze discussed the situation, and after several exchanges, Minato fell silent.

From Minato’s expression, it was clear he was deep in thought, contemplating the issues. As he pondered, the Akatsuki trio didn’t push him further.

Soon enough, Minato shook his head, a stubborn look flashing in his eyes.

“I cannot allow you into Konoha!” Minato’s tone was firm and unwavering. It wasn’t a negotiable statement but more of a notification with a determination that allowed no room for argument.

Seeing this, Aoba felt no surprise. He had predicted this outcome, though Minato’s unyielding attitude and tone somewhat took him aback.

Based on Aoba’s past experiences and memories, Minato was usually warm and kind. However, this coldness stemmed from the dangers associated with his position as Hokage.

Aoba hadn’t expected how resolute Minato could be when making decisions.

That wasn’t an easy thing to do.

As soon as Minato said those words, the expressions of the Akatsuki trio varied.

Nagato’s face remained emotionless as if he had already anticipated such a response. Or perhaps, since Minato was like an ant in his eyes, what Minato said didn’t affect him at all.

That was exactly how Nagato felt at the time.

After learning from Aoba—Otsutsuki Sheren—about his true identity as a member of the Otsutsuki clan and understanding the clan’s standing in the universe, Nagato knew how powerful he truly was.

Once he understood all this, the entire ninja world seemed insignificant.

It felt like a group of insects playing house.

There was no fear at all.

And after awakening his Rinnegan, he knew he could easily dominate this world.

He no longer saw the events of Konoha as important.

As time passed, this idea only grew stronger.

To him, Konoha was nothing more than an anthill.

The thought of relying on Konoha disgusted him, and he suspected that Aoba, the Otsutsuki Sheren, only remained in Konoha out of curiosity, wanting to experience a lower species for amusement.

It was like someone used to fine dining, occasionally eating street food and finding it delicious, wanting to try more for novelty.

However, someone who had always lived in such low conditions would look down upon the street food with disdain once they realized they were of noble blood.

This was how Nagato felt now.

After learning about his Otsutsuki heritage, he scornfully looked at the entire ninja world.

Especially now, knowing that he could find Otsutsuki Sheren in Konoha, he didn’t even want to be here anymore.

Nagato admired and respected Otsutsuki Sheren, but he also felt uneasy and annoyed in his presence. Nagato always wanted to be the main character, but when he stood before Sheren, he realized he wasn’t close. He couldn’t surpass him, so he avoided meeting him as much as possible.

More importantly, Nagato didn’t want to rely on Sheren’s power to awaken his Rinnegan. He had his pride and ambition.

Since he was part of the Otsutsuki clan, he believed he could achieve everything with his strength without Sheren’s help.

It was the mentality of someone who had struggled all their life and wanted to prove themselves by their abilities.

Aoba could sense the inner conflict within Nagato.

He could feel Nagato’s emotions, though not entirely, and he didn’t put much effort into understanding them. After all, Nagato was just a person like that.

If Nagato could help Minato like Danzo, it would be useful.

If not…

It wouldn’t matter!

Aoba had initially imagined the Akatsuki trio could become trusted allies of Minato, adding to his strength, but now it was clear that they wouldn’t gain Minato’s trust and wouldn’t stand on the same side as him.

Through these memories, Aoba could see the reasons. For example, Nagato’s personality would never allow him to serve under someone like Minato or help him in any way.

On the other hand, Yahiko didn’t seem to care about anything anymore, having lost all meaning in life.

Konan, though, looked hopeful. She truly wanted to enter Konoha, but upon hearing Minato’s rejection, she became disappointed and helpless. Her desire to enter Konoha wasn’t about helping Minato; there were deeper reasons.

Even through the memories, Aoba could see these motivations, and Minato, being extra cautious, surely saw them too.

Aoba glanced at Minato’s face.

It was clear from his expression that he had no intention of allowing these three into Konoha.

After all, this situation posed too much risk to his position as Hokage.

Any misstep could lead to problems, and he might lose his chance to become Hokage.

“You should leave,” Minato said calmly. His voice carried a clear intent to send them away. Since they were at Konoha’s gates, they did not need to enter further.

Aoba felt Minato’s decision was perfectly justified. He was only dealing with the Akatsuki trio for now, but if he could maintain this calm with others, it showed that he was highly rational.

Only with such a mindset could Minato fulfill his duties as the Fourth Hokage, protecting the village and bearing the responsibilities without being swayed by personal emotions.

As Minato’s words fell, the Akatsuki trio again fell into silence.

Each had different expressions.

Nagato remained indifferent, while Yahiko seemed apathetic.

But Konan became anxious.

“We really do want to join Konoha sincerely,” Konan said urgently, her voice tinged with frustration.

It seemed she hadn’t expected they wouldn’t even be allowed into Konoha.

Her expression, full of expectation that turned into disappointment, clearly showed that Konan genuinely wanted to be in Konoha.

In fact, of the three members of the Akatsuki, Konan was the only one who truly wanted to enter Konoha.

Konan had a unique fondness for Konoha.

Not only because she sought out Aoba’s guidance but also because of a book she read—about the tales of the ninja world by the author “White-sensei.”

And also because of her love for Ichiraku Ramen.

