356-360

Chapter 356: Rehearsal

"Is this really okay?"

"What are you referring to?"

"Leaving the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki in the care of Orochimaru's subordinate... it feels like tying a rabbit to the fangs of a wolf."

Konan stood behind Pain, her gaze shifting toward the white "butterflies" fluttering in the air.

Upon closer inspection, one would find these intricately detailed butterflies were creations made of folded paper. They were Konan's "eyes," scattered throughout Amegakure to help Pain monitor areas the rain could not reach.

The entire interaction between Haku and Naruto in the prison had been "seen" through them.

"Rabbit?"

Pain's focus seemed to differ from Konan's.

"The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is no fragile rabbit."

"A fully matured Nine-Tails Jinchūriki isn't, but this one is just a boy. Plus, Orochimaru added a new seal on top of the original one. Right now, this Nine-Tails Jinchūriki likely can't even control his chakra freely. Compared to that Haku, Orochimaru's subordinate, I don't think it's wrong to say he's as weak as a rabbit."

Pain turned back, surprised at Konan's rebuttal.

His brows lifted slightly. "Konan, are you worried about Orochimaru?"

"Yes, that viper must be plotting something."

Konan nodded, admitting her concern.

Logically, Pain, wielding the Rinnegan, was invincible. Before absolute power, all schemes and plots were meaningless. She still firmly believed this. Yet, whether it was intuition or sixth sense, she couldn't shake her unease and simply watch events unfold.

A few days ago, Orochimaru and Sasori had brought the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki—a young Uchiha—to Amegakure.

They obediently handed over the Jinchūriki.

At that time, they made only one suggestion: to have Orochimaru's subordinate help guard the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. On the spot, the boy named "Haku" demonstrated exceptional skills. His Ice Release kekkei genkai was indeed impressive, but anyone could see the boy himself was even more outstanding.

He was someone qualified to join the Akatsuki as a full member.

Unfortunately, the boy was loyal to Orochimaru.

There was no need to bring in another member who obeyed Orochimaru without question. Besides, Orochimaru had already volunteered his subordinate to help.

Pain agreed.

The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was extremely valuable. Adding a capable guard wasn't a bad thing.

Moreover, the prison holding the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was in Amegakure. Pain personally checked the boy's seals, confirming that, aside from the original and the one Orochimaru added, there were no other unauthorized marks, such as space-time jutsu markings.

"Relax. In Amegakure, Orochimaru won’t be able to act recklessly," Pain said calmly, looking out at the light drizzle.

"Besides, this situation won't last long. Zetsu has reported movement from Konoha. It likely won’t be long before this matter is resolved."

"Oh?"

Konan’s eyes lit up.

"Konoha is making a move?"

"We don’t have a clear grasp of their plan yet, but Jiraiya-sensei has returned to Konoha. This Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is under his care and seems to be the Fourth Hokage’s child. Summoning Jiraiya back at this time suggests Konoha is preparing for something big."

"Jiraiya-sensei... I see."

Konan nodded.

Although Konoha hadn’t issued any declarations or announcements, recalling someone like Jiraiya was a sign of war preparation. Of course, there was a chance it could be a misunderstanding—Jiraiya didn’t only return during wartime.

Still—

In this situation, even a one-in-a-thousand chance couldn’t be ignored.

"Should we prepare?"

"Let’s wait a bit longer."

"If we don’t gather our people in advance, it might be too late when the time comes."

"Orochimaru and Sasori are already in the village. Uchiha Obito and Deidara have arrived in the Land of Rain and are near the village. Only Kakuzu and Hidan are in the Land of Birds, and while they might take time to reach us, we can manage without them."

Pain stood with his hands behind his back.

Even if he were alone, he could handle it.

But since there were pieces on the board, there was no need to act hastily. He was also curious to see the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan of the Uchiha clan, which he hadn’t witnessed personally. Uchiha Obito claimed he hadn’t fully mastered its power, so Pain could only learn through reports and secondhand accounts.

"If Konoha dares to trouble us, they’ll be here soon. So, whatever Orochimaru is scheming doesn’t matter. Even if he’s colluding with Konoha, it’s irrelevant. Before absolute power, all issues become trivial. Worst case, I kill the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and wait for the beast to reincarnate. I have the time and patience to wait."

"Of course, Konan, if you’re still uneasy, you can monitor the prison. Leave the village’s affairs to others or put them on hold for now."

Pain concluded with a considerate gesture, granting Konan the freedom to act.

"I’ll keep an eye on the prison, but I’d rather handle my tasks myself—it gives me peace of mind. I also need to mobilize Amegakure’s forces and evacuate those unable to fight."

"Don’t overwork yourself," Pain said helplessly.

Only in front of his "angel" did the "god" reveal his "human" side. He trusted Konan more than anyone, and though many in the Akatsuki and Amegakure saw her as merely an assistant, few understood that she was the pillar of his heart.

"I’ll manage my time wisely," Konan promised.

Pain didn’t push further. Konan could be stubborn at times. Instead of arguing, it was better to adapt as needed. As long as he lived, no one—not even Konan herself—would harm her.

---

Not far from Amegakure, a bustling town thrived.

Due to Amegakure’s strict and almost draconian entry protocols and the village's peculiar atmosphere, merchants preferred conducting business outside. They traded goods, which were then transported into the village by locals. This unassuming town was one of the key hubs for these transactions.

"Obito-senpai, how much longer are we staying here?"

Under his hat, Deidara’s face drooped in discontent.

"You don’t like it here?"

"Of course not! Who would like this godforsaken place? It rains year-round... I feel like my clay’s absorbed so much water it could fill a pond," Deidara grumbled. As someone from the Land of Earth, used to its dry environment, he found the Land of Rain utterly unbearable.

Uchiha Obito pulled aside the curtain and stepped out of the ramen shop.

Deidara followed behind.

"It won’t be much longer," Obito said, standing by the roadside and gazing up at the turbulent, cloud-filled sky. "Deidara, just a bit more patience. It won’t be long before you’ll have the chance to showcase your art. And if everything goes as expected, there’ll be plenty of Uchiha present."

"Uchiha?"

Deidara’s eyes lit up.

His appearance had changed slightly compared to before. His distinctive high ponytail remained the same, but now his left eye bore a small, camera-equipped monocular scope.

"That’s right. This time... our target is Konoha," Obito revealed.

Then—

He saw a feral, almost predatory grin spread across Deidara’s youthful face, like that of a hungry beast.

"I’m looking forward to it," Deidara said.

"It won’t be long. Konoha..." Obito abruptly went silent. Just now, a shadow had darted across the rooftop opposite, moving with exceptional speed. But it didn’t escape the Sharingan’s notice.

