361-365

*Chapter 361: Rain Village Under the Sun*

"How much longer are we staying in this country?"

A young girl sat by the window, staring out at the unchanging scenery of pouring rain with a face full of boredom. Her complaints were endless.

"We've only been in the Land of Rain for less than a week,"

replied a muscular boy sitting not far away. Even while seated on the sofa, his size dwarfed most adults. His voice was low and steady.

"Don't say such stupid things! What? Jūgo, don't tell me you actually want to stay here forever?" The girl, with long, fiery red hair as striking as flames, widened her eyes at her companion. "I hate this wretched place! You can't even get your hair to dry properly. Everything's just wet and soggy everywhere..."

Her complaints burst forth like an unstoppable torrent.

Jūgo’s attempt to interject with, "I never said I wanted to stay here forever," was drowned in her rant. He gave up trying to reason with her, pursing his lips. Honestly, he didn’t like this country either—a place perpetually cloaked in a curtain of rain, as if the sky had a permanent leak. There were no melodious bird calls here, only the endless, monotonous drumming of rain.

But...

Haku was here.

And so, even if he disliked this country or the dreary, gloomy atmosphere, he would stay obediently.

Jūgo sat silently on the sofa, gazing at the crystal-clear ice flower in a vase on the coffee table. Haku had left it behind. Looking at that beautiful ice flower calmed his heart.

Besides, it wasn’t just him.

He knew it.

Even though Karin kept complaining, she wouldn’t agree to leave the Land of Rain and return to the base—not now. The reason was the same: because Haku was here. No matter how tough or challenging it became, it didn’t matter. Even if it meant risking their lives, they wouldn’t hesitate.

This time, the group summoned by Orochimaru-sama wasn’t just the three of them. There were others in the adjacent rooms—people he didn’t know well. Unlike him and Karin, who came from the same base, these others seemed to hail from a facility in the Land of Fields.

Their only commonality was their allegiance to Haku.

As Orochimaru’s deputy,

after Orochimaru was "forced" to join the Akatsuki, Haku shouldered the heavy responsibilities. With his own abilities, he subdued the unruly members from various bases who were unwilling to be governed by a young, effeminate-looking boy, proving Orochimaru-sama’s keen judgment.

In fact, Jūgo had once been one of those troublemakers.

But unlike the others who were cowed by Haku’s power, Jūgo viewed Haku as the "sun" that shone into the endless darkness of his world, the only presence capable of dispelling the shadows in his heart and controlling his violent urges.

"Hey, Jūgo, what do you think Orochimaru-sama brought us to Amegakure for?"

Bored out of her mind, Karin couldn’t help but pester Jūgo again.

"I don’t know," he replied.

"Orochimaru-sama asked me to use my Mind’s Eye of the Kagura to periodically scan the surroundings, but he never told me what to look for. Ugh! So confusing!"

"I think—"

"And when I asked Haku, he just told me to follow Orochimaru-sama’s orders. Seriously, why can’t anyone tell me anything?"

Jūgo stayed silent.

He realized this wasn’t a conversation but Karin talking to herself. Trying to respond had been naïve of him. Forget it—it was better not to argue with her. Wasn’t admiring the ice flower in the vase more relaxing?

However,

at that moment,

Jūgo suddenly sensed a change. The atmosphere around him... the natural energy in the air was shifting. Was someone manipulating it, drawing natural energy? No, it felt more like a catastrophic event had triggered a surge in natural energy.

"Karin."

"You don’t have to tell me. Damn it, what’s happening?"

Karin adjusted her glasses, formed a hand seal, and closed her eyes tightly. She activated her Mind’s Eye of the Kagura, extending her perception over a range of several kilometers. Her sharp senses detected intense and concentrated chakra activity on a hill to the southwest of Amegakure.

A group.

Unfamiliar chakras—dense and chaotic.

So that’s why.

No wonder Orochimaru-sama never gave her specific instructions on what to search for.

The target wasn’t originally in Amegakure but was an external force that had just arrived.

"Jūgo, contact Orochimaru-sama. The target is in the southwest—huh?"

Karin, still with her eyes closed, suddenly perceived something strange.

It felt bright.

Like sunlight shining on her closed eyelids. But that didn’t make sense—this was Amegakure. Sunshine was a rare luxury in this country, absent during her entire stay here.

Instinctively, she opened her eyes.

The bright sunlight stung her eyes, making them water, but it confirmed what she felt. She was bathed in sunshine. Sitting by the window, the sunlight poured over her, dispelling the damp, cold discomfort.

"Jūgo? What’s going on?"

The girl rubbed her eyes and asked.

"I... I don’t know!" Jūgo squinted against the light, stepping to the window in two strides. He felt the warmth of the sun on his skin, equally bewildered. Although his eyes had been open the whole time, he had no idea how this had happened.

In the blink of an eye,

the rain was gone, replaced by sunlight.

Before and after the blink felt like two entirely different worlds.

Bang!

The door burst open.

Haku rushed in.

"What’s happening, Karin? Any findings?"

"Southwest, about six kilometers away. I detected a group with high-density chakra—humans and beasts mixed together. Among them are some very unusual presences. I couldn’t determine the exact number, but it’s definitely over ten."

Karin, forgetting her earlier discomfort, reported loudly.

"Southwest? More than ten people?"

Haku repeated, deep in thought.

"I understand. Karin, Jūgo, stay here and don’t move. I’m going to see Orochimaru-sama. Be ready for battle. Jūgo, protect Karin. This time’s enemy is strong. Even Orochimaru-sama and I will have to give it our all. Don’t underestimate them. If things get dangerous, prioritize your own safety above all else."

Haku gave the two a final reminder before turning to leave.

With a heart weighed down by worries, Haku formed a series of hand signs and used the *Body Flicker Technique* to leave instantly, heading to find Lord Orochimaru.

When he arrived at Orochimaru's residence:

"Lord Orochimaru."

"Haku, huh? What is it? Have you already extracted information from Karin?" Orochimaru, standing on the balcony, gazed at the scenery outside without the slightest surprise at Haku's arrival.

"Yes."

Haku quickly stepped up to Orochimaru and spoke in a clear but hurried voice, "Konoha shinobi have been spotted southwest of Amegakure. There are more than ten of them. Their exact numbers remain unclear. They're approximately six kilometers from here, in a hilly area that I've already scouted."

"Southwest, you say?"

Orochimaru glanced in that direction indifferently, naturally unable to see the Konoha shinobi from such a distance.

"The direction doesn't matter," he said dismissively. "Haku, your task is to guard the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and Uchiha Sasuke. I'll be heading to meet our leader with Sasori. If the enemy's attack is overwhelming, don't sacrifice yourself unnecessarily; just try to buy time. Also, keep an eye on Karin and Jūgo. Especially Karin—her Uzumaki lineage is far too rare to waste as research material. As for the others... make them as useful as possible."

