If he couldn't figure it out, then it didn't matter.
Which meant… "Klutz" was still acceptable.
Obito didn't argue further. He swiftly sealed the restrained Black Zetsu into his Kamui dimension.
For someone like Black Zetsu, who lacked space–time abilities, this was effectively another layer of imprisonment.
Ren waved his hand.
The raging flames surrounding them began to fade at a visible speed.
"Ren—are you alright?!"
Yahiko, who had been waiting outside the wall of fire, rushed over with visible relief, carrying the still-unconscious Konan.
But the moment he saw Obito standing beside Ren, he froze mid-step.
"Relax," Ren said. "He's not an enemy anymore."
"Sumimasen… I apologize for earlier," Obito said, bowing slightly. "I'm Uchiha Obito. You reminded me of my past self, so I acted impulsively to test your resolve."
Without his former extremism, Obito's personality was surprisingly straightforward—lacking the usual Uchiha arrogance.
Yahiko, caught off guard, scratched his head awkwardly.
"It's fine… Konan's safe. That's what matters."
That was just who Yahiko was.
As long as his bottom line wasn't crossed, he was willing to let things go.
Ren glanced between them, then spoke:
"Enough about that. Time is short—I have things to arrange."
Both Obito and Yahiko looked at him in confusion.
"I can't stay here long," Ren explained. "Next, I'll use Hanzo of the Salamander to gradually transfer power into your hands."
"The future of the Land of Rain… will depend on you."
"And tell Nagato—"
"It's time he prepares to step into the light."
One day later.
Rain fell in a steady drizzle.
Hanzo of the Salamander, wrapped in bandages, leaned against his bed, staring blankly out the window.
In Amegakure—
The rain never seemed to stop.
"Hanzo-sama, the three leaders of the Akatsuki and their members have arrived. The heads and key personnel of every department are assembled as well."
Tenyu appeared in the room, kneeling respectfully, concern evident in his voice.
Hanzo's return the previous day—gravely wounded—had shaken the entire village.
In the Land of Rain…
Hanzo was the sky.
If he fell—
It would be as if the heavens collapsed.
Tenyu and Kanzo had both been deeply alarmed, but Hanzo only said:
"A mutual defeat."
Then he ordered:
Kanzo to summon Yahiko and the othersTenyu to gather all high-ranking officials
Though worried, they obeyed.
"Let's go," Hanzo said, rising slowly. "It's time for the Land of Rain to step toward a brighter future."
Tenyu hesitated—
But said nothing, following behind.
Soon, they arrived at the main conference hall.
Inside, it was already filled.
Most were high-ranking officials of Amegakure.
The rest were members of the Akatsuki, led by Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan.
The Rain shinobi whispered among themselves, observing the Akatsuki members with mixed opinions—
Curiosity. Doubt. Admiration. Disdain.
But they all shared one question:
Why are they here?
Tap… tap…
Hanzo pushed the door open and entered.
Silence fell instantly.
Every gaze turned to him—with respect… and reverence.
"Hanzo-sama—you're injured?!"
One shinobi cried out, noticing the bandages.
The room erupted.
"Who did this?! I'll kill them!"
"I heard rumors of an assassination—so it was true?!"
"Who could injure Hanzo-sama?! Konoha? Iwagakure?!"
Voices overlapped, filled with anger.
"Silence!"
Tenyu's shout cut through the chaos.
The room quieted.
Hanzo took his seat at the head.
Tenyu and Kanzo sat at his right and left, respectively—positions no one dared question.
Hanzo spoke:
"You're all aware the situation in the Land of Rain has worsened."
"Conflict between Konoha and Iwagakure is escalating—and we were close to being dragged into it."
"This was the work of a hidden force, deliberately provoking conflict."
"I have already dealt with it."
"These injuries… are from that battle."
The room buzzed again.
"I knew it! This wasn't normal!"
"Our patrols were attacked too!"
"Who was behind it?!"
Hanzo raised a hand.
"That individual's identity… involves too much. It cannot be disclosed."
"I'm telling you this only so you understand—this matter is resolved."
The room fell silent again.
Those present were elites.
They understood:
The culprit must be tied to a major village.
Pushing further would only cause trouble.
"Then… why have you gathered us?" someone asked.
Hanzo nodded.
"I've called you here to introduce three people."
He gestured.
"Yahiko. Nagato. Konan. Come forward."
Under countless gazes, the three stepped forward calmly.
Hanzo continued:
"These three are the leaders of the Akatsuki."
"And from this day forward—"
"They are my direct disciples."
The room exploded.
Hanzo—
The Demigod of the Shinobi World—
Had never formally taken disciples before.
And now—
Three at once.
Before anyone could recover, Hanzo dropped another revelation:
"I will train them as the next leaders of Amegakure."
"They are the future leader—and elders—of the village."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even the Akatsuki members were stunned.
This wasn't just mentorship—
This was succession.
And yet—
No one dared object.
Hanzo ruled the Land of Rain with absolute authority.
Hanzo's gaze swept across the room.
"I know many of you don't understand."
"But I am old."
"How many more years can I protect this village?"
"If I don't prepare successors now… I will not rest in peace."
The room grew heavy.
Only now did they truly see it—
Hanzo had aged.
He continued:
"I have searched for a successor for many years."
"But never found one."
"Among you, the most capable are Tenyu and Kanzo."
"Your administrative abilities are excellent."
"But your strength… is lacking."
No one objected.
Not even the two named.
"Our Land of Rain lies between the great nations of Fire, Earth, and Wind."
"A battlefield by nature."
"If the leader is weak—"
"This country cannot survive."
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