This type of guy can become the leader of the Hidden Rain Village, truly a disgrace to the Hidden Rain Ninja.
Relying on Konoha's might, only daring to act arrogantly in the Land of Rain like a coward borrowing authority.
Nagato ignored Kanzo's corpse; he was an inconsequential figure.
"Is the situation outside stabilized?"
"Mm."
Konan nodded.
Kanzo was extremely unpopular in the Hidden Rain, especially in the past two years, abusing power granted by Konoha, causing many to grow dissatisfied with his rule.
Kanzo's death would only be a relief to them.
"Next, we have to face Konoha."
Nagato walked outside, listening to the sound of rain, and said indifferently.
With Kanzo, the spokesperson, dead, Konoha won't just let it go.
But what's in his hands, there's no reason to return.
The deeply feared Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, was already dead; apart from a shut-in Third Hokage, no one in Konoha is his match.
However, Konoha's strength isn't just about high-end combat power; the combined force of the ninja squad is incredibly formidable.
Even the immensely powerful Nine-tailed could be temporarily suppressed by firepower... this is Konoha's strongest asset.
"With the Fourth Hokage dead and Hidden Cloud reopening hostilities, they don't have much extra energy. Plus, the previously leaked information to Konoha could help in some containment."
Nagato mostly agreed with Konan's assessment.
But even so, they can't underestimate Konoha.
"They won't do anything openly, but there'll surely be a lot of covert moves. Plus, we also need to strengthen our forces."
Nagato implied.
The strength of the Hidden Rain alone isn't sufficient; if the Hidden Rain hadn't suffered heavy losses in previous wars, it would indeed be a significant support.
But now, the number of ninjas in the Hidden Rain Village is under a thousand, the economy is depressed, and people can only live in frugality... Hidden Rain is like this, and the Land of Rain is even more so.
Just solving the food issue isn't a simple task.
"Konan... what do you think of sending the village's ninja to farm? That way, the Land of Rain would have a better yield, and efficiency would be much faster."
Nagato asked this.
"???"
Konan was astonished, her mouth twitched twice, unable to speak.
Honestly, she thought Nagato wasn't gifted with humor, at most this could be considered a cold joke.
◎
The Hidden Rain Village seemed peaceful from the outside.
A long bridge built over the water led straight to the Hidden Rain Village.
Kakashi led two squads of Anbu, openly walking on the bridge, advancing towards the Hidden Rain Village without intending to conceal themselves.
The sound of rain was gentle, at the midpoint of the bridge was the guard room at the Hidden Rain Village entrance.
A team of Hidden Rain Ninja was stationed there for guard duty.
Noticing Kakashi and his squad, they immediately raised their weapons, fiercely blocking the path ahead, not seeming to welcome Kakashi and his guests.
Though the Hidden Rain Village wasn't a vassal of Konoha, the Hidden Rain Ninja harbored deep hatred towards Konoha Ninja, evident in their eyes.
Because it was Konoha who betrayed them on the battlefield, leading to many comrades' deaths at the hands of Hidden Sand, even Hanzou sacrificed himself this way.
If not for Konoha's betrayal, the Hidden Rain wouldn't have fallen to this state.
"This is..."
Just as Kakashi was about to hand over the document written by the Third Hokage, a Hidden Rain Ninja stepped forward and snatched Kakashi's document, throwing it to the ground, getting it soaked by rain.
"Get out of here!"
"..."
Kakashi looked at the document lying on the cement ground without saying anything, his Anbu after him had already drawn their ninja blades, and the Hidden Rain Ninja weren't backing down either, picking up weapons or preparing seals, gathering chakra.
The battle was about to erupt.
Ignoring the tense atmosphere, Kakashi extended his hand, feeling the rain descending from the sky here.
Chakra was mixed within the rain here, indicating it was under surveillance. Kakashi thought to himself.
This aura of chakra gave him a very bad premonition.
Bad to the point... he might get killed at any moment.
If he clashed here with these Hidden Rain Ninja, definitely nobody in the Anbu would survive.
Facing the legendary Pupil Technique, Kakashi didn't even have the confidence to escape.
If such a situation occurred, he would have to leave Konoha.
"The Hokage wishes for peace, unnecessary conflict should be avoided."
"Then please inform your Hokage, the Hidden Rain will no longer be under Konoha's jurisdiction."
The Hidden Rain Jonin said this without expression, voice cold.
The atmosphere became tense again.
Kakashi had no choice but to sigh and say, "In that case, I will report this matter to the Hokage, and hope you Hidden Rain take care of yourselves, not to bring unnecessary trouble because of a moment's triumph."
From Konoha's standpoint, although they couldn't fight, they also couldn't diminish Konoha's dignity.
Kakashi handled the matter with precise balance.
Sure enough, after he said this, several Hidden Rain Ninja showed hesitation, apparently fearing Konoha's revenge afterward.
"That's it for today, next time, it won't be as simple."
Kakashi knew this matter wasn't done.
Hidden Rain Village wants independence, but it's not that simple.
At least most in Konoha hope Hidden Rain won't break away from Konoha's control.
Because the Land of Rain is an excellent barrier against Hidden Sand's invasion into the Land of Fire's territory.