Having said that, Orochimaru caught sight of Sasori standing on the rooftop of a building across the way.

---

As the storm clouds parted and rain ceased—or rather, just moments before—many individuals in Amegakure, including Karin and Jūgo, sensed a subtle shift. Some, like Zetsu and Pain, were naturally gifted in such perception.

Others, however, simply stumbled upon the dramatic scene: a tempest sweeping through the sky, scattering black clouds with overwhelming force.

"…Hey, Kakuzu, what the hell was that?"

Hidan, with his slicked-back hair and crimson triple-bladed scythe slung over his shoulder, had been bored inside his room. He decided to head out and preach the glory of Lord Jashin, only to witness the storm's ferocity clearing away the oppressive rainclouds. The endless rain was suddenly gone.

Hidan, who wasn't accustomed to such sights, couldn't help but shout in astonishment.

Years spent cooped up in a lab had left his mind filled with little more than Lord Jashin's teachings and basic knowledge.

"They've come already. Konoha shinobi."

Kakuzu's face, hidden beneath a black mask, showed no visible emotion. His raspy, low voice carried a hint of solemnity, which was rare for him. Though nicknamed "The Immortal Ninja," even Kakuzu wasn't entirely unmoved.

"Hidan, we're leaving. To the main tower."

"What?! I was just about to spread Lord Jashin's light!"

Though visibly annoyed, Hidan followed Kakuzu. His instincts told him that something serious was happening, a rare feeling he gleaned from the unusually stern atmosphere around Kakuzu. So while he complained, he obediently walked alongside his partner toward the "main tower."

The so-called "main tower" was the tallest steel structure in Amegakure—the residence of Pain, leader of the Akatsuki and the self-proclaimed god of the village. Akatsuki members summoned there wouldn't all gather in a single room to wait for Konoha's attack—that would be absurd. This collection of volatile individuals would more likely fight amongst themselves.

To prevent such infighting, they were stationed across different parts of the village.

---

Atop the highest tower in Amegakure, Pain stood on the outstretched crimson tongue of a grotesque statue outside the building. He gazed skyward at the pristine blue expanse, like a piece of flawless glass. Though not his first time seeing such a sight, it was a rare occurrence in the perpetually rainy Amegakure.

The rain occasionally stopped, but it was never truly "sunny." Even when it wasn't raining, the skies remained blanketed by thick clouds. Sunlight was a luxury. A clear, vibrant blue sky was an even greater rarity—a sight many Rain Country residents never experienced in their lifetimes.

"Pain!"

Konan, with her white paper wings, flew to his side, her expression grave.

"The wind is blowing from the southwest," she said in a low voice.

"I have already 'seen' it," Pain replied with a slight nod, signaling his awareness.

Konan paused for a fraction of a second, realizing she had spoken out of concern. In her worry, she had forgotten Pain’s Rinnegan granted him unparalleled sensory abilities. He had likely detected the enemy's presence the moment the storm began.

"It is indeed Konoha shinobi. I sensed Jiraiya-sensei’s chakra," Pain said in an unflinching tone, his voice devoid of emotion as he uttered the name of the man who had once guided them.

"Jiraiya-sensei... It's been a long time," Konan murmured softly.

Her strikingly beautiful face seemed as though shrouded in frost, her emotions hidden beneath a glacial exterior. Only an overwhelming chill emanated from her presence.

"So, Pain, what do we do next?"

"We wait," Pain said coldly, his gaze fixed on the azure sky.

"Amegakure is our stronghold. The winds will not last; this country is destined to be steeped in endless rain. Besides, the reformation of the Akatsuki was meant for moments like this. The Rain shinobi left in the village will also play their part. Send word: they are not to come to the tower. Their role is to repel the intruders from the southwest."

"And as for Orochimaru," he added, "tell him to leave the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki under his subordinates' watch. He is to head to the front lines with Sasori to repel the Konoha shinobi."

Pain specifically called out Orochimaru by name. He couldn't afford to overlook that snake.

"Understood," Konan replied.

She waved her hand, and a swarm of white paper butterflies surged forth, spreading in all directions to deliver orders to the Akatsuki members and elite Rain shinobi stationed across the village.

"Show me, Jiraiya-sensei," Pain murmured to himself. "What resolve have you brought with you?"

A piercing cry echoed from the sky as a strange bird with a long beak and ripple-patterned eyes flew southwest. Its sight transmitted directly into Pain’s perception.

Through its eyes, Pain saw Amegakure bathed in sunlight, its glimmering waters, and atop the hills, the straw-hat-clad Konoha shinobi. Even the hat couldn’t conceal Jiraiya-sensei’s long, white hair.

(Chapter End)

Chapter 362: Plan D

The clouds dispersed, revealing a sky as clear as a polished mirror, scattering radiant light across the landscape.

Standing atop a hill, one could see countless glimmers of light reflecting off the water below, resembling fragments of shattered mirrors scattered across the ground.

In the distance, the high towers of the Rain Village rose unevenly amidst the water. Their steel drainage pipes, meticulously maintained, bore hardly any rust despite years of exposure to rain. The damp metallic surfaces shone like polished steel mirrors, making the entire village seem as if it were glowing.

"I see it!"

Hyūga Himaru was the first to break the silence atop the hill.

"It's Uzumaki Naruto."

"Are you sure? Not someone using a transformation technique to impersonate him?" Jiraiya asked urgently.

"It's him."

The response did not come from Himaru but from Yamanaka Santian. The young man from the Yamanaka clan opened his eyes and spoke with certainty. "I sensed Uzumaki Naruto's chakra, along with the sealed power within him."

Transformation techniques are not a single jutsu but a category encompassing many variations—some highly advanced, others barely passable. Regardless of their sophistication, no transformation technique can simultaneously replicate two distinct chakra signatures.

Naruto carries the seal of the Nine-Tails within him.

This seal, the legacy of the Fourth Hokage, is entirely distinct from Naruto's own chakra.

Thus, Yamanaka Santian made his assertion confidently.

While advanced transformation techniques might mimic Naruto's chakra, replicating the unique presence of the seal is a monumental challenge—one that Yamanaka Santian had never encountered in any jutsu.

"The seal, huh?"

Sougen nodded lightly. "Then it should be correct. What about Uchiha Sasuke? Has my clansman been located?" He glanced at Uchiha Itachi, whose uneven breathing betrayed his agitation, and decided to inquire about Sasuke to prevent Itachi, the protective elder brother, from losing his composure.

"Yes."

Hyūga Iribō chimed in quickly. His response came slightly later than his two companions, but upon hearing Sougen’s inquiry, he rushed to answer.

"Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto are being held separately. However, the distance between their locations isn’t far. Both are in the core zone of the Rain Village, within the tallest central building and the surrounding towers. However... I can't confirm if it’s truly Uchiha Sasuke."

