116-120

*Chapter 116: Parasite*

"It seems the impression you have of me isn't very good," Shikane chuckled. "Don't worry, I just want to study those legendary eyes. As for transplanting them, I think I'll pass."

"You don't want them?" Nagato and everyone else were stunned by Shikane's choice.

Jiraiya-sensei once told them that the Rinnegan is the eye of the Sage of Six Paths in legend! It’s one of the Three Great Dōjutsu, alongside the Sharingan and Byakugan, and is the most mysterious and powerful of them all!

With the Sage of Six Paths' legend in the ninja world, calling the Rinnegan the "Eye of God" isn’t an exaggeration.

So, Jiraiya-sensei also warned them not to expose these eyes to others easily.

But Shikane, after proactively proposing a deal, could actually give up on the Rinnegan?

"I just enjoy research, but as for transplanting them—no thanks. I don’t want my body to bear that kind of burden," Shikane said as he stepped forward again.

"Let me check Yahiko's injuries first."

Upon hearing this, Konan and Nagato immediately moved aside for Shikane. His hands glowed with a green, life-filled energy as he placed them on Yahiko's body, examining and healing his injuries.

After a moment, Shikane withdrew his hands from Yahiko, which were still emitting the glow of his healing technique.

"How is it?" Konan and Nagato, holding their breath in fear of disturbing Shikane, eagerly asked the moment he stopped.

"I feel much better!" Yahiko, lying on the stone bed, responded. His voice was stronger than before, and his skin, visible through the bandages, had regained some color.

"Hanzō's Explosive Flame Array?" Shikane muttered, a bit speechless, and gained a new respect for Yahiko's vitality.

Even though he seemed half-dead, surviving such a powerful blast was an extraordinary feat.

It was similar to the Second Hokage's forbidden technique, the Tandem Explosive Tags. Even a Kage-level ninja could be killed with one mistake.

"Yes!" Konan and Nagato's voices and expressions filled with hatred when they heard Hanzō's name.

Anyone who goes to a place in good faith to discuss cooperation, only to be betrayed and nearly killed, would feel a deep sense of anger and betrayal.

"Yahiko's body has sustained too much trauma. His limbs have completely lost vitality, and the nerves are dead. Pure medical ninjutsu can heal him, but I can't guarantee how much strength he’ll recover or if he can continue as a ninja," Shikane said honestly after a moment of contemplation.

Though his medical ninjutsu skills were among the best in the ninja world, he had his limitations.

For instance, Sunagakure's Chiyo was also considered a top-tier medical ninja, but she specialized more in poison. When it came to saving lives, she wasn’t as good as Tsunade, or even Sakura, who had inherited Tsunade's expertise, in some areas.

Upon hearing Shikane's words, Konan and Nagato's faces darkened.

"However, if you're willing, I can use other techniques to modify him, allowing him to regain some strength," Shikane added.

"Modify?" Konan and Nagato instinctively looked toward Yahiko, as they always did, seeking answers and guidance from him first when faced with a problem.

"Is there no better way?" Nagato turned to Shikane, somewhat unwilling to accept it. In his mind, modification meant turning into a monster or an outcast. If possible, he didn’t want to see Yahiko go down that path.

"Don't think of modification as something bad. The existence of chakra itself represents a kind of miracle," Shikane easily saw through the resistance in Nagato's eyes and thoughts, and he found this bias a bit frustrating.

But he didn’t try to convince them further. "It can be a last resort. If you’re willing, I can try to find Tsunade-senpai. She might offer a better treatment plan."

"Tsunade-sama?" Konan's eyes gleamed with admiration as she remembered the beautiful kunoichi who once stood beside her master.

Thanks to Tsunade's fame in the ninja world, and Jiraiya-sensei's frequent mentions of her, they viewed Tsunade through an especially favorable lens, even more so than other Rain Village ninjas.

Though they had never left the Rain Village, they knew that Tsunade-hime of the Leaf was the most powerful medical ninja in the entire ninja world!

Even Shennong, Konan’s medical teacher, constantly praised Tsunade's healing techniques.

