The Land of Rain, situated between major nations, has always been a battleground during the Great Ninja Wars, resulting in its impoverished state.
While Akatsuki, a burgeoning force in the Land of Rain, attracted many ambitious individuals and possessed capabilities that impressed even the Five Great Nations, its position remained precarious.
Compared to the prosperous villages across the river, Akatsuki's base was a hastily constructed outpost in a deserted village. Although several members guarded the perimeter, Kai noticed a significant number were Rain ninjas.
"Yahiko, Nagato, you're finally back," a bear-like middle-aged man said anxiously, pacing back and forth at the camp entrance. His face brightened upon seeing them, and he quickly approached.
"Konan, you're back too. That intel had us all worried sick; we wished we could have flown to save you," the man said, scrutinizing Konan before visibly relaxing, relieved she was unharmed.
The surrounding guards, alerted to the commotion, rushed over. Konan's popularity was well-deserved.
"Alright, enough crowding. Did anything happen while we were gone?" Nagato asked, his usual cold demeanor unchanged. The excited members immediately fell silent.
"Kumayama, report," Nagato instructed.
Yahiko interrupted, "Nagato, we have guests. Let's discuss this later."
Kumayama, noticing the two masked individuals for the first time, hesitantly asked, "Yahiko, are these the reinforcements you mentioned?"
"With them here, we can breathe easier," he added, creating a convenient misunderstanding. Yahiko was momentarily speechless.
"Don't worry, we'll fight if necessary," Kai said with a hearty laugh, clapping Kumayama on the shoulder.
Kumayama's eyes lit up. "Sir, you're so straightforward! Thank you!" He ordered his men to prepare fine food and drink to welcome the "guests."
Nagato and Yahiko were dumbfounded by Kai's smooth maneuvering. It was too easy.
However, as Kai and Pakura were led away, Nagato's anxiety resurfaced. "Did those guys attack again?"
Kumayama's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. "Yes. If it weren't for the Rain ninjas outside delaying the enemy, our base would have been overrun."
"Hanzo-sama even sent two of his most capable men as reinforcements. Should we reconsider basing ourselves within Rain Village?"
Kumayama continued, his concern growing. "With Hanzo-sama's support, we might complete the mission. Otherwise, ensuring safe passage will be extremely difficult with our current strength."
Yahiko and Nagato exchanged serious glances. Yahiko shook his head. "Akatsuki's founding principle is independence from any power.
Moving to Rain Village would imply we're under Hanzo's control, making future negotiations much harder."
"Besides, this escort mission is in its final stage. Success will make the Five Great Nations sit up and take notice."
"But…" Kumayama hesitated, finally sighing. "You're right, Yahiko. This is the final step. Success will greatly increase Akatsuki's influence. Let's hope these two are powerful enough to deter our enemies."
Yahiko and Nagato's faces fell. If they knew their request for aid from Hanzo was rejected, and their supposed saviors were Uchiha Kai, a Konoha rogue ninja, their expressions would be priceless.
However, the situation was urgent. They just needed to survive the night.
"Alright," Yahiko said after a moment's hesitation. "Kumayama, maintain maximum vigilance. We'll leave for the escort mission tomorrow morning. Deploy your men."
"Yahiko, don't worry. We'll handle this. We've increased our Rain ninja patrols. Tonight, the base will be impregnable," Kumayama assured them, before turning to leave with his guards.
Konan was puzzled but understood that silence was the best course of action in this situation. Yahiko's expression, however, revealed an unspoken plan.
Across the river, atop a massive metal tower, a silver-haired man stood calmly in the rain, slowly lowering his binoculars.
"Danzo, since you're here, stop sneaking around. You came all the way from Konoha. Remember, if you're of no use, you won't be staying here," Hanzo said coldly.
A dark figure emerged from the shadows—Shimizu Danzo, a Konoha defector.
"Hanzo, you're still as vigilant as ever," Danzo said, slowly approaching with his cane. "You should know that plans are always subject to change."
"They did refuse to relocate to Rain Village, but it presents a perfect opportunity to use them as pawns," Danzo continued, his grip tightening on his cane.
"Shimizu Danzo only miscalculated once, against a brat. I won't make the same mistake twice. Especially now, with Hanzo-sama and I working together."
Hanzo of Amegakure, the Demigod, was renowned from the Second Great Ninja War, single-handedly hunting down Konoha forces and granting the Sannin their titles.
This made Rain Village a powerful military force, second only to the Five Great Nations. Knowing the Five Great Nations wouldn't accept him, Danzo sought an alliance with Hanzo.
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