Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

General Mountain is located in the heart of the Land of Rain. According to local lore, it was once the residence of the Daimyo of the Land of Rain. However, the Daimyo's authority gradually faded, rendering the "Daimyo" title meaningless in the region.

Over time, the once-proud residence fell into disrepair and became a wasteland. Despite its name, General Mountain is not a mountain but a barren plain surrounded by dense forests. The lack of vegetation on the plain gives it a desolate appearance.

Dark clouds loomed overhead, and heavy rain poured onto the leaves of the surrounding forest. In the dense woods near General Mountain, members of Akatsuki carefully observed the plains in the distance.

"Yahiko, when is the scheduled time?" Uzumaki Raiden, who had transformed into his youthful appearance using the Transformation Technique, asked. His long sword hung at an angle on his waist, and his black poncho only added to his composed demeanor.

"According to the plan, we can send the signal as soon as we arrive," Yahiko replied, pulling out a kunai with an explosive tag tied to its ring.

"…Is this really the signal?" Raiden remarked, eyeing the kunai. "That's pretty rudimentary." He then added, "If Hanzō is already here, our presence might already be known."

While Raiden spoke, he activated Kagura's Mind Eye to scan the area. Surprisingly, he found no traces of other ninjas or traps on the General Mountain Plain.

Could it be that my actions have altered the course of events? Raiden wondered, lowering his head in thought.

"Regardless, we've arrived. I'll send the signal now. Wait here for me," Yahiko said confidently. He swiftly moved toward the plain, and all eyes followed him.

Fugaku approached Raiden and whispered, "There's nothing unusual in the area. Are we overthinking this? Or is there some hidden technique evading even my Sharingan?"

"It's possible there's no ambush, or perhaps Hanzō is simply confident enough in his strength to forgo traps," Raiden replied calmly.

At that moment, Yahiko threw the kunai into the air. It detonated with a loud roar, the sound echoing through the rain-soaked landscape. Yahiko lingered on the plain briefly before returning to the forest.

"See? Your concerns were unnecessary," Yahiko said with a smile. "I've already scouted the meeting site, and there are no traps. If Hanzō intended to harm us, he would have set something up."

Yahiko's confidence was unwavering. "Alright, everyone, let's go! Let's welcome Hanzō-sama!" he announced, leading Akatsuki's members onto the plain.

Nagato glanced at Konan and Raiden before following Yahiko, while the rest of Akatsuki trailed behind. Konan turned to Raiden with a smile. "Uncle, I think we were overthinking things."

Raiden said nothing but nodded and followed the group. Fugaku, noticing Raiden's expression, gestured toward the forest and then joined him.

Once the group left, ten figures emerged from the forest, exchanged silent signals, and quickly dispersed.

As Raiden and Fugaku stood among Akatsuki's ranks, Raiden closed his eyes. When he opened them moments later, they glimmered with intensity. "Just as I thought," he muttered.

Using Kagura's Mind Eye, Raiden detected two groups of ninjas approaching. One group, nearly 200 strong, came from one direction, while another team of around 50 moved from a different angle. The smaller group's chakra signatures revealed them to be the main ambush force.

Fugaku, having sensed the larger group, whispered to Raiden, "They're coming from two directions. Should we warn Yahiko and retreat?"

Raiden replied, "I know. But Yahiko won't listen until he sees the truth with his own eyes. Let him face reality."

Fugaku nodded and maintained a calm demeanor. Moments later, Nagato whispered to Yahiko, who tensed as countless figures emerged from the forest and stood across the plain from Akatsuki.

"Is that the man they call a demigod, Hanzō of the Salamander?" Fugaku asked Raiden in a low voice, his eyes fixed on the masked figure at the front of the Rain ninja.

Hanzō's reputation had long resounded throughout the ninja world. His strength and influence were key reasons why the Rain ninja played such a pivotal role in the wars between Konoha and Iwagakure. Hanzō's legendary clash with the "Konoha Sannin" further cemented his status.

Clad in gray armor and equipped with a strange breathing apparatus, Hanzō exuded a powerful and intimidating presence. His physique, wrapped in armor, radiated an aura of immense strength. Behind him stood ranks of Rain ninja, their expressions stern as they silently faced Akatsuki.

"Surprising that such a small country can amass so many ninjas," Raiden muttered. "Mobilizing this many troops to deal with Akatsuki, and even collaborating with Danzo and Hanzō… How cautious can they be?"

Yahiko frowned at the sight of Hanzō's forces. Even he couldn't deny the tension in the air. This doesn't look like a peaceful negotiation, he thought.

"Are you the ones calling yourselves 'Akatsuki'?" Hanzō asked, stepping forward. Though he posed the question, his eyes were locked on Yahiko. Hanzō clearly knew who Yahiko was, but this confrontation was merely the prelude to his next move.

(End of Chapter)

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