"Tsunade-senpai doesn’t treat just anyone who seeks her out. Besides, she’s been away from the Leaf for a long time. Even if you find her, convincing her to help will be difficult," Shikane reminded Konan.

Konan and Nagato exchanged helpless glances.

"I'll beg Tsunade-sama until she agrees," Konan said, thinking hard and concluding that sincerity and persistence were her best options.

"You could ask Jiraiya-sensei for help," Shikane casually pulled Jiraiya into the mix. "Meanwhile, while you’re looking for Tsunade-senpai, Yahiko’s body can recover enough to move around a bit.

During that time, you can learn more about body modification techniques as a backup plan."

Konan and Nagato, confused at first, nodded gratefully at Shikane's suggestion.

"Then it's time to leave," Shikane said.

"Leave?" The three of them were surprised.

"Yes, let the Akatsuki lay low for a while and leave the Hidden Rain Village. Since Hanzō has targeted you, he won't stop until your organization is destroyed," Shikane explained. "Besides, my research and Yahiko’s treatment can't be done here under these conditions."

Hearing this, Konan and the others silently nodded. While Konan and Kakuzu were making arrangements to evacuate, Shikane approached Nagato, his hands glowing with green chakra as he placed them on Nagato's body.

Nagato felt a warm energy flow through him, and then noticed two parts of his body begin to itch. To his and Yahiko's horror, two white, human-shaped creatures began to sprout from Nagato’s body like saplings.

Shikane swiftly and efficiently snapped the necks of the white humanoid creatures and sealed them inside a scroll, which he had discreetly pulled out at some point.

Nagato and Yahiko blinked in confusion. "What... is this?"

Nagato felt a deep sense of dread upon realizing that these strange creatures had been parasitically living within him.

*(End of Chapter)*

*Chapter 117: Treatment*

"I’ll explain everything to you later." Shikane could already hear the approaching footsteps of Kakuzu and Konan.

"It's all been taken care of," Konan said as she returned, addressing Shikane. She hadn’t noticed the uncomfortable expressions on Nagato and Yahiko's faces.

"Let's go then," Shikane said, reaching out and tapping the air in front of him. A black ink dot appeared at his fingertip, expanding rapidly into a black cube before stretching out in all directions. Eventually, it grew large enough to form a black portal that one could step through.

"Make the most of the time," Shikane signaled for Nagato and the others to enter first.

Konan and Nagato stepped forward and helped Yahiko, who was lying on a stone bed, stand. Together, they entered the black portal, followed by Kakuzu. Once the four of them had gone through, Shikane was the last to enter.

A speck of light appeared before Konan and the others, and in front of them, an opening to the outside world formed. At that moment, it seemed like only a wall separated the outside world from the base inside the cave.

They stepped through the portal and found themselves in a vast hall.

"Sir!" Four people, including Hida, stood respectfully outside the portal, bowing as Shikane stepped through.

"Where are we?" Nagato turned to Shikane just in time to see the black portal behind him collapse like a landslide and vanish.

"Anker Bandian, the ruins of the Land of Sky," Shikane calmly replied. "It was once the base of Shennong."

"Master Shennong? Is he here too?" Konan's face lit up with excitement. She still held a deep respect for Shennong, the wandering physician who had always been patient and never showed any irritation when teaching her.

Upon hearing the news of Shennong, and thinking of Yahiko's injuries, her first thought was: This is great!

"No, he might already be dead, or perhaps he's waiting to be reborn in some way," Shikane replied candidly, not hiding Shennong's death.

"Dead?" Konan looked at Shikane in shock, the recent series of events leaving her mind confused and sluggish.

"Did you kill him?" Yahiko, who was being supported by Nagato and Konan, suddenly spoke. As his words fell, Nagato and Konan’s faces immediately changed.

"No, I didn’t kill him," Shikane shook his head. Just as Nagato and the others breathed a sigh of relief, he added a sentence that left their expressions frozen again: "But his death is indeed related to me."

"I won’t explain the reasons for his death, but you can find out for yourselves. Hida and the others have all dealt with Shennong before, and the prison here in Anker Bandian still holds many of Shennong's former subordinates. You can get the information you want from them.