The next moment—

Deidara saw Obito vanish from his sight.

"Obito-senpai?"

Deidara froze. What just happened? Did he really just leave in the middle of a conversation?

But this didn’t faze Deidara for long. With a leap, he landed on the rooftop and scanned the surroundings. Not spotting Obito anywhere, he reached into his pouch. The mouth on his palm ravenously devoured the clay inside.

In just a second, he pulled his hand out, now holding a bird-shaped sculpture in his palm.

He gave a light toss, and with a "poof," the white clay bird expanded to a massive size, large enough to carry two or three people. Deidara hopped onto its back, and with a flap of its wings, the bird took off into the rainy sky.

As he ascended higher and higher, his view widened.

The monocular scope over his left eye proved invaluable, letting him spot even the smallest details below. Soon, in the wilderness beyond the town, he saw Obito-senpai engaged in combat.

"Huh?"

Deidara let out a surprised exclamation.

Having experienced firsthand the terror of the Sharingan when Obito subdued him with genjutsu in just one encounter, Deidara was astonished to see someone matching Obito in a fierce fight. His curiosity—and combat spirit—were instantly ignited.

The bird dove toward the muddy, empty field.

Using his monocular, Deidara saw the figure battling Obito. The man was also wearing a mask, though it was vastly different from Obito-senpai’s unique spiral-patterned mask. This one resembled the animal masks worn by Konoha’s Anbu—a bird-like mask with orange-red markings.

But what stood out most were the man’s scarlet eyes.

"An Uchiha? No wonder..." Deidara muttered, his breath quickening with excitement.

No wonder he wasn’t fazed by Obito’s genjutsu. Sharingan versus Sharingan—there was only so much genjutsu could do.

But just as the bird lowered to within speaking distance, Obito shouted from below, his voice raw and urgent:

"Deidara, don’t come any closer! His genjutsu can alter your very will—it’ll make you lose yourself entirely. If you want to help, attack with maximum firepower from a distance!"

The warning had barely left Obito’s lips when his right arm was slashed, leaving a deep, bloody wound.

But that was a small price to pay. The risk of Deidara falling under the control of the enemy’s terrifying genjutsu was far worse. Deidara’s abilities were invaluable—a perfect tool for destruction. His "Explosive Clay" was a unique and devastating application of the Explosion Release kekkei genkai.

If Deidara were to fall under Uchiha Shisui’s control, Obito would have no choice but to eliminate him. The prospect of Deidara raining his maximum firepower down on Amegakure was too dangerous—even Pain might struggle to protect the village.

Not that Obito cared about Amegakure’s survival.

Still, strengthening Konoha was out of the question.

"Deidara, the rogue ninja from Iwagakure, huh?" Shisui murmured, glancing at the bird in the sky. Orochimaru had sold information about Akatsuki members to Zouen, and since Zouen knew, Shisui and the others naturally did as well.

"What a shame... just a bit more."

If only he’d had a moment longer, Shisui could’ve used Kotoamatsukami to control Deidara. He used to hate the thought of employing this twisted power to manipulate others. But now, to protect his village and clan, Shisui had no reservations.

Unfortunately, Obito’s warning had reached Deidara in time. The artist decisively gained altitude, moving out of the Sharingan’s effective range.

As for Obito, he avoided direct eye contact with Shisui entirely. It was clear he had trained for such encounters. Compared to their earlier clash during the assault on Konoha, Obito now fought with far more composure. The only injury he sustained was from momentarily splitting his focus to warn Deidara.

"Uchiha Shisui, why are you here?" Obito asked in a fleeting moment of stillness between their exchanges.

"Don’t play dumb, Obito. You know exactly why," Shisui replied sharply.

"For the Nine-Tails’ jinchūriki?" Obito pressed.

"Cut the act, Obito. Just prepare yourself—next time, I won’t leave empty-handed." With those words, Shisui vanished in a blaze of fire and clay explosions. Deidara had unleashed his bird bombs, lighting up the rainy skies with brilliant flashes.

Ten seconds later, the smoke began to clear.

Twenty seconds later, Obito stood alone at the bottom of a deep crater. Overhead, Deidara circled on his clay bird, scanning the area but finding no trace of the masked Konoha operative.

"It’s over, Deidara. He’s gone," Obito called.

"Ran away?" Deidara leapt from the bird’s back.

"Retreated," Obito corrected.

He looked up at the oppressive, stormy sky. "Get ready, Deidara. It won’t be long before the main event begins. This... was just the prelude."

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 357: The Root of Calamity and Its Consequences *

*Yakushi Hospital.*

Intensive Care Unit.

The tightly shut window was violently forced open from the outside. The latch was completely destroyed, giving way to the sight of a red-skinned toad crouched outside, nearly as tall as the hospital building. On the toad’s head stood a white-haired man dressed like a kabuki performer.

The culprit behind the destruction of the window latch was evident.

Jiraiya pushed open the window, leaping into the restricted intensive care unit. With a loud "poof," the toad vanished into a cloud of white smoke, returning to Mount Myoboku. All it left behind were two deep toad footprints in the hospital courtyard.

Staring at the massive footprints that nearly filled the yard, Yakushi Nono was already considering filing a compensation claim. The inpatient building had been slightly too small for some time, with hospital beds perpetually in short supply. Perhaps this could be an opportunity to request an expansion. After all, as Konoha Village grew more prosperous, its population steadily increased, and the two hospitals in the village were facing significant pressure.

Konoha Hospital, as a government-run facility, had the support of the Medical Department and no shortage of funding, equipment, or personnel.

Yakushi Hospital, however, was a private enterprise.

Nominally owned by Yakushi Nono, it was worth noting that the Uchiha clan had been the main financial backer of its construction. Even now, many members of the Uchiha clan held key positions within the hospital. However, the hospital was not directly under the jurisdiction of the Medical Department.

This meant it received no funding from the village.

Expansion would require independent financing. Fortunately, Jiraiya, a wealthy author, had delivered himself to their doorstep. While demanding excessive compensation from Jiraiya would be inappropriate, persuading the village to cover the costs on his behalf might allow for a slight exaggeration of the damages.

Yakushi Nono’s kindness and warmth were reserved for children and patients.

As a legendary spy, anyone mistaking her for an innocent, simple-minded benefactor would invite laughter from those familiar with her true nature.

Carefully calculating, Yakushi Nono chose not to enter the intensive care unit. Instead, she waved off the doctors and nurses who approached to investigate. She knew the people inside needed some time. As Kakashi’s attending physician, she was well aware of the situation.

She knew that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki had fallen into enemy hands.

"I hope... they won’t come to blows," she murmured softly.

---

"Kakashi."

