After the Third Shinobi World War began, the Land of Rain once again became the battlefield for three great nations: the Sand, Stone, and Leaf villages.
For the Hidden Rain Village, this was undeniably bad news.
What made matters worse was that all three sides invoked prior agreements made at the end of previous conflicts, demanding Rain Village's cooperation as an ally to strike against their rivals.
Thus, Rain Village now faced a tough dilemma—not how to expel the three forces from their lands, but how to pick a side.
Hanzo immediately convened the Hidden Rain's high council to discuss the matter.
After receiving the summons, a red-haired youth dressed in a white robe was the first to enter the council chamber.
This was none other than Nagato, who had joined the Rain Village eight years prior.
Wielding the Rinnegan, Nagato had achieved countless battlefield victories, even defeating an entire battalion of Stone Village shinobi on his own.
Any Stone shinobi who crossed paths with him—whether Genin, Chūnin, or Jōnin—rarely escaped unscathed.
Those who did not surrender early were inevitably found dead, their faces frozen in fear, and without a single visible wound.
Nagato's exploits had earned him the nickname "Red-Haired Reaper."
Thanks to his extraordinary achievements, he had risen rapidly, ascending from a lowly Genin to Jōnin in just two years.
The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, known for his stubbornness and inflexibility, had grudgingly agreed to a ceasefire and alliance with the Rain Village largely because of Nagato's presence.
Even Hanzo himself had referred to Nagato as "the strongest of the younger generation in Rain Village," viewing him as his right-hand man.
Although only three years had passed since Shibito Aburame's "Second Five-Year Plan" was implemented, Nagato had clearly exceeded expectations well ahead of schedule.
As Nagato entered the chamber, the two Rain shinobi standing guard at the door lowered their heads in deference.
"Lord Nagato!"
"Mm," Nagato replied indifferently as he walked in and took his place beside Hanzo.
"Lord Hanzo!"
"…."
Hearing this title, Hanzo's face showed a hint of awkwardness, followed by a sigh.
"Ah, Nagato, how many times have I told you not to call me Lord Hanzo?"
"Three hundred and eighty-six times," Nagato responded respectfully. "Since the first day I met you eight years ago, you've said that 386 times."
"Uh…" Hanzo was taken aback. "You're keeping track, so why don't you stop?"
"Because there's no need to stop," Nagato said firmly.
"The time is ripe. Once we defeat the Leaf, Sand, and Stone villages in one fell swoop, no one will dare oppose your rightful claim to the title of 'Rain Shadow.'"
"This…"
Hanzo was visibly tempted.
In the ninja world, only the leaders of the five great villages—Leaf, Sand, Mist, Stone, and Cloud—were entitled to the title of "Kage."
It wasn't merely a title; it was a mark of honor and recognition across the entire shinobi world.
Even for someone as formidable as Hanzo, Nagato's words struck a chord.
Before he could respond, a loud voice rang out from outside the chamber.
"Lord Hanzo is already revered as the Demigod of the Shinobi World. He doesn't need a title like 'Rain Shadow' to bolster his status."
As the voice echoed, a young man with orange hair, clad in black, entered the chamber and knelt before Hanzo.
"Lord Hanzo, our village isn't strong enough to risk war with three great nations. For the sake of the Rain Village and your own safety, I suggest…"
"Yahiko!"
Nagato interrupted him angrily, his face contorted with fury.
"Lord Hanzo is the strongest. Under his leadership, no enemy can stand against us. Victory is certain if we follow his will! It's not your place, coward, to meddle!"
"Enough, Nagato!"
Hanzo intervened, smiling as he helped Yahiko to his feet and gently patted his shoulder.
"Yahiko is not a coward. He worked tirelessly to negotiate peace with the Sand Village, and his contributions have earned both my respect and the village's."
"Lord Hanzo!" Yahiko knelt again, visibly moved. "I will give my life for you!"
His voice trembled with emotion, his demeanor exuding the air of a loyal retainer willing to die for his lord.
Hanzo's smile widened, and he nodded approvingly.
"Excellent. Yahiko, like Nagato, you are a pillar of the Rain Village. I hope the two of you can set aside personal grievances and work together for the village."
"Yes!"
Yahiko and Nagato responded in unison.
At that moment, the other council members began to arrive. Once everyone was present, Hanzo officially opened the meeting.
The topic was simple: which side should the Rain Village align with?
Nagato and the hawks argued for an independent path, advocating for war against the Leaf, Sand, and Stone villages to establish the Rain's status as a great nation.
Yahiko and the doves argued for neutrality, seeking to keep the Rain Village out of the great nations' conflicts.
The debate grew heated, with neither side willing to back down.
When it became clear that tempers were flaring, Hanzo intervened, offering his final decision.
War it would be—but not against all three great nations. Instead, Rain Village would ally with the Leaf to fight against the Sand and Stone.
Hanzo's reasoning was straightforward.
The Leaf was the strongest of the five great villages, and their defeat of Rain Village a decade prior had proven their might. The Sand Village was weakened and in decline, while the Stone Village, though strong, was led by the opportunistic Tsuchikage Ōnoki.
In other words, the choice was obvious.
Hanzo, a pragmatist, knew to pick the weakest enemy to target.
With the strategy decided, the high council meeting concluded, and the members began to leave.
As Nagato reached the door, he glanced sharply at Yahiko.
"Lord Yahiko, the world outside is dangerous. Do be careful when you're out alone."
"Hmph, no need to worry about me!" Yahiko retorted with a smirk and narrowed eyes.
"But you, Lord Nagato—many people bear you a deep grudge. Make sure to bring plenty of guards. It would be a great loss to the Rain Village if anything happened to you!"
"We'll see," Nagato replied coldly before leaving the chamber.
Yahiko smiled faintly as he watched Nagato leave, then turned to bow respectfully to Hanzo before exiting the room.
As Hanzo observed the two young men, brimming with tension and rivalry, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his lips curled into a sly smile.
The feeling of everything being under control was truly delightful.
*(End of Chapter)*