You could also ask Kakuzu, as he was involved in the entire battle. If you still trust him, that is."

Shikane clapped his hands, and Hida quickly understood, saying, "We’ve already prepared everything you need."

"Good." Shikane patted Hida on the shoulder, then turned to Nagato and the others, whose faces were filled with complex emotions. "Do you want to leave now? Or do you want to trust me one more time? I don’t have much time to waste right now; every second here is precious.

If you want to leave, I won’t stop you. You’re safe now. But if you still trust me and want me to treat Yahiko and Nagato, don’t waste time. What you want to know, you’ll have plenty of time to discover later."

"Where are we going?"

Konan and Nagato exchanged a glance, then looked at Yahiko, who was wrapped in bandages, and decided to follow Shikane.

"To the laboratory. I can’t take you back to Konoha Village because that would inevitably lead to troublesome consequences no one wants to deal with.

I can borrow Lord Orochimaru’s lab outside the village, but it will take time to prepare and activate.

Only here, at Anker Bandian, in the base that Shennong built long ago, do we have access to his lab and precise equipment."

As Shikane led the way, he explained to those behind him.

"And what about me?" Kakuzu, who had been following all along, couldn’t hold back his anxiety any longer and asked. Having only one heart left, without the ability to replace it, and with his strength declining due to the missing heart, left him feeling very insecure!

Shikane led them through several brightly lit corridors and finally stopped in front of a large door. While pushing the door to the lab open, he reassured Kakuzu, "Don’t worry. I’ve prepared a new heart for you. Once I return to the village, I can prepare several spare hearts for you, just in case you need them in an emergency."

"Place Yahiko on that operating table. I need to use the equipment to further assess his condition," Shikane instructed, pointing to a specific operating table in the lab.

After activating the machines and connecting the diagnostic equipment to Yahiko, Shikane examined the data displayed on the screen, his expression turning thoughtful.

"Is it bad?" Konan, who had been watching Shikane closely, saw his serious expression and felt a wave of panic.

"It’s worse than the earlier assessment. This will be a long-term recovery process. I’ll prepare everything necessary for his recovery and provide a detailed plan. Additionally," Shikane shifted his gaze to Konan, making her feel nervous, "you have a basic understanding of medical ninjutsu, right?"

"Yes, besides the books you gave me, Master Shennong also taught me a lot. I can now perform healing jutsu proficiently, identify some herbs, and carry out relatively difficult surgeries with a scalpel," Konan immediately responded.

Shikane didn’t seem to mind that she still referred to Shennong as "Master." "Good! When I’m treating Yahiko and Nagato, you’ll assist me. If you have any questions, you can ask, and I’ll explain. When I’m not here, you’ll be responsible for their treatment plan and administering the necessary medications."

"Me? Can I really do it?" Konan pointed to herself in astonishment. The confidence she once had crumbled in the face of Yahiko’s fragile state.

"I’ve assigned tasks that you’re capable of handling. Now, let’s see your skills." Without giving Konan time to think, Shikane began issuing commands.

Instinctively, Konan followed Shikane’s instructions, assisting him as directed.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 118 Reminder

“His nervous system, cells, and organs have all suffered irreversible damage. Even with medical ninjutsu, we can only prevent further deterioration and necrosis. He's lucky to be alive, but if treatment isn't timely, he will still die.” Shikane stepped out of the lab, reminding a sweat-drenched Konan again, “So you must constantly monitor his physical condition.”

“You said you could heal him,” Nagato, seated in a wheelchair and being pushed alongside Shikane by Konan, responded. His body had also received treatment and bandages.

“Of course. I'll perform multiple neurosurgeries to restore his sensation, then use technology to replace his necrotic organs and tissues. But this will take time,” Shikane said.

“How can I cooperate with you?” Nagato, reassured by Shikane’s confirmation, sighed in relief while bringing up the terms they'd previously discussed, “You wanted to study the Rinnegan.”

“I’ve already started preliminary research while treating your injuries. I won’t deny that some of my research is bloody and not exactly humane. But don't worry, you’re not a test subject, much less expendable material. My research won't be too brutal,” Shikane smiled.

