Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Uzumaki Raiden and Uchiha Fugaku, upon entering the town, were led by Yahiko and his companions to an inn to rest.

The other Uchiha clan members discreetly infiltrated the town and blended in. The inn was a combined establishment offering both lodging and dining. The first floor served as a public dining hall, while the second floor was reserved for accommodations.

Yahiko and his group, appearing travel-weary, did not immediately rest. Instead, they decided to eat first. Early in the morning, the streets were sparsely populated, and the innkeeper, who had just opened for business, was surprised to see so many customers at once. The dining hall quickly filled with people, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Uncle, we're planning to eat breakfast, rest briefly, and then continue our journey," Yahiko said as they sat at a table with Konan, Nagato, Raiden, and Fugaku. The other Akatsuki members occupied different seats, while the disguised Uchiha clan members scattered in small groups around the hall. While waiting for their food, Yahiko asked, "Where are you headed? Let's see if our paths align."

"We're heading to the front lines. The village has given us a message to deliver to the commanders," Raiden replied, sipping water.

"The front lines? What a coincidence! We're on our way to the Daimyo's Mansion. If you're heading to the front lines, we'll be traveling in the same direction. Uncle Raiden, why don't we go together?" Yahiko exclaimed excitedly, his eyes lighting up.

However, Yahiko's words piqued Raiden's curiosity. The Daimyo's Mansion in the Land of Rain? Isn't the country governed entirely by Hanzō of the Salamander? Raiden thought. There's no such thing as a Daimyo's Mansion here.

"Daimyo's Mansion? What kind of place is that? I've never heard of it in the Land of Rain," Raiden asked, puzzled. Fugaku glanced at Yahiko, equally curious.

Yahiko was about to explain when Konan gently tugged on his sleeve. He paused, then smiled reassuringly. "It's fine, Konan. Uncle is someone we can trust." Turning to Raiden, he explained, "The Daimyo's Mansion is what locals call it, but it's actually known as General Mountain now. It's said to have been the residence of the country's Daimyo, but it's deserted now. That's where we're heading."

"General Mountain?" Raiden tried to recall the maps of the Land of Rain he had studied but couldn't remember any location by that name. It didn't seem to hold any strategic significance or appear on the combat maps.

"What are you going there for?" Raiden asked, his confusion deepening.

Yahiko smiled. "Since you asked, it's fine to tell you. We're going to meet the current leader of the Land of Rain, Hanzō of the Salamander! He has acknowledged Akatsuki's vision and wants to collaborate with us to bring peace to the Land of Rain."

Raiden's eyes darkened. He had thought Yahiko and his group might have some important mission, but now it was clear—they were walking into a trap.

"Yahiko, do you trust me?" Raiden asked gravely.

"Of course, Uncle! Apart from our teacher, you're the person we trust most!" Yahiko replied earnestly, pushing a bowl of porridge toward Raiden as the innkeeper brought their food.

Raiden sighed, looking at the porridge. "Yahiko, if you trust me, listen to my advice. Don't go to this so-called meeting. Hanzō isn't trying to collaborate with you; he plans to kill you."

Yahiko stared at him in disbelief. "Kill us? That's impossible! We've done nothing but help people in the Land of Rain. We've earned their approval and inspired many ninjas to join us. Why would Hanzō want to kill us?"

Raiden looked at the ceiling, feeling a twinge of sadness. Such idealistic youth, but so naïve, he thought. "The very reasons you listed are why Hanzō sees you as a threat."

Before Raiden could elaborate, Fugaku spoke up. "As a ruler, Hanzō won't tolerate an organization in his territory that could challenge his authority. From what you've said, Akatsuki is already a potential threat."

Yahiko was stunned into silence, while Nagato and Konan seemed deep in thought. Yahiko finally managed, "No… Hanzō wouldn't do that. He's a hero, a demigod! He wants peace for the Land of Rain!"

Fugaku's voice was calm but cutting. "If Hanzō truly wanted peace, why did you create Akatsuki instead of joining him? It's because even you know Hanzō can't bring peace to this land. And with all due respect, neither can you."

Yahiko's face fell. He couldn't find words to refute Fugaku's cold logic. Raiden intervened to diffuse the tension. "Fugaku has a blunt way of speaking, Yahiko. Don't take it to heart. Since our paths align, I'll accompany you to this meeting. If anything happens, I'll help."

Konan smiled gratefully at Raiden, while Yahiko remained subdued. Nagato quietly sipped his porridge.

After finishing their meal in strained silence, everyone rested in the inn before setting out in the afternoon. Raiden and his team donned black ponchos and Rain ninja forehead protectors to blend in with Akatsuki.

At the same time, on the front lines, Danzo mobilized a large number of Anbu under his command. Their movements were secret, and even Orochimaru, the frontline commander, was unaware of Danzo's plans. Distracted by reports of Iwagakure forces near the Land of Birds, Orochimaru focused on investigating the situation and dispatched additional troops to search for Uzumaki Raiden's team.

(End of Chapter)

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