Jiraiya sat on the windowsill, his broad shoulders blocking the cold wind from outside. His eyes, filled with turbulent emotions, fixated on the figure lying on the hospital bed—Hatake Kakashi. His voice, tinged with hoarseness, almost startled even himself.

"Jiraiya-sama?"

Kakashi’s sluggish response wasn’t due to carelessness. Only after hearing his name did he rouse from a state of near-sleep.

His injuries were severe.

His abdomen had been pierced by the Kusanagi Blade, and he had suffered the brunt of an explosion at close range. Following that, he had been submerged in seawater for a prolonged period. Surviving at all was a miracle. To manage the pain, strong sedatives had been administered, leaving him dulled to the world.

Ten minutes before Jiraiya’s arrival, Kakashi had taken another dose.

"You’re not looking well, Kakashi," Jiraiya remarked, his concern evident.

"...It’s my fault. I failed to protect Naruto."

Kakashi briefly glanced at Jiraiya before turning his gaze to the pristine, white ceiling. His eyes brimmed with deep pain. Once again, he had failed to protect those he should have. He had lost Rin, Obito, Minato-sensei, and now Naruto.

His self-loathing was palpable. When Jiraiya arrived, Kakashi felt no fear, only an overwhelming sense of guilt and a yearning for punishment.

"This isn’t your fault."

A faint, bitter smile appeared on Jiraiya’s face.

"This is Orochimaru’s doing... and mine."

Contrary to Kakashi’s expectations, Jiraiya hadn’t come to reprimand him. Instead, he offered comfort. Yet, this only deepened Kakashi’s anguish.

When Obito was lost, Rin consoled him.

When Rin was lost, Minato comforted him.

When Minato was lost, the Third Hokage tried to reassure him.

Now, after losing Naruto, Jiraiya had come to offer solace. Memories of past losses surged, suffocating him in waves of sorrow.

"It’s my fault, it’s all my fault. As a mentor, it was my duty to protect them, but I failed. This is my responsibility..." Kakashi muttered incoherently, his broken whispers filling the room.

"Kakashi!"

Jiraiya’s stern voice snapped Kakashi out of his spiraling self-reproach.

"I said it wasn’t your fault, but I never said it wasn’t your responsibility. Regret and guilt won’t solve anything. Time marches forward. Instead of wasting it mourning past failures, focus on how to atone and set things right."

Jiraiya’s tone softened toward the end.

"Forgive me, Minato. I failed to protect Naruto. This is my fault, but I will do everything I can to correct the mistakes I left unresolved."

"Jiraiya-sama?"

Kakashi gazed at Jiraiya, whose face had settled into an eerie calm. A shiver ran through him, his heart pounding in dread.

Something about this Jiraiya seemed utterly terrifying.

---

"Back then, the Old Man was too soft-hearted, and I couldn’t bring myself to do what was necessary. Orochimaru, that unrepentant fool, was allowed to live, and those three kids weren’t guided properly... Today’s catastrophe stems from my past failures," Jiraiya murmured bitterly.

"Jiraiya-sama, this is my responsibility. It has nothing to do with you."

Kakashi’s voice wavered. Something felt wrong about Jiraiya’s demeanor.

"As a mentor, protecting your students is your responsibility. But as a grandfather, protecting my grandson is equally natural. Naruto... called me Grandpa Jiraiya."

With those words, Jiraiya turned, his back to Kakashi. He left one final remark.

"Rest and heal, Kakashi."

Then, like a breeze dissolving into thin air, Jiraiya vanished.

Kakashi lay in bed, unable to sleep through the long, agonizing night.

---

*9:00 PM.*

The bustling nightlife of Konoha was in full swing, streets filled with pedestrians.

Jiraiya didn’t join the crowds. Instead, he darted across rooftops, heading toward the Hokage’s office. Nearing the red-domed structure, he spotted the figure on the rooftop terrace, wearing the Hokage’s ceremonial hat.

"Jiraiya-sama, you’re here!"

Sougen greeted him warmly.

"Sixth Hokage, were you waiting for me?"

"Indeed. I’ve been stuck in the office or the meeting room for days. The view gets tiresome. I thought a change of scenery might help clear my head. I guessed you’d come after visiting Kakashi, so I decided to wait a bit longer."

Sougen leaned on the iron railing, letting the cool night breeze wash over him as he gazed at the starry sky.

"What’s your plan regarding Naruto?"

Jiraiya’s voice was direct, cutting to the heart of the matter.

"Of course, we’re going to rescue him."

"Rescue him?"

The frost on Jiraiya's face melted slightly.

"Yes, rescue him."

Sougen replied resolutely.

He turned his head to glance at Jiraiya, standing beside him, and smiled. "Compared to the value of the Nine-Tails, Naruto is far more important. As for the tailed beasts... in my opinion, they don’t hold that much strategic significance. As long as we don't tie our own hands, a mere tailed beast is nothing to worry about."

"Besides, allowing Naruto to leave the village on a mission was something I personally approved and told Kakashi. Now that this has happened, as the Hokage, I can’t just wash my hands of it and push all the blame onto Kakashi. Naruto must be rescued, even if it means losing the Nine-Tails. Bringing Naruto back would honor the Fourth Hokage’s sacrifice back then."

The frost on Jiraiya's face melted completely.

The old man let out a deep sigh.

"Minato... forget it. There’s no point dwelling on the past. What’s your plan for rescuing Naruto?"

"A direct assault."

Sougen replied.

"And the Akatsuki hideout..."

"Amegakure."

"So it really is... Nagato?"

Jiraiya’s face showed an expression of pain and guilt.

During their last conversation, Sougen had revealed some information that made Jiraiya realize many things he had previously overlooked. That’s why he had told Kakashi that, at its root, all of this was his fault.

He had nurtured Nagato but failed to guide the boy down the right path.

He had shown mercy and let Orochimaru go, allowing him to delve deeper into darkness.

These were seeds he had sown in the past, now bearing bitter fruit decades later.

"Whether it's him or not isn’t that important. Knowing the enemy has the Rinnegan is enough. What matters more is what you plan to do, Jiraiya-sensei. For this operation, I plan to select only a few elite individuals for a surprise attack on Amegakure. Launching an all-out war with the Rain Village wouldn’t benefit the village in the long run."

"Besides, when it comes to the Akatsuki, numbers mean little. Sending too many people would only lengthen the casualty list and make post-war compensation more taxing."

Sougen tapped his finger on the iron railing.

As for the list of participants for the operation, he already had a general idea.

"Count me in," Jiraiya responded decisively.

"Sure, with your skills, Jiraiya-sensei, even if you’re not of much help, you won’t be a burden either." Sougen wasn’t surprised by Jiraiya’s agreement; it was well within his expectations. Even without much thought, it was clear that Jiraiya wouldn’t miss this opportunity.