“In fact, the Technology Development Department’s research into doujutsu eyes and bloodline limits dates back to its foundation. The Sharingan, famed throughout the ninja world, is also on the research list.”

Konan and Nagato exchanged shocked glances. Their previous perception of the peaceful and safe Konoha their teacher had spoken of was now deeply shaken.

“Are you experimenting on your own village’s ninjas? Did they do something wrong?” Nagato licked his lips. Despite his limited knowledge, he was well aware of the legendary Uchiha and Senju clans of Konoha, and the myths surrounding the Sharingan and Wood Release.

“No, they committed no crimes; all of them volunteered for the research. And don't let all your emotions show on your faces. If we were conducting inhumane experiments out in the open, Orochimaru-sensei and I would’ve already been notorious in the village, probably branded as rogue ninjas by now.”

Shikane glanced at their faces, reading their misguided thoughts, but chose not to offer more detailed explanations.

“I don’t understand why you’re telling us this,” Nagato said, somewhat puzzled. He had already accepted the terms and was prepared to cooperate in the research, so why was Shikane saying all this now?

If he had volunteered, surely Nagato was also considered a volunteer, right?

“I’m just trying to let you know that I have extensive research experience and accumulated data on doujutsu and bloodline limits. What I’m going to say next might sound abrupt. Are you perhaps a descendant of the Uzumaki clan?” Shikane stopped walking and asked.

“While there are other bloodlines with red hair besides the Uzumaki, your body’s data matches that of the Uzumaki bloodline,” he continued.

“What are you trying to say?” Nagato, still seated in his wheelchair, looked up at Shikane.

“Konoha holds the Uzumaki clan’s records and family history. In all of the records, no Uzumaki has ever awakened the Rinnegan,” Shikane said softly.

“Maybe Nagato is just special? Like how Jiraiya-sensei often spoke of the Child of Prophecy,” Konan nervously interjected, sensing that Shikane’s next words could further challenge their understanding.

“Nagato is indeed special. But bloodline awakenings have strict thresholds and conditions. While we don’t yet know the exact chakra nature changes that compose the Rinnegan, it’s certainly not a simple fusion of two chakra natures like with a bloodline limit, nor even a fusion of three chakra natures like with a bloodline selection.”

“Besides, these eyes must put a lot of strain on your body, right? I’ve seen your data. These eyes aren’t a perfect fit for your body,” Shikane said calmly, his gaze meeting Konan’s with an icy coolness that made her shiver as though exposed to the coldest winter winds.

“So what are you saying? Or rather, what have you deduced from my data?” Nagato’s mood was surprisingly calm, as Shikane’s words aligned with his own experiences. He had long felt that these eyes were difficult to control, carrying an ever-increasing burden on his body as he grew older.

Nagato had always thought this was just a natural result of his increasing age and power, but now, Shikane’s words hinted at another possibility.

“These eyes might not be your own,” Shikane said, reaching out to touch Nagato’s eye sockets. Nagato didn’t flinch, staring blankly at Shikane as the latter's words echoed in his mind.

“That’s impossible! If these aren’t Nagato’s eyes, whose could they be?” Konan exclaimed.

“The data doesn’t lie. Of course, this is just a possibility and needs more research and data to support it. I’m telling you this because if these eyes don’t belong to Nagato but have appeared in him, then what is the motive of the person who gave them to him? Nagato, could it be that all your actions are being monitored by someone else?”

Shikane withdrew his hand. Based on the data from Nagato’s body, there were indeed issues between Nagato and the Rinnegan, but these problems didn’t directly suggest a transplant. After all, the Rinnegan, as the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths, had always been a legend in the ninja world, and there was too little information about them circulating in the ninja world.

Konan still had her doubts about Shikane’s theory, but Nagato suddenly thought of the two humanoid white creatures that Shikane had previously found parasitizing his body inside the cave.

Panic washed over Nagato. Instinctively, he wanted to find Yahiko, but he quickly remembered Yahiko was still in a coma.

If Shikane hadn’t brought this up, Nagato wouldn’t have considered this possibility. But now, Shikane had planted a seed, and Nagato’s thoughts were rapidly spiraling in that direction. His emotions and thoughts became a chaotic mess.

