"Besides, we've already done everything he asked of us. If the Akatsuki notice something suspicious on their own, what does that have to do with us?"
Ameyu immediately understood and finally relaxed.
In the end, this was a covert operation. As long as no evidence was left behind, even if the other side suspected them, they could do nothing about it.
After a pause, Hanzo spoke again,
"By the way, do you know why Danzō Shimura is targeting Akatsuki?"
Ameyu froze. He had been so focused on their safety that he hadn't considered it at all.
He frowned and thought for a while, but couldn't come up with an answer.
"Akatsuki is just a newly emerged organization within the Land of Rain," he said. "No matter how you look at it, they have nothing to do with Konoha."
"Even if they grow stronger, it's Amegakure that should be concerned—not Danzō. So what is he after?"
Hanzo exhaled slowly, his tone turning serious.
"The reason is simple."
"Because Yahiko and the others… are the future of the Land of Rain."
"Danzō wants to crush that future before it can take root."
Hanzo said this deliberately—Uchiha Ren had already begun paving the way for Yahiko's group to inherit control of the Land of Rain.
Ren wouldn't remain here forever. Since cooperation with Hanzo wasn't possible, the only option was to pass the nation into Yahiko's hands.
To do that, some truths had to be revealed.
Ameyu was shocked.
"I admit they're talented… but isn't that an exaggeration?"
"Not at all," Hanzo said firmly.
"I spoke with them at length yesterday. They revealed a secret."
"A secret?"
"Nagato… has inherited the power of the Sage of Six Paths."
"?!" Ameyu's pupils shrank. "The Sage of Six Paths… isn't that just a legend?"
Hanzo shook his head.
"I thought so too. But now I'm certain he truly existed."
"And Nagato is his successor—destined for greatness."
"The hope of the Land of Rain… perhaps even the entire world… lies with him."
Ameyu swallowed.
"I still… find it hard to believe."
"You will understand in time," Hanzo said.
"That's why I intend to nurture them as my successors."
"Nagato is still young and can't fully wield that power yet."
"But one day… they will lead the Land of Rain into the light."
Ameyu fell silent.
If this were true, then the choice was obvious.
A successor to the Sage of Six Paths…
That alone made Nagato a natural leader.
That night, at the Akatsuki base.
Under the guidance of an Akatsuki member, Kanzo met Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan.
"Greetings. I'm Kanzo, Lord Hanzo's deputy."
"I'm Yahiko. These are Nagato and Konan," Yahiko replied with a smile. "What brings you here?"
Kanzo gave a polite smile.
"I've come under Lord Hanzo's orders to invite you to attend peace negotiations between Konoha and Iwagakure."
Yahiko's eyes lit up.
But before his excitement could fully show, he noticed Kanzo subtly signaling him.
Yahiko immediately understood.
"That's wonderful! Let's discuss inside."
After dismissing the others, they entered a room.
Once the door was shut, Yahiko signaled Nagato.
Nagato clasped his hands.
"Barrier Technique: Canopy Method Formation."
An invisible sensory barrier spread out, enveloping the room.
"Alright," Nagato said. "No one else is nearby."
Yahiko nodded.
"You can speak freely now. What does Lord Hanzo really want?"
Kanzo relaxed slightly and handed over a letter.
"Earlier today, Danzō Shimura approached Lord Hanzo, requesting that he act against Akatsuki."
The three were startled.
Though Ren had warned them, they hadn't expected it so soon.
"What did Hanzo say?" Yahiko asked.
"He agreed—but since he sent me here, he clearly has other plans," Kanzo said.
"You'll understand after reading the letter."
"And I'll follow your instructions from here on."
Yahiko opened the letter.
His expression quickly turned serious.
Nagato and Konan read it in turn—each growing solemn.
Silence filled the room.
Finally, Konan spoke.
"If this is Lord Hanzo's plan, we should follow it. With him involved, I shouldn't be in danger."
She turned to Kanzo.
"I'll act as bait. I'll patrol the southern front—take the opportunity to 'capture' me."
This aligned with Ren's plan: recreate the original scenario to lure Danzō in.
After a moment, Yahiko nodded.
"Until Nagato and I appear, Konan should be safe."
"Kanzo… I'm entrusting her to you."
"Don't worry," Kanzo said firmly.
Nagato added,
"Please protect her."
Kanzo nodded and took his leave.
After he departed, silence returned.
Ren's letter had mentioned another danger—
the masked man might also act.
"What should we do?" Yahiko asked.
"If all three of us leave, what happens to the others?"
Nagato thought for a moment.
"Ren said as long as they stay in the base, they should be safe."
"We can inform Yahiko's deputy to stabilize things."
Konan frowned.
"But what if the masked man attacks anyway? They can't stop him."
Yahiko grimaced.
Nagato spoke again,
"Both Danzō and that masked man are targeting me."
"Danzō is walking into Ren's trap—we just need to play along."
"I'll send a Shadow Clone with you tomorrow. My real body will stay here."
"If the masked man doesn't appear, I won't reveal myself."
Yahiko nodded slowly.
"That should fool Danzō… but isn't it dangerous for you to face him alone?"
Nagato shook his head.
"He won't confront me directly."
"I'm more worried about you."
"Ren will be facing Danzō and Konoha's ANBU alone—he might not be able to protect you both."
"Then it's settled," Yahiko smiled.
"And don't underestimate me—I'm strong too."
"I won't let anything happen to Konan."
On a hill overlooking the Akatsuki base, a masked Uchiha Obito and Zetsu watched Kanzo leave.
"Based on White Zetsu's intel, Hanzo has likely reached an agreement with Danzō against Akatsuki," Black Zetsu said.
"Kanzo came to lure Nagato into a trap."
"Danzō…" Obito muttered, his voice full of disdain.
"He really loves stirring up trouble."
In his past, Obito barely knew of Danzō.
But after stepping into the shadows, he came to understand his reputation all too well.
Framing others, manipulating narratives, inciting war, assassinations—
Danzō did it all.
Compared to him, Obito almost felt… innocent.
"But this time, he's done something useful."
Previously, Obito had hoped Hanzo would notice Nagato's Rennegan and push him into darkness.
But nothing happened.
Now, thanks to Danzō, the opportunity had returned.
"Have White Zetsu keep watching," Obito said.
"When the time comes… we'll give things a push."
"Understood."
Black Zetsu nodded—but hesitated.
Obito noticed.
"What is it?"
Black Zetsu frowned slightly.
"I don't know why… but something feels off."
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