That’s why he had sent the ANBU to find Jiraiya.

On the list in his mind, Jiraiya’s name had been there from the start.

"By the way, can I ask who else will be joining this operation?" Jiraiya asked.

"You’ll find out when the time comes. Rest assured, every participant is a top-tier fighter. Once we make our move, it will be a decisive blow," Sougen said confidently, his voice echoing on the rooftop.

Jiraiya was silent for a few seconds before asking, "What about the timeline? If we take too long, I’m worried Naruto might be in danger."

"It won’t take long. There are still some preparations to be made. Amegakure has been a black hole of information in recent years, and we know too little about the current situation in the Land of Rain. I’ve already sent someone to investigate, and I believe we’ll have results soon... they’re back already? Faster than I expected. Shisui."

Jiraiya also sensed the sudden presence of someone on the rooftop.

He turned to see a figure in a white hooded cloak and a bird-shaped mask—the ANBU operative Sougen had addressed. From the name, Jiraiya quickly deduced this was Uchiha Shisui, the current head of the ANBU.

"So? Any findings?" Sougen asked directly, unconcerned about Jiraiya's presence.

"I’ve marked the coordinates," Shisui replied, ignoring Jiraiya as well. Given that Sougen had spoken openly in front of him, it was clear that Jiraiya would be involved in rescuing the Nine-Tails’ jinchūriki.

"Also, on my way, I encountered Uchiha Obito and Deidara, the rogue ninja from Iwagakure. It seems the Akatsuki is also rallying forces for battle. A surprise attack on Amegakure to catch them off guard may prove difficult," Shisui explained, sharing his encounter and observations.

"No matter."

Sougen waved dismissively, his expression calm.

"I never intended to rely on a sneak attack."

Against the elite members of the Akatsuki, targeting individuals elsewhere might have worked. But with Amegakure as the battleground, under its constant rain, a surprise attack was meaningless.

What worried him more was the possibility of Nagato and his group abandoning Amegakure, initiating a nomadic strategy across the shinobi world.

That would be truly troublesome.

"Prepare for a head-on clash? That’s the best news I’ve heard in a while!" Sougen chuckled softly, his heart racing with excitement. Once again, he felt the thrill and pressure of risking it all—a reminder of how wonderful it is to be alive!

A showdown between the Rinnegan... just thinking about it was exhilarating!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 358: Can I Trade for a Request?

Gato, the infamous tycoon known throughout the Shinobi World for his connection to shady forces that destabilized the Land of Fire, was arrested by Konoha shinobi. This once-untouchable target, long monitored by Konoha's Police Department, finally met his downfall. Captured and interrogated by the ANBU, he revealed secrets about his ties to the Akatsuki.

Gato’s vast wealth was quickly devoured by opportunistic vultures surrounding him.

With Gato no longer scheming behind the scenes, the bridge construction in the Land of Waves continued without obstruction. Tazuna could now work on the project with peace of mind, dedicating himself entirely to its completion.

Thus, Team 7's mission concluded.

Thanks to their accomplishments—protecting Tazuna from Gato's ronin, locating Kakashi in time, and alerting the Northeastern Border Defense Unit about the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki’s capture—the news reached Konoha’s central command with record speed.

Sakura received a notification: she was to report to the Hokage’s office at 3:00 PM.

The Hokage would personally commend her.

In the past, such news would’ve made the girl jump three feet high in excitement, her cheers practically shaking the roof off her house.

But now, there was no joy in her heart.

Her teammates were missing. Kakashi-sensei lay immobile in a hospital bed. What was the point of receiving an award alone? This spoke to her naïveté; Sakura had yet to grasp the harsh realities of being a shinobi.

She wasn’t used to losing comrades.

That said, even seasoned ninjas from the wartime era weren’t completely desensitized to losing friends. Kakashi, for example, still carried guilt over his past failures. But those veterans had learned to bury their pain, only revealing it when alone or to specific confidants.

Sakura’s parents, watching their daughter’s shaky figure leave the house, were filled with worry but could offer no comforting words.

Though not influential figures, they too had experienced the carnage of the Shinobi World Wars. They understood that their daughter’s suffering was an inevitable part of the path she had chosen. The sooner she realized the brutal truths of a ninja’s life, the better. Innocence had no place in this world; naïve individuals didn’t live long.

Dragging her heavy steps, Sakura headed toward the Hokage’s office.

Despite the bustling midday streets of Konoha and the blazing sun prickling her skin, the liveliness around her felt strangely disconnected. Surrounded by noise and activity, she was enveloped in a peculiar loneliness.

Thankfully, she didn’t dwell in this melancholic state for too long.

“Hey, Sakura, are you okay?”

“...Yakumo, Tōka, Hotaru.”

Sakura blinked, realizing that her former Academy classmates had surrounded her, their concerned gazes fixed on her.

“What are you guys doing here?”

The moment the words left her mouth, Sakura regretted it. What a stupid question. This wasn’t a restricted area; it was perfectly normal to run into people here. Even bumping into the Hokage himself wouldn’t be unusual.

“We’re heading to the training grounds,” Uchiha Tōka replied casually, not noticing anything odd about Sakura’s question.

“But what’s up with you?” Tōka pressed on. “You’ve been out of it! We called you several times, and you didn’t even react—like your soul’s been snatched. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Yakumo and Hotaru shared her concern, their faces mirroring Tōka’s worry.

“I... I’m fine,” Sakura stammered.

Seeing her old classmates brought memories of Naruto and Sasuke to mind, stirring her emotions. But then, an image of the ANBU operative wearing a bird-like mask, who had whisked her and Kakashi away from the Land of Waves, flashed in her mind.

“Don’t tell anyone about Naruto and Sasuke’s capture.”

The ANBU’s warning echoed in her ears. She hadn’t even told her parents. However, Sakura’s poor acting skills made her feelings easy to read, though she herself was unaware of it. Despite this, Sakura was doing her best to abide by the ANBU’s orders.

She had spent recent days either resting at home or training in secluded areas to avoid running into her classmates.

But today, duty called her to the Hokage’s office, and fate led her to this encounter.

“You should hurry to your training,” Sakura forced a smile. But her facial muscles betrayed her; the attempt at a cheerful expression felt stiff. Resigning herself to neutrality, she added, “I need to get to the Hokage’s office. Next time… we’ll grab some dango together.”

“Eh?”

Tōka scratched her head, watching Sakura walk away. “Yakumo, Hotaru, is it just me, or does Sakura seem... off?”

“I feel the same way,” Hotaru nodded.

“Let’s not pry,” Yakumo interjected. “Remember what our teacher said: don’t dig into someone’s secrets unless they’re your enemy.”

