Giving Yahiko and Nagato a Little Shock

Although Yahiko knew nothing about the black-haired boy and red-haired girl before him who called themselves "relatives," he could clearly feel the goodwill radiating from them. Uzumaki Fuka in particular had acted without hesitation to help, exposing the bandits' lies, and her warmth toward Nagato made him feel even more favorably toward her.

A sincere, enthusiastic smile appeared on Yahiko's face as he said to Menma and Fuka, "Since you're Nagato's relatives, that makes you friends of Akatsuki! Welcome to the Land of Rain!"

His voice was bright and open, carrying a natural charisma that dispelled some of the chill of the rainy night.

Yahiko warmly invited Menma and Fuka to come with them to Akatsuki's base in Amegakure.

On the other side, the still-shaken caravan leader grumbled a few times about how dangerous the mission had been, but he did not dare linger there either. He urged the guards and workers to hurry toward the safer Amegakure.

Uzumaki Fuka did not answer immediately. Instead, she turned an inquiring gaze toward Menma.

In her heart, Menma was not only her lifesaver and mentor, but also the only person she could fully trust at this moment.

Meeting Fuka's gaze, Menma gave a slight nod and said evenly, "It's fine. My destination is Amegakure anyway. It's on the way."

With Menma's approval, a relaxed smile appeared on Fuka's face, and she nodded to Yahiko.

And so, Menma and Fuka followed Yahiko, Konan, Nagato, and the other members of Akatsuki into this steel city shrouded beneath endless curtains of rain—Amegakure.

Towering metal pipes spread throughout the city like the bones of some colossal beast. Cold rain struck every kind of metal surface, producing an unending, irritating series of tinkling sounds.

There were few pedestrians on the streets, and even those who appeared hurried