Obito looked at the nail polish color, which was exactly the same as in his previous life. While he felt somewhat speechless, he also sighed in relief, it was still an acceptable color.
Afraid that Konan might do something else to embarrass him, he quickly stuffed Konan's paper flower into his pocket and fled from the Akatsuki organization.
After leaving, Obito first found a secluded place, opened his Kamui space, and stored the paper flower away. Then, he transformed into a young man in his late twenties, dressed in Uchiha clan attire, with a head full of white hair.
Since he was already in Amegakure for this mission, he figured he might as well meet Hanzo and convey the Uchiha clan's willingness to establish contact.
Although Hanzo would certainly be wary, starting a dialogue was necessary. After that, they could proceed with the previously agreed-upon plan and let Fugaku handle the rest himself.
With that in mind, Obito confidently walked from the refugee district, the Seventh District of the Land of Rain, to the First District, where the ruling class resided. He stopped in front of Hanzo's mansion.
Having spent a long time in Amegakure as a member of Akatsuki in his past life, he was more familiar with the place than even Konohagakure.
However, as he walked, he saw the ruined buildings in the refugee district, where people wore tattered clothes and struggled to find enough food.
In contrast, the ruling district was filled with extravagance and debauchery. Compared to the peaceful and prosperous Amegakure that Angel Konan later governed, the current Land of Rain was utterly rotten.
The once ambitious Hanzo, who had dared to challenge the Great Nations and declared war on the three major villages, had lost all his fighting spirit after his defeat.
Now, he had become increasingly timid, clinging to life and fearing death.
Would the once-mighty "Demi-God" ever return?
By the time Obito reached Hanzo's mansion, many Ame-nin had already begun tailing him.
Since he deliberately exposed his presence, Amegakure's intelligence personnel had long noticed the arrival of an uninvited guest.
Soon, the gates of Hanzo's mansion opened, and a man who bore a striking resemblance to Danzo stepped out, looking at Obito with a stern expression.
"Unknown Uchiha, why have you infiltrated Amegakure at this time?"
Obito smiled, "I am here as a representative of the Uchiha clan of Konohagakure to extend goodwill to Lord Hanzo. May I have the honor of meeting him in person?"
The Danzo-like Ame-nin said, "I am Kanzo, Hanzo-sama's deputy. Our leader is indeed in the mansion, and a meeting is not impossible. However, first… we need to verify your identity."
Obito chuckled, "Afraid that I'm impersonating an Uchiha?"
Kanzo did not deny it.
Since Obito wasn't wearing his chakra-concealing mask, traces of the Transformation Jutsu were clearly visible. An average person might not notice, but an expert would see through it instantly.
Obito knew that his Transformation Jutsu wouldn't fool someone like Hanzo. Instead of trying to hide it, he said,
"The current situation is sensitive. When we Uchihas travel outside, we must be cautious. Using a false appearance is simply a necessary precaution."
"But… I think these eyes should prove my identity."
After saying this, Obito closed and reopened his eyes, revealing his Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
Staring at Kanzo, Obito smirked, "Now, can I meet Lord Hanzo?"
Kanzo snapped back to reality, his body trembling as cold sweat ran down his back.
Just moments ago, he had seen himself being brutally dismembered by the ninja before him.
After regaining his senses, he realized it had been an illusion from the Sharingan.
Genjutsu cast by the Sharingan couldn't be faked. Kanzo was Hanzo's right-hand man and one of Amegakure's strongest Jōnin—yet he had been effortlessly subdued by a mere glance.
This meant the opponent's strength was at the top tier among Jōnin.
Without further hesitation, Kanzo bowed, "Esteemed Uchiha warrior, please come inside. You are qualified to meet Lord Hanzo."
As Obito followed him inside, he casually said, "You may call me Uchiha Ri."
"Understood, Lord Uchiha Ri."
Although Kanzo suspected it was a fake name, he still addressed Obito with respect.
A strong individual deserved respect.
Soon, they arrived at Hanzo's reception hall. By now, Hanzo had already received word of the visitor and was waiting inside.
Since Hanzo emitted toxic fumes from his body, even he needed a gas mask to prevent poisoning himself.
Thus, his reception hall was arranged with an extremely long table, keeping him and his guests at a considerable distance.
This setup helped reduce the risk of poison exposure while also making assassination attempts much more difficult.
Although the current Hanzo was far more cautious and fearful than before, he still carried the demeanor of a renowned ninja.
Raising his hand slightly, he signaled, "Sit."
Obito sat down opposite him.
Hanzo spoke, "Uchiha… interesting. Coming to Amegakure at this time and extending goodwill to me—what exactly are you plotting?"
Obito replied, "Lord Hanzo, the Third Great Ninja War has begun. Due to the Land of Rain's geographic location, your country will inevitably be drawn into the conflict and become a battlefield once again."
"I assume that's not an outcome you wish to see, is it?"
Hanzo let out a cold laugh, his tone laced with sarcasm. Though it was unclear who he was mocking.
"So what if I don't wish for that outcome? You Great Nations fight among yourselves, yet you burn your battles onto my land."
"Do you have the ability to stop this war?"
"Can you make Kumo and Suna withdraw their troops?"
"Can you stop Iwa from glaring at my borders like a predator?"
"Even if the Uchiha clan is Konoha's strongest, what can you do? Are you saying Konoha wants to join the war and plunder the Land of Rain?"
At this moment, Obito started to reevaluate Hanzo.
While the so-called Demi-God had indeed lost his former ambition, he was not as spineless as Obito had assumed.
Perhaps, by the time Danzo approached him, the war had nearly ended, and the suffering of the Land of Rain had completely broken his spirit.
Obito said, "Lord Hanzo, the war itself is beyond our clan's control. However, we can offer financial aid to help with post-war reconstruction."
"And…"
"We can establish an alliance. Konoha has always been a village that values peace and hopes for allies who share the same ideals. We do not wish for war, and by working together, we can send a clear message."
"This way, those rogue ninja villages will have to think twice before acting recklessly. After all, can they withstand the combined wrath of Konoha and a Demi-God?"
Truthfully, Hanzo was tempted.
Money wasn't the main issue. Many problems in the Land of Rain could no longer be solved with mere finances.
But an alliance with Konoha was undoubtedly beneficial. Amegakure needed a strong ally, even if it meant becoming a subordinate.
Thus, he asked, "Can the Uchiha clan represent Konoha's stance?"
Obito smirked.
Hanzo's question meant he was seriously considering the proposal.
"Lord Hanzo, you should know about the Uchiha clan. As one of Konoha's founding clans, we certainly represent a significant part of the village's stance."
"Of course, our current position in Konoha is somewhat awkward. Despite being the largest clan, we lack political influence and have little chance of competing for the Hokage seat. That is why we need you to help strengthen our external political power."
Hanzo immediately understood.
So the Uchiha wanted to use his influence to support their bid for the Hokage position?
It made perfect sense.
But… many people in Konoha were after the Fourth Hokage seat. Not only had the Uchiha approached him, but Danzo had also sent him a letter with a similar proposal.
For a moment, Hanzo felt disdain for Konoha.
While other villages were entangled in war, Konoha still had time to play political games over the Hokage seat.
Heh.
He hadn't expected to become a coveted prize for Konoha.
Perhaps he could play both sides, raise the stakes, and extract more benefits for himself and the Land of Rain?
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