“Fine!” Tōka muttered, puffing her cheeks.

Hotaru, on the other hand, shrugged indifferently. While she genuinely cared for Sakura, she understood that unsolicited help could sometimes do more harm than good.

“Let’s get going,” Yakumo urged.

And so, the trio walked away in the opposite direction, leaving the solitary Sakura to her path.

---

From the Haruno residence to the Hokage’s office wasn’t far. When the iconic building came into view, Sakura finally shook off her earlier gloom. Her heart raced slightly; nerves crept in. Though she had met the Hokage up close before, she still couldn’t suppress her anxiety.

Arriving at the office, Sakura stood before the door. Before she could knock, a man with glasses and a warm smile opened it.

It was Kabuto.

She remembered this man as the Hokage's secretary.

“Please come in. Lord Hokage is expecting you, Miss Haruno,” Kabuto Yakushi greeted Sakura with a gentle, harmless smile, as innocent as a rabbit.

This was Sakura's second visit to the Hokage’s office. The furnishings hadn’t changed much since her first time. Not that she expected them to—it had only been a few months since her last visit. Such a short time hardly allowed for noticeable changes.

The office’s occupant sat behind a spacious desk near the window, greeting her with a warm smile.

“Sakura. You’re here.”

“Lord Hokage.”

Sakura stood stiffly in front of the desk, looking somewhat uneasy.

“How have you been resting lately?”

“Not bad.”

“Have you visited Kakashi at the hospital?”

“I went three times, but only saw him on the third visit.”

The Hokage glanced at the girl, who responded to every question like a robot, and silently chuckled. Abandoning small talk, he got straight to the point.

“As the Anbu might have already told you, the reason I called you here is to commend your performance on your last mission. You protected the client, saved your instructor, and delivered critical intelligence in a timely manner. For all this, I’ve decided to reward you accordingly.”

“A reward… but I didn’t do much. I was just… lucky.”

Sakura lowered her voice, denying her contributions as she nervously bit her lip.

“You were indeed lucky to avoid a direct confrontation with the attackers,” the Hokage acknowledged with a nod. “But that’s not why I’m commending you. I’m rewarding you for staying calm under pressure and making the best possible decisions at the time. Not only did you save Kakashi’s life, but you also ensured the village gained the intelligence as quickly as possible.”

He leaned back slightly, his tone earnest.

“Due to certain village protocols, I can’t share all the details with you, but let me assure you: while you might think you didn’t achieve anything remarkable, from where I stand, your performance was outstanding.”

His words carried genuine admiration.

In this world, where lineage and innate talent often decided one’s worth, Sakura stood out. She had neither a noteworthy bloodline nor access to secret techniques, yet she persevered, pushing herself relentlessly to catch up to Naruto and Sasuke. This determination and effort were enough to move even someone like him.

Thus, despite the pressing preparations for the mission to rescue Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, he had taken time to arrange a reward for Haruno Sakura.

“I’ve heard from Iruka, Utakata, and Kakashi that your chakra control is exceptional. In terms of precision, you’re undoubtedly the best. So, I’ve prepared two rewards for you: puppet techniques or medical ninjutsu. Which would you like to choose?”

He pulled out two scrolls, one red and one white.

Faced with this sudden choice, Sakura was momentarily stunned. It took her a few seconds to mumble, “Puppet techniques? Medical ninjutsu?”

“That’s right. Puppet techniques and medical ninjutsu. Based on your academic performance at the academy, I doubt I need to explain their significance,” the Hokage said with a faint smile.

He had revised the academy’s curriculum during his time as an advisor, reducing the emphasis on theoretical subjects like advanced mathematics. Calculating a shuriken’s trajectory, for example, wasn’t particularly useful for most ninja, who relied more on practice, natural talent, or inherited abilities. Instead, he introduced more practical knowledge to broaden students’ horizons, ensuring they wouldn’t be terrified when encountering enemy summon creatures.

“But Lord Hokage, didn’t the textbooks say puppet techniques are top-secret methods of the Sand Village in the Land of Wind?”

Sakura hesitantly voiced her doubt.

“You don’t need to worry about that. If I’m offering it, I can assure you that this puppet technique is one of the finest, even by Sand Village standards. While I can’t guarantee it’ll make you extraordinary, it’ll provide you with an exceptionally high potential ceiling, assuming your talent is decent,” the Hokage reassured her.

“Still, I’d say medical ninjutsu is just as valuable. While it’s less combat-oriented, its importance is undeniable. Without the support of medical ninja and the Fourth Hokage’s rise to power, Konoha might not have won the Third Great Ninja War.”

He pushed the red and white scrolls forward, signaling her to make her choice.

Sakura stared at the scrolls, silent for half a minute. Then she raised her head, swallowed nervously, and gathered her courage.

“Lord Hokage, can I forgo the reward in exchange for a request?”

“Oh?”

The Hokage narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing the trembling girl before him.

“Are you planning to ask me to rescue Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha?”

“Yes.”

Sakura nodded firmly.

“I can agree to your request. But if I told you I was already planning to rescue them, would you regret giving up these rewards?”

“Given Naruto’s unique status and Sasuke being your clan member, I figured you wouldn’t abandon plans to save them,” Sakura said, her tone steadier and more confident now. “But I don’t want to gamble on uncertainties. I just want Naruto and Sasuke to come back safely. Even if Team 7 disbands one day, I still want everyone to remain safe.”

“...I see.”

The Hokage’s lips curved into a faint smile.

“If you don’t want to gamble on an uncertain future, then work hard to shape the future you desire with your own hands.” With that, he tossed both scrolls—the red and the white—toward the girl standing at his desk.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 359: Time is Almost Up!*

Two scrolls—one red and one white.

One contained puppetry techniques, and the other medical ninjutsu.

The puppetry scroll originated from the Red Sand Scorpion. It encapsulated generations of Sunagakure's expertise in puppetry, including the Scorpion's original creation, Human Puppetry. In Sunagakure, this scroll would be considered a treasure, enough to spark fierce battles among puppet masters.

However,

in Konohagakure, a place barren of puppetry,

the scroll’s value was significantly diminished compared to the one containing medical ninjutsu. Konoha lacked even a single puppet master, meaning there was no one to consult. Learning puppetry would require personal determination and solitary effort.

Not everyone can become a top-tier expert relying solely on a manual.

As the saying goes: wealth, companionship, method, and environment.

While this principle doesn’t perfectly apply to ninjas, it aligns with the reality of the shinobi world to some extent.

Shinobi training is expensive. Shuriken, kunai, swords, ration pills—these are just the basics. The cost of medicinal herbs used in training alone is substantial. Not everyone has a Nine-Tails beast like Kurama inside them for free healing.