“How did you discover them?” Nagato asked, looking up at Shikane.

“After we parted ways in Amegakure last time, I found one of these humanoid creatures on my way back to the village. It was parasitizing Shisui,” Shikane crouched down, reaching into his shadow to pull out a white head.

“Sorry, I may have gotten a little carried away with my research on this sample,” Shikane waved the head in front of Nagato and Konan before stuffing it back into his shadow, which rippled like water.

“In short, it has characteristics of both a ninja and a plant, allowing it to conceal itself very effectively.”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 119: Bad News*

"How are Yahiko and the others?"

Upon seeing Shikane appear before him, Jiraiya instinctively grabbed his shoulder, his tone slightly anxious as he asked.

"They're still alive," Shikane replied.

"So cold." Although Jiraiya knew the trio's situation wasn't great, Shikane's words reassured him slightly. He relaxed a bit and let go of his grip, forcing a smile.

"Yahiko is the most seriously injured, but Konan is well-protected. I've stabilized both Yahiko and Nagato's injuries," Shikane continued, noticing Jiraiya’s hesitation, as if he was afraid to ask but still wanted to know more.

"That's great!" Jiraiya's expression softened.

"But Yahiko's injuries... he may never be able to be a ninja again."

Shikane dropped this bombshell and turned his gaze toward Minato Namikaze, who shouldn't have been there.

"Jiraiya-sensei used the communication toad to tell me what was going on. I thought you might need my help," Minato explained, raising a hand as Shikane looked his way.

Shikane looked at Minato, who was supposed to be on a mission outside the village. "Are you sure it’s okay for you to leave the frontlines, Minato-senpai?"

"Orochimaru-senpai is there. I reported it to him, and I can return if needed," Minato explained.

"Also, I didn’t expect you to have mastered space-time jutsu."

Minato was impressed. Only those who had studied space-time ninjutsu could understand how complex and demanding it was.

Even a small mistake in space-time ninjutsu could lead to disastrous consequences. That's why space-time techniques were often considered forbidden jutsu due to their danger.

"I just used some technical means to make it work," Shikane admitted. "Compared to your combat-ready Flying Thunder God technique, mine is only good for pinpoint teleportation."

"That's still impressive! I was planning to find you, but since you're back, it seems I’m not needed anymore," Minato said before saying his goodbyes and leaving the two alone.

"I need an out-of-village mission. Their injuries are stable, but recovery will take time," Shikane said, his gaze returning to Jiraiya after Minato vanished.

"With the shortage of manpower on the frontlines, the old man won't let you rest for long," Jiraiya said with a strained smile. "Tell me what happened. I'm headed to the frontlines soon myself."

...

*Konoha’s Hokage Tower.*

In the Hokage’s office...

Bang!

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the hand that slammed down on his desk, his eyes barely visible through the smoke from his pipe. He followed the arm up to a familiar, cold face.

"I told you long ago that we needed to keep them under control! If it weren't for your soft heart, Hiruzen, this wouldn’t have happened! Jiraiya is a useless fool, leaving only for his disciples to deliver themselves right into the enemy’s hands."

Danzo Shimura raged, showing no mercy toward Sarutobi behind the desk or Jiraiya, who wasn't present, even in front of the two elders.

"What's done is done, Danzo. There's no going back now," Hiruzen muttered, some regret in his heart, but when he thought of Jiraiya's face and his earlier request, he just closed his eyes, frustrated.

"Orochimaru and that Nara clan brat are so naive, giving the healing charm technology to another village for cooperation! If this technology spreads, it would be considered treason!"

Upon receiving the report from the Land of Rain, Danzo immediately saw an opportunity to attack Hiruzen's reputation. Regardless, the healing charm's outflow would stir up sensitivity within the village.

Even though the higher-ups knew that the healing charm process and technology had already been stolen by the Land of Lightning, its spread was inevitable. But the people didn’t know that.

"You're being excessive, Danzo! The healing charm cooperation was a decision made after our discussion," Hiruzen frowned, lightly tapping his pipe against the desk.

"Now isn't the time to argue over blame. What we should be asking is what Hanzo really wants!" Koharu Utatane, one of the advisors, spoke up in frustration.

