After weathering a series of upheavals, the Rain Country fell under Akatsuki's control. Under Yahiko's leadership, it began studying and imitating Konoha's approach, embarking on the process of rebuilding the nation.
But they soon had to put it on hold.
"Impossible! No matter how you look at it, we can't defeat Konoha!"
In the meeting hall, everyone wore different expressions.
Yahiko remained silent.
"Why do we have to defeat Konoha?" one person said. "If we can't beat them, we can just join them. Besides, Konoha has already designated us for inclusion. Isn't that the goal we've always been striving toward—to let the people live beautiful, peaceful lives?"
"You! Are you even from the Rain Country? Konoha can't be trusted! Joining Konoha means being treated as inferiors. Our lives and deaths would be completely under Konoha's control."
"Aren't they under Konoha's control now? Or do you think we can defeat Konoha if we fight with all our might?"
"Or is it that you simply can't give up the status and power you've worked so hard to obtain!? Where do you place the lives and peace of the people of the Rain Country?"
As they spoke, everyone's eyes, intentionally or otherwise, turned toward their leader, Yahiko.
"Are you kidding me!!!"
"I am a warrior with convictions!!!"
"There's no denying that joining Konoha would let us live stable, peaceful lives."
"But! Can you guarantee that Konoha won't oppress us!?"
"Even as citizens of the same country, Konoha's commoners are destined to rank above us! We should just live our own lives, develop our own country, and live in peace. As long as Konoha doesn't interfere or oppress us, that's enough. Hasn't Konoha always proclaimed itself the envoy of justice and peace? If so, why is Konoha forcing us to join them?"
"This is