This Danzo Is Weird!

The rendezvous point between the Akatsuki and Hanzo was set in a valley surrounded by layered rocky slopes.

At Hanzo's command, dozen of Amegakure Ninja had already concealed themselves among the rocks above, lying in wait for the Akatsuki's arrival.

To say Hanzo was cautious would be an understatement.

To deal with a group of mere kids, he had mobilized so many soldiers while also securing every advantage in terrain and strategy.

A numbers advantage + terrain superiority + overwhelming ambush—you tell me, how could he lose?

The more Hanzo observed his meticulous setup, the more satisfied he became.

When you're older, you learn to do things with absolute certainty.

Before long, an Ame-nin appeared before him to report. "Lord Hanzo, Kamimura has sensed the Akatsuki approaching. However, it seems there are only three of them."

Hanzo gripped his scythe-like weapon with one hand and narrowed his eyes. "Who are they?"

The Ame-nin replied, "Their leader, Yahiko, along with Nagato and Konan."

Hearing this, Hanzo sighed in relief.

"Only three? Even better."

In Hanzo's mind, eliminating Yahiko, the leader, would send the Akatsuki into disarray.

Afterward, all he'd need to do was deploy his forces to wipe out the remnants.

"Danzo, I must thank you for providing me with such an excellent excuse."

Casting another glance at his carefully prepared ambush and traps, Hanzo's eyes glinted with murderous intent.

Not far away, Danzo stood silently on a ridge overlooking the valley, suppressing the urge to sneeze.

Just then, a system notification chimed in his mind:

"Detected Hanzo's gratitude. Skill point +1. Skill package acquired: Water Body Flicker Technique."

Danzo froze in disbelief.

Wait, what?

Is this for real?

The unexpected bonus left him momentarily stunned.

Just moments ago, he'd been deliberating on how best to intervene in the upcoming chaos, only for Hanzo to send him a gift out of the blue.

It was worth noting that Hanzo's speed, among the top in the shinobi world, was largely thanks to this very Water Body Flicker Technique.

Now that Danzo had mastered it, his chances of influencing the ensuing battle had significantly improved.

"Talk about a pillow delivered when you're sleepy," Danzo muttered to himself.

Of all things, he hadn't expected to earn Hanzo's favor.

Before he could dwell too much on his fortune, Aburame Ryoma beside him softly reminded, "They're here, Lord Danzo."

Danzo turned his gaze toward the valley entrance. Sure enough, three figures emerged in the distance.

---

"Finally, Naraku Valley."

Yahiko stood at the edge of the valley, his expression resolute as he stepped forward.

Behind him, Nagato and Konan were unusually cautious, heeding Danzo's warning as they carefully observed their surroundings.

Suddenly, the tense silence was broken by a hearty laugh.

"So, you've finally arrived."

With a smile, Hanzo leapt down from the cliffside, accompanied by a group of Ame-nin, landing in front of the trio.

"Lord Hanzo."

Despite their wariness, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan bowed respectfully.

After all, Hanzo was once the protector of the Land of Rain, a figure revered by its people.

Hanzo looked at them, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes.

"As expected of the next generation I've placed my hopes on. Seeing you reminds me of my younger self."

He even patted Yahiko on the shoulder warmly, playing the role of a benevolent elder.

This gesture of sincerity instantly dispelled Yahiko's previous doubts. In fact, he even felt a twinge of guilt for ever suspecting Hanzo.

　　Even Nagato and Konan slightly let down their guard.

This scene made Danzo, who was watching from the sidelines, roll his eyes. Hanzo really is overly cautious—setting up all these traps and ambushes, yet still putting on such an elaborate act.

In the valley, Hanzo's performance continued.

"I invited you here today mainly to make you the centerpiece of negotiations among the three great nations..."

Mid-sentence, a noise came from the valley entrance. Hanzo deliberately shifted his gaze in that direction.

"The delegation from Sunagakure has arrived."

Hearing this, Yahiko naturally turned around, preparing to greet the Sunagakure delegation.

Before the negotiations could begin, he wanted to build as many alliances as possible to secure a peace agreement.

However, as Yahiko turned his back, Nagato's sharp senses picked up something amiss.

Something's wrong!

That was no Sunagakure delegation!

Nagato realized it too late.

Hanzo, who had been prepared for this very moment, seized the opportunity the instant they lowered their guard.

With his incredible speed, he appeared beside the physically weakest member, Konan, and wrapped his arm tightly around her delicate neck.

In one swift motion, he leaped away, putting a significant distance between himself and Yahiko and Nagato.

It was only then that Yahiko noticed the group entering the valley was not a Sunagakure delegation but a swarm of fully armed Ame-nin.

"Let her go!" Nagato shouted, his expression dark and stormy.

It was at that moment they realized—Danzo's warnings had all been true.

All the precautions they had taken proved meaningless in the face of Hanzo.

From his vantage point atop the valley, Hanzo held his hostage and looked down at them with disdain.

Yahiko, overwhelmed by the betrayal, was on the verge of breaking down. "Why? Why are you doing this? We respected you so much…"

The warm, kind elder demeanor Hanzo had shown earlier vanished in an instant, replaced by icy indifference.

"To me, your existence is a nuisance," Hanzo said coldly, his words as sharp as his gaze.

The rain began to pour harder, as if mirroring the tension in the air.

"The Land of Rain doesn't need a second god."

Hanzo's grip on Konan tightened, her strained breathing turning into agonized moans.

"Stop it!" Nagato's entire body trembled with fury, his rage threatening to consume him entirely. Were it not for Jiraiya's teachings, the power within him might already have erupted uncontrollably.

Unfazed, Hanzo casually tossed a kunai to the ground at Nagato's feet.

"Red-haired boy, use that to kill Yahiko. If you do, I'll let you and this girl leave alive."

Hearing this, Konan, from somewhere deep within, summoned a surge of strength. She slightly broke free of Hanzo's grip and screamed, "Stop! Don't listen to him! You two need to run!"

Hanzo made no effort to stop her outburst. Instead, he observed the scene like a cat toying with a mouse, a playful glint in his eyes.

In the pouring rain, Yahiko's confused gaze hardened with resolve once more.

"Kill me."

He turned to Nagato and spoke firmly.

Nagato trembled uncontrollably, the relentless downpour feeling like a crushing weight, suffocating him.

Seeing this, Hanzo's smirk deepened. He looked like a hunter delighting in his prey's agony.

"Do it quickly, or I'll kill her," Hanzo said, his voice filled with smug confidence.

"Forget about me, run!" Konan's desperate cries echoed.

"Kill me, Nagato! Do it now!" Yahiko's voice was unwavering.

All the voices merged into a deafening cacophony in Nagato's mind, leaving him paralyzed.

In this storm of pain and despair, his trembling hand finally reached for the kunai on the ground.

Hanzo narrowed his eyes in satisfaction.

How could I possibly lose now?