Konan genuinely liked Konoha. The beautiful scenery and peaceful life here were so different from the poverty-stricken life she had known growing up. She longed for this peace and comfort.

“We truly are Master Jiraiya’s disciples.”

“Do you doubt our identity?”

“We can answer any questions you have about Master Jiraiya.”

“Our only request is to stay in Konoha.”

“Brother Minato.”

“If there are things that are inconvenient for you to do, we can help.”

Konan spoke quickly, her tone filled with urgency.

Aoba observed the scene.

He knew that Konan was the only one among the three who truly listened to him.

If not for Konan’s insistence, the other two might not have come.

After all, their arrival at Konoha had already been unexpected to Aoba, driven entirely by Konan’s will.

Aoba could sense that Konan had a near-blind admiration for him.

It was almost like the adoration of a die-hard fan.

Aoba wasn’t oblivious to Konan’s idolizing feelings.

It wasn’t difficult to understand either, as in Konan’s eyes, Aoba presented himself as Otsutsuki Sheren, a being of immense strength.

That kind of power easily earned Konan’s admiration.

Aoba didn’t mind the Akatsuki trio entering Konoha, but only if they earned Minato’s approval.

After all, Minato was Konoha’s Fourth Hokage, and Aoba was merely a low-profile civilian hiding in the village.

Aoba had the Akatsuki trio come here out of a small hope: if they could help Minato somehow, Konoha would become stronger, and he wouldn’t have to be called upon as frequently.

Or at least he wouldn’t have to create chaos under other identities.

If someone else held up the fort, he would gladly lay low.

However, the timing of their arrival could have been better. They came too late.

They missed the most critical time when Minato needed the workforce the most.

Now, they arrived during the period when Minato was the most suspicious of everyone.

After reviewing the events, Aoba had a clear understanding of the situation. After all, he had just left his Anbu quarters, where the discussion revolved around the Third Hokage’s supposed conspiracy.

Aoba had deliberately nudged Minato to believe in the possibility of a plot, tying everything together. Everything would make sense if Minato became convinced that the Third Hokage was behind these problems.

Aoba had even considered playing the role of a spy sent by the Third Hokage to stage a dramatic discovery of the plot.

But now, the appearance of the Akatsuki trio had unexpectedly fulfilled that function.

“Sigh…” Aoba sighed softly.

He had originally wanted the Akatsuki trio to assist Minato and help him move forward. Still, due to the twists and turns, they had inadvertently become tools to help Minato recognize the Third Hokage’s schemes.

At this point, it was almost certain.

Minato had already linked the Akatsuki trio with the Third Hokage’s conspiracy.

This had become quite an interesting turn of events.

Aoba hadn’t expected the situation to come full circle like this.

No matter how much the Third Hokage explained, Minato wouldn’t believe him anymore.

So then…

What did Minato want from him now?

Aoba thought about Konan’s chakra, which lingered at Ichiraku Ramen, and again fell into deep thought. He wasn’t sure how to handle the issue of Konan.

Should she stay in Konoha?

Or should he follow Minato’s lead and send her away?

Or…

Should he tie Konan into the Third Hokage’s schemes?

At that moment, Aoba’s mind spun rapidly, considering countless possibilities, but he hadn’t even decided which path to take.

Where had Nagato and Yahiko gone?

Aoba suddenly realized that only Konan’s chakra remained.

If Konan truly wanted to stay in Konoha, he could use the other two as leverage.

Aoba didn’t originally want to break up the Akatsuki trio, as he considered their bond to be strong.

He had even instructed Hanzo of the Salamander not to target the Akatsuki.

But now…

It seemed things weren’t as simple as he had imagined.

If the Akatsuki trio were already on the verge of falling apart, he wouldn’t mind giving them a little push, splitting them up to go their separate ways.

In both the anime and now, after crossing into the Naruto world, Aoba only had a favorable opinion of one person in the Akatsuki trio: Konan.

Now that Konan was around his age and she admired him, Aoba felt a sense of fulfillment.

Aoba had experienced many strange things in the ninja world, encountering several kunoichi, but those experiences had often taken odd turns.

It had made him lose faith in female ninjas for a time.

He was not searching for someone to be by his side.

But after those experiences, he had become somewhat repulsed, especially because some people would often imagine unpleasant scenarios and force them onto him.

However, Konan provided him with a feeling he hadn’t experienced before—being admired.

After all, he had always kept a low profile, never drawing attention to himself. Many people didn’t even know who he was, let alone recognize his strength.

He was used to a life where no one noticed him.

Minato had always been his only good friend.

But now, thinking about how Konan looked at him, Aoba suddenly felt that she fulfilled some of his unspoken inner desires.

“Let me think of a way…”

Aoba knew that when Konan appeared at Ichiraku Ramen, it was already a signal asking for his help.

Even though he hadn’t finished going through all the memories, he sensed Konan was seeking his assistance.

Minato had likely called him because he wasn’t sure about some things and wanted Aoba’s help in judgment.

In other words, these two people had opposite expectations of him.

Konan probably wanted his help to stay in Konoha.

Minato wanted help determining if Konan was connected to the Third Hokage.

If she was, Konan would be swept into a conspiracy and unable to stay in Konoha.

But if she wasn’t…

Aoba’s eyes suddenly lit up. He had thought of a solution!

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