"He wants to replace the Akatsuki and use the healing charms to secure the neutrality of the Land of Rain," Danzo sneered. What he didn’t mention was Hanzo’s fear that the Akatsuki would threaten his position in Amegakure, and even his standing in the Land of Rain itself.

If Danzo were in Hanzo’s place, facing an uncontrollable organization like the Akatsuki, with its complex background and control over the healing charm sales, he would’ve also tried to eliminate them.

Even though the Land of Rain was chaotic due to war, with countless small ninja factions sprouting up like mushrooms, Sarutobi could easily guess Hanzo's motives.

Konoha was already at war with Iwagakure and Kirigakure, and their ally, Sunagakure, which had just selected the Fourth Kazekage, was licking its wounds from the conflict. They had no interest in getting involved in the full-scale war, sending only a small team led by Pakura to skirmish with Kirigakure.

With the war intensifying, Sarutobi didn't want to push Hanzo into the enemy's camp.

"Let me go, Hiruzen! The Akatsuki can be wiped out, but I'll make sure Hanzo hands over Jiraiya's disciples," Danzo offered. Originally, the Land of Rain should have been handed back to the Foundation after Jiraiya left, but Hiruzen had delayed issuing the mission order.

"Hokage-sama! Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the Hyuga clan, has urgent military news to report."

An ANBU agent wearing a cat mask and carrying a short blade suddenly appeared in the room, kneeling in front of the Third Hokage as he delivered the message.

"Hiashi Hyuga?" Danzo's single visible eye flashed with displeasure at being interrupted just as he was about to achieve his goal. However, he stepped back. If Hiashi himself had urgent news, it had to be significant.

"Hokage-sama, a member of the Hyuga clan's main family, Hyuga Hoka, was ambushed by Kirigakure’s assassination squad. The Byakugan may have been stolen."

Hiashi’s usually composed face was grim as he reported directly to the Third Hokage, ignoring the three elders in the room.

Hiruzen's hand, which held his pipe, trembled slightly at the news, causing a cascade of ash to fall.

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 120: All Sides*

White Eyes Leaking Out!

Everyone present clearly understood how tricky this situation was.

Why has Konoha been able to hold its own against two, three, or even four other ninja villages during the Great Ninja Wars, and still emerge victorious? Is it because Konoha's ninja are more skilled than those of the other four great nations?

No! It's because Konoha's foundation is incredibly strong! It has numerous powerful bloodline families, secret technique clans, and an extraordinarily talented younger generation.

Take the Uchiha, for example. Although no one here likes the Uchiha, no one can deny the power of their Sharingan. When an Uchiha unlocks the Sharingan, they become a formidable force on the battlefield.

The Ino-Shika-Cho clan trio also handles strategy, communication, interrogation, and defense during times of war.

And the Hyuga Clan, who stands alongside the Senju and Uchiha, has a Byakugan whose strategic value far exceeds its combat effectiveness.

Even the brutes from the Land of Lightning, who have honed their Lightning Style Taijutsu to charge headlong into battle, avoid the Hyuga's Byakugan and Gentle Fist.

The Byakugan excels at gathering intelligence, like observing enemy camps and personnel!

It's precisely because of the Byakugan that Konoha can often control the battlefield, making certain preparations in advance.

The Byakugan of the Hyuga's main family is not only valued by the Hyuga clan but also by Konoha's leadership, who understand its importance even more.

If the Byakugan were to leak out at this critical moment in the war, the consequences for Konoha would be far more troubling than facing an additional Kage-level opponent.

Thinking back to the discussion about the Healing Talisman, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but wonder why bad news kept coming one after the other.

...

Ankel Bandian.

"How are you feeling?"

Watching Yahiko lying on the operating table, Shikane asked softly.

Shikane had just taken on a mission outside the village, and after traveling a short distance, he handed the task to Shisui and Anko before using the Black Void to return to Ankel Bandian.

"It hurts! It hurts and feels numb."

Yahiko endured the discomfort in his body and described what he felt inside.