For puppet masters, a particularly resource-intensive shinobi specialty, the expenses are notorious. In Sunagakure, all puppet masters came from wealthy families. Building, repairing, and maintaining puppets required enormous wealth. Those with fewer resources often switched to mastering Wind Release techniques instead.

Then there’s companionship.

This doesn’t refer to romantic partners but to others on the same path—trailblazers who can guide, and peers who can collaborate. This fosters mutual growth, as the saying goes: two heads are better than one.

As for the method,

the puppetry scroll in Sakura’s hands represented the legitimate way.

Finally, the environment. While important, this wasn’t as crucial for shinobi. For instance, while Sunagakure, the birthplace of puppetry, had a better atmosphere for its practice than Konoha, Sakura wasn’t going to leave her village to train there.

So, in this equation of wealth, companionship, method, and environment,

Sakura only had the method on her side, lacking the others.

Achieving mastery in puppetry would be an exceptionally difficult journey.

In contrast,

the medical ninjutsu scroll was far more practical.

Konoha’s medical ninjutsu was unrivaled in the shinobi world. Even though Tsunade, one of the Sannin, wasn’t in the village, there were plenty of skilled medical ninjas who could provide guidance. There were numerous peers to collaborate with, a top-notch learning environment, and patients from all over the world seeking treatment in Konoha. This offered opportunities to encounter rare and complex medical cases.

Moreover,

the white scroll had been compiled by Yakushi Nono under Sougen’s commission. It contained generations of Konoha's medical research, excluding only a few personal techniques. It was priceless.

“For medical ninjutsu training, if you have questions, you can intern at Konoha Hospital or Yakushi Hospital. I’ll arrange it in advance. As for puppetry... the village can provide you with some damaged puppets for research, but beyond that, you’ll have to rely on yourself. We have no puppet masters to guide you.”

Sougen gave the girl some advice.

Sakura clenched the scrolls in her hands. Feeling the depth of her weakness and helplessness, she could not refuse this gift. Especially since the Hokage had assured her that saving Naruto and Sasuke was already a given, regardless of her involvement. Refusing again felt rude.

“Hokage-sama, I’ll do my best,” Sakura said resolutely.

“I look forward to your progress,” Sougen replied with an encouraging smile.

Sakura then quickly took her leave, her hurried footsteps betraying her eagerness to grow stronger. Sougen understood this sentiment well; he had once been driven by the same urgency, fighting on the battlefield and growing stronger amidst piles of corpses.

In the shinobi world,

weakness itself is a sin.

To avoid being trampled or powerless in the face of injustice, strength is essential.

As the office door closed again, Sougen turned to Kabuto Yakushi.

“Kabuto, if you have something to say, go ahead.”

During Sougen’s earlier conversation with Sakura, he had noticed Kabuto’s shifting expressions.

“...Do you think it’s too optimistic to entrust puppetry to that girl?” Kabuto hesitated for two seconds before voicing his thoughts. “If Haruno Sakura seriously pursues puppetry, without guidance, even with a comprehensive manual, it’s always easier said than done…”

He didn’t believe Sakura could succeed in puppetry training.

As the Sixth Hokage’s secretary,

Kabuto had perused the puppetry scroll out of curiosity. After reading it, he wisely chose to abandon the idea. Puppetry, while fascinating, was also overwhelmingly complex. The Scorpion’s record, crafted under Sougen’s close supervision, detailed every aspect of puppetry, from combat techniques to intricate designs and forbidden human puppetry, which incorporated extensive biological sciences.

“Moreover, medical ninjutsu is another field that takes a lifetime to master. Focusing on just one would already consume all of one’s energy. Attempting both would likely result in failure at both, potentially ruining that child’s future.”

Kabuto paused for two seconds, realizing his words might have sounded critical, then added, “Hokage-sama, perhaps you have high hopes for her, but… not everyone is a genius like you.”

Sougen scrutinized Kabuto, making him uncomfortable. Kabuto wondered if his words had offended the Hokage.

But that didn’t make sense.

Based on his knowledge, the Hokage wasn’t so petty. Sougen had always tolerated dissent and rarely explained his reasoning behind decisions unless necessary. Kabuto had raised objections before without facing any punishment.

Only when mistakes were made did punishment follow.

“Is this what you learned from the director of Yakushi Hospital?” Sougen suddenly asked.

“Ah? Um, yes! More or less. My mother often reminded me that children are the village’s future—tender saplings needing careful nurturing. She taught me to be patient and kind with them,” Kabuto replied sincerely.

“Well said. Very good,” Sougen responded with a satisfied smile.

It seemed that good influences prevailed over bad. Living with someone like Yakushi Nono, who retained kindness despite knowing the world’s ugliness, naturally encouraged better character development than staying with someone like Orochimaru, who was steeped in malice.

Clearly, despite coming into contact with that forbidden technique that defies human principles, the person’s mind remained uncorrupted.

It just goes to show how much one's environment can influence them.

“Don’t worry! I have no intention of ruining that child,” Sougen said with a smile. “This is merely a small experiment! I’ll have someone monitor her situation closely. If things don’t go well, I’ll naturally step in to guide her toward a more suitable path... Besides, really, Kabuto, don’t underestimate that child.”

“That kid is a genius, just like you—a sharp mind, outstanding in academic studies, with exceptional chakra control. And unlike you, whose future path is already set, her possibilities remain wide open.”

“I’m not sure if she has a talent for designing and creating puppets, but with her intelligence and precision, controlling puppets shouldn’t be too difficult for her. Honestly, the Human Puppet Technique doesn’t require extraordinary creativity. It relies more on the quality of the materials used to make the puppets. Crafting human puppets overlaps significantly with medical ninjutsu... Even if she fails in the end, she can still delve deeper into medical ninjutsu.”

Sougen patiently explained his reasoning to his trusted confidant.

“...You’re making it sound quite tempting—specializing in the Human Puppet Technique? Combined with medical ninjutsu... it’s not impossible.”

Kabuto pondered for a moment.

He realized that the Hokage’s plan wasn’t a mere pipe dream.

As someone who primarily focused on medical ninjutsu, Kabuto had always stayed in the Hokage’s shadow, his brilliance overshadowed. But he was confident that even if Lady Tsunade returned to the village, his medical expertise would rank among the top five in Konoha.

Moreover, he had studied the scrolls that detailed the mysteries of puppet techniques. He could tell that the Hokage’s idea wasn’t without merit.

Of course,

There would undoubtedly be significant challenges.

But rare treasures are always the hardest to obtain—that’s just common sense. If one desires power, they must naturally face corresponding difficulties. Kabuto’s earlier concern was that the girl might waste her efforts chasing an unattainable future.