Iribō's hesitation was understandable.

Unlike Naruto, who exhibits two distinct chakra signatures, Sasuke’s situation lacks such clear markers. Although the Sharingan's chakra is unique, it is not impossible to simulate with extreme precision—particularly when facing adversaries as formidable as those allied with Orochimaru.

Even seemingly impossible scenarios became plausible under these circumstances.

"You all found only one Uchiha Sasuke, correct?"

Sougen asked.

"Just one."

"We detected no similar chakra signatures."

"Only one Uzumaki Naruto and one Uchiha Sasuke," confirmed Himaru, Santian, and Iribō in succession.

Additionally, one of the three masked ANBU members standing behind Uchiha Shisui silently nodded, signaling that no anomalies were detected.

"Alright then. Where are the key targets in the Rain Village? Himaru, you go first. Santian, Iribō, add anything he misses; otherwise, remain silent." Sougen showed no urgency to act.

Even though Uchiha Chisao had dispersed the clouds over the Rain Village with her dōjutsu, openly declaring their arrival, Sougen remained unhurried.

From the start, he had no intention of taking Pain and his allies by surprise.

Attacking a member of the Uzumaki clan, equipped with the Rinnegan, in a sneak attack? That would be no less challenging than facing Uchiha Madara at his peak head-on. Beyond the Rinnegan’s mysterious and formidable abilities, the Uzumaki clan’s inherent sensory talents alone were enough to keep most enemies at bay.

Perhaps Pain, overly reliant on the Rinnegan's powers, had neglected the latent abilities of his Uzumaki heritage.

But such innate talents, once awakened, tend to evolve naturally with time and strength.

The Uchiha clan exhibited a similar trait—once the Sharingan was awakened, even if it started as a single tomoe, achieving the three-tomoe Sharingan was almost inevitable with sufficient time, provided the user did not perish prematurely. A notable example from 90 years prior was a clansman who reached the three-tomoe stage at 46, breaking the previous record of 42.

Nagato, having been chosen by Uchiha Madara as a pawn, must have been exceptionally gifted among the Uzumaki clan.

This brought to mind a historical reflection—

During Sougen’s tenure as Hokage's advisor, he had investigated the downfall of the Land of Whirlpools.

Initially, he believed the Uzumaki clan’s decline stemmed from the fear and greed of Mist and Cloud, alongside Konoha’s desire to absorb the Uzumaki clan’s powers by forsaking their alliance. However, as an advisor, with access to classified archives, Sougen discovered otherwise.

He uncovered old records that painted a different picture, made easier by a research notebook included in the archived documents. Although unsigned, the handwriting unmistakably belonged to the Fourth Hokage.

Years prior, the Fourth Hokage had conducted his own investigation into the Land of Whirlpools’ destruction.

Sougen did not concern himself with the Fourth Hokage’s motives—whether it was personal interest or devotion to his wife. Nevertheless, the notes provided valuable insight.

The records revealed that the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had not intended to abandon the Land of Whirlpools. Upon learning of Mist and Cloud’s plans to attack, he immediately dispatched a small elite force to verify the situation while secretly mobilizing troops to prepare for support.

However, events spiraled out of control far faster than anticipated.

The Land of Whirlpools fell before Sarutobi Hiruzen’s forces could respond. The only survivors were a small group led by Konoha’s "White Fang," Hatake Sakumo. They carved a bloody path through Mist's forces, escorting a young girl, Uzumaki Kushina, and the Uzumaki clan’s heritage back to Konoha.

Hatake Sakumo’s report described Mist’s overwhelming aggression and a disturbing precision in eliminating the Land of Whirlpools' top fighters. It was as if the clan’s elite were systematically assassinated, leaving no chance to mount a proper defense.

And just like that,

The Uzumaki clan, renowned even during the Warring States period, once capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the Senju and wrestling with the Uchiha, scattered to the winds. Only a few clan members barely survived by sheer luck... or so it seemed. However, Sōgen didn’t believe it was merely luck.

No,

He was certain it was no coincidence.

This was also part of Uchiha Madara’s, or rather, Black Zetsu’s plan.

Nagato’s mother was likely the first pawn, and Karin’s mother served as a backup. If Nagato failed to meet the expectations of Madara and Black Zetsu, they could discard him and cultivate another Uzumaki. In fact, there might be even more backup pawns hidden in some corner of the ninja world.

It was just that Nagato performed unexpectedly well,

Which rendered the backup pawns idle. Even when Orochimaru picked one up, it didn’t matter.

Of course—

Much of this was Sōgen’s speculation. He had no concrete evidence to prove his theory correct. Yet, Sōgen didn’t need proof. In matters like this... the truth or falsehood was already irrelevant. What mattered was that Hyūga Homon, Hyūga Iroha, and Yamanaka Santenn hadn’t found Nagato’s real body.

What they did find was a red-haired girl, brimming with an astonishing amount of chakra, confined in the building holding Naruto. There was no sign of a red-haired middle-aged man with injured legs, reliant on some mechanical device to move.

Black Zetsu’s whereabouts were equally unclear.

As for others, like Uchiha Obito and Orochimaru, they were indeed in Amegakure. However, the problem was that these S-rank rogue ninjas were not easy to deal with. Aside from impulsive ones like Deidara and Hidan, every single one of them was cunning and shrewd.

These sly individuals clearly didn’t want their true locations exposed. Each had three to five shadow clones distributed across Amegakure, constantly on the move. Even someone like Shisui, who had mastered the Flying Raijin, couldn’t quickly take them out.

As for Deidara and Hidan, the young hotheads—

One was flying in the sky on a giant bird, making him a difficult target.

The other was immortal and couldn’t be killed.

Add to that the other cunning rogues nearby, and focusing on these two would still be quite a hassle.

“Tch! What a headache... though it’s not unexpected.”

After listening to Hyūga Homon’s report, Sōgen’s expression didn’t change much. He simply looked up, his crimson Sharingan eyes scanning the grotesque, hideous bird circling in the sky. He then said, “Shisui, Elder Fugaku, proceed with Plan D.”

Plan D.

If the name wasn’t just a gimmick,

It meant they had prepared at least four plans. However, most of the team, including Jiraiya, had no idea what Plan D entailed. Only Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Fugaku knew its meaning.

“Understood.”

Shisui responded promptly.

He then turned and called out, “Fū, Torune, Tenzo, Hyūga Homon, Inuzuka Hana, follow me.”

With that,

Shisui charged down the hill, followed closely by three masked ANBU members. Hyūga Homon hesitated for a second, but seeing that the Hokage didn’t intend to intervene, he realized Plan D was already underway and quickly followed.

Meanwhile,

The talented Inuzuka Hana, leading three ninja dogs, immediately followed Shisui. Her speed was not far behind that of the ANBU members.