Konan carefully helped Yahiko, who was covered in various monitoring devices and patches, off the operating table. She applied a green ointment to his wounds, then wrapped him in bandages, leaving only half his face exposed.

"That's a good sign," Shikane said, standing nearby and watching Konan's actions. "At least this means the treatment is working. Your dead nerves and senses are recovering.

If you didn't feel anything, the next phase of treatment would be much more complicated."

"Does this mean I'm getting better?" Yahiko had never felt as grateful for pain and itchiness as he did at this moment.

Compared to the previous state, where his body was numb and only his head could move freely, this was a huge improvement. At least now, he could truly feel his body was still there.

"Yes. But don't get too excited just yet. I'm already quite surprised that you've recovered to this extent," Shikane said as he looked at Yahiko's vital signs on the monitoring devices. "The next steps in your treatment will go beyond what these medicines can do.

I'll have to perform several nerve implantation surgeries on you, and when necessary, replace your damaged organs and limbs."

"I understand!" Yahiko nodded.

"Don't we need to find Lady Tsunade?" Konan asked, confused.

"That's our last resort. Besides, Konoha is also searching for Lady Tsunade, but it's clear she's hiding deliberately this time. For now, follow my treatment plan. At least let's restore Yahiko's mobility first," Shikane replied.

The battlefield was the last place Tsunade, with her hemophobia, wanted to be right now.

...

The Land of Rain.

Amegakure.

The rain poured down heavily, the sky overcast and gloomy.

The buildings in Amegakure, washed by the rain, gave off a desolate and oppressive atmosphere, much like Hanzo's mood at this moment.

"Lord Hanzo, the envoys from Iwagakure have arrived at Amegakure," reported an Ame ninja, kneeling on one knee and wearing a protective mask, as he spoke to Hanzo, who stood by the window, gazing out at the torrential rain.

"And what of those three kids from the Akatsuki?" Hanzo's voice sounded muffled due to the mask he wore.

"They're still being hunted," the Ame ninja, who was reporting, replied with some apprehension.

Although Hanzo's tone revealed nothing of his emotions, as one of his Anbu guards, the Ame ninja knew all too well that Lord Hanzo had been in a foul mood for some time.

They had nearly scoured the entire Land of Rain, including the former base of the Akatsuki, but had found no trace of the organization’s three leaders.

Even after capturing a few Akatsuki members, all the interrogation squad had learned was that their final orders were to go into hiding and temporarily disband, leaving the Land of Rain.

The dissolution of the Akatsuki and the disappearance of its three leaders left Amegakure and Hanzo in a difficult position. Both Konoha and Iwagakure had sent harshly worded demands.

Konoha was a little easier to deal with. Though powerful, it was stretched thin by fighting both Iwagakure and Kirigakure, leaving it hard-pressed to allocate resources to target Amegakure, not to mention the concern of pushing the village into Iwagakure’s camp.

Iwagakure, on the other hand, was in no such predicament. Buoyed by the Healing Talismans that had significantly reduced their casualties, Iwagakure had even gained the upper hand in the war.

From Onoki’s perspective, the Tsuchikage wanted to ensure that the Healing Talisman remained under his control.

So, when the Akatsuki encountered trouble, and the production of Healing Talismans was disrupted, Onoki did not want to see the supply cut off.

With Iwagakure's demands mounting—either hand over the Akatsuki's leaders or the process and technology for making the Healing Talismans—they had sent emissaries directly to Amegakure to meet with Hanzo.

This was the source of Hanzo’s current headache. He couldn’t hand over the Akatsuki's three leaders, nor could he produce the technology behind the Healing Talisman.

Even more frustrating for Hanzo was that Iwagakure wouldn't believe his claims, no matter what he said.

Should he wage war against Iwagakure?

In his youth, Hanzo would not have hesitated, but now his ambitions had waned. Even though his strength rivaled that of the Kage from the five great nations, the Land of Rain had never become the sixth great nation.

For a small ninja village, survival meant choosing a larger village to align with when war came. Neutrality or independence was not an option.

Not even Hanzo could change this reality.

Should he ally with Konoha?

During the war, Konoha might endure Amegakure's provocations, but how much would it cost to quell Konoha’s fury?

(End of Chapter)