“Instead of worrying about others, Kabuto, how are you progressing with the forbidden technique I assigned to you? Last time we spoke, you said you had mostly mastered it. By now, you should have made further progress, right?”

Sougen asked with a grin.

“Hokage-sama, it hasn’t been that long!”

Kabuto rolled his eyes.

“It’s been nearly half a month, hasn’t it?”

“Half a month…”

Kabuto sighed.

“Well, it’s a little better than before. Hiruko helped provide better material for the vessels, significantly enhancing the technique’s effect. However, the corresponding difficulty of control has also increased. My chakra reserves are limited, and maintaining a technique of this level is challenging for me.”

“Don’t worry about the chakra issue. You’ll have access to Samehada when the time comes.”

Sougen tapped his fingers lightly on the desk.

“Of course, Samehada isn’t a panacea... It might be needed in many areas, so it won’t necessarily be able to sustain heavy consumption for long. Just adapt as the situation demands. Perfection is hard to achieve in such matters. If it’s useful, great; but don’t fret too much. Even if it fails, it’s fine—I haven’t put all my chips on you.”

This wasn’t just to comfort Kabuto—it was the truth.

Having Kabuto research forbidden techniques was merely one of many contingencies Sougen had prepared. He had never been in the habit of pinning his hopes on others. Trusting oneself was always more reliable. It wasn’t about fearing betrayal, but rather about ensuring victory by one’s own hands.

Of course, that didn’t mean he planned to go on a lone-wolf mission.

The Hokage’s authority was not just for show.

Konoha, a massive war machine, was already operating silently. This time, however, it wasn’t facing a full-scale ninja war. The vast numbers of genin and chunin wouldn’t play a role in this mission. Only jonin were qualified to know that something big was in the works.

And so,

Konoha remained as prosperous as ever, with little sign of disruption.

“I understand. I’ll do my best.”

Kabuto nodded.

“Oh, Kabuto, the time... it’s almost here.” Sougen glanced at the calendar on his desk and said softly, “Go inform the Hyuga, Aburame, and other clans to be ready to move at any moment. I don’t want anyone telling me later that they ran into unexpected issues after the orders were given.”

“Although it’s unlikely anyone would try to pull something at this time, it’s better to give a reminder beforehand. That way, if any problems do arise, no one can accuse me of punishing without warning.”

As he finished speaking, an overwhelming killing intent filled the air.

Watching the Hokage recline in his chair and close his eyes, Kabuto felt the sharp, skin-piercing aura. His heart tightened, and he quickly responded, “I’ll see to it immediately!”

“Go.”

Sougen waved dismissively.

After Kabuto left, the spacious office was silent again, with only Sougen remaining. He slowly opened his eyes, now no longer pitch black but a mysterious light purple, with ripples of the Rinnegan that seemed capable of drawing one’s soul into them.

War,

Was about to begin.

(Chapter end.)

*Chapter 360: The Demon Wind*

Dark clouds churned as thunder rumbled in the heavens.

The torrential downpour had persisted for days, the cacophony of rain so relentless that even thick walls could scarcely muffle the sound.

To the southwest of Amegakure (the Hidden Rain Village), rolling hills stretched into the distance. The unceasing rain had washed away the soil, revealing the peculiar rocky formations beneath. These rocks, weathered over countless years, were riddled with crisscrossing grooves, pockmarked with holes, and in some areas, polished smooth like mirrors by the rain.

On the side of one jagged rock face, a string of jet-black runes stood etched into the stone. They seemed impervious to the onslaught of wind and rain, retaining their dark luster.

“BOOM!”

A deafening crack of thunder exploded across the sky, accompanied by a lightning bolt that momentarily illuminated the world below. In that flash, what had been an empty clearing of scattered shadows was suddenly filled with the overlapping silhouettes of over a dozen figures.

They appeared as if conjured from thin air, ghostly and ominous.

"It's been so many years... and the Land of Rain is still the same," Jiraiya murmured. Wearing a conical straw hat, he tilted his head to gaze at the stormy heavens, letting out a long sigh. His feelings toward this rain-soaked land were tangled and conflicted.

Once, he had fought alongside Orochimaru and Tsunade against Hanzō of the Salamander here, earning the moniker of the "Sannin."

Later, he had met Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan in this very country, dedicating much time to teaching Nagato—the one he believed was the "Child of Prophecy."

And now, fate had brought him back to this land once more, but this time, as an adversary to former allies and disciples.

Fate, indeed, was unpredictable.

“Sougen, what’s the plan now?” Jiraiya’s voice broke through his reverie. He turned to the man beside him—Sougen—who also wore a straw hat and was clad in dark red armor. “If needed, I can infiltrate ahead and gather intelligence.”

“Infiltration is too risky. Akatsuki must have anticipated this move, and attempting it would likely only result in losses. Even you, Jiraiya-sensei, would struggle against three opponents on Orochimaru’s level,” Sougen replied softly.

Their current location was less than three kilometers from the outskirts of Amegakure. Even through the thick curtain of rain, the village's towering structures were visible from the hilltop. This position had been meticulously selected by Shisui Uchiha after scouting the area, meeting Sougen's strategic requirements.

Here, Shisui had inscribed a *Flying Thunder God* seal—a teleportation mark—to serve as their entry point.

And today, with Sougen’s command, a fully prepared squad of Konoha shinobi had been teleported across vast distances by Shisui, moving from a conference room in the Hidden Leaf Village to this rain-soaked hilltop in an instant.

Before the transfer, Shisui had thoughtfully distributed rain gear to everyone. However, while all had donned the straw hats, none bothered with the heavier rain cloaks, dismissing them as cumbersome.

“So, what now? A direct assault?” Jiraiya frowned deeply.

This mission had started abruptly, with no prior explanation of the strategy. Even when the team gathered, Jiraiya had only a vague idea of the group’s size. He didn’t know whether others had been deployed ahead of them or if another force was on standby. All he knew was the overarching goal: rescuing Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.

Still, Jiraiya understood the need for secrecy. As a veteran of two shinobi world wars, he knew the critical importance of keeping plans under wraps.

“No matter how reluctant we are, a direct assault is our only option. Stealth isn’t viable,” Sougen stated matter-of-factly.

The village cloaked in divine rain, where every droplet served as the deity's sensory tool, made hiding impossible. Moreover, it was unlikely that Tobi (Obito Uchiha) and Black Zetsu hadn’t anticipated a Konoha raid. Stealth was a dead end from the start.

A frontal attack was their sole path forward.

“Kaen, Iroha, Miten—how’s the situation?” Sougen addressed three shinobi in the group.

