Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 119: "You Are the Prophecy Children in My Eyes"

Today, the clouds in the sky seemed heavier than usual, and the drizzling rain cast a hazy veil over the entire country.

The Land of Rain—a nation perpetually shrouded in misty rain.

Positioned at the intersection of three great nations, it serves as a strategic buffer zone. Because of the lingering influence of Hanzo the Salamander, surrounding nations cannot ignore its existence.

At the center of the Rain Village, an imposing steel tower stood tall. It was not only the residence of the legendary Hanzo but also the site of this Five Kage Summit.

Beneath the rain-soaked skies, hundreds of Rain-nin surrounded the tower as its core, standing on high alert.

"Lord Hanzo, the Kazekage and his entourage have arrived and are resting in the guest quarters."

Inside a quiet chamber in the tower, Hanzo listened to the Rain-nin's report. His voice, aged yet authoritative, replied:

"Do not offend them. Our Rain Country must maintain a neutral stance during this summit. Ensure everything proceeds without bias."

Though he wished the Five Kage had chosen the Land of Iron for this summit, the Rain Daimyo's negligence left the responsibility to him. Hanzo dared not refuse the great nations, so he could only do his best.

"Understood." The Rain-nin replied firmly.

"Good. Has the meeting venue been arranged according to my instructions?"

"It has been prepared."

"Very well." Hanzo rose from his seat in the chamber and opened the door. "Come, let us first greet the Kazekage."

"Yes!"

---

After a smooth journey into the Land of Rain's territory, Minato's group slowed their pace as they neared the Rain Village.

There were no attacks from the Black Market ninjas, and the expected retaliation did not materialize. It was as if the Black Market had forgotten the devastation Konoha had inflicted upon them.

But this was not surprising. With the Fourth Hokage and Jiraiya present, no Black Market ninja would dare approach. How could anything go wrong?

Yakumaru thought to himself, glancing ahead at a group of figures approaching. He noticed Jiraiya's expression suddenly brighten with excitement.

Three members of the "Frog Squad" sprinted forward, calling out eagerly:

"Jiraiya-sensei! It's been a long time!"

"Ah, long time indeed. Yahiko and Nagato have grown more imposing, and Konan has become quite the beauty," Jiraiya remarked warmly, his eyes filled with nostalgia.

The trio approaching them looked equally emotional. Tears welled in Yahiko's eyes as he smiled and said, "Jiraiya-sensei, you haven't changed much—we recognized you instantly."

"Hahaha, I've aged. Not like you three. I've heard about Akatsuki—your efforts to promote peace and lead by example are truly remarkable," Jiraiya said with admiration.

The Land of Rain's economy was bleak, with residents struggling even for basic needs.

Yahiko and his group had rejected plundering and violence, instead taking on the hardest, most poorly-paid missions to bring light to their war-torn country.

"It must be difficult," Jiraiya added.

"Well…" Yahiko scratched his cheek awkwardly and sighed. "It is hard. Many of those who joined Akatsuki out of dreams of peace are starting to lose hope."

In fact, he had even considered stepping down and leaving Akatsuki in Nagato's hands. With the Rinnegan, Nagato might breathe new life into the organization.

They lacked income, and sometimes they worked for free when the clients' plight was too pitiful to ignore.

Day by day, year by year, the exhaustion was wearing them thin.

"But haven't we found a ray of hope?" Konan said, smiling as she turned to Minato. Teasingly, she added: "I heard the Fourth Hokage is called the Sun. Can you shine some light here?"

Technically speaking, she was Minato's senior, but with Jiraiya present, the relationship between them felt close enough for such casual remarks.

Minato smiled faintly and adjusted his hat. "I heard about Akatsuki from Jiraiya-sensei. That's why I chose to host the Five Kage Summit here. Now, I can bring a sliver of change to the ninja world."

Hearing this, Yahiko and Konan exchanged glances. Yahiko stepped forward solemnly, extending his hand. "We'll lend you whatever support we can offer."

They were not arrogant enough to think Akatsuki could save the Land of Rain on their own. Every day, people died in places Akatsuki couldn't reach. If someone else was willing to help—especially Jiraiya-sensei's disciple—they would fully support him.

Nagato remained silent, but seeing Minato's warm smile, he felt a weight lift from his heart.

His view of Konoha ninja had always been split between extremes:

On one side was Jiraiya, a shining example of compassion.

On the other side were the Konoha shinobi who had killed his parents.

He thought he could never interact with other Konoha ninja, but it seemed that wasn't the case.

To receive acknowledgment and assistance from the Hokage—it made their years of effort feel worthwhile.

As Yahiko had said, Akatsuki was on the brink of collapse. Having a powerful supporter, even if only in words, was a huge morale boost.

At least now, Akatsuki wasn't entirely alone in the ninja world.

Jiraiya glanced between Nagato's group and Minato. A smile spread across his face as he suddenly declared:

"I think peace begins today."

You are the prophecy children I've envisioned.

The group exchanged smiles, as if even the stormy skies above the Land of Rain had cleared a little.

---

"He seems like a decent man," Nagato remarked after seeing Minato's group off. A rare smile crossed his face. "As expected of sensei's student—easy to get along with."

They had already worked with Konoha during the Black Market operation in the Land of Rain, but meeting Minato in person confirmed the positive rumors about him. Minato truly was a figure who shone like the sun.

"With him, maybe peace really can come to the ninja world," Konan murmured. "After all, Konoha is so strong."

"If Konoha can't do it, no one else will," Nagato said, shaking his head. "In mere days, they defeated a major village. Maybe Konoha can achieve what the First Hokage once did."

When the First Hokage was alive, the ninja world had known peace, thanks to his overwhelming power.

Surely today's Konoha was not far behind the power of the First Hokage's era.

Yahiko sighed. "The Five Kage Summit… If only we could attend. But alas, we have other matters to tend to."

Konan nodded. "Indeed. That battle isn't ours to fight. We'll quietly offer our support and focus on what we can do."

The three exchanged determined looks before heading toward their next mission.

They couldn't solely rely on others for hope. By doing what they could every day, they would bring warmth to this rain-soaked nation.

Unbeknownst to them, several figures moved in the shadows, watching.

On a distant rock, a swirling vortex appeared. Obito emerged, observing the scene from afar.

In a low voice, he muttered:

"You'll soon understand, Nagato—Minato Namikaze cannot bring peace to the ninja world."

(Chapter End)