The rain never stopped.
Under the gray sky, the streets of Amegakure gleamed from the rain. Pedestrians hurried by, their cloaks wrapped tightly around their heads, going about their lives as usual. But beneath this seemingly peaceful surface, a burning belief was igniting in the Rain Ninja.
Since Pain overthrew Hanzō with absolute power and became the new ruler of Amegakure, the atmosphere of the entire village has undergone earth-shattering changes.
Pain showed no mercy to Hanzō's remaining followers, suppressing them bloodily and maintaining order through fear.
But he sheltered ordinary villagers and loyal ninjas, protecting them from the ravages of war.
Pain never appears in person, but conveys his commands through the "angel" Konan. His existence is more like a symbol—the will of "God" is inviolable, but "God" will also protect his believers.
What shocked the villagers most was that Pain made them feel his power by promising that "it would never rain on Sundays." It was as if he had control over even the weather.
The young ninjas of Amegakure almost all grew up after Pain came to power. They didn't experience the corruption and despair of Hanzō's era, but they heard about it from the older generation—
"The former Land of Rain was merely a victim of the power struggles among great nations."
"Hanzō only cares about his own power and doesn't care about us at all."
"It is 'God' who has given us new hope."
Now, the appearance of the Heavenly Screen has elevated their faith to an unprecedented level.
They witnessed Pain single-handedly invading Konoha and nearly destroying it.
They heard Nagato's declaration of "peace," which was exactly what they longed for most in their hearts.
"Our leader only lost to the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki because he was too exhausted!" a young Rain Ninja exclaimed excitedly on the Training Ground. "If he were at his peak, Naruto Uzumaki wouldn't stand a chance!"
The others echoed his sentiments, their eyes gleaming with fanaticism.
On this day, Konan descended upon the central tower of Amegakure as usual, her white paper wings slowly folding in the rain.
"My Lord Angel!" Several young ninjas immediately knelt on one knee and bowed respectfully.
Konan's gaze was indifferent, but her tone was gentler than usual. "What is it?"
"We... we want to see the leader!" one of them said bravely. "We know we are not strong enough, but we are willing to risk our lives to fight for the dream of 'God'!"
The others nodded in agreement, their eyes resolute.
Konan finally spoke, "I will convey your loyalty to Pain."
She made no promises, but those words alone thrilled the young Rain Ninja.
The common people of Amegakure may not have been aware of Pain's "plan," but they genuinely felt the improvement in their lives.
The streets are no longer muddy, and the new drainage system prevents flooding during the rainy season.
Ninja training has become more systematic, no longer focusing on cultivating only a small number of elites as in Hanzō's time.
Some of the wealth acquired by the Akatsuki from missions in various countries was used for the village's development.
They may not understand what "true peace" is, but they know that the Land of Rain is much better now than it was in the past.
The deepest secret chamber in Amegakure is dark and silent.
Konan's figure floated in as lightly as a piece of paper, her white robes fluttering slightly in the damp air. She stood before the Nagato, reporting the situation in the village in a low voice.
"Those young Rain Ninjas are more fanatical than ever before." Her voice was calm, yet tinged with a barely perceptible worry. "They want to see you, they want to offer everything for the peace of 'God'."
Nagato sat in the shadows, his Rinnegan gleaming coldly in the darkness. He didn't speak, but listened quietly.
But these words only strengthened his resolve.
Nagato's fingers slowly tightened, his knuckles turning white from the force.
He thought of Yahiko's death, Hanzō's betrayal, and the civilians of the Land of Rain weeping amidst the flames of war.
He recalled how he had once naively believed that people could understand each other and achieve true peace.
But reality told him that it was nothing but a ridiculous fantasy.
"This cursed world... there is no true peace." His voice was low and hoarse, as if it came from the abyss.
Konan looked at him silently, without refuting him.
Nagato raised his head, his Rinnegan gazing into the void, as if piercing through time and space to see a vision of the future.
"Ninjas... will never truly understand each other," he said slowly. "Only pain can make them remember the cost of war."
His plan never wavered.
Collect the Tailed Beasts and create the ultimate weapon.
To deter the world with power sufficient to destroy a nation.
To subdue everyone in fear and force them to maintain peace.
Even if this peace is built on blood and suffering.
Konan hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "Those futures projected on that Heavenly Screen... are you really not concerned?"
Nagato's lips curled up slightly, revealing a cold smile.
"The future... can be changed."
He did not believe in the "fate" displayed by the Heavenly Screen.
Perhaps, in some possibility, he lost to Naruto Uzumaki.
But so what? He won't repeat the same mistakes now.
"I am a god." Nagato's voice carried an undeniable authority, "And a god... will not lose to a mortal."
Nagato tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his seat, a glint of madness flashing in his eyes.
"We need more power," he whispered. "The content being projected onto the Heavenly Screen means there are more variables; we must speed things up."
Konan nodded. "I've been secretly gathering information on Ninjutsu from various countries, especially that Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu that was shown."
Nagato closed his eyes with satisfaction.
This time, he won't give anyone a chance to stop him.
Are those fanatical young Rain Ninja willing to sacrifice their lives for "God"?
--very good.
They had no idea how the "peace" they believed in would ultimately come to pass.
"Konan," Nagato suddenly spoke, "At the appropriate time, we can let them 'witness' the power of God."
Konan understood what he meant—at the necessary moment, these loyal Rain Ninja would become sacrifices for the plan.