On the other side,

“Shikuro, Itachi, Kimimaro, Santenn, and Iroha, I’ll need your help.” Uchiha Fugaku said amicably. This wasn’t because the infamous "Killing Eyes" had mellowed out over the years. The bloodthirst in his bones wasn’t so easily stripped away.

His politeness,

Was directed specifically at Aburame Shikuro.

Unlike the younger members, Aburame Shikuro, the strongest poison insect user of the Aburame clan, was not only from the same generation as Fugaku but also possessed strength worthy of respect.

Moreover,

The one they were rescuing was his son.

No matter whether this was an official mission or not, Fugaku needed Aburame Shikuro to give it his all. Naturally, his attitude had to reflect some courtesy.

And so,

In an instant,

The figures on the hillside thinned out.

Only Sōgen, Jiraiya, Kabuto, and Uchiha Chiyo—maintaining the Izanagi Bijugu technique—remained.

“Sōgen.”

Jiraiya, watching the two teams led by Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Fugaku advancing in the same direction but distinctly separate, realized the true essence of Plan D. He frowned and said, “You’re splitting the forces to rescue both Naruto and Sasuke? Isn’t that too reckless? Don’t forget, those eyes might be here.”

At the end,

His voice instinctively lowered.

From Hyūga Homon’s earlier report, notable targets included not just Orochimaru but several other formidable individuals, none easier to deal with. Let’s not forget this was Amegakure, where numerous Ame ninja resided.

More importantly,

Jiraiya knew Nagato was likely hiding here, evading detection even from Hyūga Homon. With the power of the Rinnegan, this wasn’t surprising.

What did surprise him was that Uchiha Sōgen, knowing full well the threat of the Rinnegan, still opted to split their forces instead of consolidating them for a decisive blow.

“I already said, I will save them both, Naruto and Sasuke. I won’t abandon either of them. This has nothing to do with Naruto being the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki or Sasuke being one of my clansmen. It’s because, as Hokage, I have responsibilities I must uphold.”

Sōgen replied calmly.

“Today, we’ve gathered such a large force not because of their special statuses, but because the enemies we face demand it. And Jiraiya-senpai, you know what I know, and what you don’t know, I also know.”

“So there’s no need to worry unnecessarily. I have this operation under control... Now, it’s time for us to move as well. While Amegakure’s host may not want to greet their guests personally, as visitors, it would be impolite not to pay them a visit.”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 363: The Flame Demon, the Strongest in the Shinobi World*

The ruler of Amegakure, once referred to as the "Demi-God" Hanzo of the Salamander, was a towering figure who had once aspired to elevate Amegakure to become the sixth great shinobi village. In his era, Hanzo's dominance was unmatched.

After all, who else would dare to challenge the status quo of the Five Great Shinobi Villages and aim to turn them into six?

Although he ultimately failed, Hanzo undeniably left a bold and unforgettable mark in the history of the shinobi world. During the Second Shinobi World War, under his leadership, Amegakure declared war against the samurai of the Land of Iron, Konoha, and Sunagakure, displaying an audacious ferocity.

Unfortunately, even such a ferocious individual couldn't escape the cold, unyielding blade of time. The relentless passage of years gradually stripped away his strength, energy, and ambition. The once-mighty "Demi-God" eventually became a mere tyrant, ruling Amegakure in isolation.

And then, manipulated by forces in the shadows, the renowned Demi-God became nothing more than a stepping stone for others. A new ruler took his place in Amegakure, using the fearsome power of the "Eyes of Life and Death" to crush all resistance.

---

"Chihaya, can you move?"

Sougen asked.

"I can't just yet," Uchiha Chihaya replied softly. "Unless I temporarily deactivate Izanagi-no-Tobi, it’s too difficult for me to move freely. Though the ocular abilities of my left and right eyes share the same name and essence, the way they are controlled is vastly different. I can’t maintain this storm at such a scale while moving at high speed."

"Then deactivate it."

"Are you sure?"

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow.

"What’s there to worry about? We’ve already pinpointed Naruto and Sasuke’s whereabouts. Besides, Shisui and Elder Fugaku each have multiple sensory ninja with them. Even if the rain starts falling again, as long as we close the distance, we won't lose track of Naruto and the others."

"Moreover, the rain clouds nearby have already dispersed. Summoning clouds of that magnitude again isn’t quick or easy. And besides... we’re not exactly sitting ducks!" Sougen’s aura began to surge. If, at the beginning, he had felt like a dormant volcano—majestic and imposing, yet not terrifying—

Then now,

the volcano was waking up.

While it hadn’t yet erupted with molten lava and ash, the intense heat and rhythmic tremors heralded imminent danger. An invisible fear gripped the hearts of everyone near this "volcano," as all living creatures could sense the looming threat.

In an instant,

a crimson Susano’o flickered into existence. The blade, seemingly capable of splitting the heavens, swept across the sky. A strange, birdlike creature with a long, metallic beak was crushed—not slashed—into a bloody mist, its remains scattered by the stilling storm winds.

"Jiraiya-senpai, if you wish to join the mission to rescue Naruto, you can pursue Shisui and the others," Sougen remarked casually as he stepped toward Amegakure, brushing aside the debris in the sky.

For this mission, Sougen had devised several plans to adapt to various scenarios. However, none of them assigned Jiraiya a specific role. He had no intention of dictating how this powerful veteran should act—after all, some respect was due to a senior.

Besides, Sougen didn’t particularly need Jiraiya’s strength.

"Rescue Naruto... Since Shisui and the others are already on it, my presence probably won’t make much of a difference," Jiraiya said, falling into step behind Sougen. "Honestly, though, I’m curious about what’s happening here. What exactly caused things to spiral to this point?"

After all,

those children were so kind once.

What could have led them so far astray from his expectations?

Just as he valued Naruto, Jiraiya had never truly let go of those children. He remembered them fondly—their time together in the Land of Rain was one of his most cherished memories.

So he decided to see for himself, to ask them what had happened.

Perhaps, deep down, he still harbored a faint hope of persuading the wayward children to find their way back.

"Suit yourself," Sougen replied indifferently.

Jiraiya’s choice didn’t matter to Sougen. Even the success or failure of Shisui’s mission was no longer his concern. His focus was now solely on Nagato, who had hidden his true body while using Pain as his proxy. Of course, he also had to keep an eye on Zetsu, that ancient schemer.

As for Uchiha Obito,

Sougen had no reason to worry. The Kamui technique was of little consequence to him now.

---

Beside him, Uchiha Chihaya completely ceased her ocular output, letting out a long sigh of relief. She tightly gripped the hilt of the Samehada. Thanks to the blade’s assistance, she could replenish her chakra and recover from the strain. Without it, even though she wouldn’t be entirely drained of her visual prowess, she would have been hard-pressed to contend with opponents of the same caliber.

