"This mission is to infiltrate the Land of Rain and investigate the Iwa-nin encampment within its borders."
Takeshi spoke with a serious expression, relaying Jiraiya's orders to the other three members of the squad.
Based on Jiraiya's understanding of Hanzō, this Iwa-nin unit should have been driven out shortly after the war began.
But so much time had passed, and with Minato having already taken care of the main Iwa forces on the front lines alone, this unit still occasionally crossed the Rain border to harass Konoha positions—then fled back into the Land of Rain.
Something was off. Deeply off.
That so-called "Demi-God" Hanzō, whose name once resounded throughout the shinobi world, had once stood up to change the fate of small nations being reduced to battlegrounds for the great nations. He had boldly declared war against the Lands of Wind, and Fire, and in the ensuing battles, displayed overwhelming power that forced both Sunagakure and Konoha to negotiate peace with him.
A man who once aspired to change the entire shinobi world—why would he now turn a blind eye to Iwa-nin roaming freely within his borders?
Jiraiya even suspected that Hanzō might not be alive anymore.
Or perhaps, Amegakure had already formed an alliance with Iwagakure and was preparing a joint assault on Konoha?
Due to Amegakure's extreme isolation, Jiraiya couldn't confirm Hanzō's current status. So, he entrusted this task to Takeshi.
And in truth, Jiraiya had some personal motives behind this assignment.
"Well, if possible, I'd like you to also look for a few people. Their names are Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan."
The moment he heard those three names, Takeshi understood. Even if Jiraiya hadn't said anything, he would've tried to contact them anyway.
After all, Nagato's existence was directly tied to Uchiha Madara's plan—and to Takeshi's own future retirement plan.
Because if the story followed its original trajectory, that old man would soon learn of the Akatsuki's existence and personally bring people to stir up trouble with Hanzō. At that point, all Takeshi needed to do was make Nagato feel the pain—then let him launch a nice Almighty Push on Konoha.
Shaking his head, Takeshi ended his musings and began outlining key points of the mission.
"The main goal this time is intel gathering. Avoid combat as much as possible—especially with Amegakure shinobi. After the Second Great Ninja War, Konoha and Amegakure signed a treaty. Any territory under Hanzō's control is strictly off-limits to Konoha shinobi."
"Of course, if we're exposed..."
Takeshi paused.
"Then we'll just have to kill them all."
...
Holding the map Jiraiya had given them, Takeshi and the others set out toward the Land of Rain.
And soon, they encountered their first problem.
According to the map, there were only two roads into the Land of Rain. But standing before them were three forks in the path, clearly indicating that something was off with this map.
"What the hell? A fake map?"
The group squatted in the grass, heads huddled together, checking the map from every direction. Still, they couldn't figure out where the extra path led.
"If we can't rely on the main roads, how about we take a side path into the Land of Rain?"
Since they weren't making any headway, Kakashi—the smartest among them—offered a suggestion.
"Wouldn't taking a side path be the same as announcing that we're here on some shady business?"
Takeshi, doing his best to shield the map from the rain, heard Kakashi and tried once more to make it work.
"I don't think it's worth it. Look here."
Kakashi patted Takeshi on the shoulder and pointed to the lower right corner of the map.
"See this? It says when the map was made—during the Second Great Ninja War. This thing's practically useless now."
With Kakashi's reminder, Takeshi finally noticed the production date. He nearly tore the map apart in frustration.
"That damned Jiraiya! With this outdated junk, how are we supposed to find his disciples?!"
Grumbling, he folded the map and stashed it away, then looked around and punched Obito in the head.
"Ah?!"
Clutching his head, Obito looked completely bewildered. He hadn't even said anything—why was he getting hit?
"That was for your teacher."
Seeing that Obito didn't get it, Takeshi "kindly" explained, then turned to adopt Kakashi's suggestion and go by the side path.
"So what's the deal with finding Jiraiya-sama's disciples?"
Rin had caught Takeshi's earlier complaint and asked curiously. After all, he hadn't mentioned anything about this in the mission briefing.
"Oh, that? Just some personal errand from Jiraiya-sama."
Takeshi waved his hand, signaling her not to worry about the details.
...
The Land of Rain was like a nation forever in mourning.
Most of the time, it was trapped in the rainy season. The sky was constantly overcast, suffocatingly so.
Even though the Second Great Ninja War had ended long ago, ruins and rubble were still everywhere. Begging civilians were a common sight on the streets.
Takeshi and the others had expected trouble when taking a side road, but they slipped into the Land of Rain without a hitch.
"This place is really..."
Obito, hiding under his raincoat, looked at the lifeless city around them but couldn't find the words.
"Only that place has any light."
Kakashi looked up at a massive tower in the north. Even from afar, they could clearly see neon lights flashing on the building.
"Be careful. That's probably Hanzō's stronghold."
Takeshi gave the tower a quick glance, but his real focus was on a few nearby Ame-nin standing on a platform and addressing a crowd.
He gave a hand signal for the team to hide, then watched curiously as the Ame-nin began to speak to the people.
"Under the protection of Hanzō-sama, the Land of Rain has once again enjoyed a year without war. To thank Hanzō-sama for his efforts on our behalf, this year's protection fee will increase by ten percent and must be paid in full within ten days."
With hands behind his back and an oxygen mask over his face, the Ame-nin loudly relayed the message from above.
"Another ten percent increase? I can't even afford food anymore..."
"My son's death benefit still hasn't arrived..."
"My daughter too... She joined Amegakure a while back, and we haven't heard from her since..."
The crowd, initially listless, began to stir slightly upon hearing the announcement. Whispered complaints started to bubble up.
The leading Ame-nin didn't care at all about their grumbling. He'd already passed on the higher-ups' orders. If any of these civilians dared to refuse payment, all they'd get in return was kunai and blades.
I can't beat the shinobi of the Five Great Nations, but you lowly rabble? Please.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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