Hyūga Kaen, Hyūga Iroha, and Yamanaka Miten—young elites of the Hyūga and Yamanaka clans—had been brought along for their exceptional sensory abilities. Unlike the Uchiha, senior clan members like Hiashi Hyūga and Inoichi Yamanaka had not been mobilized. Sougen saw no reason to strip Konoha of all its leadership in one go.

Kaen formed a hand seal, his Byakugan activating as veins bulged around his eyes. "It’s strange. Around 3.4 kilometers from here, the rainfall contains subtle traces of chakra. If you hadn’t warned us, Hokage-sama, I might’ve missed it."

“You wouldn’t just ‘miss it’—you almost certainly would,” Iroha chimed in, his gaze fixed on the distant village. “It’s incredibly well-hidden. The chakra within the raindrops is so faint it’s nearly imperceptible, but given the sheer scale of the rainfall, the cumulative chakra is astronomical. The caster’s reserves must be terrifying.”

Iroha’s face was marked by visible astonishment.

“I can’t sense anything within Amegakure,” Miten added, his eyes shut as he used his clan's sensory techniques. “The rain disrupts my perception. I can vaguely detect several strong chakra signatures, but I can’t pinpoint the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. Closing the distance won’t help unless we neutralize the rain. Otherwise, we’ll gain nothing.”

Jiraiya’s brow furrowed even deeper upon hearing this.

Unable to sense the details of the Hidden Rain Village, there was no way to rescue Naruto and Sasuke in time. Launching an all-out attack might put them in unpredictable danger. As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto likely still had some value and wouldn’t be disposed of easily. However, the same couldn’t be said for Uchiha Sasuke.

In fact, it wasn’t even certain whether Sasuke was still alive.

With this thought, Jiraiya glanced stealthily at Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Itachi. Their eerily similar emotionless expressions created an oppressive low-pressure atmosphere that anyone nearby could feel. It was a suffocating, gloomy vibe.

At the very least, Hyuga Iroha, standing beside them, seemed noticeably uncomfortable, twisting his neck to avoid looking at the father and son duo.

“Dispersing the rain curtain... that’s impossible,” Jiraiya shook his head.

“If we were in the Land of Fire, gathering enough Fire-Style or Water-Style users to alter the temperature and extract water vapor could disperse the clouds. But here, in the Land of Rain, Fire-Style techniques are like a drop in the ocean. Water-Style techniques would only bolster the rain instead. Even the Second Hokage himself couldn’t drain the water vapor surrounding the Hidden Rain Village.”

Among the dozen participants in this operation, Jiraiya was one of the few who dared to speak candidly with Uchiha Sōgen, the Sixth Hokage. Others, like the younger Hyuga Homon, treated him with robotic reverence, answering questions and obeying orders without ever daring to voice objections.

Shisui, being Sōgen’s trusted aide, already knew most of the plan and had no questions. He would simply follow orders.

“Even if the Second Hokage couldn’t do it, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible,” Sōgen retorted. “Some things need to be attempted before being dismissed. If we don’t try, how can we know it’s unfeasible? Remember, it’s not the odds but the possibilities that matter, Jiraiya-senpai.”

Sōgen’s words left Jiraiya frowning in doubt.

Unable to help himself, Jiraiya turned to examine the team of more than ten members. Some were familiar faces like Aburame Shikuro and Kabuto Yakushi, while others were strangers. Skipping over those he recognized, Jiraiya’s gaze lingered on the four members wearing ANBU animal masks, including Shisui.

Then he turned to the remaining members, trying to deduce who might possess a way to disperse the rain shrouding the Hidden Rain Village.

The next moment—

“Chihaya, see if you can disperse the rain curtain,” Sōgen ordered directly, giving Jiraiya no chance to guess.

Standing among the crowd, Uchiha Chihaya stepped forward. Known as the fearsome “Wind of Death,” her appearance hadn’t changed much over the years. The only notable difference was the massive blade wrapped in white bandages strapped to her back—a blade that resembled a wide plank.

That was the sword Samehada.

Once part of the Mist’s Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Samehada had fallen into Sōgen’s hands after the Third Shinobi World War. It became a shared resource among the Uchiha, used by Sōgen, Shisui, and Fugaku at various times. Before this mission, Sōgen had entrusted the chakra-laden blade to Chihaya.

“Can she really do it?” Jiraiya asked skeptically, watching Chihaya’s slender figure. While he doubted Sōgen would joke at such a critical time, the task of dispersing the rain curtain felt overwhelmingly daunting.

“Wait and see,” Sōgen replied calmly.

Even Sōgen couldn’t be certain. His theoretical calculations suggested Chihaya’s Mangekyō Sharingan might succeed, but the real world held too many variables.

Standing at the forefront, even Sōgen stayed half a step behind Chihaya.

She gazed upward at the oppressive clouds over the Hidden Rain Village. Taking a deep breath, she unsheathed Samehada. The sword, thoroughly tamed by Sōgen, extended its hilt to wrap around Chihaya’s forearm.

Then—

Her jet-black eyes turned blood-red.

The tomoe spun, merging and warping into a pattern resembling an eight-bladed pinwheel.

Her Mangekyō Sharingan activated its unique ability: *Shinadokuto*.

Blood trickled from Chihaya’s left eye as she pushed her ability to its absolute limit.

Almost instantly, a piercing, eerie screech filled the air as a violent demonic wind surged forward. The atmosphere tore apart, and the rain curtain split open. The dark clouds seemed like loose soil before a bulldozer, shoved aside effortlessly.

Golden sunlight streamed through the gaps in the clouds, blinding those who had adjusted to the perpetual gloom of the Land of Rain.

And this was just the beginning.

The demonic wind barreled onward, clearing a path through the overcast sky above the Hidden Rain Village. Where it passed, no cloud remained, leaving behind only bright sunlight that warmed the long-shadowed land.

“What... what is this?” Jiraiya gasped.

Such power—was it truly a ninjutsu?

No, it had to be a Mangekyō Sharingan technique. It was similar to how Sōgen had once petrified an army of monstrous invaders. While Jiraiya hadn’t witnessed that event firsthand, Tsunade’s detailed account left no room for doubt.

“It seems to work,” Sōgen murmured softly.

As he spoke, the demonic wind reached the edge of the Hidden Rain Village. The chakra-laden dark clouds offered no resistance and were swept away like a veil being lifted. Golden light bathed the village’s damp spires, reflecting brilliant highlights.

“Hyuga Homon, Hyuga Iroha, Inuzuka Hana: you have three days. Begin now,” Sōgen barked, his tone sharp and commanding. “Find Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, Hokage-sama,” the three replied in unison, immediately deploying their sensory techniques.

Others, including non-sensory ninja like Jiraiya, Aburame Shikuro, and Kabuto, held their breath, waiting for the scouts to report their findings.

(End of Chapter)