Now, the Samehada continuously supplied her with chakra to make up for her losses. All she needed to do was focus on converting the chakra into ocular energy.

Kabuto Yakushi, silent from start to finish, knew his role well. He was merely a pawn placed here by the Hokage to target specific enemies. He would act only when required and otherwise observe.

With Uchiha Chihaya and Kabuto flanking Sougen on either side and Jiraiya at the rear, the four formed the quintessential shinobi formation, moving steadily toward Amegakure.

---

At the center of the Hidden Rain Village, atop the high tower.

“Zetsu, inform Kakuzu, Orochimaru, and the others about the Leaf Ninja splitting into separate groups. Let them choose their own opponents. I don’t expect them to annihilate the intruders, but…” Pain spoke softly, standing atop the crimson tongue-like structure, “…they must not return empty-handed.”

As he finished speaking, a figure emerged from the shadows behind him—Zetsu, his venus flytrap-like form revealing his split yin-yang face.

“Are you sure about this? If we concentrated our forces, we could take out some of the Leaf Ninja directly,” Black Zetsu proposed hoarsely.

“I’ve made myself clear. Let them choose their own targets. I won’t interfere with their actions; I’m only concerned with the results. That is the rule of Akatsuki,” Pain replied in an even tone.

The Akatsuki wasn’t a tightly-knit organization. The leader’s orders were to be executed, but how they were carried out was left to individual discretion. Pain focused only on the outcome.

If he had to micromanage every detail, Akatsuki would have fallen apart long ago. It had taken considerable effort to enforce the paired teamwork system, especially with unruly members like Kakuzu and Orochimaru, who had gone through several partner changes.

“If, Zetsu, you have a way to command them into joint action, I wouldn’t object,” Pain said, turning to glance at Zetsu. His cold gaze was piercing, enough to chill one to the bone.

Zetsu was not to be trusted.

This figure, who joined Akatsuki alongside Uchiha Obito, was supposedly left by Uchiha Madara to assist him. But like Orochimaru and Sasori, Zetsu wasn’t trustworthy—merely a tool to be utilized.

Not that it mattered much.

In Pain’s eyes, apart from Konan, all the other members of Akatsuki were just tools. He never expected to rely on them for great accomplishments. To achieve his vision, the only ones he could trust were himself and Konan.

As long as these tools served their purpose, his efforts in recruiting and managing these unstable individuals wouldn’t have been in vain.

“Fine! Getting them to work together… or even just to stop backstabbing each other… would already be a stretch. I was overthinking it,” Black Zetsu admitted.

His eagerness to eliminate Uchiha Sōgen—a destabilizing variable—and regain control over the chaotic future had clouded his judgment.

But Zetsu had underestimated Akatsuki. These criminals weren’t obedient White Zetsu clones. Pairing them into teams was already the limit. Putting them all together would be like pouring fuel on a powder keg and tossing in a lit match. An explosion was inevitable.

The venus flytrap-like figure slowly sank into the ground.

Five or six seconds later…

“Pain, although Zetsu’s idea was foolish, the Leaf splitting their forces is indeed an opportunity. We could pick them off one by one,” Konan, who had been silently observing the exchange from above, finally spoke.

“You’re right,” Pain replied, blinking. “However… unless I personally intervene, neither Kakuzu nor Orochimaru alone could eliminate even one team of Leaf Ninja. If they worked together, maybe there’s a chance, but getting them to cooperate… even I can’t make that happen.”

“Then, will you…?” Konan began.

“I can’t act. The Sixth Hokage has already set his sights on me.”

Pain’s Rinnegan eyes narrowed as he recalled how his summoned Yatagarasu had been obliterated by a flash of deep crimson, a massive blade of destructive force. The shared vision of the Rinnegan allowed him to witness the scene as if it had happened to him.

Pain’s concealed true body recognized the Sixth Hokage as a formidable enemy, vastly different from the aging and disillusioned Hanzō of the Salamander he had once defeated.

“My Yatagarasu was slain in one strike. If I’m not mistaken, that must have been the Uchiha clan’s Susanoo. It’s even more overwhelming than the reports suggested. Even for me, it would take some effort to win. And with Jiraiya-sensei at his side, they’re a troublesome pair,” Pain admitted.

“So, as I’ve said before, we wait. I’d like to observe the power of the Uchiha’s Mangekyō Sharingan a bit longer. Besides, wasn’t recruiting Kakuzu and Orochimaru precisely for situations like this?”

Pain gazed up at the sky.

Another Yatagarasu spread its wings, soaring toward the village’s southwestern edge.

“Is this to scout with Kakuzu and the others? Will they agree?” Konan asked.

“They won’t refuse—at least not until the Leaf Ninja demonstrate enough power to kill them. But don’t expect them to fight to the death on my orders. That’s why my directive is simple: don’t return empty-handed. Even a single head will suffice.”

Through the Yatagarasu’s eyes, Pain saw Sōgen walking on water.

Then—

Sōgen looked up, his blade flashing like a crimson meteor, swift and lethal.

The Yatagarasu was shredded into a mist of blood before Pain could unsummon it.

But not before he confirmed one thing: the Sixth Hokage was coming for him. The killing intent directed at his Deva Path body, standing by the window, was unmistakable.

He recalled Orochimaru’s words from years ago: Uchiha Sōgen had informed him of the Rinnegan in the Hidden Rain Village.

“Rescuing the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is just a distraction? Your real target… is me? And Orochimaru was your pawn?”

Pain murmured to himself, calmly speculating about the truth.

There was no panic or fear in his heart.

Being targeted was inconsequential. The power of the Rinnegan was absolute. Even if the Deva Path alone couldn’t overpower Uchiha Sōgen, Pain was confident victory would be his in the end.

Curiosity and caution, not fear, made him wait.

Wait for Kakuzu, Orochimaru, and Obito to gather more intelligence. Then, Pain would crush the Leaf’s elite in one decisive blow. If this approach succeeded, eliminating the remaining villages would be straightforward, and the collection of the Tailed Beasts would proceed unhindered.

“Let me see just how powerful the Sixth Hokage of the Leaf, known as the ‘Flame Demon,’ truly is!”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 364: The Nine Billion Ryō Top Patron*

Zetsu faithfully relayed the intel about the Konoha ninja splitting into separate groups to the members of the Akatsuki and passed on Pain's orders without needing to personally scour Amegakure for everyone. These individuals, wary of being tracked by sensory ninjas, adopted strategies to obscure their true selves. Aside from Hidan, even Deidara, with guidance from Uchiha Obito, used shadow clones to confuse potential trackers and hide his location.

Additionally, they dispatched shadow clones toward the central tower.

Earlier, the message from Konan had been overly concise, and given the recent developments on Konoha's side, sending a shadow clone to confirm the details seemed like the most prudent course of action.

