The three envoys came and left just as quickly.
When they arrived, they brought a large supply of resources. When they departed, they carried with them the promise of a demigod. The mission had been completed successfully, and everyone involved was satisfied.
Night slowly settled in, and the steady rain tapped against the attic roof, creating a tense and restless atmosphere, as if a storm was about to break.
Through the rain, three figures approached the outskirts of Amegakure.
"If we enter Amegakure like this, there is no guarantee Hanzō will not attack us," Nagato said, his voice filled with concern.
He had been the first to oppose this plan back in the cave.
No matter what, this land was still under Hanzō's rule in name. Even if his control had weakened, Akatsuki remained an unauthorized organization. Acting freely outside the village was one thing, but walking directly into Amegakure felt like stepping into a trap.
If they were careless, they could easily end up dead.
"Yes, we should think of another way," Konan added, trying to persuade him.
Still, she already knew it was pointless. Everyone had tried to stop Yahiko back at their base. Even the usually composed Iota had nearly lost his calm, almost dropping to his knees to beg Yahiko not to go.
It was like watching someone walk straight into danger, fully aware of the risks, yet refusing to turn back.
Wiping the rain from his face, Yahiko spoke with quiet confidence, "Our organization is still small. We are no threat to Hanzō's rule, so he has no reason to act against us."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Besides, the Land of Rain is in crisis. If we stand by and do nothing, it would betray the purpose behind Akatsuki's creation."
Hearing this, Nagato and Konan fell silent.
Yahiko was their pillar. No matter what decision he made, they would follow him without hesitation.
The three of them stepped into Amegakure, and it did not take long before several Rain shinobi appeared, blocking their path.
"Halt. Identify yourselves."
"Please inform Lord Hanzō that the leader of Akatsuki wishes to meet him to discuss matters concerning the future of the Land of Rain," Yahiko said calmly.
The guard let out a mocking scoff.
"You think you can see Lord Hanzō just because you ask? Get lost before we make you."
Akatsuki was still in its early stages. While it had gathered some members, it had not yet gained recognition. To the Rain shinobi, the name carried no weight.
Yahiko and the others remained where they stood.
The guard's expression darkened. "Still not leaving?"
"Guards."
At his command, more than a dozen Rain shinobi appeared from the shadows, surrounding the trio.
Yahiko frowned slightly, but his composure did not waver. "What is the meaning of this?"
No one answered.
Instead, a barrage of shuriken and kunai was launched toward them.
Clang, clang, clang.
Konan brought her hands together, and sheets of paper formed a large shield in front of them, blocking every incoming weapon.
The attack did not stop there.
Several Rain shinobi quickly formed hand seals, and flames surged forward, engulfing the area.
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall."
Nagato exhaled a powerful stream of water, which spread out and rose into a wide defensive barrier, extinguishing the flames.
The Rain shinobi prepared another round of jutsu, but Yahiko was faster.
"Wind Style: Pressure Damage."
A powerful gust of wind surged outward, sweeping through the battlefield like a moving wall. The force knocked most of the Rain shinobi off their feet.
Despite the overwhelming power, the attack had been carefully controlled. None of them were seriously injured.
Yahiko lowered his hand and looked at them steadily. "Can you report our request now?"
One of the fallen shinobi clenched his teeth and glared at him. "Wait here."
He had initially intended to call for reinforcements, but after witnessing their strength and restraint, he reconsidered and chose to pass the message along instead.
Though he could not meet Hanzō himself, the information was quickly relayed upward.
Inside a dimly lit room, Hanzō sat in seiza on a tatami mat, his expression thoughtful.
"Akatsuki?"
He seemed unfamiliar with the name.
Standing beside him, Kazama spoke, "It is a recently formed organization. Their stated goal is peace, and they often assist civilians."
Kazama served as Hanzō's right-hand man and handled most reports. He had heard of Akatsuki before, but it had seemed too insignificant to mention.
After all, countless groups formed and disbanded in the Land of Rain every day. There were even dozens using the name Akatsuki alone.
Since it was just another small organization claiming to pursue peace, Kazama had not considered it worth reporting.
Hanzō raised an eyebrow slightly. "So there are still such idealistic shinobi in this land. Seeking peace, just like me."
A faint smirk appeared on his face.
"Are they here to join me?"
At a time like this, he had use for capable individuals.
"... Not exactly," Kazama replied, forcing a polite smile. "Their leader, Yahiko, says he wishes to discuss the future of the Land of Rain with you."
Hanzō's expression immediately turned cold.
"Discuss the future of the Land of Rain? Ridiculous."
He waved his hand dismissively.
"Send them away. Tell them I am not in the village."
Kazama hesitated.
Hanzō's gaze sharpened. "What is it?"
After a brief pause, Kazama spoke carefully. "I have heard they are disciples of Jiraiya."
The name made Hanzō pause.
"Jiraiya..."
"Yes. After your battle years ago, Jiraiya remained in the Land of Rain for two years, teaching war orphans ninjutsu."
Hanzō's expression softened slightly as memories resurfaced.
"So, they are his students."
Back then, whether out of respect for their potential or caution toward Konoha, he had spared those three children. Now, they had grown into shinobi capable of standing on their own.
Hearing the name of one of the Legendary Sannin always stirred a sense of pride in him. After all, it was he who had given them that title.
Still, he knew the truth.
If those three joined forces again, even he might not be able to defeat them.
But that raised another question.
If these were Jiraiya's students, and Jiraiya himself was a disciple of the Third Hokage, then could Akatsuki's visit carry Konoha's intentions?
Hanzō's mind began to race.
Though tensions with Konoha were rising, they had not yet reached the point of open conflict. If Konoha offered enough, alliances could still shift.
That was the nature of the shinobi world, where loyalty was fragile and everything revolved around利益, benefit and self-interest.
After a moment of thought, Hanzō spoke.
"In that case, let them in."
A faint, curious smile appeared beneath his mask.
"I would like to see what kind of individuals have been taken in as students by Jiraiya."