Because the Land of Rain lay at the intersection of the Land of Earth, the Land of Fire, and the Land of Wind, it naturally became a buffer zone between the three great nations.
The Second Great Ninja War had broken out when Sunagakure, dissatisfied with economic imbalance, launched a surprise attack on Konoha. At the same time, Hanzo the Salamander, emboldened by his immense strength, sought to expand his territory and took the initiative to wage war.
In the end, the Land of Rain became the main battlefield, plagued by constant conflict.
It was under such circumstances that the Akatsuki had been formed.
Now, years had passed since the war ended, and the entire Hidden Rain Village was under Hanzo's rule.
Although he had been hailed as the hero who saved the Land of Rain—
Under his rule, ordinary civilians lived no better than they had during wartime.
To them, life under Hanzo was no different from living in war.
"It's raining again…"
Feeling the raindrops fall against his body, Gojo looked up at the dark, ink-like clouds overhead and pulled on his straw hat.
Hearing him, Konan also put on her hat and said softly,
"This place is called the Land of Rain for a reason. It rains nearly three-quarters of the year."
"And because of this harsh climate, the ninja here have honed their bodies, skills, and abilities to the extreme."
"That's why the ninja of the Land of Rain are known among other nations as the best tools for assassination—resilient, steady, and relentless."
As she spoke, she walked forward with Gojo.
Since the Akatsuki had disbanded on the surface, its members had scattered across the Land of Rain like droplets merging into the sea.
To support one another, they had split into pairs—
And Gojo's partner was Konan.
"The best tools for assassination…"
Gojo murmured, then suddenly stopped.
"Gojo? What's wrong?"
Konan halted as well, looking at him in confusion.
Gojo pointed toward a faint silhouette of a house in the rain.
"Something's happening up ahead."
"Let's go!"
Without hesitation, Konan activated her chakra and rushed forward.
Soon—
The two arrived outside the house.
Even the sound of falling rain couldn't drown out the heated voices coming from within.
"Hurry up! Hand over all your money!"
"And your food too!"
"You pigs, move faster!"
"Or I'll kill you all!"
The arrogant voice rang out clearly.
"Please, Lord Ninja! Spare us!"
"We have no money left—it's all been given to Lord Hanzo!"
"And we have no food… my child hasn't eaten for three days!"
"Please, have mercy!"
The desperate pleas of a man echoed, accompanied by the dull thud of something hitting the ground—
He was clearly bowing and begging repeatedly.
"No money? No food?"
"Fine then—your wife can keep me company instead!"
"You stand there and watch!"
A lewd laugh followed.
"Under Hanzo's rule…"
"The so-called 'assassination tools' have become nothing more than bandits."
"In their eyes, the civilians of the Land of Rain are just weeds to be harvested."
As Gojo finished speaking, he pushed off the ground, turning into a blur as he dashed toward the house.
"This world…"
Konan sighed and quickly followed.
Just as the ninja inside was about to act—
Gojo burst through the door and delivered a powerful kick.
The Hidden Rain ninja, wearing his forehead protector, was sent flying like a kite with its string cut.
Inside, the three civilians scrambled into a corner, trembling as the situation suddenly shifted.
"Ugh…"
The ninja tried to speak, but a mouthful of blood spilled out instead.
"Who… are you?"
He struggled to lift his head, forcing out the words.
Gojo didn't respond.
In a flash, he appeared before him, drawing a kunai and pressing it against the man's throat. With his other hand, he grabbed the ninja's shoulder and dislocated his arm in one motion, rendering him completely powerless.
"Do you know who I am?!"
"I'm a ninja of the Hidden Rain—one of Lord Hanzo's men!"
"You dare attack me? Do you want to make an enemy of Lord Hanzo?!"
Feeling the cold blade at his throat, the ninja shouted desperately, revealing his identity in hopes of saving his life.
"Hanzo's subordinate, huh?"
"You said it yourself—you're just a Chunin. Since when does a Chunin represent Hanzo?"
As he spoke, Gojo reached out, grabbed the man's throat—
And snapped it.
Considering they were still inside someone else's home, using a blade would have made a mess.
This was cleaner.
"Thank you, sir!"
"Thank you, sir!"
Seeing the ninja who had been unstoppable to them fall so easily, the man rushed forward and knelt, repeatedly bowing his head in gratitude.
"This is all the food we have left… please accept it!"
The woman brought out the last of their provisions, offering it with trembling hands.
Though Gojo had saved them—
They couldn't tell whether he was truly a savior…
Or simply another predator.
Sensing the fear in the man, the woman, and the child huddled in the corner, Konan stepped close and whispered,
"Gojo, let's go."
"Take this as payment."
"If possible, we should leave quickly."
Hearing her, Gojo reached out, took only a small handful of the food, and placed it into the pouch at his waist.
Then, without another word—
He left with Konan.
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