Zetsu had little trouble gathering the shadow clones of the group beneath an iron bridge near the tower. Present were Uchiha Obito, Deidara, Kakuzu, Orochimaru, and Sasori. Hidan was notably absent, though this wasn't particularly surprising. Hidan, apart from relying on the Jashin cult's immortal techniques, didn't possess any ninjutsu capabilities.

His absence, however, wasn't a significant concern.

With Kakuzu present, that was sufficient.

Hidan was undoubtedly working with Kakuzu.

"…The situation stands as such. Everyone, make your choice!" Zetsu's malevolent smile spread across his dual-toned face as he looked at the group. "Konoha's split into three groups. This is the perfect opportunity to pick them off one by one."

It was Black Zetsu who spoke, still unyielding in his schemes.

Konoha had grown into an unwieldy force, but this was a rare chance to deliver a significant blow. He wasn't willing to let it slip by. Even though he knew the likelihood of getting this group to work together was slim, he couldn't help but try.

His gaze swept across the group, pausing an extra second on Uchiha Obito.

Then—

"Uchiha Shisui has mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique. If we don't eliminate him first, Konoha's forces can regroup at any moment. If we're going for a divide-and-conquer strategy, Uchiha Shisui's team must be dealt with first," Obito said earnestly.

This wasn't entirely in response to Black Zetsu's suggestion.

It was mostly a statement of fact.

The Second Hokage's exploits might be distant history, overshadowed by his mastery of forbidden techniques. However, during the Third Shinobi War, the "Yellow Flash" Namikaze Minato demonstrated the terrifying potential of the Flying Thunder God Technique, both in battle and strategy.

In one instance, when Konoha's forces were on the brink of annihilation due to insufficient manpower, Minato's timely arrival with the Flying Thunder God Technique turned the tide, forcing Iwa shinobi into a crushing retreat.

For Obito, who wielded the space-time ability *Kamui*, the threat posed by Shisui's mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique combined with his genjutsu was intolerable.

"I have no interest in prey I can't catch. The Demon Eyes Uchiha Fugaku... he might make an interesting puppet." Sasori's cold interjection shattered Zetsu's hopes.

He admitted the Flying Thunder God Technique's power but also understood its difficulty. Sasori doubted their combined efforts could corner Shisui effectively.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru chuckled darkly, licking his lips. "If I remember correctly, Kimimaro is in that group as well. I would love to see how he's grown. It's been years—does he still remember me? A reunion after so long is quite thrilling, don't you think?"

Kaguya Kimimaro, despite his youth, was one of Konoha's rising stars. His fame even eclipsed that of Uchiha Itachi in some circles due to his possession of the *Shikotsumyaku*, the Kaguya clan's unique bloodline ability.

Not many knew that Kimimaro had once followed Orochimaru. Even among the Akatsuki, this was a revelation. Still, none chose to probe into such trivial matters. Kimimaro wasn't of great concern to them, but Orochimaru's mysterious ties only deepened Obito's and Black Zetsu's suspicions of him.

As for Sasori, he silently continued contemplating how to kill Orochimaru for good.

"Well then, allow me to test the strength represented by a bounty of nine billion ryō," Kakuzu declared. This remark dashed any remaining hope Zetsu had of coordinated action.

It became clear that unless forced by sheer power, uniting these individuals was an impossible dream. Instead of focusing their efforts on one Konoha team, the group splintered further, forming pairs to pursue separate targets.

"Kakuzu, are you sure you want to provoke the Sixth Hokage? Facing that monster... could mean your death," Zetsu cautioned. He had given up on unity and now merely hoped to change Kakuzu's mind.

Challenging Uchiha Sougen directly was suicide.

Though Kakuzu was known as the "Immortal Ninja," Zetsu, with his millennium of knowledge, knew the truth of Kakuzu's pseudo-immortality. Unlike Hidan's mysterious regenerative immortality, Kakuzu's secret made him vulnerable if understood.

For Zetsu, Sougen was a threat only Pain could handle.

At the very least, even Black Zetsu couldn't understand the source of Hidan's "immortality." The downside, however, was that Hidan's immortality was far too one-dimensional. Although it was hard to truly kill him, ninjas had never lacked methods for capturing someone alive. Sealing techniques weren’t developed solely to deal with Tailed Beasts, after all.

If these two were really going to pick a fight with Uchiha Sougen...

Honestly, Black Zetsu didn't want the Akatsuki to lose too much strength at this point, especially not members like Kakuzu and Hidan. Compared to untrustworthy troublemakers like Orochimaru and Sasori, Kakuzu, a money-hungry veteran, and Hidan, a simple-minded zealot, were far more likable.

"That's nine billion ryo."

Kakuzu emphasized.

This astronomical sum referred to the bounty posted on the underground black market. While the ninja world was ostensibly ruled by the Five Great Nations and their Hidden Villages, shadows naturally formed wherever there was light. The ninja world had its underworld too.

In this darkness, there existed an institution called the Exchange Office, whose main business was buying the corpses of powerful ninjas. No one knew who or what forces were behind the Exchange Office. The only thing certain was that its bounty list included almost every top fighter in the ninja world, even the Five Kage. Sixth Hokage Uchiha Sougen had overtaken Third Tsuchikage Onoki to claim the top spot, with a bounty of nine billion ryo.

This amount was more than twenty times the bounty on a still-living member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.

Kakuzu was genuinely tempted.

As a nearly century-old "elder," his long life had dulled many of his passions. At this point, only amassing wealth brought him any joy. Unfortunately, he wasn’t skilled in commerce. Luckily, there were many ways to make money, and opening a shop wasn’t the only path.

Hunting,

for example, was a lucrative option.

The pelts of ordinary predators like tigers and wolves could fetch a decent price, but ninja corpses were worth far more.

"Yeah, nine billion ryo," Black Zetsu echoed Kakuzu’s words.

Though the phrase was identical, the meaning was entirely different.

The first emphasized the bounty's staggering value, while the second underscored the strength represented by such a sum. Ordinary targets worth a few tens of millions couldn’t compare to a monster with a nine-billion-ryo bounty.

"Hmph! Even Senju Hashirama didn’t scare me back in the day. A mere upstart... This is the perfect chance to test how powerful the Uchiha clan's Mangekyō Sharingan really is," Kakuzu scoffed.

His mind was made up, undeterred by Black Zetsu's attempts to dissuade him.

He left without another word, dispersing his shadow clone to relay the information to his main body. After all, everything that needed saying had been said. What lay ahead was simply battle.

Following Kakuzu’s departure, the others followed suit—Sasori, then Orochimaru.

Even Deidara dissolved his shadow clone.

After all, he was tasked with accompanying Tobi to deal with Uchiha Shisui. The last time Shisui had slipped through his fingers, but this time he intended to settle the score.

On the bridge,

only Zetsu and Uchiha Obito remained.

"What’s Pain planning to do?" Obito asked.

Since his identity as "Madara" had been exposed, he’d lost the privilege of strategizing alongside Pain and Konan. Forced to team up with Deidara, he was now just an ordinary Akatsuki member. Any updates on Pain's plans came from Zetsu's surveillance.

"Probably just observing for now," Black Zetsu replied.

"But don’t worry. Pain will make a move. If we play this right, there’s a good chance we can eliminate Uchiha Sougen this time. So, Obito, you must keep Uchiha Shisui occupied. Even if you can’t defeat him, don’t let him interfere. Uchiha Sougen and Shisui—one of them has to go down, or better yet, both."

"I’ll do my best," Obito replied without overpromising.

The memory of his last clash with Shisui hadn’t faded. While his ultimate defeat had been due to Sougen’s intervention, he hadn’t gained the upper hand against Shisui even before Sougen appeared.

And this time, Shisui wasn’t alone.

He had undoubtedly brought strong allies.

Of course, Obito had Deidara on his side too. All things considered, it would be a tough fight, but not impossible.

"What about Orochimaru and Sasori? Any thoughts?" Zetsu shifted topics, not pressing Obito for guarantees. He trusted Obito would give it his all. "If they defect and join forces with Konoha... it could be problematic."

"As long as Pain takes action, it’ll be fine," Obito shrugged. "Besides, Orochimaru... I suspect he has his own agenda. Cozying up to Konoha might be part of it, but fully aligning with them? What’s he aiming for? A homecoming? Doesn’t seem likely."

"We can assign someone to monitor him, but there’s no need to overreact. Right now, the priority is weakening Konoha. Orochimaru can’t cause too much trouble."

Obito, too, had unwavering faith in the Rinnegan’s power.

While Nagato, as the Rinnegan's wielder, had his vulnerabilities, these were all part of Madara's long-laid plans. Not just Nagato—Obito himself was a pawn. Yet, their goals aligned: a perfect future for the world.

The conflict lay in who would lead the plan to fruition.

For now, Obito could set aside those minor frustrations. The grander plan hadn’t even begun in earnest, giving him time to strategize how to wrest control from his "restless ancestor." For now, his focus was on reining in Konoha’s overwhelming strength.

Uchiha Sougen, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Chihaya...

Every single one of them needed to be dealt with.

As Obito finished speaking, a thunderous sound erupted in the distance.

The skies above hadn’t gathered storm clouds, so the noise wasn’t from the heavens—it came from the earth.

"It’s started, hasn’t it? I’d better get going," Obito said before his body dissolved into white chakra smoke.

"Uchiha Sougen..."

Black Zetsu turned his gaze southwest. Lacking the Byakugan, he couldn’t see past the towering steel and concrete structures to Sougen’s approach. Instead, he relied on the intel relayed by his White Zetsu counterparts to track the situation in Amegakure.

That distant explosion?

It had come from Sougen’s group.

The battle had begun!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 365: Ninja Art: Rain and Thousand Needles

The path ahead was blocked, not by members of the Akatsuki clad in black cloaks with red clouds and conical hats with dangling wind chimes, but by a group of Rain ninja. They wore standard uniforms, carried four or five umbrellas on their backs, and donned respirators. Judging by their chakra's quality and quantity, most of them were Chunin, with no more than ten Jonin among them.

"Uchiha?"

The leading Jonin of the Rain ninja took a deep breath, his heartbeat quickening. However, he managed to suppress his fear of the infamous Uchiha clan through sheer willpower. In a cold voice, he barked, “Konoha ninjas, do you understand what you’re doing? Invading our village—is this your way of provoking a new war?”

These Rain ninjas hadn’t recognized who Sougen and Jiraiya were. They only noticed the fire-fan crest on the clothing of Sougen and Chihaya, causing them to avert their gaze hastily, avoiding direct eye contact with the Uchiha duo. However, their failure to recognize Sougen and Jiraiya wasn’t due to a lack of clarity in their features—it was simply because they didn’t know them.

Unlike Kumogakure or Iwagakure, Amegakure underwent a drastic transformation after Pain overthrew Hanzō of the Salamander and took control of the village. Pain initiated a purge, targeting all Rain ninja who had opposed Yahiko’s Akatsuki. Those found guilty were dealt with severely, resulting in the near-eradication of Amegakure’s seasoned shinobi.

Following this, Pain implemented an isolationist policy, severing ties with the outside world. The perpetual rain served as his surveillance mechanism, monitoring every movement within the village.

As a result, the new generation of Rain ninja remained woefully uninformed about the changes in the world. They didn’t even know that Konoha had a new Hokage, many still believing the Fifth Hokage to be in power. Similarly, older legends like the Sannin had faded from their awareness due to their lack of recent activity.

Thus, when faced with Sougen and Jiraiya, these Rain ninjas embodied the phrase ignorance is bliss. Despite receiving orders from "Angel" to annihilate any intruders, the Rain ninja leader still hoped to drive away these formidable opponents with words.

After all, they weren’t fools. Four individuals brazenly charging into Amegakure could only mean one of two things: either they were insane or they were terrifyingly powerful.

“If you dare to take another step, you will face relentless pursuit from the entire Amegakure!” The leader issued his threat while gripping the hilt of his umbrella, preparing to attack if negotiations failed.

“Relentless pursuit?”

Sougen chuckled.

What an amusing notion. Did they really believe that Amegakure’s so-called iron fortress would force them to retreat in disgrace? Such a future wasn’t impossible, but Sougen wouldn’t allow it to come to pass.

“Apologies, but talking is meaningless. Let’s communicate more directly!” Sougen said, his words laced with indifference. He waved his hand and ordered, “Chihaya, clear the way! Today… create as much chaos as you like. No need to hold back.”

Within the vast Amegakure, there was little sign of civilian life.

It seemed Pain wasn’t entirely ruthless, as he had evacuated most civilians beforehand, leaving only ninja behind. This spared Sougen from any moral dilemmas.

Even if the civilians hadn’t been evacuated, Sougen wouldn’t have held back in a battle. Still, he preferred not to involve ordinary people in ninja conflicts if it could be avoided. Despite their seemingly omnipotent skills, ninjas were ultimately parasites—non-productive consumers reliant on the labor of ordinary people to sustain their way of life.

Returning to the situation at hand:

After receiving Sougen’s command, Uchiha Chihaya’s demeanor shifted, her sharp killing intent palpable.

Before the Rain ninjas could react, Chihaya drew her blade. The wind-imbued slash tore through the air, cleaving not only the enemies’ bodies but also the concrete and steel structure behind them, leaving a deep fissure. The deafening roar echoed as her single attack wiped out nearly two-thirds of the Rain ninja in front, sparing only a handful of Jonin and a few lucky Chunin.

“This is…”

Jiraiya squinted as he examined the fresh crack in the reinforced building. “Is this the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan?”

“Of course,” Sougen replied without hesitation.

He wasn’t concerned about exposing Chihaya’s ocular ability. The Mangekyō Sharingan techniques wielded by Uchiha clan members weren’t something they feared revealing. In fact, the Uchiha clan’s ninjas rarely had critical weaknesses, given their mastery of taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu. Sharingan techniques were merely one aspect of their vast arsenal.

“Terrifying… Such power,” Jiraiya murmured. Internally, he pondered why the Second Hokage sought to suppress the Uchiha and why Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō persisted in their efforts to weaken the clan.

Yet, in the end, they failed.

The Uchiha clan rose again, stronger than ever, reclaiming their glory and elevating one of their own to the Hokage position.

“You… you… Ninja Art: Rain and Thousand Needles!”

The surviving Rain ninja weren’t entirely helpless, and they launched a counterattack.

After realizing that there was no other choice but to fight, the Rain Ninja tightened their grip on the handles of their umbrellas. With a surge of strength, they hurled the umbrellas they carried on their backs high into the sky. Dozens of umbrellas opened mid-air—not the result of a single person’s throw, but the coordinated effort of surviving Jonin who acted almost simultaneously after narrowly escaping the earlier attack.

Due to their unique construction, the umbrellas did not immediately fall after opening.

The Rain Ninja below formed hand seals at their fastest possible speed, unleashing one of their signature jutsu techniques.

“Ninja Art: Thousand Needles of Drizzle”

The umbrellas hovering in the air began to spin rapidly under the influence of chakra. Hidden inside, the poisoned senbon needles were propelled outward with tremendous centrifugal force, raining down upon the four below—Sougen, Jiraiya, Uchiha Chisaya, and Kabuto.

If it were just one umbrella, the attack would have a limited range.

But now, there were over thirty umbrellas suspended in the air.

In an instant, it felt like a sudden downpour.

The countless senbon needles rained down like fine lines of falling rain, living up to the technique's name, "Thousand Needles of Drizzle." This overwhelming, area-covering attack posed a serious challenge to ordinary Jonin unless they had specific defensive measures or means to evade.

Jiraiya gazed at this technique, one he hadn’t seen in years, with a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

His hands instinctively began forming seals, preparing to defend against the Rain Ninja’s counterattack.

But—

“Jiraiya-sensei, just watch,” Sougen said softly.

This stopped Jiraiya mid-action, just before he could unleash his jutsu. Before he could ask, he saw Uchiha Chisaya tilt her head back, take a deep breath, and then exhale with immense force—a roaring storm emerged from her breath!

The poisoned senbon needles raining down were effortlessly swept up by the storm, as light as straw in the face of the gusts. The thirty-odd umbrellas were torn apart by the fierce winds, their frames snapped into pieces.

“Shinadobe Tengu—at first glance, it seems less remarkable compared to the ocular techniques of myself, Shisui, or Elder Fugaku. But in my opinion, Chisaya’s Shinadobe Tengu is far more practical,” Sougen remarked, listening to the roar of the storm, his words filled with genuine admiration.

A mere breath could summon winds strong enough to shatter trees, and an exhale could generate the force of a speeding truck. Now, with all her strength behind it, Chisaya’s technique even pierced the dark clouds gathering overhead.

This wasn’t hyperbole but a factual description.

The true power of her technique became even more apparent when combined with physical strikes or bladed weapons. Under the enhancement of her ocular jutsu, Uchiha Chisaya became a veritable "human Gundam," capable of directly clashing with the Raikage in hand-to-hand combat, and perhaps even splitting a Tailed Beast Ball with a single strike.

“You Uchihas… truly a clan of monsters,” Jiraiya muttered, his lips twitching as he couldn’t hold back the comment.

“Flattery,” Sougen replied with a light chuckle.

“All right, Jiraiya-sensei, Kabuto, let’s keep moving.”

Ignoring the surviving Rain Ninja, Sougen called the group forward. They continued walking along the literal path of blood that Uchiha Chisaya had carved with her earlier strike. The corpses of Rain Ninja, ground into pulp by her blade, now lay flattened on the ground, forming a road paved with blood and flesh as the wind blew away any remaining debris.

“Damn it! Stop them!”

“Everyone, attack together!”

The surviving Rain Ninja, humiliated by Sougen and Jiraiya’s nonchalant demeanor, felt an overwhelming sense of indignation. Being so blatantly ignored was unbearable. Their fury boiled over, their angry roars echoing across the ruins.

“Water Style: Water Whip!”

“Water Style: Raging Torrent!”

“Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!”

Like the Mist Ninja who lived by the sea, the Rain Ninja of the Land of Rain excelled in Water Style jutsu. While the Thousand Needles of Drizzle was their signature technique, it was a product of unique circumstances. Generally, their strongest weapon was Water Style ninjutsu.

Back in the day, Hanzo of the Salamander earned his title of “Demi-God” not merely for his Explosive Flame Formation that crippled Nagato’s legs. His mastery of Water Style was considered the strongest since the Second Hokage, allowing him to defeat numerous powerful foes during the Second Shinobi World War, especially in the rain-drenched terrain of his homeland.

Though the current Rain Ninja could not compare to Hanzo in strength, their Water Style jutsu was nonetheless formidable in their favored environment.

However—

“Uchiha Style: Tempest Chaos.”

After sweeping away the falling senbon needles, Uchiha Chisaya launched her own attack, employing a signature technique from the Uchiha clan's swordsmanship.

In a single breath, six waves of slicing energy surged forward.

The water dragon that had just formed, ferociously twisting in the air, was effortlessly bisected by the waves, as if struck by a battering ram. The resulting shockwaves shattered the Rain Ninja's Water Style jutsu, sending them into disarray.

They didn’t even have time to react—or rather, they realized the danger but couldn’t escape the enormous range of the slashing waves in time.

In a single move, the remaining Rain Ninja were wiped out.

This was the combined power of Shinadobe Tengu and Uchiha Swordsmanship, a force even Sougen found difficult to counter.

To be honest, Sougen reflected that if he faced such an attack, he could only think of a handful of countermeasures.

As for these ordinary Rain Ninja, unless they could muster a thousand-man army, like the Rock Ninja against the Third Raikage, a group of mere dozens stood no chance against Uchiha Chisaya.

“Hey, Kakuzu, isn’t it about time we stepped in? I’ve had enough of this boredom! If this keeps up, I’m going to lose it!” Hidan grumbled, resting his blood-red triple-bladed scythe on his shoulder as he crouched on a rooftop, visibly irritated.

“Shut up. Keep whining like a child, and I’ll—” Kakuzu stopped mid-sentence as information from a shadow clone reached him. He changed his tone. “Time to move! Get ready.”

“Ha-ha! Finally! Today, I’ll offer new sacrifices to the Jashin!” Hidan exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.

His childlike glee at the thought of battle was almost endearing.